Colorado Meetings + Events Spring 2023

HIGH Rocky Mountain

ELEVATE YOUR NEXT GATHERING AT THESE ROOFTOP VENUES

inside!

GOLF GUIDE

Trek along hundreds of miles of trails. Cruise or cast a line on the waters of Lake Mead. Paddleboard, jet pack, or kayak at Lake Las Vegas. Play at one of our nine championship golf courses. All of this, just minutes from the Las Vegas Strip.

SO MANY WAYS TO MEET, ALL IN ONE MAGNIFICENT PLACE.

Only The Broadmoor offers so many distinct venues and experiences of all sizes and types. From impressive trade shows at Bartolin Hall to executive dinners. From grand reception halls to eclectic lakeside cocktails at sunset. From state-of-the-art meeting rooms to secluded brainstorming sessions at Cloud Camp 3,000 feet above the main campus. You’ll find all of it and more within our over 315,000 square feet of meeting space, connected by a thread of quality, service and meticulous attention to detail. Visit broadmoor.com and contact us today to explore the wonderful possibilities.

meetingsmags.com/colorado

meetingsmags

Tap Into Authentic Colorado

» YEARS AGO, I worked with communities across Colorado and Iowa to strengthen their downtowns in terms of economic vitality, promotion, organization, and design. It’s a formula known as the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Main Street Four-Point Approach. A big lesson I learned during this time is that people seek towns that exude a distinct sense of place.

In the meetings and events industry, communities and states must sell planners and attendees on why their destinations are worthy and how groups can tap into the local scene. On the flip side, planners must do their part to shake up agendas from year to year to reflect the destination’s individuality. To get the ideas flowing, here are five ways groups can experience authentic Colorado.

Get Outdoors: First and foremost, Colorado is an outdoorsy state. Whether it is carving out free time to ski, snowboard, hike, bike, and raft or hosting an alfresco dinner on a rooftop, people appreciate the opportunity to enjoy fresh air and magnificent views.

Tune Into the Western Spirit: No matter where you meet in Colorado, you can get a taste of the West—whether it is staying at a ranch, visiting longtime retailers in cities like Steamboat Springs and Denver, or attending a rodeo in Greeley or Snowmass Village.

Check the Event Calendar: Consider scheduling your gathering in tandem with local events like free summer concert series. If you want to take part in popular festivals like the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen and the Telluride Brews & Blues Festival, book well in advance.

Seek Out Cultural Gems: Every town has a collection of venues that reflect their rich history and arts—and offer meeting and event space. The American Mountaineering Museum in Golden and The Avalon Theatre in downtown Grand Junction are great locations for any event.

Liquid Arts: There is a long history of making beer in the Centennial State. Coors Brewery in Golden dates to 1873, and Anheuser-Busch’s Fort Collins operation opened in 1988. Currently, the state ranks No. 5 in the United States for number of craft breweries with a total of 428. There are also loads of great distilleries for tastings and tours.

When meeting in a community, go beyond the four walls and make sure to soak up what the place has to offer. Your attendees are sure to leave with smiles on their faces.

BETH BUEHLER Editor bbuehler@greenspring.com

PHOTO: SYDNEY BUEHLER

Après ski in Beaver Creek

meetingsmags.com/colorado +

PRESIDENT TAMMY GALVIN

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER – NATIONAL SALES BOB HADDAD 303-617-0548 | BHADDAD@GREENSPRING.COM

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR ALESHA TAYLOR

GROUP EDITOR KATELYN BLOOMQUIST

SENIOR EDITOR TODD R. BERGER

MANAGING EDITOR AVA DIAZ EDITOR BETH BUEHLER

ASSOCIATE EDITOR AMANDA CHRISTENSEN

GOLF GUIDE EDITOR ELIZABETH ROUBIK

EDITORIAL INTERNS JOSH GALVIN, KATE LINGII, ELIANA KINZER, KYRIN STURDIVANT

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

Tara Ames, Spruce Mountain Events | Justin Clark, Visit Aurora | Adam Douglas, Peak Beverage | Ally Fredeen, Stanley Marketplace | Kim Hall-Barry, Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel | Brady Johnson, C Lazy U Ranch | Jason Lusk, CMP, Visit Denver | Elri Nieuwenhuizen, Occasions Catering | Tori Rosenblatt, Bear Aesthetics | Todd Seymour, Wellshire Inn | Nicole Steed, Topeka LLC | Terri Taylor, Natera Inc. | Marsha Temple, Colorado Automobile Dealers Association

CREATIVE DIRECTOR TONYA SUTFIN

ART DIRECTORS MICAH EDEL, TRACI ZELLMANN

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR LY NGUYEN

DIGITAL PRODUCTION DIRECTOR DEIDRA ANDERSON

ADVERTISING COORDINATOR MIKAYLA SNYDER

SALES + MARKETING SPECIALIST TAUSHA MARTINSON-BRIGHT

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER + DIRECTOR OF MARKETING, EVENTS + PARTNERSHIPS ARTHUR MORRISSEY

EVENT + OFFICE MANAGER RICK KRUEGER

COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST TEGHAN MURPHY

MARKETING + EVENTS

Toasting 20 Years at The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch

The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch in Beaver Creek pulled out all the stops for its 20th anniversary party last December. About 115 guests attended the evening festivities held at the on-site WYLD Restaurant & Terrace and enjoyed epicurean delights, signature cocktails, live music by the Walter Stout Band, and an interactive station to design

custom hats coordinated by RMC DMC. The covered terrace featured lounge furniture, a huge chandelier, a wood-burning craft area, a photo backdrop, and a spectacular ice bar that served wine and bubbly.

ritzcarlton.com

SERVING UP HOPE IS BACK

The Serving Up Hope luncheon, hosted by the Meetings Industry Council of Colorado, has provided meeting industry professionals with the opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and support the Food Bank of the Rockies for over 25 years. After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the event returned to the Omni Interlocken Hotel in Broomfield last November and raised $23,000 for the largest hunger-relief organization in the Rocky Mountain region. Soup, bread, salad, and dessert was prepared by City Bakery, Copper Mountain, The Curtis, Embassy Suites by Hilton Denver Downtown Convention Center, Fogo de Chão, Local Jones, Omni Interlocken Hotel, Spruce Farm & Fish, Table Mountain Grill & Cantina, The Westin Denver Downtown, and Yours Truly Cupcake. mic-colorado.org

Get to Know Greeley

LOCATION

In northern Colorado, Greeley sits at the confluence of the Cache la Poudre and South Platte rivers, less than an hour from Denver and Denver International Airport.

CULTURE

The state-certified Greeley Creative District encompasses the area between the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) and downtown, and features small businesses, performance venues, cultural outlets, galleries, museums, entertainment, and more. The city also has 120 public outdoor art installations in its collection.

FAST FACTS

» Established in 1870 by Nathan Meeker, the agricultural editor of Horace Greeley’s New York Tribune

» 11th largest community in Colorado with 111,000 residents

» 13,000 college students attend UNC

MEETING VENUES

» DoubleTree by Hilton Greeley at Lincoln Park

» Island Grove Regional Park

» Platte River Fort

» Union Colony Civic Center

» University of Northern Colorado

MEETING SERVICES

Visit Greeley offers a variety of conference planning services for retreats, reunions, meetings, and events.

