Colorado Meetings + Events Summer 2022

Social Media Tips

BUILDING BRAND PRESENCE PAYS OFF

High-Altitude Adventures ROCKY MOUNTAIN GETAWAYS FOR GROUPS

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North of the Border

CHEYENNE EMBODIES THE AMERICAN WEST

MEETINGSMAGS.COM

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SUMMER

2022

Beauty

A NATURAL

UNFORGETTABLE WONDERS IN COLORADO SPRINGS

TOUR, TASTE & DISTILL

Quench Your Thirst in Fort Collins & Loveland

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Unique

Inspiring

Memorable

Escape into the breathtaking beauty of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains.

720-406-3840 | monarchblackhawk.com/meetings

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ROOM TO

INSPIRE Welcome to Colorado Springs, Olympic City USA, where stunning, wide-open scenery is the backdrop to your next meeting or event. From unique venues and properties to outdoor adventure and delicious dining, COS has what you need to create a memorable attendee experience. Here, you’ll find room to inspire, innovate and reconnect. Pre-approved applicants can earn a 10% rebate between $3,500 and $10,000 against eligible hard costs for meetings and events held by 6/30/24.

Learn more at VisitCOS.com/meet

KATHY REAK, CFM CFMP P Vice ice President of Sales Kathy@VisitCOS.com | 719.685.7632 CO.MEETINGSMAGS.COM 1

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Contents

SUMMER 2 02 2

Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch in Loveland

In Every Issue //

4 Editor’s Note

14

6 Meeting Notes

Places, products, and inspiring ideas to take your next meeting from drab to fab

Feature //

10 Destination

Exhilarating Colorado

Colorado Springs offers an ideal blend of new and historic venues, as well as notable ways to savor local culture.

BY JULIE BIELENBERG

Groups seek the Centennial State for something special, especially activities that epitomize the West.

20 Industry Update

Meetings + Events infographic and Colorado news

26 Snapshots

2022 All Hearts Auction and Celebration

28 People Profile

Social Media Tips

BUILDING BRAND PRESENCE PAYS OFF

High-Altitude Adventures ROCKY MOUNTAIN GETAWAYS FOR GROUPS

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North of the Border

CHEYENNE EMBODIES THE AMERICAN WEST

MEETINGSMAGS.COM

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SUMMER

2022

Beauty

A NATURAL

UNFORGETTABLE WONDERS IN COLORADO SPRINGS

TOUR, TASTE

& DISTILL

Quench Your Thirst in Fort Collins & Loveland

On the Cover

Garden of the Gods Park in Colorado Springs is a National Natural Landmark.

PHOTO BY DAVE FAULKNER / EYEEM

The Broadmoor, Seven Falls, Colorado Springs

P H O T O S : S Y LVA N D A L E G U E S T R A N C H ; T H E B R O A D M O O R

Gary Schirmacher is devoted to both serving others and the meetings and events industry he cherishes.

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P H O T O S : S Y LVA N D A L E G U E S T R A N C H ; T H E B R O A D M O O R

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Colorado Meetings + Events is published quarterly © 2022 Greenspring Media. All rights reserved.

YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park Center Snow Mountain Ranch

Where Nature Inspires Our two locations in Colorado, Estes Park and Winter Park, offer groups of all sizes a place to gather in spacious retreat cabins or hotel-style lodges.

Meals, meeting spaces, and activities are included when you book a conference, group or retreat at YMCA of the Rockies.

RETREATS | CONFERENCES | REUNIONS

800-777-9622 ColoradoConferenceCenters.com

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EDI TOR ’ S NOT E

Fly-fishing bounty in the mountains

Going Sustainable in Colorado

co.meetingsmags.com comeetingsmags

» THE TOPIC OF GREEN MEETINGS came to the forefront about five years into my 17 years as editor of Colorado Meetings + Events, not only showing up in a big way at conferences and in conversations but also working its way into how the industry operates. In fact, Lindsay Arell, principal of Honeycomb Strategies, joined our editorial advisory board as she was leading green initiatives for the Colorado Convention Center.

Today, the dialogue is geared more toward sustainability. What’s the difference?

To me, sustainability takes it to deeper levels, such as how we respect the overall resources of the destination where we are meeting, the people involved, the wellbeing of our planet, and more. And where’s Arell? She continues to work with the Colorado Convention Center as well as several other clients around the country for her company, which recently earned B Corp status (see page 23).

Environmental considerations are top of mind for groups and leisure travelers now more than ever. In the spring 2022 issue, we highlighted the 2022 Global Meetings and Events Forecast produced by American Express Meetings & Events, which found that 83% of organizations take sustainability into account when planning meetings and events.

The Colorado Tourism Office and destinations across the state have laid the groundwork for low-impact travel experiences and continue to activate new initiatives to stay ahead of the curve. Aspen and Glenwood Springs are powered 100% by renewable energy, and Denver is consistently ranked among the most sustainable cities in the country. Breckenridge and Vail are two of only three mountain resort destinations in the world that have achieved Mountain IDEAL certification from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, and five Roaring Fork Valley tourism organizations have come together to launch a valley-wide tourism alliance focusing on activities and programs that promote responsible travel.

The topic surged to the forefront as the COVID-19 pandemic brought a flurry of people seeking fresh air and wide-open spaces to Colorado’s mountain towns and challenged local ecosystems. Meanwhile, in other places, less traveling and commuting allowed pollution to clear and waterways to heal. Perhaps we can come out of this pandemic being more thoughtful about how we treat our communities, our planet, and each other.

BETH BUEHLER

Editor bbuehler@greenspring.com

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Step Back In Time At The Historic Hotel Colorado MAKE MEETINGS

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INDUSTRY TIPS & TRENDS FROM THE EXPERTS

Regional stories on the top meeting and event venues, advice from professionals, and reports on food, beverage, décor, technology, and more!

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M EETI N G N OT E S Products, Places & Inspiring Ideas

TRAVEL CLASSICS WEST EVENT COMING TO VAIL

Colorado has been selected to host the prestigious Travel Classics West conference at the Grand Hyatt Vail on Sept. 22-25. The event features leading magazine editors, award-winning travel writers, and destinations from around the world. For 26 years, the conference has brought media together for three days of presentations, networking, and after-hours fun. A highlight of the gathering, which sold out quickly, is a Taste of Colorado dinner hosted by the Colorado Tourism Office. There will also be experiential elements that provide a sampling of unique activities and travel experiences available in Colorado, including live music, artist activations and installations, outdoor recreation offerings, and more. Pre- and post-conference trips will be offered. travelclassics.com

Amanda Engelhorn, Spirit Hound Distillers’ tasting room manager and resident mixologist, uses Colorado ingredients in her unique cocktail recipes such as Rye Biscus to highlight the flavor profiles of spirits being used. Engelhorn can share tips and tricks for making cocktails with groups visiting the distillery’s tasting room in Lyons, which has a large outdoor lawn and covered patio. » 1.5 ounces rye whiskey » 2 ounces Rosa de Jamaica (Hibiscus Agua Fresca) » 1/2 ounce raspberry simple syrup* » 1/4 ounce fresh lime juice » 1/4 dropper cacao bitters » Soda water » Orange twist for garnish 1. Fill a Collins glass with ice and add all ingredients. 2. Top with soda water.

