Colorado Meetings + Events Winter 2023

Unique Memorable

Escape into the breathtaking beauty of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. Where meticulous meeting planners are dedicated to fawless execution. Combined with impeccable dining; an all-new luxury spa; and e xhilarating, no-limits casino action, we invite you to see how Monarch Casino Resort Spa will bring new energy to your next meeting or event.

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BY BETH BUEHLER

Denver-based businesses are shaking up traditional mobile cuisine and coffee.

Vail and Beaver Creek are distinct destinations that add panache to any gathering.

The National Association for Catering and Events Greater Denver Chapter hosts Dinner in the Dark.

People Profile

Jeanette Stensgaard’s unexpected career journey led her to just the right places.

M-1

Mountain Meetings

Soar above the clouds for your next meeting or event.

C-1

Casinos & Gaming

Combine business with pleasure at these world-class venues.

On the Cover

Vail Village is a feast of lights on winter evenings.

PHOTO BY JACK AFFLECK

Selah Coffee

PHOTOS:

LAZY U RANCH; NICK KUPIN

C Lazy U Ranch

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PRESIDENT TAMMY GALVIN

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER – NATIONAL SALES BOB HADDAD 303-261-5402 | 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

MOUNTAIN MEETINGS EDITOR BETH BUEHLER CASINOS & GAMING EDITOR ELIZABETH ROUBIK

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 | 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

ART INTERN CAITLIN NOURSE

PRODUCTION

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Colorado Meetings + Events is published quarterly.

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Care for Colorado

» I RECENTLY VISITED the Big Island of Hawaii and was impressed with an experience we had at Kahalu’u Beach Park, a popular and easy-toreach spot to snorkel. Upon arrival, we were greeted by a volunteer who thoughtfully spoke to us about how to take good care of the beautiful, natural resource so that it can remain spectacular for future generations.

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I believe that most people want to do the right thing and will do so when armed with helpful information. We listened to words of wisdom about wearing mineral sunscreen to avoid harm to the coral reefs and fish; not stepping down beyond two buoys to avoid damaging the coral; and knowing when the tide ebbs and flows. As we made our way into the water, there was another volunteer ready to spritz our masks and ensure everyone entered and exited the water in good shape. The volunteers also pointed us to books and charts showing the fish we might see and gave insight to my bird-watching friend on what avian life to keep an eye out for. The whole experience was inspiring and masterfully executed.

What does this have to do with Colorado and the meetings and events industry? Well, it has to do with helping people “Do Colorado Right,” which is the theme of a campaign spearheaded by the Colorado Tourism Office that works in tandem with Care for Colorado Leave No Trace Principles. There is a Care for Colorado Coalition that is supported by many partners (like one of our industry associations, Destination Colorado Meetings) and a membership that includes numerous destinations that host meetings and events.

When there are outdoor activities, let’s make sure attendees know how to Do Colorado Right. This can be as simple as including Care for Colorado information in meeting program materials and making sure outfitters and concierges share tips. Also, implementing sustainable meeting measures like eliminating the use of plastic bottles, providing recycling bins, composting food waste, and working with hotels that place sustainability at the forefront, are good places to start.

Let’s do all we can to protect Colorado’s natural resources in a thoughtful manner.

BETH BUEHLER Editor

bbuehler@greenspring.com

CEO Stefan Wanczyk

President John Balardo

2022 Colorado Governor’s Tourism Conference

SKY BAR SALUTES GOLDEN AGE OF TRAVEL

» SKY BAR is a cocktail lounge and event space that pays tribute to Stanley Aviation, which occupied the Stanley Marketplace building in Aurora until 2007 and designed, tested, and manufactured ejection seats for the military and later high-tech aerospace parts.

Harkening back to a 1960s aviation experience, the venue boasts quality drinks with ample space for comfort “above the clouds.”

Upon checking in with the hostess on the main floor (located at the west entrance of Stanley Marketplace), guests are presented with a boarding pass, a boarding time, and the chance to opt in for preflight cocktails. At boarding time, guests take the elevator to the Sky Bar for a true blast from the past with bar carts and servers in retro stewardess attire. From the drink menu, choose from unique takes on classic cocktails with inspirations from around the world, as well as a curated selection of wine and beers.

The Sky Bar also offers event space for up to 24 guests to sit back and relax. Food service is available as well.

skybarstanley.com

Together We Shine Brighter

More than 430 travel and tourism industry representatives and elected officials gathered on Sept. 21-23 at the Viewline Resort Snowmass for the 2022 Colorado Governor’s Tourism Conference hosted by the Colorado Tourism Office (CTO). The theme for this year’s meeting, “Together We Shine Brighter,” guided the three-day agenda that featured breakout sessions on various topics, keynote addresses, association and committee meetings, an opening reception at The Collective, and an awards dinner.

“There is not a single Colorado region or area that is not impacted by tourism, and the goal of this annual conference is to bring the most innovative ideas, concepts, and trends to the entire Colorado tourism industry,” says CTO Director Timothy Wolfe.

PHOTOS: SHAWN CAMPBELL; RYAN BRADY; (OPPOSITE) COLORADO WINE; NATALIE DYER PHOTOGRAPHY

STANDOUT VINTAGES

2022 Governor’s Cup Wine Collection

The Colorado Wine Industry Development Board (CWIDB), part of the Colorado Department of Agriculture, announced the 12 Colorado wines that comprise the 2022 Governor’s Cup Wine Collection. This year’s competition included 279 wine submissions from 38 wineries around the state. The wines were blindly judged by a panel of 19 sommeliers, chefs, writers, and wine experts from around the country.

“There are some really delicious wines being made in Colorado, and I’m stoked to watch as the caliber of the industry continues to grow,” says Matty Carroll, a judge and beverage director for Denver-based Kitchen Restaurant Group.

The CWIDB will use this collection in the coming year to represent Colorado at marketing opportunities in the state, across the country, and around the world. They also are a great option for groups looking to showcase Colorado beverages. coloradowine.com

THE 2022 GOVERNOR’S CUP WINE COLLECTION INCLUDES:

» Aspen Peak Cellars (Bailey) | 2021 Pinot Gris, American

» Carboy Winery (Littleton) | 2019 Petit Verdot, Grand Valley AVA

» Carboy Winery (Littleton) | 2020 Teroldego, Grand Valley AVA

» Carboy Winery (Littleton) | 2019 Blanc LaLaLa (Sparkling Gruner Veltliner), Grand Valley AVA

» Carlson Vineyards (Palisade) | 2021 Sweet Baby White Blend, American

» Mesa Park Vineyards (Palisade) | 2020 Equilibre Red Blend, Grand Valley AVA

» Red Fox Cellars (Palisade) | Non-Vintage Nebbiolo, Grand Valley AVA

» Slaymaker Cellars (Idaho Springs) | Traditional Wildflower Mead

» The Peachfork (Palisade) | 2021 Chambourcin, Grand Valley AVA

» The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey (Cañon City) | 2019 Syrah, Colorado

» Vino Salida Wine Cellars (Poncha Springs) | 2017 Tempranillo, Grand Valley AVA

» Whitewater Hill Vineyards (Grand Junction) | 2021 Dry Rose of St. Vincent, Grand Valley AVA

SIP AND SMELL AT NORTHERN COLORADO’S FIRST FLOWER BAR

CC’s Fort Collins Flowers pairs beautiful blooms with wine and beer and weekly classes like wreath making, succulent terrariums, and bouquets and bracelets. The Jessup Farm flower bar recently opened in a new building at Jessup Farm Artisan Village. A build-your-own bouquet wall gives individuals the opportunity to create beautiful arrangements while sipping beer, wine, or a nonalcoholic beverage from the shop’s bar. CC’s Flower Truck originally started roaming Fort Collins in early 2020 and opened its brick-andmortar location in June 2022.

ccsflowertruck.com

A Return to Different

An industry united in purpose is stronger and defines the true spirit of hospitality. BY

JUSTIN BALL

» THE COVID-19 pandemic brought myriad meetings and events that were months in the making to a grinding halt. Days turned into weeks, and the weeks turned into years. Many hospitality providers were forced to modify their operations. Some closed shop. For those of us still here, the landscape has changed dramatically. Without minimizing the pandemic’s heartbreaking personal toll, I feel immense gratitude for the opportunities we now have to redefine ourselves as an industry and as humans showing up for each other. My friend and industry colleague, Rachel Benedick, executive vice president of sales and services at Visit Denver, calls it a “return to different.”