ATTRACTIONS

» Centennial Village Museum

» Colorado Model Railroad Museum

» Greeley History Museum

» Meeker Home Museum

» Poudre Learning Center

» Poudre River Trail

2023 FESTIVALS

» April 20-22: Greeley/UNC Jazz Festival

» June 4: Greeley Blues Jam

» June 22-July 4: Greeley Stampede

» July 30-31: Greeley Arts Picnic

» July 31-Aug. 3: High Plains Chautauqua

» Sept. 29-30: OktoBrewfest

» Oct. 28: Greeley Multicultural Festival

» Nov. 24-Dec. 2: Festival of Trees

visitgreeley.org

FROM CITY TO SLOPES

Amtrak Winter Park Express is back for the 2023 season, providing easy transportation for groups and individuals from Denver Union Station to the slopes at Winter Park Resort. The route is available every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from Jan. 13 through March 26 (a total of 33 round trips). The ski train departs Denver at 7 a.m. and arrives at Winter Park at 9 a.m., with the return trip leaving at 4:30 p.m. and arriving in Denver at 6:40 p.m. Groups of 15 or more may be eligible for discounts and can inquire about options for exclusive full railcar occupancy.

amtrak.com/winterparkexpress

The walkable streets of downtown Greeley

An aerial view of Greeley’s University of Northern Colorado campus

Beyond the Ballroom

Colorado is a magnificent destination to drive business outcomes.

usinesses are flocking to Colorado with their teams to take advantage of stunning vistas, incredible weather, and worldclass hospitality—and for good reason. There is no place like Colorado to clear the mind, sharpen the senses, and set lofty goals for the future.

Meeting planners are tasked with creating memorable experiences while delivering on business outcomes. Taking a team into nature for an outdoor or team-building activity—a frequent request from clients—sharpens problemsolving and trust-building skills that participants will use when they get back to the office.

Colorado has so much more to offer. I would challenge people to think bigger and broader. Consider how you can tie the significance of destinations and venues to your clients’ business objectives, rather than using them as backgrounds for meeting breaks or excursions.

I started my career with Maritz and later with a Colorado-based destination management company, where I focused on selling destinations and logistics. When I transitioned into content development— namely leadership development and team alignment—I put the two together, strategically incorporating locations and destinations that embody the principles I want to drive home.

For example, if I’m organizing a leadership development program in Colorado Springs, I will highlight the significance of The Broadmoor, talk about leadership tenets on-site at the United States Air Force Academy and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center, or conduct a debrief at the top of Pikes Peak. In this case, these venues are not used for excursions or meetings breaks but rather as integral elements that help drive home leadership principles.

The beautiful thing is that we have so many options. I have just mentioned a few, but I know the wheels in your head are already turning. Think about the destination or venue and how can it be integrated in a holistic way—not just to create a memorable experience, but to support your group’s or client’s business objectives. And don’t overlook one obvious venue in this context: nature itself.

Being outdoors just has a natural way of boosting those aha! moments. In my team alignment events, I use nature purposefully to clear heads, promote creativity, and unify teams. During a typical full-day session, I intentionally plan time

BY DEAN SAVOCA

outdoors, say, for a group hike. It’s eyeopening to go from a conference room into nature, and the result is predictable and magical at the same time. On the hike, the team continues to talk about what they have been stuck on in the conference room. But people’s tones shift. The talk is still business, but it’s punctuated with silence (or breathing) or comments about what they are seeing or hearing.

The physical dynamics change, too. People might pair up differently to chat, or they may walk alone, reflecting. They realize there is more out there, and minds will relax a bit. And inevitably, the knot begins to unravel; space is made for clear thought and creativity; and a solution, or a part of one, starts to take form. When I facilitate the debrief, I find that participant’s thinking seems much clearer and creative answers crystalize.

Groups that haven’t been together for a while are heading to Colorado. They are seeking an oasis that is our backyard and an environment that can help drive home their business outcomes. Let’s invite them over for an adventure and watch them return home with great memories and results.

PORTABLE IGLOOS WARM UP GATHERINGS

Heated igloos on the terrace at The Curtis, a DoubleTree by Hilton, are the perfect place to host small group meetings over refreshments in the winter and spring months. The pop culture-themed hotel in downtown Denver also rents the igloos out as communal areas for events in the connecting Four Square Ballroom; as sensory pods and quiet zones equipped with fidget toys, Rubik’s Cubes, and adult coloring books in the foyer; or as Zen dens for private meditation, stretching, and journaling.

thecurtis.com

Dean Savoca , M.Ed.,

BCC, CSP, is a performance development partner for leaders who want their teams to be focused, aligned, and inspired. He guides team alignment retreats in the Rocky Mountains. savocaperformancegroup.com

PHOTOS: THE CURTIS HOTEL; (OPPOSITE) ALL DIGITAL PHOTO & VIDEO

Flannel and Frost was the theme for the Greater Denver National Association of Catering and Events’ (NACE) infamous Naughty or NACE event, held last December at The Rally Hotel in Denver. Members and guests dressed in flannel and enjoyed a dance party at this annual get-together. nacedenver.com

DITCH THE

S tress

Top-tier resorts with spas provide the perfect reset for groups.

BY BETH BUEHLER

Colorado is known as a place that is passionate about healthy living. When meeting in the Centennial State, groups are building wellness elements into the ethos of their gatherings by booking standout resorts with top-notch spas.

A visitor does yoga on the sandstone rocks near Garden of the Gods Resort and Club.

» CVENT’S LIST of 14 meeting and event trends for this year confirms that meeting and event planners are prioritizing health and wellness activities and looking for local tie-ins. The report notes, “For event venues, highlighting local wellness attractions and amenities—like a bathhouse, farmers market, picturesque park, or on-site spa—can bring in more planners who are looking to treat their attendees to a few days of mindfulness.”

Integrating spa options into meeting agendas isn’t new for two Colorado-based planning companies, Imprint Events Group and Operation Altitude. “We have had several programs over the years that offer spa services to their attendees as an alternate to recreational activity choices,” says Nicole Marsh, CMP, DMCP, a partner at Imprint Events Group. “It is just like a choice to go jeeping or snowmobiling, for example. We often see it as an option in lieu of golf as well.”

Melissa Layton, principal at Operation Altitude, concurs. “Many of our groups offer spa [services] as an activity option for guests who prefer spa treatments instead of skiing or other outdoor active choices like whitewater rafting,” she says. “Our clients don’t select hotels based on their spas but expect resorts to offer outstanding spa amenities.”

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail

This landmark luxury hotel in Vail Village is only steps from the slopes of Vail Mountain. Completing a renovation in 2021, the resort now boasts refreshed guest rooms, suites, and corridors; several renovated private residences; and updated meeting and event space.

Encompassing 14,400 square feet and featuring 13 treatment rooms, the Four

Seasons’ spa has it all. Highlights include a dry sauna, indoor whirlpool, coed lounge, steam room, slumber room, relaxation garden, and on-site barber shop. The spa offers specialty treatments such as the S’more Indulgence Facial, which maximizes hydration and reduces inflammation by incorporating cocoa for a full range of natural antioxidants, and a marshmallow-whip hydrating mask.