3. Give a thorough stir or pour back and forth between a shaker and glass.

4. Garnish with an expressed orange twist. *Raspberry Simple Syrup » 8 ounces frozen raspberries » 1 1/4 cups hot water » Sugar (an amount equal to the liquid remaining after refrigeration) 1. Place raspberries in a jar and cover with hot water. 2. Store in a refrigerator, allowing the mixture to sit overnight.

3. The next morning, strain raspberry water through a cheesecloth, squeezing out any excess liquid. 4. Measure raspberry water, heat in a pot to almost boiling, add equal amount of sugar, and stir to dissolve. 5. Chill in a refrigerator for up to two weeks. spirithounds.com

P H O T O S : S H AW N O ’ C O N N O R P H O T O G R A P H Y ; S P I R I T H O U N D ; ( O P P O S I T E ) V I S I T C H E Y E N N E , W YO M I N G

Rye Biscus

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Clockwise from top left: Cheyenne Depot Plaza; wilderness is not far from Cheyenne; Cheyenne Frontier Days; mountain biking at Curt Gowdy State Park

Vibrant Cheyenne Is Worth a Trip North of the Border

W

yoming’s capital city is an icon in the American West and the gateway to Wyoming’s Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland. The city’s slogan, “Cheyenne—Live the Legend,” sets the tone—encouraging groups to meet, take a step back in time, and get outdoors. Cheyenne offers a vibrant arts culture, lively brewery scene, and wide range of attractions and events for groups. For example, Cheyenne Frontier Days, dating back to 1897, features 10 days of Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) competition and nightly concerts.

LOCATION // Situated at the intersection of Interstate 25, Interstate 80, and two railroads, Cheyenne is 45 miles north of Fort Collins and 90 miles north of Denver.

SIGNATURE EVENTS // The city hosts Depot Days (May), Wyoming Brewers Festival (June), Cheyenne Frontier Days (July), End of the Trail Kite Festival (September), and Old West Holiday (November/December).

HISTORY // On July 4, 1867, the first tents were pitched on the site now known as Cheyenne. Gen. Grenville Dodge chose the site when he was plotting the course of the Transcontinental Railroad, which reached Cheyenne in late 1867. Dodge’s associates named it Cheyenne after the Great Plains Native American tribe. By 1869, Cheyenne had grown into a thriving Western town and one of the richest cities in the world.

ATTRACTIONS // In Cheyenne, consider bringing your group to Bit-O-Wyo Ranch, Cheyenne Botanic Gardens, Cheyenne Ice & Events Center, Cowgirls of the West Museum, Curt Gowdy State Park, Nelson Museum of the West, Terry Bison Ranch Resort, Wyoming State Capitol, and Wyoming State Museum.

ACCOMMODATIONS // The city has more than 2,600 rooms, ranging from ranches and vacation rentals to two full-service meeting hotels and several select-service properties. Together, the sites provide more than 65,000 square feet of meeting space.

VENUES // Cheyenne Botanic Gardens has a variety of indoor and outdoor function spaces, and Laramie County Fairgrounds at Archer features a 100,000-square-foot event center.

GROUP ACTIVITIES // » Cheyenne Street Railway Trolley can pick up attendees at hotels for a downtown brewery tour that includes Accomplice Beer Co., Black Tooth Brewing Co., Blue Raven Brewery, and Freedom’s Edge Brewing Co. » Located 7 miles south of Cheyenne, Terry Bison Ranch Resort has 27,500 acres of rolling hills and lush grasslands, along with 2,500 American bison. Groups can ride a train to see the herd and learn about the ranch’s history, feed the bison, ride horseback, drink at Brass Buffalo Saloon, and book an event space. » A two-hour private rodeo featuring team roping, barrel racing, goat tying, and pole bending can be booked through the DeLancey family. You can add a horse and cowboy dinner or a happy hour with horses. » Curt Gowdy State Park offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails. Rock on Wheels can outfit your group, transport the bikes, and line up everything needed for an epic adventure. cheyenne.org

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M EETI N G N OT E S Products, Places & Inspiring Ideas

Building Brand Presence on Social Media Encourage engagement with your professional and personal social network. BY NICOLE STEED » THESE DAYS, MANY OF US live and breathe social media.

We scroll for the latest news, a good laugh, and updates on the happenings of family and friends; post about the latest happenings in our own lives; watch last night’s concert reels; and view the most recent viral meme—the list goes on. We consume a vast amount of information. Considering the time spent on a multitude of platforms, have you thought about being more strategic?

Here are three strategies for building and expanding your personal and professional social media presence and brand.

INTERACT How do you want to connect with your audience or community?

Your audience will vary depending on the social media platform you use, and the platform you choose is dependent on your purpose for using social media. LinkedIn is undoubtedly the spot for professional networking, Facebook is a good place to connect both personally and professionally, and Instagram is best for photographs and videos. Perhaps you want to be on all three (or more), or maybe you opt to post on just one.

Also, when do you want to interact with your community?

There are analytics on LinkedIn and Facebook that help you optimize exposure by posting at certain times on certain days.

In addition, there are many online resources on optimal posting times, including articles posted on sproutsocial.com.

If you are building a brand presence for yourself or your company, it helps to be thoughtful and strategic. Develop a content plan that includes how many times a week you will post and which days and times make strategic sense. Consider setting a theme for the week or month. You can schedule content within publishing tools on Facebook and Instagram or use a platform such as Hootsuite, Agorapulse, or Buffer to organize and schedule your posts.

INFORM For each platform, consider the end goal and purpose for your social media campaign. You want to bring value to your community, especially for your professional brand. Consider the following questions: Are you trying to build brand awareness? Are you looking for new customers to drive sales?

Do you want to focus on sharing pertinent industry information within your community as a trusted expert? Or maybe you

“Show your authentic self on social media. ... Take a moment to consider what is meaningful to you, and share about this wholeheartedly.” want to offer the latest news and create FOMO (fear of missing out) to market products, events, and services.