One silver lining is that organizations have a new level of empathy for the human experience. We saw that as companies considered their return-to-the-office strategies. By having to step back from the busyness of pre-pandemic work routines, we can now be more prescriptive about how we want to work, lead, and live.

One of the areas where I see this newfound empathy is in how we work together as hospitality providers. Before the pandemic, we were all fighting for what each of our individual stakeholders needed. We have now spent nearly three years learning to fight for our industry, and we have seen the development of new associations such as the Live Events Coalition, which represents over 12 million hospitality professionals.

The timing of this new level of cooperation couldn’t be better given the dramatic shift in industry dynamics. Look at the two biggest cost components of live destination events: hotels and transportation. Today, it’s a hoteliers’ market, and the same is true for the airlines where every flight is filled. These shifts are forcing

our industry and our clients to completely rethink how we plan and manage live events.

Here’s the current reality: We are in an incredibly competitive market where transient travel is filling the hotels, not groups. People are willing and able to pay a tremendous amount of money to be there, so how will the group travel business provide value? While corporate business is typically more lucrative in terms of food and beverage costs, supply chain and labor challenges may limit that opportunity for negotiating leverage.

One of our best opportunities for success is to gain a better understanding of the breadth and economic drivers of our industry, including global trends for oil and gas, supply chain, and labor. How can we better demonstrate the value of group events to our hotel partners? What can we learn about airline financial practices so we can budget travel costs more accurately in this time of highly volatile fuel prices? We owe it to our clients to develop this understanding. Only then can we adequately plan and negotiate on their behalf.

IN PRACTICAL TERMS, THIS MEANS WE NEED TO:

» Continue to bring about a new level of awareness and partnership across the industry

» Double down on education and collaboration

» Work to understand our vendors and partners extremely well, including their business objectives

» Be more flexible and creative in our planning

» Measure and articulate the value we bring to our partners

The good news is our industry is talking about these topics with a new level of transparency and openness. We are setting egos aside and seizing opportunities to shape our future together in our return to different. The results, I believe, will change meetings, incentives, events, and travel for the better and help us all come back stronger in the true spirit of hospitality. bespokeconnects.com

Justin

Ball

is president and founder of Bespoke, a Colorado-based corporate and nonprofit event and consultation partner.

“By having to step back from the busyness of pre-pandemic work routines, we can now be more prescriptive about how we want to work, lead, and live.”

Public Art Tour at Colorado Convention Center

Have you ever wondered why that big blue bear is peering through the window of the Colorado Convention Center (CCC) in downtown Denver? Officially known as “I See What You Mean” and created by Lawrence Argent, perhaps this bruin is checking out all the art inside. Attendees can stroll around during breaks to see the collection, and groups can book art tours for their agendas.

Created primarily by Colorado artists, the CCC artwork illuminates Colorado’s history and natural beauty. The tour, conducted by the City Department of Arts and Venues, covers most of the more than 30 works of art inside and outside the facility. The remaining works can be seen online at denverconvention.com.

“Colorado Pioneers; Ute Elder” by William Matthews is on display at the Colorado Convention Center.

Food On the Move

» MOBILE food and beverage choices provide a unique range of options, and can create a level of convenience for event planners and attendees. We rounded up a list of tasty to-go options from liquid nitrogen mocktails and edible bubbles to infused cupcakes and aesthetic lattes.

ENTERTAINING EXPERIMENTS

Chef Ian Kleinman has always been fascinated by culinary science and dedicated

to fashioning a guest-orientated experience. Through his business, Catering by The Inventing Room in Denver, Kleinman makes food creations the star of every show, impressing guests with liquid-nitrogen mocktails and a selection of food, some of which is delivered anywhere in the Denver area via Sweet Treat Drop Drones.

“I grew up in a restaurant that did tablesides,” Kleinman says. “I really paid

attention to the guests. They get to see what’s happening behind the kitchen and get that entertainment.”

Catering by The Inventing Room uses molecular gastronomy and culinary techniques to create one-of-a-kind catering that focuses on demonstration and the science behind the processes. Liquidnitrogen mocktails are a perfect example, as guests can enjoy a strawberry slushy while exhaling clouds of nitrogen vapor.

PHOTOS: ALL DIGITAL PHOTO & VIDEO; NICK KUPIN; MEREDITH HARRIS PHOTOGRAPHERS; (OPPOSITE) CATERING BY THE INVENTING ROOM

Denver-based businesses are shaking up traditional mobile cuisine and coffee. BY KATE LINGGI

Clockwise from top left: Edible balloons created by A Custom Look; Selah Coffee making a latte; The cotton candy cart operated by Yours Truly Cupcake

Themed Gobblefunk Dinners (named after Roald Dahl’s fictional language in the book “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”) change monthly, offering four-course menus paired with mocktails.

Kleinman is constantly devising innovative approaches and “figuring out the science behind stuff,” he says. During the height of the pandemic, he tried out one of his ideas that was already years in the making: Sweet Treat Drone Drops deliver desserts directly to special events, no contact required. Even now, Catering by The Inventing Room uses drones to drop chocolate truffles or lollipops at the close of an event, making for a unique, sweet send-off.

There is also a storefront inspired by the 1971 movie “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” (based on Dahl’s book), The Inventing Room Dessert Shop, that creates magical and seemingly impossible treats in front of guests. Tickets are required for entry, with demonstrations beginning every hour and limited to 15 guests.

CUSTOMIZED FOR CORPORATE

Since opening 35 years ago, A Custom Look Events has operated with entertainment and interactive elements at the forefront. “It’s about the guest walking away with something that’s unique,” says Murray Englander, founder and director of operations.

Originally, A Custom Look entertained with instant photo magnets and buttons, and eventually food. From photo cookies, drink pics, and even edible balloons, A Custom Look aims for the unforgettable.

“I have had people say that they still have their cookie hanging,” says Englander. “People may not always want a picture of themselves, but they will want one of their dog, cat, or grandkids [on the cookie].”

CELEBRATING WITH SWEETNESS

Tiffany Rose Goodyear created Yours Truly Cupcake in Denver as an ode to the tender act of giving someone a dessert.

“Our belief is that every sweet that has ever been given is always given with love,” says Goodyear. “It’s a love letter in the voice of a cupcake.”

With Yours Truly Cupcake, customers can make sweet treats uniquely their own. Everything on the menu is customizable from cookies and cupcakes to cake pops and brownies, including proposing a flavor that fits an occasion. If nothing suits your fancy, Yours Truly Cupcake will outsource desserts from elsewhere to make the customer experience above and beyond.

“It’s not about us, it’s about those who are giving and receiving the gift,” she says. “We’ll make our client’s favorite thing.”

Yours Truly Cupcake also creatively puts an adult spin on the desserts people loved as kids.