Dublin, Ireland-based AerCap hosted 60 guests for a three-night, four-day customer ski trip at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail due to the availability of excellent restaurants in Vail Village, the generous size of the property’s guest rooms, and proximity to the gondola, notes Iona Boerleider, executive assistant to the CEO. “In addition, having our guests fitted with the right [ski and snowboard] equipment in the Four Seasons Vail hotel was ideal.”

All attendees were also treated to time in the spa. “Skiing and snowboarding

are intense activities,” she adds. “After a day on the slopes, finishing with a tailormade spa appointment is extremely relaxing. Our group selected the Four Seasons special, allowing people to select their massage upon arrival.”

And the attendee feedback was excellent. “They thoroughly enjoyed the hotel and its services and were amazed by the spa treatments. We are returning to Four Seasons Vail in 2023, which speaks for itself,” Boerleider says.

Garden of The Gods Resort and Club

Perched atop a mesa in Colorado Springs and set among beautiful red rock formations, this property was established in 1951 as a private club, luxury resort, and residential community. A decade ago, new owners purchased the property and introduced the 30,000-square-foot Strata Integrated Wellness Spa, featuring a medical center, spa, and event center.

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail offers relaxing views of the mountains.

“Not only do groups have access to the spa, but also all the physicians and technicians who can lead the group on healthy lifestyle experiences,” says Conference Services Manager Kornelia Schee.

The spa’s team of service providers work to enhance an individual’s holistic well-being through a focus on preventative and integrative medicine and healthy lifestyles. In addition to nine treatment rooms, there is a salon, an Austrian weightless environment bed, a salt inhalation room for halotherapy, and an herbal sauna. The spa offers the Bamboo Massage, an innovative 75-minute massage technique that uses warm bamboo canes and rattan stalks of varying shapes and sizes to provide deep-tissue therapy.

International Paper of Memphis, Tennessee, hosted an incentive trip for top performing sales leaders at Garden of the Gods Resort and Club. During the threenight stay, attendees were offered choices of spa treatments, golf, and other activities with Garden of the Gods Resort Outfitters. On the first night, a welcome reception dinner was held on a covered terrace and featured live music and interactive experiences such as falconry and a tomahawk toss. The next evening was an awards dinner at the View at Kissing Camels.

“We like for our winners and their guests to feel like they can experience a weekend away from all the pressures of everyday life,” says Donette Moore, International Paper’s project coordinator, office of the chairman. “We want them to enjoy a few days of relaxation, fun activities, and rejuvenation. This resort was the perfect location to provide these important elements.”

Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center

This is one of the few full-on resorts in the Denver metropolitan area. Opened in late 2018, Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center is conveniently located just minutes from Denver International Airport and features all you need in one place.

The resort’s Relâche Spa is a Europeanstyle, full-service spa and salon with 17 treatment rooms, comfortable lounges, Rocky Mountain rain showers, and aromatic steam rooms. The spa’s Lighter Legs CBD Massage includes lymphatic flushes and reflexology touches that leave legs feeling weightless and refreshed. This treatment is perfect for runners, skiers, and hikers for an après recovery. Legs are exfoliated and hydrated with organic hemp-derived CBD.

“By far, our top treatments are the Custom Massage and the Signature HydraFacial,” says Spa Director Jocelyn Farmer. “We also have many guests who love our specialty seasonal treatments as we use a local line [from] Sweet Cheeks Soap Co., and the scents are just heavenly.”

The Lakewood-based company’s products—with scents like peach, eucalyptus, balsam and berry, chocolate, moscato, frankincense and myrrh, and pumpkin— are integrated into the spa menu. “We only use their scents for seasonal treatments, to keep it unique and fun,” Farmer says.

The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch

For two decades, The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch has been at the forefront of mountain luxury and Rocky Mountain meetings in Beaver Creek. You can book Anderson’s Cabin, the original home of John Anderson (one of seven bachelors who settled the area in the 1900s) for up to 10 guests.

The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Bachelor Gulch is a 21,000-square-foot retreat incorporating locally sourced herbs, plants, and minerals into signature treatments. The spa features 19 treatment rooms, a coed,

The Relâche Spa at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center in Aurora

The grotto located inside The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Bachelor Gulch

COLORADO’S FIVE-STAR

Spas

Two Colorado spas at standout resorts received Forbes Travel Guide’s Five-Star nod in 2022: Spa at The Broadmoor and Remède Spa Aspen at The St. Regis Aspen Resort. Four-Star recipients included Exhale at Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort & Spa; The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Denver; and The Spa at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail.

» Spa at The Broadmoor reflects European-style elegance with 40 treatment rooms, a salon, a coed lounge area with huge windows, and women’s and men’s locker rooms with steam rooms, saunas, and oxygen-infused relaxation areas. The resort is the longestrunning five-star hotel in the world at 62 consecutive years and is a longtime recipient of the AAA Five-Diamond designation as well. The property can host groups of up to 12,500 and has 315,000 square feet of meeting and event space, including the 125,000-square-foot Bartolin Hall unveiled in 2021. There is also an outstanding selection of intimate off-site Wilderness Experience properties including Cloud Camp, The Ranch at Emerald Valley, and Fly Fishing Camp. broadmoor.com

» Remède Spa Aspen is the perfect place to unwind after a day in meetings or on the ski slopes with 15 treatment rooms spread across 12,000 square feet. The interior is a nod to the town’s Rocky Mountain backdrop with Colorado flagstone and blue tile lining the wet area walls, earth-colored couches and chaise lounges, and stone and wood accents throughout. The St. Regis has 33,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor function space, including the spacious Fountain Courtyard that holds groups of up to 800. marriott.com

Spa at The Broadmoor

Remède Spa Aspen

stone-lined grotto, and relaxation lounges with steam rooms, saunas, and plunge pools. Consider trying the Miner’s Mineral Mud Wrap, which uses an activated charcoal mud from Colorado renowned for its detoxifying properties. Amethyst oil, rose quartz salt, and shea butter are also part of this treatment that includes a body wrap, scalp massage, hydrotherapy bath, and full-body exfoliation and massage.

“We were thrilled to bring an elevated guest experience and officially unveil the capstone of our multiyear transformation last summer,” says Daniel Dickhart, general manager of the property. “The project invites guests to live on the edge of the wild with our mesmerizing mountainside landscape as they enjoy the beauty of nature from the comforts of their refurbished rooms and elevated public spaces.”

The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa, Avon, Vail Valley

The Westin Riverfront is a leader in sustainability initiatives and wellness travel, working closely with planners to offer Earth-friendly approaches and provide creative ways for attendees to embrace their overall well-being. Last summer, the property welcomed Stoke &

Rye, a brand-new modern American grill concept by Chef Richard Sandoval. The restaurant has an extensive list of over 160 whiskeys and offers a Colorado Rye Flight.

The Westin Riverfront’s Spa Anjali has 27,000 square feet of spa, fitness, and wellness facilities, all with easy access to a 25-meter outdoor saltwater lap pool and three infinity hot tubs. There also is a full-service salon and Howard Head Sports Medicine Clinic. Spa treatments are categorized under three journeys: Rocky Mountains, Himalayas, and Alps. The spa’s Ponderosa Pine Therapy borrows from ancient Native American remedies to treat inflammation and pain through deeptissue massage, light stretching, and a heated poultice of sage, pine, and lavender.