You can add value to your social media posts in a variety of ways. Educate your community with a combination of useful industry tidbits, company updates, recent events, interesting experiences, and helpful tips based on what you know. Post regularly—weekly or monthly—to build brand recognition and understanding.

INSPIRE Show your authentic self on social media.

We each have something unique to bring to the table. Take a moment to consider what is meaningful to you, and share about this wholeheartedly. What you find relevant and relatable will almost certainly resonate with others in your community and help build personal and professional relationships. Found a quote that resonates with you? Share it. Spread success stories, and give shoutouts to inspire others. lamont-associates.com

P H OTO S : (O P P O S I T E ) B E L E CO ; H OT E L C L I O ; S K A B R E W I N G

Nicole Steed is vice president of marketing for LamontCo. Based in Fort Collins, she oversees marketing efforts for all company divisions and manages a portfolio of customers.

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Toro Latin Kitchen and Lounge

Chef Oscar Padilla

Ska Brewing in Durango

A TOAST TO BEING ENVIRONMENTALLY KIND Colorado is delivering delicious beers and spirits to the world, and the businesses producing them are being kind to our planet in the process.

The lobby lounge

Cherry Creek Property Transforms into Hotel Clio The former JW Marriott Denver Cherry Creek underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation and reopened in March as Hotel Clio, a Luxury Collection Hotel. Owned by DiamondRock Hospitality Co. and operated by Denver-based Sage Hospitality Group, the luxury hotel in Denver’s Cherry Creek neighborhood has 193 guest rooms, six suites, two spacious ballrooms, 10 event rooms, and an intimate rooftop deck with Rocky Mountain views.

The Look: Inspired by the story of William Green Russell striking gold at the confluence of Cherry Creek and the South Platte River, the interior of the hotel has subtle gold accents complemented by rich earth tones.

The Welcome: Hotel Clio has a sit-down check-in experience complete with a custom cocktail and scented hot and cold towels infused with the hotel’s signature aroma, White Blossom Tea. Culinary: Toro Latin Kitchen and Lounge by acclaimed local chef and restaurateur Richard Sandoval is helmed by Chef Oscar Padilla and features a Pan-Latin menu with small plates, family-style dishes, and a ceviche bar.

Experiences: Twice a week, Hotel Clio hosts Destination Discoveries, where guests can take The Walk of Cherry Creek, a guided exploration to learn about the neighborhood’s rich history. Toro Latin Kitchen and Lounge has guacamole-making classes, plus wine and tequila tastings. Hotel Clio also offers a list of local activities in collaboration with numerous Cherry Creek businesses. hotelcliocherrycreek.com

» Marble Distilling Co. in downtown Carbondale has partnered with global innovator Siemens to become the most sustainable zero-waste distillery around. Groups can host a gathering in the tasting room and on the patios, take part in a bottling party, and book the five luxury suites upstairs at Distillery Inn. There is also a tasting room in Aspen. marbledistilling.com » The Colorado Farm Brewery in Alamosa is one of the only breweries to produce 100% of its ingredients on the farm where the beer is also produced.

Sip the tasty results in the Beeryard Pavilion on-site. cofarmbeer.com » Peach Street Distillers uses local fruits and grains raised by growers in the Palisade area and often upcycles local fruits that some deem “too ripe” for market. The tasting room is the perfect place for a tour, cocktail, and bite to eat. peachstreetdistillers.com » Ska Brewing operates in an entirely wind-powered facility in Durango that produces beer, hard seltzers, and Skaqua, a nonalcoholic sparkling water in watermelon, lemon, and grapefruit flavors. On Thursday evenings in the summer, SKA-BQ features live music and beer and food specials in the beer garden. skabrewing.com

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DE ST I NAT ION Colorado Springs

City on the Move

Groups are sure to be impressed when checking out all things new in Colorado Springs.

BY BETH BUEHLER

» COLORADO SPRINGS was named one of the top 10 emerging destinations in the world by Tripadvisor in 2021—and for good reason. It is hard to find a community in Colorado (let alone in the United States) that has launched more major projects since the start of this decade.

CITY FOR CHAMPIONS Long known for being home to the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center, there are myriad sports-related facilities of interest to groups in the city. The new $52 million Ed Robson A rena at

Colorado College is a versatile and highend state-of-the-art venue that hosts ice and non-ice events. There are windows throughout the arena delivering expansive views of the campus and mountains, a multipurpose room for meetings and classes, an outdoor plaza, and food and beverage cart options.

As part of the City for Champions initiative, Ed Robson Arena is one of two new or recently upgraded downtown sports venues that are near the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum, which opened in 2020. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC,

a professional soccer team in the USL Championship league, began playing at Weidner Field in 2015 and invested $3.5 million to improve the city-owned facility. With more than 111,500 square feet of event space, Weidner Field can host up to 15,000 guests and offers an energetic atmosphere for meetings, tournaments, team building, festivals, and more.

If baseball is more your group’s style, Colorado Springs has that sport, too. The Rocky Mountain Vibes are part of Major L ea g ue Ba seba l l’s P ioneer Ba seba l l League and play at UCHealth Park, which

P H OTO S : V I S I T CO LO R A D O S P R I N G S / JA S O N O ’ R E A R ; (O P P O S I T E ) V I S I T C O LO R A D O S P R I N G S / L A R R Y M A R R

The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum opened downtown in 2020.

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has a banquet hall, picnic terrace, and luxury suites that are ideal for a day or evening event at the ballpark.

Dow ntow n Colora do Spr i n gs set a re c ord w it h 37 new ent it ie s op ene d last year, including Hyatt Place, Rocky Mountain Motorcycle Museum, and several restaurants and breweries such as Bell Brothers Brewing, Red Swing Brewhouse, and Mash Mechanix Brewing Co. The dua l-bra nded SpringHi l l Suites/ Element recently opened downtown, and plans are in the works to revitalize the 100-year-old City Auditorium.

In the southwestern part of town, The Broadmoor opened Bartolin Hall in August 2021 with the Space Symposium, an event for the international and U.S. space industries, which returned to The Broadmoor in April 2022. Bartolin added 125,000 square feet to the resort’s convention complex, bumping the total space available at The Broadmoor to 315,000 square feet.

The Broadmoor Ma nitou a nd Pikes Peak Cog Railway, the world’s highestelevation cog railroad, has been climbing 14,115-foot Pikes Peak since 1891. The railway reopened in 2021 after three years of improvements, including new track and railway cars. At the top, the new Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center has interpretive exhibits, a gift shop, and indoor and outdoor dining areas.