The business’s mobile cotton candy cart was a big hit during the early days of COVID-19 for drive-by birthday parties. Most notable is its nostalgic and universal approach, with flavors and portions appealing to a more mature audience. “We don’t do huge, size-of-your-head poofs, and we make them to order,” Goodyear says.

Similarly, they have an extensive infused cupcake menu, with everything from margarita cupcakes to cupcakes that pair with wines. Yours Truly Cupcake also has a storefront that is open for walkin customers. In addition, the company can create beautiful displays at events or serve cupcakes “cigar girl” style, meaning treats are walked around and served from classic boxes.

CONVENIENT COFFEE

Vanessa and Jonny Kupin believe there is something special about connecting with others over a cup of coffee. The former baristas became enamored with the art of coffee making, which led them to create Selah Coffee

“We love how [coffee] connects people, and [enhances] how people gather. We thought, we need to make this mobile,” Vanessa says.

The couple aims to provide customers with an intimate, fulfilling experience amid a clean and minimalistic environment with a Scandinavian twist. However, they are primarily focused on the product.

“We wanted to focus on the quality of the coffee, not so much on the space,” she explains.

Selah serves a variety of traditional coffee drinks, including espressos and lattes, all brewed using Sonder Coffee, a Denver roaster. They also make syrups in-house and love creating beautiful latte art.

Above all, the most valuable part of their work is the personal interactions. “It’s cool to meet a ton of different people all over Denver,” Vanessa says. “We love getting to connect with people.”

acustomlook.com inventing-room.com selah.co ee yourstrulycupcake.com

Chef Ian Kleinman with Catering by The Inventing Room

Ski Town Duo

Only 13 miles apart, Vail and Beaver Creek are distinct destinations that add panache to any gathering.

» THE VAIL VALLEY is made up of vibrant mountain towns along Interstate 70’s ski country just west of Denver. Two of the communities, Beaver Creek and Vail, have earned global recognition as year-round destinations and offer attractive venues, lodging options, and activities for groups . Visitors can fly into Eagle County Regional Airport.

“Hosting a professional function in the Vail Valley brings new meaning to ‘the best view in the office,’ with unique offsite venues to choose from, including on-mountain restaurants and countless activities,” says Kim Brussow, director of sales for Visit Vail Valley.

Beaver Creek introduced a collaborative website to help planners envision the possibilities for gatherings of 150 to 1,500. “The launch of beavercreekvillagewide.com allows incentive, corporate, and association groups from

BY BETH BUEHLER

around the world to easily research a Rocky Mountain multi-venue and multi-hotel meeting or event,” says Heidi Miersemann, CMP, director of sales, marketing, and events for the 190-room Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa. “It’s designed to be a one-stop shop for all Beaver Creek Village event questions and will continue to evolve with that goal in mind.”

Brussow also notes that the Pinnacle Group unites three properties within steps of each other in the heart of Vail Village (Four Seasons Vail Resort and Residences, Sonnenalp Hotel, and The Sebastian–Vail). The largest conference hotel in Lionshead Village—The Hythe, a Luxury Collection Resort, Vail—has many nearby options for overflow room blocks. Grand Hyatt Vail, also in proximity to Lionshead Village, boasts 40,000 square feet of meeting space.

Gondola One transports skiers 10,000 feet up Vail Mountain.

RECENT GATHERINGS

Since 2011, Beaver Creek has hosted the annual Precious Metals Summit, an invitation-only investment conference that connects investors and corporate executives with high-net-worth funds. This year, the Sept. 13-16 summit attracted a record 1,300 attendees, with 60% from Canada, 30% from the United States, and the rest from other places around the globe.

“Beaver Creek is a magical getaway retreat for the majority of our attendees, most flying in from urban centers like New York City, Houston, or Toronto,” says Misha Levental, chief operating officer of Precious Metals Summit Conferences LLC. “Colorado enjoys a rich mining history, and the adventurer’s spirit permeates the surrounding area. At the same time, Beaver Creek Village is home to world-class restaurants and outdoor activities, not to mention exceptionally friendly and attentive staff.”

The summit fully books Park Hyatt Beaver Creek and Beaver Creek Lodge, and participating corporations organize golf outings, excursions to nearby historical mining sites and towns, and social gatherings at restaurants and bars.

This year, Beavers & Brews was the theme of the summit’s closing luncheon. “Where better to find some of the world’s best

and most versatile suds than Colorado?” asks Levental. “For our closing luncheon, we like to feature a memorable dining experience enjoyed alfresco and served Colorado-style, with a craft beer bar and seating spilling out to the Hyatt lawn so guests can lunch at the foot of the Rockies.”

The Vail Valley also hosts its fair share of small gatherings. HPN Global planned an executive leadership retreat for a medical industry client on July 11-14 at The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa, Avon, Vail Valley.

“Beaver Creek was a good match for this group because they were leaders getting together for an off-site meeting to discuss important/key factors for their business,” says Kim Anderson, vice president of global accounts for HPN Global. “They wanted a retreat-like location away from the city.”

Thirteen attendees primarily from the Midwest and East Coast found the location so conducive for a retreat that they never left the property. “This group usually goes off-site to a dinner and for an activity but ended up canceling a lot of that due to important meetings they needed to get through,” Anderson says. “The meeting location and service went so well that my client booked July 2023 already.”

The lobby inside Park Hyatt Beaver Creek

Distinct Venues

4 Eagle Ranch: Not only is there a cozy cabin, a deck with major views, and an event center that seats up to 550, but the ranch also offers activities for gatherings ranging from winter sleigh ride dinners and whiskey and wine tastings to chili cookoffs and line dance lessons. 4eagleranch.com

Beano’s Cabin: Serving groups of 20 to 150, getting to Beano’s Cabin on Beaver Creek Mountain is half the fun, although the food is also outstanding. Consider a moonlight sleigh ride or a scenic excursion on horseback for transportation. beavercreek.com

Bearcat Stables: Groups of up to 200 guests can book Bearcat’s meadows, historic cabin, event pavilion, and outdoor musician’s stage with a dance floor. Horseback riding, hay wagons, and sleigh rides are among the available activities. bearcatstables.com

Betty Ford Alpine Gardens: Don’t miss the botanical garden with the highest elevation (8,200 feet) in North America. Take a stroll through the gardens to admire all the natural beauty or host an event on the Rooftop Terrace, Alpine Plaza, or Children’s Garden Amphitheater. The gardens are next to Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater. bettyfordalpinegardens.org

Every summer, this outdoor venue is the place to be with Bravo! Vail Music Festival, Vail Dance Festival, and the free Hot Summer Nights series. The venue can accommodate more than 2,500, with a plaza and courtyard available for more intimate gatherings. grfavail.com

Larkspur Events & Dining: This year-round event venue, located at the base of Vail Mountain’s Golden Peak, can host 10 to 500 guests making use of spaces ranging from a great room and full dining room to private dining spaces, a patio, and a large lawn. larkspurvail.com

The 10th: One of Vail Mountain’s onmountain dining experiences and not to be confused with the 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirit Tasting Room, The 10th offers outstanding views of both the Gore Range and the Vail Valley. Located at the top of Gondola One, guests can enjoy the commute to dinner vail.com

Zach’s Cabin: Cuisine is the highlight of this luxury experience perched on the mountainside above Bachelor Gulch. This intimate cabin is available for private functions for groups as large as 80, or individuals can take part in the regularly scheduled sleigh-ride dinners during winter. beavercreek.com

WHAT’S NEW

While there is always something new in the Vail Valley, we compiled a sampling of the latest news of note.

Manor Vail Lodge has completed a $7 million renovation of its pool, patio, restaurant, south lobby, and south entrance. In addition, the lodge now offers a new dining experience, Ridge + River Mountainside Kitchen. With floor-toceiling views of Golden Peak, the makeover also includes a new patio, covering, and fire pit for outdoor dining and events.