“Planners are definitely thinking outside of the box and looking for experiences that align their team in a positive, healthy manner,” says Director of Club & Spa Jennifer Razee. “We have hosted several corporate groups in the past year who buy out the spa and allow a treatment for each of their attendees. Additionally, we have hosted yoga classes for 50 group attendees and utilized our certified master nutrition therapist for a talk on the foundations of healthy eating.”

fourseasons.com/vail gardenofthegodsresort.com

gaylordrockies.com

ritzcarlton.com

westinriverfront.com

PHOTO: THE WESTIN RIVERFRONT RESORT & SPA, AVON, VAIL VALLEY

Visitors partake in Spa Anjali yoga at The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa, Avon, Vail Valley.

2023 GOLF GUIDE

Across the United States, golf resorts provide planners with an array of world-class facilities in breathtaking settings.

PHOTO: ADOBE/ROSIEAPPLES

Mastering the Terrain

GOLF GOES BEYOND just green grass and on-target putts that drop in the hole—it’s a game that brings people together in the great outdoors. With a variety of globally recognized course styles to choose from, it is important to know the difference between them, how they impact play, and the obstacles each presents—from sandy deserts and breezy waterfronts to forest-lined grassy stretches.

To better understand the role landscapes have in the way people play around the world, we explored the different categories of golf courses across varying topographies.

Championship Course

As courses designed to host tournaments, championship courses are defined by their 18 holes of challenging play. The Omni PGA Frisco Resort in Texas, set to open this May, will offer the chance to play two 18-hole championship courses—Fields Ranch East and Fields Ranch West. If your skill set isn’t up to par to master a championship course quite yet, the resort also features simulation and coaching experiences, as well as a 10-hole course, a par-3 course, and a 2-acre putting area. omnihotels.com

Desert Course

With only the playing corridors—the fairways, putting greens, and tee box—consisting of grass, desert courses are a green oasis in dry, sandy landscapes. Using the natural surroundings to their advantage, the sand dunes and rugged terrain provide a formidable set of natural obstacles on the course.

By Ava Diaz

Ranked as Arizona’s No. 1 public course, the Saguaro at the We-Ko-Pa Golf Club is a year-round escape for golfers who reside in colder regions. The Saguaro—which features a oneof-a-kind course design that follows the natural contours of the land—is also prideful of its efforts toward preserving the native soil of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. wekopa.com

PHOTOS: ADOBE STOCK/DAVID A. LITMAN; OPPOSITE: ADOBE STOCK/VLADIMIR BYCHKOVSKY; ADOBE STOCK/JOHN

A simple guide to the topographically distinct varieties of golf courses worldwide

Links Course

Heathland Course

A heath is an extensive area of uncultivated land. Although it is inland, a heathland course contains very few obstructions, and typically contains coarser soil and a spread of heather, or evergreen perennials with woody stems that either support needlelike leaves or small flowers. Heathland courses are usually less manicured and do not require as much maintenance.

While this type of course is most popular in Britain, a well-known course in the United States is the Legends Golf Resort in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This heathland course, with its lack of dense vegetation, is inspired by courses in the British Isles. legendsgolf.com

Links Course

Known as the oldest style of golf course, links courses were developed in Scotland—the birthplace of modern golf. Being one with nature, this type of course relies heavily on the surrounding terrain to create ideal play following the contours of the land. Typically built along or near a coastline, links courses are often amid a series of natural hills, ridges, and dunes with very little water or vegetation to obstruct shots.

One of the most well-known links courses in the United States is in Pebble Beach, California. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Pebble Beach Golf Links is arguably one of the best public courses in the country. Golfers play a stunning course that showcases the diversity of its surroundings with its steep bluffs and expansive seaside views. This acclaimed course has hosted six U.S. Opens and is set to host eight more major championships into 2044.

For a midwestern feel with freshwater serenity, try for one of Boyne Golf’s 10 courses spanning three resorts—Boyne Mountain, the Inn at Bay Harbor, and The Highlands—in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. This group of resorts is also part of a diverse lineup of seven resort properties in Michigan including a collection of 22 golf courses in America’s Summer Golf Capital. (Other resorts in the capital collection include A-Ga-Ming Golf Resort, Crystal Mountain, Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, and Treetops Resort.) The golf club at the Inn at Bay Harbor provides a links experience like no other along the shores of Lake Michigan. With a rugged quarry landscape and a preserve that hosts the first half of a round amid a hardwood forest, the challenging course has breathtaking views. pebblebeach.com; boynegolf.com; americassummergolfcapital.com

Parkland Course

Built inland and away from the coastline, parkland courses tend to be greener with more trees and dense grass. The well-manicured and partially constructed details like ponds and bunkers create the feeling of playing in a neighborhood park—hence its name—and provide players with a course that is suitable to various climates.

One of the most famous versions of this course is the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. As host to the Masters Tournament, the course is most well known for its impeccable appearance for optimal play. Magnolia Lane, the road with overarching magnolia trees from the entrance to the clubhouse, leads visitors to a place that accentuates the natural beauty of its environment. To emphasize the role that trees play in the experience, each hole is named after a tree or shrub that can be found at that location of the course—honoring the land’s roots as a former fruit tree nursery. masters.com

Sandbelt Course

This course is classified by the topography found near Melbourne, Australia. Home to sandy soil, this type of landscape makes for an ideal environment to play in because, to many people’s surprise, sand is a desired element due to its light weight and ability to drain excess moisture from the course. In addition, sand can also help level out the green to create a more consistent and smoother surface for year-round play.

Desert Course

Parkland Course

BOYNE Golf

231-549-6012

boynegolf.com

WHEN YOU ARE PLANNING AN EVENT or conference, nothing is more important than knowing you have chosen the right location to help make it a success. With over 100 room types and more than 3,000 beds, the three extraordinary resorts at BOYNE Golf—Boyne Mountain, Inn at Bay Harbor, and The Highlands—have all the options to meet your needs and create a memorable event.

BOYNE Golf offers one of the top golf venues in the United States to play, boasting 10 championship-caliber courses. These courses include the 2019 National Golf Course of the Year, along with others identified by Golf Digest, Golfweek, Golf magazine, and Golf.com as “Best Courses You Can Play in America.” Designed by legendary architects like Arthur Hills, Robert Trent Jones Sr., and Donald Ross, these outstanding courses offer unexpected terrains, boundless visuals, and a golf experience that defies comparison.

While the golf is epic, the trip is easy. Boyne Resorts and courses are conveniently located near the interstate. Cherry Capital Airport in nearby Traverse City offers direct service from 17 United States cities, and the private airport at Boyne Mountain has recently undergone a $4 million upgrade to handle larger private aircraft.

Start planning your most memorable event ever at one of BOYNE Golf’s resorts today.