“Our natural beauty and great climate allow planners to step out of the traditional meeting space and enjoy the great outdoors,” says Kathy Reak, CFMP, vice president of sales for Visit Colorado Springs. “Add in new attractions and improved air service, and Colorado Springs is so worth the trip.”

FIRST TIME IN THE SPRINGS Quincy Compressor held its sales meeting at Cheyenne Mountain Colorado Springs, a Dolce by Wyndham Resort, with 225 company salespeople and distributors in attendance on Sept. 19-22, 2021. “We have sales meetings all over the United States, and we had not done one in Colorado yet. We visited a few resorts, including in Denver,

Academy Riding Stables offers tours at Garden of the Gods Park.

Activities & Attractions Academy Riding Stables » Book one- and two-hour wrangler-led horseback rides through the mesmerizing red rock formations at Garden of the Gods Park. The park is a must-see regardless of how you choose to explore. academyridingstables.com Adventures Out West » This outfitter is a one-stop shop for all sorts of adventures, including Segway tours, Jeep excursions, hot-air ballooning, biking, and hiking expeditions. Ziplining happens from Adventures Out West’s nearby Manitou Springs location. advoutwest.com Cheyenne Mountain Zoo » Situated at an elevation of 6,714 feet, this 140-acre zoo has the distinction of being the highest zoo in America. It’s a treat to stroll the wooded grounds and gather in venues thoughtfully built to complement the landscape. One of the best parts is feeding the giraffes at eye level. cmzoo.org Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center » Located at Colorado College, the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center is the largest of its kind between Denver and Santa Fe, New Mexico. It is a museum, performing arts theater, and community art school all in one, and there is also a variety of great spaces available for rent. ac.coloradocollege.edu Flying W Ranch » Celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, the ranch is an ideal place for memorable events and Old West pursuits for up to 900 indoors and 5,000 outdoors. There is a wide range of venues, activities, and food and drink options, and gatherings can feature Flying W Wranglers and other performing artists, private rodeos, western line dancing, blacksmith demonstrations, ranch animal activities, and team-building fun, as well as Navajo rug weavers, silversmiths, and dancers. flyingw.com The Broadmoor, Seven Falls » Hiking provides the best views of the 181-foot drop of tumbling waterfalls located less than a mile from the resort. Groups can buy out the entire attraction or only 1858 Restaurant, currently open exclusively for private events. For the adventurous, the on-site Soaring Adventure has 10 ziplines that range in distance from 300 to 1,800 feet. broadmoor.com Nearby Attractions » A little farther afield are Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center, Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, and Royal Gorge Route Railroad. wolfeducation.org; royalgorgebridge.com; royalgorgeroute.com

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DE ST I NAT ION Colorado Springs

and finally settled on Colorado Springs because of the breathtaking views,” says Quincy’s Marketing and Communications Manager Ashley Gates.

Origina lly scheduled to ta ke place in 2020, in tandem with the company’s 100th anniversary, the gathering was postponed three times due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. “I plan large meetings multiple times a year, and this was by far one of the easiest for me, even though the guest count was high,” Gates says.

A big reason for choosing Cheyenne Mountain, she notes, was having plenty of options for meeting and event space on the 217-acre property. “We didn’t need to plan

COLORADO SPRINGS BY THE NUMBERS

8 » exhibit halls 11 » miles from Colorado Springs Airport to downtown 15,456 » guest rooms 1.1 million » square feet of meeting and event space

any off-site activities because the resort was able to transform each dinner event (three total) into a different experience each night,” Gates says. “Our days were packed from breakfast to dinner, and we

don’t normally have the opportunity to go off-site, which was the driving factor in choosing Cheyenne Mountain.”

AMC Institute also met in Colorado Springs for the first time when hosting

P H OTO S : (C LO C KW I S E F R O M TO P L E F T ) V I S I T CO LO R A D O S P R I N G S ; E P N AC P H OTO G R A P H Y; V I S I T CO LO R A D O S P R I N G S

Clockwise from top left: Garden of the Gods Resort and Club is a place of luxury and natural beauty; the AMC Institute annual meeting; the Royal Gorge Bridge was built in 1929 over the Arkansas River; The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway launched in 1891.

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iconic architecture. modern elegance. inspiring spaces.

180 attendees for its annua l meeting at The Broadmoor on Feb. 16-18, 2022.

“While we do have some members within driving distance, we found out that many of our members had never been to Colorado Springs before,” says Krista LeZotte, CMP, CSEP, DES, AMC’s vice president, meetings and education. A highlight was an event held at the resort’s Cheyenne Mountain Lodge, which provided “a great way to show Colorado Springs and the surroundings from a different view.”

The convenience of f lying into Colorado Springs or Denver was a selling point, LeZotte says, along with the wide range of pre- and post-meeting options.

“Many of our members extended their stays to take advantage of excursions, hikes, and other activities in the area.

We also had some members choose to fly in and out of Denver to take advantage of other stays in Colorado,” she says.

“We were able to draw many local speakers from the area as our keynotes and capitalize on other Colorado sponsors for the event,” LeZotte adds. “It was one of our highest-rated meetings, and we were very lucky to have been able to host it in person.”

There is no shortage of unique properties that deliver accommodations, meeting space, and a range of activities or proximity to the action downtown, like The Mining Exchange, a Wyndham Grand Hotel, or The Antlers, a Wyndham Hotel. The historic Glen Eyrie Castle and Conference Center is nestled in more than 700 acres and features 93 lodging rooms and over 16,500 square feet of function space, while Garden of the Gods Resort and Club and The Club at Flying Horse deliver top-notch golf, spas, athletic clubs, and spectacular views to the meetings mix.

There is so much more to the Colorado Springs equation, and we didn’t even get to The Money Museum, Nationa l Museum of WWII Aviation, or the Space Foundation Discovery Center.

R EC E P T I O N S | M E E T I N GS | CO R P O RAT E D I N N E RS | N E T WO R K I N G E V E N TS

Inspiring spaces for groups of 10 up to 1,000

Host your next event at the iconic Daniel Libeskinddesigned Hamilton Building, brand-new Sie Welcome Center, or the newly renovated Gio Ponti-designed Martin Building.

Book your event today!

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Digital Edition Regional stories on the top meeting and event venues, advice from professionals, and reports on food, beverage, décor, technology and more…

AT YOUR FINGERTIPS!

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P H OTO : SA M F E R G U S O N

The Snowmass Rodeo runs every summer in Snowmass Village.

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EXHILARATING

Colorado From cheering on cowboys and cowgirls at rodeos to fishing trout-filled rivers, there are multiple ways groups can embrace iconic Rocky Mountain adventure.