The Hythe (formerly Vail Marriott) unveiled a major renovation in tandem with rebranding in November 2021 and offers unique activities for groups and guests. A new Wheels and Whiskey summer program led by Sean Kenyon, a beverage consultant and mixologist, features a scenic mountain bike ride followed by a hands-on cocktail class at the resort’s 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirit Tasting Room.

Vail, EagleVail, and Avon teamed up to launch Shift Bike, a regional electric bike share program, to encourage individuals to shift from driving a car to riding a bike for errands and shorter commutes.

In Beaver Creek, Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa has added to its yearround patio just outside 8100 Mountainside Bar & Grill, introducing a covered pergola with luxury seating, several TVs, fire pits, ceiling heaters, and more. Also, a major renovation of Gerald R. Ford Hall is underway and includes several eco-friendly updates.

The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch in Beaver Creek, unveiled the final stage of its renovations in July, which included an extensive refresh of the guest rooms and suites, Club Lounge, and Great Room. Along with the cosmetic upgrades, the property elevated its culinary and guest experiences with the addition of live music, The Edge of Wild Private Dining, and Earth to Table outdoor dinners.

beavercreek.com vail.com visitvailvalley.com

PHOTO: THE RITZ-CARLTON, BACHELOR GULCH

From on-mountain venues and Colorado ranches to casual settings along the creek, the Vail Valley has an array of memorable options for groups.

Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater:

The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch surrounded by fall foliage

BY BETH BUEHLER

Staff at C Lazy U Ranch enjoy horseback riding and other outdoor activities.

MEETINGS AND EVENTS DEPEND ON QUALITY HOSPITALITY TEAMS TO WORK THEIR MAGIC.

Although it may seem like staffing issues flew in on the winds of the COVID19 pandemic, in reality, they were already in the works. The hospitality industry was challenged to examine employment practices and come up with creative hiring and retention solutions like never before. “Our industry was facing employment challenges pre-pandemic due to age demographics, and certainly the pandemic made it even more challenging,” says Denver-based Tom Mulholland, president of Executives by Sterling.

“Creativity with remote work, schedule flexibility, travel perks, and benefits are increasingly important,” he emphasizes.

Ranches Leading the Way

Employers everywhere are being challenged “to come up with new ideas every day,” confirms Kate Jankoski, director of human resources at C Lazy U Ranch near Granby.

The ranch has secured a pool of employees through word of mouth and the hiring of previous guests. “We have had individuals who were staying on the property for a week as a guest, get recruited while they were here, go home for a week, and then come back and work a season for us,” she says.

“We also look at properties (mostly ranches) that have closed due to circumstances out of their control, like forest fires, and reach out to see if they have people who need somewhere to go,” Jankoski says. “Since we went through something similar in 2020 with the East Troublesome forest fire, I find our staff who went through that can help provide comfort to those who are recently experiencing it.”

In terms of retention, C Lazy U Ranch strives to create extra value for staff by updating employee housing, offering horseback rides and other outdoor fun, and providing festive seasonal activities.

Spruce Mountain Events is also diligently making sure staff stays engaged and feels recognized for outstanding work with clients who are booking space at Spruce Mountain Ranch in Larkspur.

“Our managers go out of their way to make their staff feel important and valued,” says Tara Ames, owner and operator of Spruce Mountain Events. “We take the time to learn about each of our staff members so we are able to meet their personal and professional needs. We do this by working side-byside with one another.”

Weekly team meetings that give everyone a voice, flexible work schedules, cross-training, regular staff reviews, incentive programs, and opportunities to interact outside of work have been key.

“We have team-building events, holiday parties to meet the families of our staff and significant others, and nonprofit projects to give back to our community. Through these experiences, we have grown close as a team,” Ames says.

Team-building activities have included wine tasting with Peak Beverage, cake decorating with The Makery Cake Co., floral arranging with Plum Sage Flowers, and outings that involve comedy shows, go-kart racing, and escape rooms. Farther afield, the management team has traveled to California’s Napa Valley for wine tasting.

Spruce Mountain Events also is very involved with Mount Saint Vincent, hosting a Santa Brunch and Easter Brunch with all proceeds benefitting the children’s home. Staff also invited the kids to the ranch this

Q&A Q&A

With a Recruiter

Tom Mulholland, president of Executives by Sterling, shared thoughtful solutions, helpful tips, and experienced observations regarding hiring and retaining hospitality staff in today’s competitive marketplace. Working from Colorado, Mulholland is a 20-year veteran of the hospitality executive search business and has held key management positions at Vail Resorts, Keystone Resort, Hilton, Clarion, and Stouffer Hotels.

WHAT ARE SOME CREATIVE RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION SOLUTIONS YOU ARE SEEING?

EXAMPLE 1: There is a practical limit on compensation to maintain profitability, so my clients are increasingly flexible on work arrangements. For example, many housekeepers are working parents. Traditionally, they were scheduled for early-morning shifts, which created challenges for many who need to get kids to school. Allowing later shift start times was an easy fix and gives these employers a leg up on the competition without changing compensation.

EXAMPLE 2: A Denver hotel has challenges filling shifts at their front desk. Their solution came through the hiring of flight attendants who wanted to work just enough to qualify for Hilton travel benefits to pair with their flight benefits. They brought great customer service experience and were happy with the prevailing wage.

EXAMPLE 3: Another mountain resort client has a program for the recruitment and retention of managers. The owners pay the down payment on the employee’s home purchase contingent on staying with the property at least one year. If they leave the property, it is transferred to the resort’s owner. For each year of employment, the employee’s ownership of the home increases by 20% until they own the property outright. If they were to leave before then, any profit from the sale would be split on the same vesting schedule.

IS THE CHALLENGE UNIQUE BY SECTOR?

The challenge is more unique to the size of the metropolitan area. We do a great deal of work with destination resort properties, and they generally have the most challenging employee markets. In a metropolitan area, there is a relative ocean of candidates, whereas in a resort area there is a pool of candidates (if not a hot tub).

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR TOP TIPS?

Flexibility of schedules and work rules, training, and rapid career advancement, travel perks, dining privileges, and more should be points of emphasis to foster employee loyalty.

A Denver-based, third-party meeting planner with limited base salary flexibility competes by offering maximum flexibility in work rules and allowing employees to work remotely as needed over any hours desired, as long as tasks are completed. As the song goes, “Money Isn’t Everything.”

There is a paradox about not clinging to your best employees. My mentor, Art Mangual, promoted more than 100 frontline employees— usually away from his own hotel—along their journey to becoming general managers, regional managers, and eventually vice presidents and presidents of hotel companies. … Art would never hire an employee who was not interested in a career in hospitality versus a job in hospitality.

fall to enjoy a pumpkin patch, hayrides, crafts, and collect Christmas gifts. The Spruce Mountain Events team was recognized for these efforts at Mount Saint Vincent’s Silver Bell Ball in November.

Evaluation and Communication Destination marketing organizations not only have to be creative in attracting groups and leisure travelers in today’s world, but they also must be savvy in building their teams.

“Emerging from COVID-19, we have had to rethink everything,” says Jason Lusk, CMP, associate vice president of convention sales for Visit Denver. “I believe if organizations do not do this, they are missing a great opportunity.”

The organization has reevaluated several areas of its operations to ensure it remains a relevant and desirable place to work, including assessing wages and making necessary adjustments; examining time-off policies and increasing vacation time for every team member; and offering a hybrid work environment.