THE GOLF, EPIC. THE TRIP,

Visit Frisco

972-292-5250

visitfrisco.com

HOME TO SEVERAL PROFESSIONAL SPORTS ORGANIZATIONS, a growing museum district, and more than 9 million square feet of retail and dining space, Frisco, Texas, is the perfect destination for your next event. From world-class event facilities and full-service hotel properties such as Omni PGA Frisco Resort, Embassy Suites

Hotel & Conference Center, Omni Frisco Hotel, The Westin Stonebriar Golf Resort & Spa, and Hyatt Regency Frisco, Frisco can accommodate both small and large events. The properties total 4,400 hotel rooms and 417,000 square feet of meeting space.

Located just 25 minutes north of Dallas, Frisco boasts an impressive golf selection. Dubbed Sports City USA, the city is home to PGA of America headquarters and the Omni PGA Frisco Resort, which opened in spring 2023. The resort features two 18-hole championship golf courses—Fields Ranch East by Gil Hanse and Fields Ranch West by Beau Welling—as well as a 2-acre putting course, entertainment area, and a 10-hole short course. There are also three public courses: Frisco Lakes Golf Club, The Trails of Frisco Golf Club, and Plantation Golf Course.

Choose one of the fastest growing cities in the United States and the home of PGA of America as the location for your next event.

ROOM FOR THE WAY YOU PL AY

Meetings, your way.

Top-rated resorts and meeting spaces for all the ways you work, play, and stay.

Learn more at VISITFRISCO.COM/MEETINGS

America’s Summer Golf Capital

americassummergolfcapital.com

TEE UP BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES at America’s Summer Golf Capital. America’s Summer Golf Capital is a collection of seven resort properties representing 22 golf courses. Located in a picturesque region of Northern Michigan known for its turquoise waters, sandy beaches, and small-town charm, it acts as the perfect combination of long summer days and comfortable weather—great for a round or two.

America’s Summer Golf Capital includes A-Ga-Ming Golf Resort, Crystal Mountain, Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, Treetops Resort, and Boyne Golf—The Highlands at Harbor Springs, Bay Harbor Golf Club, and Boyne Mountain Resort. Each property offers multiple courses to satisfy your group size, skill level, and interest, plus dining options on and off the course.  Experience where passion meets perfection.

Sky-High Meetings

Check out these stellar Denver rooftops, with a few bonus ideas from around the state.

BY BETH BUEHLER

» THERE IS SOMETHING SPECIAL about gathering outdoors for a cocktail reception or team-building outing. And since 2015—when The Art Hotel Denver was the first of seven hotels in Denver to open rooftop venues—the city has made it a priority to utilize fresh-air spaces to the fullest potential. We identified a collection of elevated spaces nestled downtown and in other neighborhoods of The Mile High City, as well as across the state of Colorado.

Downtown

54THIRTY

Denver’s highest open-air rooftop bar, 54thirty, is located on the 20th floor of Le Méridien Denver Downtown. The seasonal lounge specializes in artfully crafted cocktails and globally inspired small plates accompanied by stellar panoramic views, fire pits, and cafe lights. Full or partial buyouts are available for up to 125 guests.

Vossloh North America of Lakewood held an event at 54thirty for railroad-industry customers who were attending the 2022 American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association Annual Conference & Expo at the Colorado Convention Center. “The space was a great outdoor area for our

guests toward the end of summer,” says Sales and Marketing Coordinator Ashley DeClercq. “This rooftop has a great view of Denver, which all of our guests loved.” 54thirty.com

COLORADO CONVENTION CENTER

A major addition is underway at the Colorado Convention Center (CCC). The new terrace level is slated for completion this December and includes a 20,000-square-foot rooftop terrace with sweeping views of the city, an 80,000-square-foot ballroom, and 35,000 square feet of prefunction space. denverconvention.com

ROOF16

Nearby, Roof16 has 7,000 square feet of combined indoor-outdoor gathering space. Choose from a beautiful garden rooftop, indoor greenhouse, and other indoor space on the ninth and tenth floors, or use a combination of all three—which was the case for Meeting Professionals International Rocky Mountain Chapter’s (MPIRMC) 2022 gala and auction.

“Attendees loved the event space,” says MPIRMC Executive Director Freddie Templeton. “It is unique due to the garden on top of the roof with its floor plan, fun seating, and great views of the city around you.” expansive.com

Le Méridien Denver Downtown provides a panoramic view of the bustling city.

FIRE TERRACE

The Art Hotel Denver, Curio Collection by Hilton is a cornerstone of downtown Denver’s Golden Triangle Creative District. The artsy vibe spills over onto Fire Terrace, a fourth-floor rooftop patio that connects to Fire Restaurant and Lounge. Groups of up to 35 guests are invited to sip classic craft cocktails with a New American twist and dine on tasty nibbles while overlooking Broadway Street, the Denver Art Museum, and other cultural attractions. Gather around the main fire pit that serves as a striking centerpiece or enjoy more private settings with couches and red umbrellas arranged in cozy groups. thearthotel.com

TERRACE & SKYBRIDGE ROOFTOP POOL DECK

With a prime location by Coors Field, The Rally Hotel’s spacious 6,490-squarefoot Skybridge Rooftop surrounds the pool, and the 6,400-square-foot Terrace adjoins two ballrooms and prefunction space. Both provide unmatched views of the baseball stadium and the city skyline. The Terrace also overlooks McGregor Square Plaza, which features a huge video screen, a variety of restaurants, and plenty of outdoor seating. therallyhotel.com

River North Art District THE ROOFTOP DECK

At Catbird, a boutique hotel in the River North Art District (RiNo), The Rooftop Deck features The Red Barber bar and restaurant, fire pits, hot tubs, an event deck, a lawn, and a stage. It is a treat to hang out in one of the lounge areas at any time of day, play yard games, enjoy a beverage and bite to eat, or host a gathering.

“We have such unique meeting spaces throughout the hotel from traditional boardroom style meeting spaces … to the large event deck with full downtown skyline and mountain views that can host up to 500 guests,” says General Manager Courtney Griffith. catbirdhotel.com

THE WOODS RESTAURANT & ROOFTOP

Another option is the eighth-floor rooftop at The Source Hotel + Market Hall. The Woods is a full-service restaurant and bar that showcases experimental and small-batch beers crafted on-site by New Belgium Brewing Co. The brews are paired with beer-garden ambiance and tasty breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner menus. Book the main terrace for up to 130 guests or the pool deck for a maximum of 60.

The 250-square-foot Flex Room is located next to The Woods and features floor-to-ceiling windows and operational garage doors that open onto a smaller private terrace. This space is ideal for intimate dinners, receptions, and board meetings. thesourcehotel.com

Cherry Creek KISBEE ON THE ROOF

The 1,200-square-foot Kisbee on the Roof at The Jacquard, Autograph Collection works well for groups of up to 30 guests and is perfect for mingling and watching sunsets. Buyouts of the entire rooftop, including the pool area, are available to host a maximum of 175.

“Kisbee on the Roof is open to the public year-round,” says Melissa Bush, director of sales and marketing. “We have a great tent over the bar area and soon will have a tented area for additional seating on the south end.” thejacquard.com

ELEVATED ROOFTOP BAR & POOL DECK

The Elevated Rooftop Bar & Pool Deck at Halcyon, a hotel in Cherry Creek, is constantly in use. “The rooftop is very popular with all groups (corporate and social) for everything from breakfast

VENUE R EPO R T Denver Rooftops

An aerial view of the Fire Terrace at The Art Hotel Denver

PHOTOS: THE ART HOTEL DENVER, CURIO COLLECTION BY HILTON; JAMES FLORIO PHOTOGRAPHY; (OPPOSITE) THE GOLDEN MILL

and small team breakout sessions to receptions, and we have carefully curated rooftop experiences for the whole year (sun or snow),” says Group Sales Manager Laurie Dayton.