By Julie Bielenberg

G

roups and leisure travelers alike flock to Colorado for something special, particularly abundant activities that epitomize the West. With four stunning seasons and an activity for every weather scenario, meeting planners rely on Colorado for experiential meetings.

Horsing Around

SYLVAN DALE GUEST RANCH, LOVELAND

P H OTO : SA M F E R G U S O N

Colorado has more than two dozen dude and guest ranches offering everything from horseback rides and cattle drives to luxurious spa treatments. Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch has hosted several corporate groups over the years, including Keysight, Dole, Stryker Corp., Five Rivers Cattle Feeding, and Cardinal Health.

Groups typically stay anywhere from two to five nights and pack their days with horseback riding, trap shooting, fishing, and archery, says Karen Burbank, dude ranch and lesson programs coordinator at Sylvan Dale. The ranch accommodates 18 guests staying in their own room or a maximum of 37 with couples or families in the mix.

“We love hosting corporate groups,” Burbank says. “It’s a chance to share the ranch with a different type of guest versus our family-type vacation weeks. Our Heritage Great Room offers a sizable space to host a workshop, and we have a couple of breakout spaces available—not to mention what a wonderful feeling it is to see the relaxation set in for our corporate clients. They always seem to need a place like Sylvan Dale to disconnect from the stresses of the real world.”

For more dude ranch options, visit the Colorado Dude & Guest Ranch Association’s website at coloradoranch.com.

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Ranch Life & More THE DUNBAR, ASPEN

The Dunbar offers groups the opportunity to get into ranch life, albeit for a shorter amount of time. Located on 160 acres of prime property in Aspen, the ranch caters to private events. From one simple activity to a multitude of western sports, the ranch can accommodate groups of 200 for a gathering and has three private homes available for rent.

“We had 400 corporate guests for our Dunbar Ranch Day,” explains Megan Goldberg, creative marketing manager for RMC,

a Colorado-based destination management company. “We split everyone into two groups, and it worked perfectly. The gathering was for an incentive program, so we really wanted to bring as much to the event as possible. We also had great partners and vendors who were able to bring in Western hats, boots, and a custom jewelry bar for personalized mementos. All the guests were treated to a gourmet catered lunch with live music under a clear-top tent.”

The ranch has an area dedicated for company softball games. Guests can also f ly-fish, do yoga outdoors, and take culinary classes, such as cheese making and more.

“Our guests really like to try a bit of everything, and that is why Dunbar is a favorite go-to destination for our large groups,” Goldberg adds. “[The Dunbar has] custom Jeep tours of the property, and those from the flatlands really enjoy the off-road adventure into the forest.”

P H OTO S : LU C A S D E C E S CO ; (O P P O S I T E ) JAC K A F F L E C K ; B E E R & B I K E TO U R S

Event preparation at The Dunbar

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P H OTO S : LU C A S D E C E S CO ; (O P P O S I T E ) JAC K A F F L E C K ; B E E R & B I K E TO U R S

We’re Not Done More Options to Consider Bravo! Vail

There’s nothing quite like enjoying concerts in the mountains at one of the premiere music festivals in Colorado. Bravo! is celebrating its 35th anniversary, and Vail Music Festival offers terrific options for groups with 60 indoor and outdoor concerts from June 23 to Aug. 4. Some of the world’s greatest orchestras make their summer home at Bravo! Vail, including Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, The Philadelphia Orchestra, and New York Philharmonic. bravovail.org

Brews & bikes in Fort Collins

Take the group on a tour of Fort Collins’ most popular breweries with Beer & Bike Tours. For a mellow adventure in the fresh air, the ride stops at three local breweries, and there is a basket on each bike to grab goodies to take back from the adventure. The company offers other rides around the state and beyond. beerandbiketours.com

Snowmass Rodeo

Snowmass Rodeo runs every Wednesday evening from June 22 to Aug. 17. “We are delighted to have large groups at the rodeo and have them every year,” says Executive Director Darce Vold. “Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, and we recommend arriving early to avoid the lines. Conundrum Catering, which has a large selection of food to choose from for groups, is our preferred food provider.” snowmassrodeo.org

Whitewater Rafting + Ziplines

Top to bottom: Bravo! Vail celebrates its 35th anniversary in 2022; Beer & Bike Tours’ Brew Cruise takes riders to three Fort Collins breweries.

Colorado is an opportune location to conquer numerous activities in one day. Take to the roaring rapids of the Arkansas River in Buena Vista for a multisport adventure.

American Adventure Expeditions can add rafting, ziplines, ATV tours, soaks in hot springs, and horseback rides to a group’s schedule. americanadventure.com

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Colorado Biathlon A-BASIN, KEYSTONE, FRONT RANGE

It’s quintessential Colorado, and we’re always amazed how competitive the individuals become, especially the highend tech companies and sales-driven

Gareth Heyman, owner of MorEvents, is one of Colorado’s most ambitious event planners.

He brings that enthusiasm to corporate groups through a Colorado biathlon program he has designed and flawlessly executed for years. For especially ambitious groups, it’s a triathlon.

“We love showcasing Colorado’s intriguing sports, and [the biathlon is] easily accomplishable in both summer and winter,” Heyman says. “For our winter groups, we have hosted numerous Fortune 500 companies for this adrenaline-seeking day. We take them to A-Basin [off icia lly know n as A rapa hoe Basin Ski Area] and challenge them to do a set number of ski runs. Then, after nourishing attendees, we shuttle them over to Keystone for nine holes of golf. It’s an action-packed day, but what a conversation starter!”

Heyman’s team can organize the mountain day for up to 200 people. “It’s quintessential Colorado, and we’re always amazed

how competitive the individuals become, especially the high-end tech companies and sales-driven groups. They bring the energy and want the awards we hand out at the culmination of the festivities.”

For groups based in Denver, Boulder, and Golden, Heyman takes advantage of the dozens of outstanding public golf courses around the city and adds in a f ly-fishing component, challenging guests to complete a set number of casts before moving onto the next activity. “We’ll have food trucks, caterers, and plenty of protein and f luids along the way,” he notes.

Want to take a chance on the triathlon?

If so, Heyman adds in a hike before golf and f ly-fishing. The trails in the foothills near Boulder and Golden are popular, scenic, and easy to access from Denver. “It’s an early morning, but attendees enjoy getting in the hike before lunch and conquering the rest of the day,” says Heyman.

groups. They bring the energy and want the awards we hand out at the the festivities.

–Gareth Heyman, MorEvents

Golfers lined up for MorEvents’ biathlon

P H OTO : M O R E V E N T S ; (O P P O S I T E ) T H E B R OA D M O O R

culmination of

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P H OTO : M O R E V E N T S ; (O P P O S I T E ) T H E B R OA D M O O R

The Broadmoor Fly Fishing Camp places anglers on the banks of Tarryall Creek, 75 minutes from the resort.