“We spent a lot of time listening to our team about what they seek in an employer and workplace, and we provided changes as we could,” Lusk says. “In this journey, we became much clearer about who we are as an organization. When we interview people, we are upfront about work schedules, expectations, and the office environment; it does not serve us to overpromise and under deliver.”

It’s also about communicating that Colorado is a great place to live and play, and that hospitality is an industry full of opportunity.

“People want to live here, so we are hiring more people from out of state, which broadens our candidate pool,” Lusk says. “Also, hospitality is a diverse field encompassing many career jobs with bright futures. There is a place for everyone, from school-aged young adults to retirees. This message is one that needs amplification; we need to combine efforts to market the myriad opportunities within our industry.”

Workplace Flexibility Is Key

The days of being rigid with employees about when and where they work are pretty much over.

“I think the biggest challenge for associations today is being flexible regarding their staff wanting to work from home,” says Marsha Temple, chief operating officer for the Colorado Automobile Dealers Association. “It is a new world with COVID-19. Some potential employees want to either work from home all the time or hybrid. I am fine with hybrid, as long as they get their jobs done. Organizations are having to be very flexible about this if you want to get good people.”

Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel has deployed a work-from-home strategy to retain employees and recruit new hires for the events, group housing, and billing teams. The property allows associates in these departments to work remotely at least two days a week, if staff coverage on-site is sufficient.

App Lends a Hand

Two Denver residents, Diego Montemayor and Corina Hierro, are using technology to help Hispanic workers find restaurant jobs in Denver and across the United States through their bilingual app, Chamba. A product of the pandemic, Chamba was created as the duo noticed the rising need for employment resources among the Hispanic community, which traditionally is heavily affected by high levels of unemployment.

rising of restaurants

Chamba has worked with over 185 clients, from small- and medium-sized restaurants that have one to 20 locations, to larger corporate partners like Kroger Co., to hire staff. The app has been downloaded more than 172,000 times since its launch in April 2020, and Chamba has donated free accounts to Denver-area restaurants in need of restaurant talent.

Using the app, job seekers can identify available jobs, create a resume directly on the app, and track application status in real time.

Kim Hall-Barry, the director of event management at Sherton Denver Downtown Hotel says that even though the work-from-home strategy can be tough

to operate with a 24 hours a day, seven days a week hotel, the hybrid approach keeps employees happy and helps encourage new applicants.

A Spruce Mountain Events teambonding outing at Cakebread Cellars in Napa Valley, California

New Ownership for Elevation Hotel & Spa

» WOODHOUSE acquired the ski-in/ski-out Elevation Hotel & Spa in Mount Crested Butte in August, and Highgate, a real estate investment and hospitality management company, was contracted to lead the hotel’s daily operations. Plans for the property’s reimagining are in early development, and the hotel will remain in full operation throughout the current ski season.

To set the tone for enhanced future hospitality experiences at Elevation, WoodHouse debuted a pop-up concept of its awardwinning Dallas restaurant, José, which was a 2022 James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Hospitality and Best Chef Texas. Añastacia QuinonesPittman, executive chef for José and corporate chef for WoodHouse, partnered with the hotel’s 9380 Tavern culinary team to execute the concept.

elevationresort.com woodhouseus.com

TOTAL LODGING REFRESH AT ASPEN PROPERTY

Aspen Meadows Resort is debuting the renovation of all 98 guest suites in time for ski season, with two-thirds of the new rooms available by the end of 2022, and the rest slated for completion this year. The extensive upgrade pays homage to the resort’s Bauhaus roots and its original designer, Herbert Bayer, and integrates contemporary Scandinavian design. Additional renovations will take place at the resort’s welcome area and signature restaurant, Plato’s, starting in spring 2023. aspenmeadows.com

23RD ANNUAL MIC CONFERENCE

One thousand attendees and exhibitors from around North America will converge at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver for the 2023 Meetings Industry Council of Colorado Educational Conference and Trade Show on March 2-3, a conference that has been held annually since 2001. The agenda includes educational and keynote sessions, networking opportunities in the exhibit hall, an evening reception, and a concluding awards luncheon. New to the 2023 event is a hosted buyer program and larger spaces for more than 200 exhibitor booths. Early registration discounts are available online until Jan. 31, and on-site registration is also available. Students are invited to attend at a discounted rate. mic-colorado.org

PHOTOS: ELEVATION HOTEL & SPA; ASPEN MEADOWS RESORT; ALL DIGITAL PHOTO & VIDEO; (OPPOSITE) TIM ROMANO PHOTOGRAPHY; BRAD YAMAMOTO; VISIT LOVELAND; THE GRESSIWICK

Lori Pace (left) and Michael Clarke, two of the opening keynote speakers in 2022

New Option for In-Home Culinary Experiences

Intueat and Matsuhisa restaurant group partnered to offer world-class in-house dining opportunities throughout Colorado. Established in 2019, Intueat is a digital marketplace that provides diners access to a portfolio of private chefs and service professionals. The partnership offers groups and diners in the Denver, Vail, and Aspen areas the opportunity to book Matsuhisa’s private culinary experiences and events team directly.

intueat.com

Restaurant and Brewery Launches in Boulder

» BOULDER SOCIAL opened with a menu featuring hand-tossed rustic pizzas, sushi, burgers, and sandwiches. Like sister restaurant Stout Street Social in Denver, Boulder Social has a raw bar where guests can watch a chef shuck oysters and prepare handmade sushi rolls in the dining room. Boulder Social’s brewery will open soon and feature flavorful selections of house-brewed craft Social Beers. The restaurant also has a wide variety of cocktails, frozen drinks, and an extensive wine list.

The indoor dining room has 15 large-screen TVs and a center bar, and patrons can soak up the sun on the outdoor patio and enjoy yard games with garage-door access to the bar.

besocialcolorado.com/bouldersocial

BEYOND-THE-NORM OPTIONS IN LOVELAND

Budweiser Event Center, four sculpture parks, and Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch might be among the best-known places to gather in Colorado’s Sweetheart City, but there are some newer options that provide an amusing twist.

Tom Davis Saloon » Loveland’s first honky-tonk features live music, line dancing, karaoke, and likely the most unusual drinks in town. BeerCocks, a beer-cocktail combination, and SloshTails, an alcoholic slushy, are specialties of the house. There’s also something going on nearly every night of the week to tie into. tomdavissaloon.com

The Gressiwick » This circa-1905 building was updated, while maintaining its vintage charm, with oversized windows, exposed brick, and 12-foot ceilings. With space for 100 seated or 130 standing, this venue regularly plays host to live music and shows and is ideal for intimate concerts, weddings, galas, fundraisers, and more. gressiwick.com

Chef Toru Watanabe at Matsuhisa

STIR EVENTS OPENS SECOND LOCATION

» STIR COOKING SCHOOL’S private cooking event service, Stir Events, expanded with a second location at Denver’s historic Ice House. The 2,850-square-foot venue features wooden beams, brick walls, a chef’s counter, and multiple cooking stations in a gourmet kitchen. The floor plan offers seating for up to 40 for a sitdown meal and 80 for a party. There are also ticketed options such as seasonal cooking workshops, Murder Mystery Dinners, and comedy events.

stirtolearn.com

Exterior Enhancements at Gaylord Rockies

A$22 million project at Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center in Aurora focuses on elevating group and guest experiences outdoors and will be wrapped up by January 2023. marriott.com

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

» In front of the main entrance, a 9,000-square-foot turf lawn will have benches where guests can sit and watch the sunrise.

» Grand Lodge Lawn will feature a large double-fireplace structure, resortstyle seating to enjoy sunsets over the Rocky Mountains, 10,000 square feet of artificial turf, four fire pits, and two natural boulder fire features.