In the winter, cabanas are converted into individual ski chalets for Après in the Clouds and small group dining, and the West Deck is turned into a winter curling experience. “During winter months, we can have groups of up to 60 people on the West Deck, and Elevated can have events for up to 150 people during the summer,” Dayton says. “Where else can you sip on local Colorado spirits and play a few rounds of curling, all with the Colorado State Capitol and Rocky Mountains in the background?” halcyonhotelcherrycreek.com

Lower Highland LINGER EATUARIES

This restaurant overlooks the Lower Highland neighborhood and has a prime rooftop for cocktail receptions involving up to 200 guests. The rooftop patio is outfitted with a 1975 GMC RV as a bar and repurposed food truck as a kitchen serving up steamed bao buns, fivespice short rib pancakes, sliders, bhel puri (puffed rice), beet salad, and more. ediblebeats.com/linger

Kick Back & Relax

OTHER GREAT ROOFTOPS AROUND THE STATE

THE GOLDEN MILL

The only rooftop bar in Golden is part of a food hall with five local food concepts and two self-pour tap walls. There is also year-round outdoor seating with fire pits. thegoldenmill.com

THE IMOGENE HOTEL & ROOFTOP BAR

Indulge in handcrafted cocktails and a variety of soups at this seasonal rooftop bar in a hip boutique hotel located inside an 1890s-era building in downtown Ouray. theimogene.com

LUMEN8 ROOFTOP SOCIAL

At the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Colorado Springs Downtown, savor the great views, a robust cocktail and wine menu, and a wide variety of shareable plates, entrees, and desserts. lumen8cos.com

OURAY BREWERY

Enjoy a beer brewed on-site, hearty pub-style American cuisine, and a rooftop patio that overlooks downtown Ouray. ouraybrewery.com

Linger Eatuaries features a lively and bright outdoor lounge for visitors.

Year-round outdoor fire pits at The Golden Mill

Northern Colorado Neighbors

Vibrant Front Range communities Fort Collins and Loveland share a love for the arts, offer plentiful meeting space, and provide easy mountain access.

» CONVENIENTLY LOCATED only 13 miles apart, Fort Collins and Loveland have greatly expanded their capacity to host groups over the past two decades. While the communities have similar characteristics—like having downtowns that are designated Colorado Creative Districts and an impressive number of breweries—they each have their own distinct vibes.

FORT COLLINS

“People like to meet in Fort Collins because it is a smaller, friendly college town that is not far from Denver,” says Marci Kurronen, sales manager for Visit Fort Collins. “It is an affordable, thriving, fun, and active community that offers many choices of restaurants, breweries, shops, arts, and entertainment and an abundance of outdoor activities in a beautiful, scenic setting.”

BY BETH BUEHLER

Hilton Fort Collins is the largest meeting hotel in the area with 256 guest rooms and 21,000 square feet of function space, with Fort Collins Marriott as a close second featuring 230 guest rooms and 13,808 square feet of meeting and event space.

In early 2022, Meeting Professionals International Rocky Mountain Chapter (MPIRMC) held its midyear board retreat and MPI After 5:00 event at Hilton Fort Collins.

“The town has a casual elegance I love and fits the vibe of a meeting geared around creativity, rebuilding, and innovation,” says Stephanie Sadri, CMP, immediate past president of MPIRMC. “The city is beautiful and has state-of-the-art facilities and a strong hospitality community. ... Whether a meeting of the minds or a fun social event, you will find the right spot for your event here.”

Enjoy breathtaking views of scenic landscapes at Horsetooth Reservoir in Fort Collins.

If boutique hotels are your group’s preference, head to The Elizabeth Hotel, Autograph Collection, and Armstrong Hotel, both surrounded by the action in Fort Collins’ Old Town. The Elizabeth has 164 guest rooms and 10,000 square feet of meeting and event space, including an outdoor terrace, rooftop lounge, and music venue adjacent to Fireside Alley, which can be activated for large outdoor gatherings. At the historic 54-room Armstrong, groups can book The Library for up to 70 guests and Ace Gillett’s Lounge for up to 80.

There also is a wealth of off-site downtown venues including Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Ginger & Baker, and The Exchange. Elsewhere, consider Jessup Farm Artisan Village and the numerous options at Colorado State University.

For the beer lovers on your team, there are more than 20 breweries in Fort Collins, including big names like New Belgium Brewing Co., Odell Brewing Co., and Anheuser-Busch. Many offer gathering space and tours, or planners can book Magic Bus Tours or Beer & Bike Tours to visit several in one go.

The cozy lobby at the Hilton Fort Collins

For a taste of the outdoors, check out some of the activity options on the Cache la Poudre River, visit Lory State Park, and spend time at Horsetooth Reservoir, where there is a marina for boat and stand-up paddleboard rentals.

LOVELAND

“Loveland is ideal for groups for many reasons,” says Christine Forster, president of the local MBD Marketing & Events. “Proximity to Interstate 25, the Denver airport, and Rocky Mountain National Park are just a few. Loveland offers the perfect combination of large group event space, a variety of lodging options, and tons of activities and dining diversity.”

MBD Marketing & Events has hosted everything from large community events and fundraisers for thousands to conferences and retreats for 20 to 200.

“Loveland is filled with flexible event space for any type of event,” Forster says. “Some of our favorites include Embassy Suites’ conference center, The Ranch Events Complex, Budweiser Event Center (located at The Ranch), and Chilson Recreation Center. Just outside of Loveland is Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, which also offers great, flexible space.”

The Ranch Events Complex, situated on 240 acres, has over 375,000 square feet of meeting and event space and can host gatherings ranging from a board meeting for 10 to a music festival for thousands. In addition to the 60 acres of outdoor space, there are also multiple indoor options at the Budweiser Events Center, FNBO Exhibition Building, Larimer County Conference Center, and Thomas M. McKee 4-H, Youth & Community Building.

The adjacent Embassy Suites by Hilton Loveland Hotel Conference Center & Spa has 263 guest rooms that are frequently used in tandem with The Ranch as well as a restaurant, a spa, and more than 58,000 square feet of meeting and event space in the John Q. Hammons Conference Center.

For smaller gatherings, there are a variety of Marriott-branded hotels such as

Courtyard by Marriott, Residence Inn, and TownPlace Suites with two and three meeting rooms, and Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch for retreats and casual get-togethers with a Western twist.

Like Fort Collins, venues with an art, music, and cultural focus abound in Loveland. Rialto Theater Center opened

downtown as a silent movie theater in 1920 and is now a performing arts venue with three meeting rooms. The Loveland Museum, an accredited art and history museum since 1937, opens up its Foote Gallery for events.