Cast a Line

THE BROADMOOR FLY FISHING CAMP, LAKE GEORGE One of the most rela x ing a nd rejuvenating experiences in Colorado is fishing trout-filled waters. Located 75 minutes west of The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs and along a private, 5-mile stretch of Tarryall Creek, The Broadmoor Fly Fishing Camp is an Orvis-endorsed lodge. Guests are shuttled from the main resort to the remote location. The lodge has g uest cabins, a main lodge with meeting space, and additional activities such as culinary experiences and art immersion workshops.

Flogistix President and CEO Mims Talton enjoyed her group’s recent experience so much that she is repeating it this summer. “In July 2020, even in the midst of the pandemic, we were easily able to plan an incredible retreat at The Broadmoor Fly Fishing Camp. I brought in sales managers for the first half of the week and service managers for the second portion.”

The camp can accommodate 18 guests at a time; therefore, Talton’s group of 36 worked perfectly. “The participants were outdoorsoriented, and the solitude and isolation of the location was a big appeal. We are a tightknit, family-type group at Flogistix, and it was wonderful to bring in our staff from all over the United States.”

Throughout the course of seven days, attendees fished daily with private guides and enjoyed hiking and flying drones. There were organized lawn games and dedicated time to meet about company business.

“We’re going back because of The Broadmoor staff and service,” says Talton. “I like the secluded nature of the lodge—it’s very important for retreats in my opinion. Knowing everyone is in safe and knowledgeable hands is reassuring and exciting. It’s easy to make sure everyone is having a healthy and fun time.”

broadmoor.com dunbarranch.co morevents.com rmcdmc.com sylvandale.com

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I ND U STRY U PDATE Infographic

FINDINGS AT A G L A N C E

THE YEAR OF THE ‘NEW’ TRAVELER

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he American Hotel & Lodging Association has released the 2022 State of the Hotel Industry Report produced in collaboration with Accenture. The report is based on the Travel Readiness Index, Global Consumer Pulse Research Survey, and Annual Holiday Shopping Survey. Accenture conducted the two surveys in August 2021, and, with the index, the company tracks various parameters since February 2020 and compares data to pre-COVID-19 levels in 2019. There were other sources informing the report, including data from Cvent and the World Travel & Tourism Council.

Only 58% of meetings and events are expected to return.

Technology will be even more critical in a property’s success.

I L L U S T R AT I O N S : A D O B E / H V O S T I K 1 6 ; ( I C O N S ) A D O B E / B OY KO . P I C T U R E S ; ( B A C KG R O U N D ) A D O B E / A R U N R O M K A E W

Occupancy rates and room revenue are projected to approach 2019 levels in 2022.

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I L L U S T R AT I O N S : A D O B E / H V O S T I K 1 6 ; ( I C O N S ) A D O B E / B OY KO . P I C T U R E S ; ( B A C KG R O U N D ) A D O B E / A R U N R O M K A E W

T E C H N O L O GY T R E N D S TO WAT C H Technology is playing an increasingly important role in making it possible for the hotel industry to respond to travelers’ changing needs and preferences.

Keeping it human with technology

Remapping the guest and staff journeys

Shifting in-house technology solutions

Expanding the use of agile PMS

The personalization of technology will take another leap forward, with hotels using digital technologies to ease workloads and further satisfy each individual guest with a new visitor experience.

Mobile, self-service devices are allowing guests to navigate much of the traditional traveling journey— from booking to checkout— without having to interact directly with staff.

More hotels will move from in-house technology tools to “off-the-shelf” offerings from industry vendors.

Hotel operators will increasingly turn to property management systems (PMS) with a network of integrated partners offering expanded capabilities.

O C C U PA N CY A N D R E V E N U E Hotel occupancy is expected to continue trending upward from the historic lows of 2020, averaging 63.4% in 2022, or 1.3 billion room nights.

Room revenues are projected to reach $168 billion.

168b

$

The report predicts a 228% leap in spending in the United States by international travelers compared to 2021.

72 86.9 1

72% of surveyed meeting planners are sourcing events with an in-person component.

%

/4

want to provide great service, but with labor

228

One quarter of meetings being sourced are hybrid.

Our venues

%

markets tight, it

%

works out well that meetings are coming back at a manageable pace.

The report projects that only 58.3% of meetings and events will return in 2022, with 86.9% back in 2023.

— KIM CORCOR AN , CMP E XECUTIVE DIRECTOR, DESTINATION MICHIGAN/ MEE TINGS MICHIGAN

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I N D USTRY U P DAT E Regional News

Colorado’s Forbes Four- and Five-Star Recipients As travel and meetings returned in many parts of the world, Forbes Travel Guide unveiled its 2022 Star Award winners in late April.

FIVE STARS Colorado Springs, Aspen, and Telluride landed the highest honor in 2022.

Hotels » The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, The Little Nell in Aspen, The Madeline in Telluride Restaurant » The Penrose Room at The Broadmoor

The Madeline in Telluride

Spas » The Spa at The Broadmoor, Remède Spa Aspen at The St. Regis Aspen Resort FOUR STARS Mountain towns and Denver were wellrepresented, and Boulder made its mark as well.

Residences Vail, Hotel Jerome in Aspen, The St. Regis Aspen Resort, Park Hyatt Beaver Creek, St Julien Hotel & Spa in Boulder, Four Seasons Hotel Denver, The Ritz-Carlton, Denver

Restaurants » Element 47 in Aspen, Mirabelle in Beaver Creek

Spas » Allegria Spa at Park Hyatt Beaver

Creek, The Spa at Four Seasons Resort & Residences Vail, The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Denver

The Ritz-Carlton, Denver

The Broadmoor is among an elite group of 12 properties from around the globe that are triple Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star winners in 2022 for a hotel, restaurant, and spa.

In addition, The Broadmoor is the longestrunning Forbes five-star hotel in the world at 62 consecutive years on the winners’ list.