» Adjacent to the Grand Lodge Lawn is a games lawn with artificial turf, three fire pits, and games such as bocce ball, cornhole, and giant chess.

» The 2,600-square-foot Old Hickory Steakhouse terrace will seat 96 guests, while the new Mountain Pass Sports Bar terrace will hold 108 guests.

WORLD PREMIERE OF DALÍ ALIVE AT THE LUME COLORADO

In tandem with the grand opening of its newest permanent digital art gallery, The Lume Colorado in Aurora’s Stanley Marketplace, Grande Experiences launched the world premiere of Dalí Alive on Oct. 21. From the creators and producers of Van Gogh Alive and in partnership with The Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida, Dalí Alive continues to redefine the way audiences connect with art and culture by exploring the life, art, and accomplishments of Salvador Dalí through multisensory projections and spatial audio technology. thelumecolorado.com

PHOTOS: WERK CREATIVE; GAYLORD ROCKIES RESORT & CONVENTION CENTER; DALÍ ALIVE

PEOPLE NEWS

Rachel Thompson is the new catering sales and event manager at The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa, Avon, Vail Valley. Thompson joined The Westin Riverfront from Vail’s Sonnenalp Hotel, where she held multiple positions including concierge, reservations agent, and manager in training for conference services and group sales.

Terri Taylor was hired as the event planning manager by Natera Inc., which specializes in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing dedicated to oncology, women’s health, and organ health. Based in Colorado, Taylor is part of the sales training team, overseeing all internal training team meetings and programs. Previously she was the marketing events manager at First Western Trust.

Elizabeth Kretchmer CMP, CMM, HMCC, DES, accepted the role of senior meeting planner at CWT Meetings & Events. Prior to this position, she was a strategic meeting management consultant.

Reese Lee joined Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa as associate director of sales and events. He joined the Hyatt family in 2019 as director of sales for Hyatt Place Keystone, and most recently was associate director of sales for Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino.

Dinner in the Dark

The National Association for Catering & Events (NACE) Greater Denver Chapter hosted a meal with one catch: One of the senses, sight, was on the back burner. Black Diamond Catering tantalized members’ and guests’ taste buds, sense of smell, and texture during a four-course meal served at Shyft at Mile High in Denver. Participants were asked to wear dark-colored clothing, warned that things may get messy, and instructed on how the night would go during a cocktail hour that took place before the blindfolds went on.

1. Scott Hittleman, Scotty O’Brien

2. Black Diamond Catering setting up for the festivities 3. Courtney Hampton 4. Amelia Moritz 5. NACE Denver members and guests being led to dinner 6. The industrial setting at Shyft was the ideal backdrop

7. John Hagen, Amara Krueger

8. Angie Johnston 9. Lauren Lynch, Bonnie Vidal, Joyce Riley

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

The Passion Behind the Planning

BY EMMA ENEBAK

When Jeanette Stensgaard was waiting tables at O’Charley’s in Mansfield, Ohio, in 2006, she had no idea there would an MBA, CMP, and HMCC following her name in the future.

“I thought I was going to be a nurse,” says Stensgaard, who was working on her prerequisites to attend nursing school at the time.

However, the vibrantly outgoing, strategy-loving, painstakingly organized, and performative public speaker within Stensgaard had other plans. When her father’s work relocated him to Virginia that year, she followed to catch the first glimpse of the untapped potential lying within.

She secured an administrative position at the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds, and soon started taking on some meeting planning roles. For Stensgaard, these roles seemed to be a harmonious labor of all her skills, not to mention work that truly felt meaningful and exciting. When the association moved to Larkspur, Colorado, Stensgaard began taking classes in the hospitality and business management programs at Metropolitan State University of Denver.

“I love being part of a bigger mission that utilized my organizational and logistical skills,” Stensgaard says. “The work has a similar front of the house, back of the house feel; it’s all hospitality.”

The merging of these skills, experiences, and passions helped Stensgaard to excel as a meeting planner. She now has more than 16 years of experience in the industry, including 10 years working for membership organizations. As a volunteer, she is a board member for the Travel Trade Advisory Board and the director of fundraising for Meeting Professionals International Rocky Mountain Chapter, which presented her with its 2022 Rising Star Award.

Stensgaard is drawn to organizations with impactful missions, leading her to work roles at both the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer and the Kidney Cancer Association, where she is currently senior director of events and education. She cherishes being an integral part of the medical field in an unexpected way.

A rather unconventional path to her dream job proves that every experience can be harnessed to build character and open doors to new possibilities.

PHOTO:

Jeanette Stensgaard

Jeanette Stensgaard’s unexpected career journey led her to just the right places.

PHOTO: VISIT JACKSON HOLE

ALASKA

The Coolest Chillouts

Alyeska Resort

Alyeska Resort in Girdwood, Alaska, completed the first phase of the state’s only Nordic spa, offering three hot pools, three cold pools, a sauna, a wellness bistro, and massage services, all surrounded by the northernmost rainforest. alyeskaresort.com

Borealis Basecamp

Known for its glass-domed igloo accommodations and aurora-viewing opportunities, and located 25 miles from Fairbanks, Alaska, Borealis Basecamp is now open in both summer and winter. There are five new “cubes” with floor-to-ceiling windows for additional lodging. borealisbasecamp.net

Camp Denali

Now operating as a fly-in lodge through 2023, Camp Denali in Alaska’s Denali National Park & Preserve dates to 1952 and has 19 guest cabins and a main lodge. Camp Denali offers activities led by staff naturalists and schedules guest speakers. campdenali.com

ARIZONA

DESERT SUNSETS PRAIRIE-STYLE

Looking for something a little different to plug your group into? Taliesin West in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the former winter home and laboratory of architect Frank Lloyd Wright. It offers Sunsets and Sips the second and fourth Thursdays from October through May, and a Wellness Series on the first Saturday and the third Tuesday of every month, featuring activities like yoga, tai chi, meditation, and hiking. A wide variety of spaces is also available to rent. franklloydwright.org

PHOTOS: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) ALYESKA RESORT / KRISTIAN IREY; BOREALIS BASECAMP / THE NOMADIC PEOPLE; JOCELYN PRIDE; JEN WILBUR PHOTOS

Nordic Spa, Alyeska Resort Camp Denali

Borealis Basecamp

Sunsets and Sips, Taliesen West

MONTANA

NEW VENUES IN KALISPELL

Flathead Field in Kalispell, Montana, is the new home for the city’s Pioneer Baseball League team, the Glacier Range Riders. Opened in June, the venue features 2,500 seats as well as 12 luxury suites and picnic party areas available for games and private events. gorangeriders.com

The 58,000-square-foot Wachholz College Center, completed in fall 2022 at Flathead Valley Community College in Kalispell, has a 1,000-seat performance and lecture hall and a multipurpose activity complex. The complex features a fitness center, gymnasium, art gallery, recital hall, and outdoor amphitheater. All spaces are available for meetings and events. fvcc.edu

Elevated Spaces in Elevated Places

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole introduced the results of a major renovation. All suites, guest rooms, and public hallways were fully refreshed with subtle colors and earth elements such as woods and metals. The room and suite renovations include all new furniture, artwork, lighting, wall and floor coverings, private bars, and work areas. fourseasons.com/jacksonhole

Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City added 700 guest rooms in Utah’s capital city upon opening in October. Located adjacent to the Salt Palace Convention Center downtown, the 25-story property features 60,000 square feet of meeting space, a broadcast lounge, and four distinct dining venues. hyatt.com

After undergoing a complete renovation, the 179-room Sierra Nevada Resort in Mammoth Lakes, California, relaunched in November. The property features more than 7,800 square feet of indoor and outdoor function space and 10 cabins, as well as 20 new four-bedroom villas that will debut this May. thesierranevadaresort.com