The 10-acre Benson Sculpture Park with more than 172 pieces of art on permanent

From top: A decorated tablescape for a banquet event at Loveland’s FNBO Exhibition Building at The Ranch Events Complex; Loveland visitors can enjoy horseback riding in the surrounding foothills.

At a Glance

POPULATION

Fort Collins: 172,000

Loveland: 77,000

NUMBER OF HOTELS

Fort Collins: 22

Loveland: 15

NUMBER OF GUEST ROOMS

Fort Collins: 2,200

Loveland: 1,350

MEETING & EVENT SPACE

Fort Collins: 100,000+ square feet

Loveland: 400,000+ square feet

AIRPORTS

Denver International Airport; Northern Colorado Regional Airport, Loveland

display serves as a beautiful backdrop for any occasion, including Sculpture in the Park, the nation’s largest outdoor juried sculpture show. Chapungu Sculpture Park has 82 Zimbabwean stone sculptures and an amphitheater that is the location of Sounds at Centerra on Friday nights in July. Other outdoor venues to consider are The Foundry Plaza and Foote Lagoon Amphitheater, the latter of which offers stairstep seating for up to 300 and a central stage that is surrounded by water.

University of Northern Colorado Loveland Center at Centerra has 10 meeting rooms, Ellis Ranch Event Center offers a rustic barn-style setting, and Sweet Heart Winery & Event Center accommodates gatherings for up to 200.

Attendees who want to shop and dine in their free time can enjoy downtown and The Promenade Shops at Centerra, and those who relish being outdoors are sure to embrace the abundant lakes and miles of trails, including the 22-mile Loveland Recreation Trail.

Set northern Colorado in your sights, and explore the many options in Fort Collins and Loveland.

visitftcollins.com

visitlovelandco.org

CELEBRATING MEETINGS AND STANDOUT MEMBERS

» INFINITY PARK EVENT CENTER

in Glendale was the location for Destination Colorado Meetings’ Colorado Meetings Showcase last December, giving 118 exhibitors at 61 booths the opportunity to connect with 180 planners in a holiday-inspired atmosphere. A live demonstration by artist Pat Milbery, music by cellist Jae Wes, a holiday photo booth, and festive foods by Serendipity Catering were sprinkled in the trade-show layout.

Prior to the showcase, Destination Colorado Meetings held its annual gathering and presented Peak Performer awards to Visit Denver as Company of the Year, and Sara Lawrason of Operation Altitude as

People News

Individual of the Year. Ambassador of the Year recipients included Meg Tewkesbury of The Steamboat Grand; Sharon Schoeffield of The Westin Riverfront

Resort & Spa, Avon, Vail Valley; Lindsey Rohrbaugh of Visit Boulder; and Tracy Blair of Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel. destinationcolorado.com

St Julien Hotel & Spa in Boulder hired Ryan Gaterman (left) as food and beverage manager and Tim Barton (right) as sustainability coordinator, the latter a new position for the property. Gaterman is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the St Julien’s three dining outlets—Jill’s Restaurant & Bistro, in-room dining, and the outdoor terrace—and previously was service captain for Boulder’s Frasca Food & Wine; he also owned and operated Tasting House, a production company focused on specialized event planning, production, and logistics.

Barton leads the hotel’s in-house Green Team, which addresses various environmental goals such as minimizing overall waste and using eco-friendly products and practices across the operation. Prior to joining St Julien, he was a naturalist at Seacoast Science Center in Rye, New Hampshire.

Abby Murtagh was appointed vice president and managing director of The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. In addition to managing daily resort operations, she oversees The Broadmoor’s Seven Falls and Wilderness Experience boutique camps portfolio. Most recently, Murtagh served as general manager of the Arizona Biltmore, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, in Phoenix.

Amy Sirmons is the new director of sales and marketing at The Art Hotel Denver, Curio Collection by Hilton. Since her first director of sales and marketing role at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Birmingham in Alabama in 2003, Sirmons has worked for high-profile properties in Virginia, Maryland, and Georgia. Most recently, she helped launch The Hamilton Alpharetta, Curio Collection by Hilton, in Georgia.

Jared Johnson brings nearly 20 years of experience developing sales, marketing, revenue, and guest service to his new role as director of sales and marketing at the Catbird hotel in Denver. Johnson has held the same role at The Robey Chicago and the former Ace Hotel Chicago.

Sage Hospitality Group hired Colin Bennett as area director of sales and marketing, overseeing The Maven and The Rally Hotel in downtown Denver. With more than 20 years of hospitality industry experience, Bennett was part of the company for nearly four years at the JW Marriott Denver Cherry Creek (now Hotel Clio). He spent the last five years as the director of sales and marketing at The Art Hotel Denver.

CENTRE’D AROUND YOU.

Make an impact with your next event at Boise Centre. Our versatile meeting and event spaces, modern amenities, and expert event planning team is at your service to ensure an unforgettable event experience. Located in the middle of the city’s energetic, walkable downtown Boise Centre is surrounded by local breweries, restaurants, shops, hotels and is minutes from outdoor adventures.

• Convenient downtown location

• Numerous direct flights and seven minutes from the airport

• Surrounded by restaurants, breweries, and nightlife

• Over 1,300 hotel rooms within walking distance

• Outdoor activities close by including hiking, rafting, biking, and more

boisecentre.com

The Ultimate Team-Building Challenge

Telluride’s Via Ferrata is an unforgettable way to experience Colorado’s great outdoors as a team. A mix of hiking and rock climbing, it is an unforgettable way to soak in spectacular views of the town, 14,000-foot mountains, and Bridal Veil Falls, the state’s highest waterfall. However, Telluride’s Via Ferrata is not for the faint of heart due to heights reaching up to 600 feet above the valley floor. Local guide services like Mountain Trip provide all the technical know-how, including safety equipment, supervision, and words of encouragement by professional mountain guides.

Mountain Trip, which is accredited by the American Mountain Guides Association, helps thousands of visitors climb the Via Ferrata annually, and devotes time and money to protect and preserve the route. In addition to providing homegrown adventure tours and courses in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, Mountain Trip leads expeditions to the world’s Seven Summits, which are the highest mountains on each of the seven continents. mountaintrip.com

REMOTE WORK MADE EASY

The Gant Aspen partners with OutPost, a rental service for remote work equipment, to provide business travelers and extended-stay guests with everything needed to conduct business from afar. Through OutPost, guests can reserve computer monitors, mice, keyboards, docking stations, and power strips

that are delivered on the day of arrival. The new amenity is in response to the growing demand for remote work offerings in the condominium-style hotel. This cultural shift has inspired workers and business owners to do more while traveling, creating the need for equipment beyond laptops.

Hotel Clio’s Innovative Booking/Culinary Classes

» WITH THE RETURN of business travel and in-person meetings, Hotel Clio in Cherry Creek provides small groups the option to reserve meeting spaces via the OpenTable app and on the hotel’s website. Two comfortable spaces within the lobby’s living room, The Nook and The Worktable, along with The Lounge and The Epicurean Table, are available for groups of three to eight people, renting for $50 to $100 per hour depending on which space is booked.