Inaugural Class of CMP Fellows Includes Four Coloradoans The Events Industry Council (EIC) has announced its first class of CMP Fellows. The program was introduced last year to recognize current and emeritus CMPs who continue to make a significant investment in the betterment of the events industry and community of people working within it. CMP Fellows benefit from access to exclusive networking opportunities, peer-to-peer collaborations,

and opportunities at EIC and other industry events. Four Coloradoans were among the first 65 inductees. eventscouncil.org Karen Gonzales, CMP International Association of Exhibitions and Events, Littleton Allison Kinsley, CMP, CMM, CED Kinsley Meetings, Littleton

Elizabeth Kretchmer, CMP Strategic Meeting Manager LLC, Highlands Ranch Andrea Peterson, CMP Metropolitan State University of Denver and ASAP Meetings, Castle Rock

P H O T O S : A U B E R G E R E S O R T S C O L L E C T I O N ; T H E R I T Z - C A R LT O N , D E N V E R ; ( O P P O S I T E ) N I K K I A . R A E P H O T O G R A P H Y ; S W E E T H E A R T W I N E R Y & E V E N T C E N T E R ; S T O N E B R I D G E C O M PA N I E S

Hotels » Four Seasons Resort &

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P H O T O S : A U B E R G E R E S O R T S C O L L E C T I O N ; T H E R I T Z - C A R LT O N , D E N V E R ; ( O P P O S I T E ) N I K K I A . R A E P H O T O G R A P H Y ; S W E E T H E A R T W I N E R Y & E V E N T C E N T E R ; S T O N E B R I D G E C O M PA N I E S

COLORADO FIRM RECEIVES B CORP CERTIFICATION

Fort Collins’ New Belgium Brewing has 45- and 90-minute tours.

Loveland’s Sweet Heart Winery & Event Center ferments small-batch, handcrafted wines.

FORT COLLINS & LOVELAND: Places to Tour, Taste, and Distill

» BREWERY TOURS ARE BACK at New Belgium Brewing and now available in Spanish. The Tour Teaser is a 45-minute tour for up to 25 guests and includes visiting the brewhouses at New Belgium and sampling a complimentary beer along the way. The 90-minute Brewery Tour is a more extensive journey and features plenty of beer tasting throughout, including a curated flight. This tour is offered privately for large groups, and event space can be rented. newbelgium.com Gilded Goat Brewing Co., a Midtown Fort Collins brewery, recently opened a second taproom and brewery in Old Town. The convenient Midtown location’s mezzanine is an excellent location for meetings and events for up to 80 people. The 1,100 square feet of open, airy space features a bird’s-eye view of the brewhouse, an HD projector, and an art gallery. gildedgoatbrewing.com Fort Collins’ first distillery, Feisty Spirits, is now offering the opportunity to make your own whiskey—from creating a recipe and label to mashing the grains, distilling, and bottling. The pros at Feisty Spirits are there each step of the way to ensure the resulting whiskey is a personalized masterpiece. feistyspirits.com In nearby Loveland, Sweet Heart Winery & Event Center is located on 8 acres and has indoor and outdoor venue options for hosting gatherings ranging from meetings, expos, and fundraising galas to holiday parties and networking events. The barrel room can hold up to 200, or you can book the entire facility for a larger affair. sweetheartwinery.com

Honeycomb Strategies, based in Crested Butte with a second location in Portland, Oregon, has been certified as a B Corporation. The women-owned sustainability consulting firm is helping the global event industry create environmentally friendly management systems and reduce its carbon footprint.

B Corps are for-profit companies that meet the highest standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability—using their profits and growth to positively impact stakeholders and the planet.

Honeycomb Strategies provides solutions for venues, sports teams, sports facilities, and clients in the trade show, event, and hospitality industries. A focus is supporting clients who are seeking sustainability certifications, including ISO 20121, LEED, APEX/ASTM, and TRUE Zero Waste and reporting frameworks. hcsustainability.com

STONEBRIDGE COMPANIES ACQUIRES DENVER AIRPORT MARRIOTT Stonebridge Companies, a hotel owner, operator, and developer headquartered in Denver, has acquired Denver Airport Marriott at Gateway Park. Stonebridge is both owner and operator of the full-service property that has 7,500 square feet of meeting and event space. Renovation is slated to begin in the fourth quarter of 2022 and should be complete by summer 2023. marriott.com

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I N D USTRY U P DAT E Regional News

NON PLUS ULTRA ADDS TWO DENVER VENUES

» The Broadway offers 12,000 square feet of open, contemporary space.

Neutral tones are punctuated by eclectic ceiling and lighting elements, and garage doors open onto a western-facing patio.

The former food hall can host up to 450 and includes several commercial kitchens and bars. » Lake View Room, part of Denver Firefighters Union Hall, has a modern and industrial look with brick, steel, and wood. The 4,200-square-foot venue can host up to 300 and has a kitchen, bar, and patio with fireplaces overlooking Lake Rhoda.

Non Plus Ultra also has teamed up with Gart Properties to make better use of several spaces at Denver Pavilions by installing immersive experiences such as The Little Mermaid Cocktail Experience and Verse: Art of The Future, a holographic gallery. npuevents.com

The Broadway

Lake View Room

New Staff at The Westin Riverfront The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa, Avon, Vail Valley hired Danielle McNair as director of sales and marketing, Catherine Dierolf as a leisure sales manager, and Natalie LaVire as a catering sales and events manager. » McNair joins The Westin Riverfront from Viceroy Snowmass, another luxury Colorado resort managed by East West Hospitality where she served as director of business development. She has held roles in catering, event design, and sales and marketing at Vail Resorts, Vail Valley Partnership, and Sonnenalp Resort of Vail. » Dierolf previously spent more than six years working for Vail Resorts, starting as a certified snowboard instructor before becoming a leisure hospitality sales coordinator. » LaVire has more than 10 years of event and hospitality experience, most recently at Grand Hyatt Vail. She has worked for Vail Resorts, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail, Vail Mountain Lodge and Spa, and The Steadman Clinic.

SNOWMASS PROPERTY APPOINTS TWO NEW LEADERS Viewline Resort Snowmass, a newly renovated property in Snowmass Village, has hired Craig Waterman (left) as complex general manager and John Hearns (right) as director of operations.

Waterman, a 36-year veteran in the hospitality industry, oversees all daily operations at Viewline Resort Snowmass, Wildwood Snowmass, and Viewline Event Center. In previous roles, he served as general manager at Snow King Resort & Grandview Residences in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, vice president of opening and transitions for Two Roads Hospitality, and managing director at Parker New York.

Hearns brings vast industry knowledge to his role managing the food and beverage teams, spa services, and guest programming. Hearns began his hospitality career with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group in Miami before moving to The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua to lead the operations excellence team and later manage the award-winning Taverna Restaurant.

THE SLATE DENVER INTRODUCES EXECUTIVE CHEF The Slate Denver, Tapestry Collection by Hilton has appointed Michael Poompan executive chef. In this role, he oversees all food and beverage operations at the new 251-room hotel. Poompan has served as executive chef at The Ritz-Carlton, Denver and Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa and held culinary positions at Renaissance Long Beach Hotel and The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage.