CALIFORNIA

Palisades Tahoe Introduces  Base to Base Gondola

Operating for the second season under its new name, Palisades Tahoe is debuting its Base to Base Gondola that connects the two valleys of the resort next to the town of Olympic Valley, California . The launch makes Palisades Tahoe one of the largest ski resorts in North America with 6,000 skiable acres and a full spectrum of lifts, terrain, dining, and meeting venues. Traversing 2.4 miles, the ride takes 16 minutes. palisadestahoe.com

Flathead Field Wachholz College Center

MOUNTAINS

Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole

PHOTOS: (CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT) GLACIER RANGE RIDERS; DISCOVER KALISPELL; HYATT REGENCY SALT LAKE CITY; FOUR SEASONS RESORT AND RESIDENCES JACKSON HOLE; BLAKE KESSLER; (OPPOSITE) TAOS SKI VALLEY

Sustainability at Taos Ski Valley

In tandem with becoming certified carbon neutral by Climate Impact Partners in August, Taos Ski Valley in New Mexico has several sustainability initiatives underway. For example, chairlifts and snowmaking equipment use solar power, the resort is electrifying its fleet of vehicles (including snowmobiles, cars, and a snowcat), a food composter diverts more than 90% of food waste, and single-use plastics have been eliminated. skitaos.com

From top: Taos Ski Valley staff learn about the new food composter; Electric vehicle charging stations outside the resort’s snowmaking headquarters

A Steinway Brought to You

» ESTABLISHED IN 2016 in Portland, Oregon, by classical pianist Hunter Noack, In a Landscape: Classical Music in the Wild replaces the traditional concert hall with America’s stunning vistas. A 9-foot Steinway grand piano is transported on a flatbed trailer to national parks, working ranches, farms, historical sites, and urban greenspaces for concerts by Noack that connect people with the surrounding scenery. The music is transmitted to concertgoers via wireless headphones to address the acoustical challenges of performing in the wild and allow participants to wander around. In a Landscape is available for corporate events. inalandscape.org

PHOTO: ARTHUR HITCHCOCK

ROOM TO INSPIRE

Welcome to Colorado Springs, where our wide-open spaces, 300 days of endless blue skies and stunning natural scenery serve as the backdrop to your meetings and events. Discover unique venues, first-tier amenities and an array of properties. From countless trails and open spaces to delicious local dining, Colorado Springs has everything you need to create a memorable experience for your attendees. Here, you’ll find room to inspire, innovate, connect and re-energize.

Learn more at VisitCOS.com/meet

Your Basecamp

To Adventure. Located on the southside of Idaho Falls, the Mountain America Center will be a game changing amenity for Eastern Idaho. Idaho Falls is the hub of Eastern Idaho. It is the largest metropolitan area between Salt Lake City and the

Canadian border and a major jumping off point for tourism in the Greater Yellowstone area. It is also a growing center of economic activity: since 2000, the population of the Idaho Falls area has grown a whopping thirty-one percent.

FACILITY

• 11,000 sq, ft. banquet and conference space.

• Flexibility to be split into five separate meeting rooms.

• Accommodate sessions ranging from 500 to 5000 people.

• State-of-the-art HVAC system.

COMMUNITY

• Upwards of 2,800 hotel rooms.

• Family-friendly.

• Scenic River Walk and Falls.

Get Crafty

BY BETH BUEHLER

» WHEN WE sent out an inquiry looking for craft breweries located in the Mountain West that have meeting and event space, our curiosity cup was filled to the brim. Not only are these gathering places delivering creative brews, but they are also renovating historic buildings, occupying former theaters, operating scratch kitchens, and offering live music and events.

According to the Brewers Association in Boulder, Colorado, the top three states in the Mountain West with the highest number of craft breweries are: California (931—No. 1), Washington (437—No. 4), and Colorado (428—No. 5).

CALIFORNIA

Figueroa Mountain Brewing is named after the popular hiking peak that dominates the Santa Ynez Valley of California. On the brewery campus in Buellton (the company’s original taproom), a private mezzanine bar area, large outdoor patio, and stage are available for booking, and a private events concierge can help customize offerings to match clients’ needs. There is a full menu of gastropub fare and delicious beers. figmtnbrew.com

COLORADO

The Bakers’ Brewery in Silverthorne is a scratch kitchen for all menu items, including buns, pretzels, and breads for sandwiches. The semiprivate Brewers’ Corner seats up to 35 and looks down on the brewing operation, and in the summer larger groups can spill over onto the patio/biergarten. Bonuses for groups are live music two nights a week during busy times and three hotels across the street. thebakersbrewery.com

Located downtown in an 1892 stone building, Stronghouse Telluride Brew Pub has a variety of beers on tap and a menu full of comfort food and pub favorites. The entire space is available for event use and can hold up to 50 people seated at tables and 100 for buffet-style or passed appetizers. A covered, heated patio is also available, weather permitting.  stronghousebrewpub.com

IDAHO

It is especially easy to toast the end of a day of meetings in Boise, which has two breweries that work well for groups. At

Western Collective Beer’s downtown location, Western Proper, the dining room, parlour, and patio can be rented individually or opt for a buyout of the entire facility. Not only is there great beer and a full bar and food menu, the parlour’s game lounge features mini bowling, Skee-Ball, mini basketball, air hockey, and more. westernproper.com

Lost Grove Brewing is just off the Boise River Greenbelt, a 25-mile treelined pathway. The patio features an outdoor bar and holds over 200 for large events, while a private room that can fit 40 is ideal for smaller gatherings.

PHOTOS: (CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT) WESTERN PROPE / JOSHUA MICHAEL JOHNSON; THE BAKERS’ BREWERY; STRONGHOUSE TELLURIDE BREW PUB; FIGUEROA MOUNTAIN BREWING; FRONTIER BREWING CO.

Tap into the cool vibe of local breweries for refreshing places to meet and celebrate.

Sharing Cinnamon Roll French Toast at Western Proper in Boise, Idaho

Tours are available with patio rentals, and there is plenty of craft beer and handmade pizza, salads, and appetizers to feed hungry appetites. Lost Grove is the first brewery in Idaho to receive B Corp Certification. lostgrovebrewing.com

MONTANA

A Kalispell staple since 2018, Bias Brewing has now moved into a larger space that can accommodate up to 35 guests. A variety of local beer is on tap, including Bias creations, and there is a full menu offered by the on-site Heck’s Kitchen. biasbrewing.com

NEW MEXICO

Rio Bravo Brewing in Albuquerque transformed the 1949 Firestone Co. building into a modern tap room with a large bar, game room, biergarten with a stage, patio, and a large brewing area with glass windows to watch brewers in action. Upstairs, the Barrel Room for meetings and events holds up to 80 seated, while the biergarten can host up to 400. Rio Bravo’s scratch kitchen prepares a full menu, 24 tap handles pour a wide range of beer styles, and craft root beer and cream soda are available. Brewery tours that include a

beer sample served at the end can also be booked. riobravobrewing.com

WYOMING

Frontier Brewing Co. recently moved into downtown Casper’s historic Fox Theater, which provides the venue with great programming opportunities and beyond-thenorm brewery gathering spaces. Groups can buy out the entire facility, rent the Frontier Arena that accommodates up to 87 guests, or book the large auditorium for up to 180. Enjoy small-batch craft beers, bring in your own food, or take advantage of catering options. frontierbrewingcompany.com

Clockwise from top left: The main bar at The Baker’s Brewery; Pouring a draft at Stronghouse Telluride Brew Pub; Figueroa Mountain Brewing in Buellton, California; The tap room at Frontier Brewing Co.