Groups also can reserve a private session for hands-on culinary and mixology classes at the on-site Toro Latin Kitchen & Lounge . These intimate classes with Chef Oscar Padilla give participants the opportunity to connect around The Epicurean Table; learn how to make ceviche, guacamole, or a Mercado Margarita; and explore the history of the cuisine hotelcliocherrycreek.com

“It’s definitely going to be popular for those who want to take the family skiing but still need to stay connected,” says Lou Eppelsheimer, director of sales and marketing for The Gant Aspen. Since the summer, the hotel has already had several inquiries about the services available for groups. gantaspen.com; outposttravelrental.com

The lounge inside Hotel Clio

GREEN KUDOS FOR THE WESTIN RIVERFRONT

» EAGLE COUNTY’S Walking Mountains Science Center recognized The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa, Avon, Vail Valley with an Actively Green Certification. Awarded by Walking Mountains Science Center and Sustainable Travel International, the program supports businesses by elevating their eco-friendly principles, sharing best management practices, and contributing to Vail Valley’s goal of becoming a globally recognized sustainable destination.

As the first LEED Silver-certified hotel in Colorado and in the Westin Hotels & Resorts brand in 2008, The Westin Riverfront continues to be a leader in environmentally friendly lodging. Examples of green programs at the resort include a large outdoor pool and three infinity hot tubs that use a saline-based filtration system to reduce chemical consumption by 90%; electric vehicle charging stations; and the use of composted food scraps, coffee grounds, and other waste in the resort’s on-site Mountains of Wellness Garden, where herbs and vegetables are seasonally grown. westinriverfront.com; walkingmountains.org

From left: Kate Manzer, sustainability coordinator for Walking Mountains Science Center, with The Westin Riverfront’s Rebecca Schneider, Brian Harrier, and Amber Moran

Speakeasy Casino Night

“A little party never killed nobody,” according to the invite from Meeting Professionals International Rocky Mountain Chapter (MPIRMC) for a fun evening on Nov. 18 at Ironworks in Denver. Members were instructed to bring a date, dress to the nines, and enjoy music by Black Iris Collective. Socializing, imbibing, a murder mystery, and casino games were also a part of the action.

1. Frankie Green 2. Charlotte Herring and Matt Kalb 3. Scotty O’Brien, left, announcing prize winners 4. Viveca McDonald and Kevin Cobb 5. Black Iris Collective 6. Amy and Tom Mulholland 7. Angel Martinez, Brian Kabbash, Freddie Templeton, Sheena Ortiz, Lexi Baker, and Connor Brown 8. Susan and Jim Christensen 9. Far right, attendees Elle and James Westphal try their luck.

To have your meeting or event photos featured, contact bbuehler@greenspring.com

SNAPSHOTS Meeting Professionals International Rocky Mountain Chapter

Sky Ute Casino Resort

Uniquely located amid the diverse Four Corners region of southwestern Colorado, Sky Ute Casino Resort is the perfect hub from which to explore the area’s beautiful landscapes. Owned and operated by the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, Sky Ute Casino Resort lies amid the 1,059 square miles of reservation land. The resort features Las Vegas-style gaming with a family-friendly atmosphere and easy access to Rolling Thunder Lanes and Arcade and Chimney Rock Playground. Historic downtown Durango, Mesa Verde National Park, and Purgatory Ski Resort are nearby. The resort features 140 culturally themed rooms and a 25-space RV park, along with on-site dining at four restaurants including Seven Rivers Steak, Seafood, and Spirits—the only authentic steakhouse in southwestern Colorado.

The Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Chimney Rock Archaeological Heritage Site, and Navajo Lake are all in proximity, with access to skiing, hiking, fishing, and whitewater rafting. Sky Ute Casino Resort is just 20 miles from Navajo Lake, where water sports, fishing, and more are also options. For guests who love biking, nearby Durango is recognized for exceptional mountain biking.

No matter the recreational activity, the Four Corners has something to appeal to all skills and interests.

The resort’s casino is home to hundreds of slot machines, five blackjack tables, a three-card poker table, a roulette wheel, a 200-seat bingo hall, and an on-site SportsBook. The gaming floor has free refreshments and is completely nonsmoking.

For events, Sky Ute features one of the biggest spaces in the Four Corners, the Events Center, as well as three separate breakout rooms for meetings. Planners help design the menu, decorations, theme, and more—all while letting the event staff

do all the work. The Convention Center boasts 19,000 square feet of space, capable of accommodating up to 2,000 people. This space is perfect for conventions, trade shows, conferences, and parties. For more intimate gatherings, the resort houses multiple conference rooms for business meetings and other small get-togethers. Each conference room is equipped with audiovisual equipment with an on-site technician available for assistance. With the numerous spaces and amenities, and various activities, Sky Ute Casino Resort is an excellent home base destination for experiencing southwestern Colorado.

Success in Snowmass Village

Meet Jim O’Leary, whose love of the mountains propelled him into an accomplished sales career in the acclaimed ski town.

BY KATE LINGGI

Since the beginning of his career, Jim O’Leary has held three core values at the forefront of his work—mottos that have served him well. “Work hard no matter what the position, be passionate, and treat others with honesty and respect,” he professes.

O’Leary grew up in the Chicago area and attended the University of Illinois as an English major. His post-graduation plan was to attend law school until he stumbled upon Snowmass Village when visiting a friend. “I was immediately mesmerized by the natural beauty of the mountains,” O’Leary recalls. “I was hooked.”

With both the mountains and the tourism industry calling, O’Leary took a leap of faith and began his hospitality career as

a bellman at Stonebridge Inn in Snowmass Village. From there, he advanced to the front desk and reservations, and, within two years, began his long stint in group sales. Along the way, he progressed to his current position as the national sales manager for Snowmass Tourism and currently represents 32 properties in the village that can host meetings and events.

It’s not a hard sell when Snowmass ski area was named the No. 2 “Best Ski Resort in North America” in Condé Nast Traveler’s Reader’s Choice Awards 2022 and No. 3 “Best Ski Resort in the West” by Ski Magazine (along with the three other resorts that make up Aspen Snowmass).

Above all, O’Leary’s efforts are driven by his love of the area and the

connections he has established along the way. His devotion to assisting both clients and co-workers has sustained him in the industry for over 30 years. He strives to help the next generation of group sales team members succeed, hoping that they will continue Snowmass Tourism’s already impressive legacy. “Being a mentor to those entering the tourism business is a passion of mine,” he says.

When he isn’t promoting Snowmass Village as a destination for meetings and events, O’Leary enjoys skiing, biking, hiking, and listening to music.

He says, “My love of the mountains— and specifically Snowmass Village—has led me to so many life-changing experiences and professional milestones.”

PHOTO: JEREMY SWANSON

Let ’s meet In Colorado Springs

Welcome to Colorado Springs, Olympic City USA, where our stunning, wide-open spaces are the backdrop to your next event or meeting. From unique venues and flexible properties to outdoor adventure and delicious dining, Colorado Springs has what you need to create a memorable experience for your attendees. Here, you’ll find room to impress, innovate and reconnect.

Learn more at VisitCOS.com/meet

5 REASONS TO MEET IN COS

1. Complimentary VCOS Services

2. Fantastic Accommodations

3. Flexible Meeting Space

4. Convenient Access

5. Year-Round, Mild Climate

KATHY REAK, CFMP

Vice President of Sales

Kathy@VisitCOS.com

719 - 685 -7632