P H O T O S : N O N P L U S U LT R A ; ( O P P O S I T E ) T H E A N N E X AT W E L D W E R K S ; B LU E B I R D M A R K E T; E R I C S P R I N K L E

By activating empty properties as event spaces, Non Plus Ultra gives groups and communities new ways to experience what are often landmark buildings.

Recently, The Broadway and Lake View Room joined Non Plus Ultra’s growing Denver portfolio.

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Get a Taste of Local

» CHECK OUT the latest food and beverage news of interest to groups from the Front Range, Pueblo, Grand Junction, and Silverthorne.

The Annex at Weldwerks, a chef-driven eatery led by Chef Tim Meador, opened inside WeldWerks Brewing’s Greeley taproom. Like the brewery’s constantly rotating tap list, menu items at The Annex are ever-changing and expertly paired with the current beer menu. weldwerks.com/the-annex Bluebird Market launched at Fourth Street Crossing in Silverthorne. Tenants of the nearly 30,000-square-foot market include a dozen chef-driven culinary concepts, along with three local retailers and a coworking space.

Summit Assembly, a 6,000-square-foot venue space attached to Bluebird Market, features 45-foot-high ceilings, concrete floors, large glass garage doors, an exterior patio with bistro lights, and catering options from Bluebird Market businesses. bluebirdmarket.co Cruise Control Kitchen and Cellar will be the state’s first fast-casual winery concept and is aiming for a summer opening in downtown Grand Junction. Cruise Control is focusing on gourmet foods designed to pair with delicious wines, flavorful craft beer, and one-of-a-kind spirits and will serve Sauvage Spectrum wines on tap. Proprietors Taryn and Kaibab Brooks are part-owners of Sauvage Spectrum Winery in nearby Palisade, where Kaibab is the winemaker. cruisecontrolgj.com Fuel & Iron Bar launched in April at its Blake Street location in Denver’s LoDo district, several months in advance of sister entity Fuel & Iron Food Hall in downtown Pueblo. In Denver, guests can experience a mini tour of Pueblo through food and savor green chile cocktails and Fuel & Iron-branded beer on tap. fuelandironbar.com

P H O T O S : N O N P L U S U LT R A ; ( O P P O S I T E ) T H E A N N E X AT W E L D W E R K S ; B LU E B I R D M A R K E T; E R I C S P R I N K L E

Fuel & Iron Food Hall is part of the Holmes Hardware Block redevelopment, which seeks to forge a bridge between Pueblo’s industrial past and a future that honors the city’s diverse population and bountiful agriculture.

The five distinct restaurant spaces will be occupied by talented local chefs and independent restaurateurs. fuelandironpueblo.com

HSMAI MEMBERS GET SOCIAL The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Southern Colorado Chapter provides several opportunities throughout the year for the hospitality community to get together outside of work. One of the latest gatherings was a meet-up at The Well in downtown Colorado Springs. socohsmai.org

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S NAP S HOT S All Hearts Auction and Celebration

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Back to the Future: All Hearts 2022 The Rocky Mountain Professional Convention Management Association (RMPCMA) held its annual All Hearts Auction and Celebration on May 11 at the new Thompson Denver hotel. The event is RMPCMA’s largest fundraiser, and the association designated a portion of the philanthropic funds raised to the RMPCMA Leadership Fund. This fund finances scholarships for members to attend the PCMA Convening Leaders and PCMA EduCon conventions. In coordination with the event’s “Back to the Future” theme, attendees dressed in ’80s attire, and the association presented awards to members who made key contributions to the events industry.

1. Dean Savoca 2. Cuisine by Thompson Denver 3. Gysela Fillingham, Jason Lusk 4. Meredith Merrill 5. Stephanie Barrero, Jeanette Stensgaard, Courtney Goddard 6. Matthew Kalb, Gysela Fillingham 7. Neon dance party 8. Casey Collinsworth, Scott Collinsworth 9. Toni Barnett, Stephanie Quintana, Juan Ayala.

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

P H OTO S : C H R I S T I E ’ S P H OTO G R A P H I C S O LU T I O N S

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P H OTO S : C H R I S T I E ’ S P H OTO G R A P H I C S O LU T I O N S

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

6 Exhibit Halls with 584,000 sq.ft. of space on 63 2 5,000 Free 80,000

one level meeting rooms with 100,000 sq.ft. of meeting space on one level ballrooms and 85,000 sq.ft. of space on one level Bellco Theatre with cut down capability Wi-Fi and Charging Stations square foot column free multipurpose room and outdoor rooftop terrace coming in 2024

To inquire or book, call or email Rich Carollo at 303.228.8022 or rcarollo@denverconvention.com

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P EOPLE PROFI L E Gary Schirmacher

Hotel Boulderado lobby

Helping People

Gary Schirmacher is devoted to serving others and the industry he cherishes. BY BETH BUEHLER

of only two people who have chaired the global foundations for both Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA). It is fair to say he is one of the most connected individuals in the meetings and events industry, as no one gets elected to international roles such as these without excelling at building relationships, fundraising, and bringing expertise to the table.

The 36-year hospitality veteran began his yearlong term as MPI Foundation chair in January 2022 and returned to Maritz Global Events as a senior consultant in June, after being furloughed in 2020.

During his time away from Maritz, where he has worked for 25 years, Schirmacher joined Total Hospitality Industry Solutions as CEO in October 2020 and founded Big Top Auctions USA in 2021. Schirmacher is an Arkansas State University alumnus, and the Erie resident also graduated from the Worldwide College of Auctioneering in 2016. He has served as auctioneer for several industry events, including Red, White & You during IMEX in Las Vegas, Nevada, and the 2020 Denver & Colorado Tourism Hall of Fame Dinner.

“When I moved to Denver with Conferon in 1996, I didn’t know anyone, so I joined PCMA, the Colorado Society of Association Executives (CSAE), and MPI and went to everything locally,” Schirmacher says. “The goal was anytime there was an event within our industry, I was going to be there. It really helped me establish a network.”

He became president of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of PCMA in 2001, which eventually led to three years on the international board and eight years on the foundation board. A few years later, the MPI Foundation asked him if he wanted to apply for a vacated board seat in 2017. “The PCMA and MPI foundations match up with my passion for raising money and putting it to good use helping people,” he notes.

Locally, Schirmacher served on the Meetings Industry Council of Colorado from 2002 to 2007, including terms as chair and past chair. He was inducted into the Colorado Meetings + Events Hall of Fame in 2011 as the Lifetime Achievement recipient.

“I haven’t shied away from these opportunities,” he says. “I’ve always jumped in, enjoyed it, and met so many people.” maritzglobalevents.com mpi.org/foundation

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