Classic THE CHARM OF Ski Towns

There is no formula for destinations like Sun Valley, Steamboat Springs, and Jackson Hole—simply put, no one can argue with the fact these are mountain classics.

hat defines a classic?

In the case of ski towns, it is typically an equation that begins with mining and ranching communities in the late 19th or early 20th centuries, historic downtowns, ski villages, and outstanding terrain for skiing, snowboarding, and all sorts of outdoor activities. Plus, they are a little hard to get to, which keeps out the masses, and are populated with locals dedicated to protecting their heritage.

Jackson Hole, WYOMING

SAMPLING OF: Lodging Ideas »

Four

Seasons Resort and Residences

Jackson Hole » Hotel Terra Jackson Hole » Lodge at Jackson Hole » Snow King Resort » Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa » Virginian Lodge » Wort Hotel

Attractions

» The Jackson Center for the Arts » Jackson Hole Mountain Resort » National Museum of Wildlife Art » Mill Island Ranch » Snow King Mountain » Walk Festival Hall

It is important to know that Jackson Hole refers to not one town but the 42-mile-long valley between the Teton and Gros Ventre mountain ranges in northwestern Wyoming.

Jackson was incorporated in 1914 and is the largest town in Jackson Hole, while Teton Village is the area at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and is 12 miles from downtown Jackson.

Because the soil was not ideal for raising crops, homesteaders ranched rather than farmed, and tourism took hold in the area with the establishment of dude ranches. Later, skiing entered the mix when Snow King Mountain in downtown Jackson evolved from the town’s first official ski hill that followed a trail built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1936.

Jackson Hole and the Greater Teton region also offer more than 100 Nordic skiing trails and 40 fat bike trails, all listed along with outfitters, trail conditions, and more at jhnordic.com.

Don’t miss walking under the elk antler arches on each corner of the town square and stopping by the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar and Silver Dollar Saloon for music and dancing.

FROM A PLANNER

SMI Travel of Bradenton, Florida, has brought meeting and incentive groups to Jackson Hole since the 1980s. Guests stay in Jackson at hotels that exude the town’s personality and provide easy access to shopping, dining, and nightlife.

“For our smaller groups, we choose the historic Wort Hotel, located right on the town square and with nice meeting space options,” says Ashley Sellmer Nelson, national sales representative for SMI Travel. “For our larger groups, we choose the western elegance of the Rustic Inn. The individual cabins are just perfect for a group, and we like to buy out the Spa Suite building for our VIPs or executives.”

In the second scenario, the lodging at Rustic Inn is paired with the meeting and event space at the Wort.

Jackson Hole also scores big with attendees due to the activities, attractions, and ranching culture. “Not to be missed is the National Museum of Wildlife Art,” Nelson says. “If you are lucky, you might find one of the local photographers home and available for your event. Also, no trip is complete without a visit to the Mill Iron Ranch.”

In winter, SMI Travel groups snowmobile through Yellowstone National Park, ski, tube, dog-sled, and go on wildlife safaris. Summer favorites include whitewater rafting, all-terrain adventures, and fly-fishing.

jacksonhole.com | jacksonholechamber.com | snowking.com | visitjacksonhole.com

Left to right:

view of Jackson; a powder day at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

Steamboat Springs,

Legend has it that French fur trappers thought the spring along the Yampa River sounded like a steamboat, resulting in the name Steamboat Springs, founded in 1900. The town remained isolated until the arrival of the railroad in 1908. Ranching and western culture remain especially strong here, and the vibe has expanded to include a tourism infrastructure that also involves skiing, hot springs, and outdoor adventure.

Established in 1915, Howelsen Hill is Colorado’s oldest ski area in continuous use, while the larger Steamboat Resort officially opened in 1963. Both continue to evolve with Howelsen Hill introducing a snow-tubing area and lift this season, while Steamboat Resort is debuting the second phase of its $200 million multiyear transformation that includes Skeeter’s Ice Rink, The Range Food & Drink Hall, and a second gondola featuring a new beginner learning area.

For an additional adrenaline rush this winter, consider Bridgestone Winter Driving School and Steamboat Powdercats,

COLORADO

From a Planner

The Children’s Hospital of Colorado Burn Camps Program has hosted its five-night Winter Burn Camp in Steamboat Springs for more than 10 years. It’s a gathering of more than 30 young burn survivors, ages 13-18, from around the country.

“We continue to partner with The Steamboat Grand, year after year, for a myriad of reasons,” says Alec Rhodes, program director for Winter Burn Camp. “First, the location and access cannot be beat. The proximities to the mountain, rental shops, and ski school make it easy and efficient for a group to maximize the skiing and snowboarding experience. Second, and probably most important, the staff is incredible. Lastly, the meeting rooms are very functional for the size of our group.”

The group books two meeting rooms on the first level of the property—one for meals and the other for meetings—and five to seven condominium-style guest rooms.

“Steamboat is the perfect place for our group to gather. Our folks are coming from all corners of the country,” Rhodes says. “Steamboat provides a unique and memorable experience for everyone.”

one of Colorado’s oldest snowcat skiing operations. To get a taste of the West, attend the Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo and stop by F.M. Light & Sons, a fifthgeneration western retailer.

Additional happenings on the what’s-new list is the opening of The Boat Yard food truck venue and The Commons food hall, and the expansion of the beverage scene with Routt Distillery and The Hop House.

A light-filled night at Steamboat Resort

PHOTO: STEAMBOAT RESORT

Ketchum/Sun

Valley, IDAHO

By the early 1880s, Ketchum was a booming mining town, famous for its healing hot springs. When the silver market collapsed in 1890, most of the town’s residents departed and sheep became the area’s leading industry. By 1918, the sheep population reached 2.65 million, making Ketchum second to Sydney, Australia, for sheep exports worldwide.

Two decades later, things began to change in a big way. Austrian Count Felix Schaffgotsch arrived in the valley in early 1936 after being hired by former Union Pacific chair Averell Harriman to scout the western United States. His mission? To find the best place to build a destination ski resort. Harriman purchased the 3,888-acre Brass Ranch near Ketchum, and in less than a year, Sun Valley Lodge was completed, and Union Pacific engineers invented the first chairlifts in the world for the resort. The town of Sun Valley was incorporated in 1947 and quickly became a hideaway for notable celebrities like author Ernest Hemingway, who is buried in neighboring Ketchum

Located less than 2 miles apart, Ketchum encompasses the historic mining town grid and is the primary town for the area, while Sun Valley is made up of the resort village, golf courses, and residential neighborhoods.

From a Planner

TMN Events provides both destination management company services and corporate event planning for regional, national, and international clients visiting Sun Valley and Ketchum.

“Sun Valley Resort has the best and most comprehensive meeting space in the valley, especially for large groups,” says Patrick Moloney, owner of TMN Events based in Boise. “Although Sun Valley is no longer a best-kept American destination secret, it is still one of the most unique and beautiful mountain destinations in the United States.”

The wide variety of available activities and culinary options provides a wealth of options for TMN Events’ groups.

“Obviously, alpine skiing in the winter is the main draw but there is also Nordic skiing, snowshoe excursions, and snowmobiling nearby. Summer activities include golf, fly-fishing, whitewater rafting, hiking, mountain biking, local cruiser biking, local tours, and photography classes to name a few,” he says. “Off-site dining is also a draw with many excellent and diverse restaurants in the Ketchum and Sun Valley area.”

Shopping in Sun Valley

PHOTO: SUN VALLEY RESORT / IDARODO MEDIA PHOTO

2023

Casinos & Gaming

Across the United States, casinos furnish planners with one-stop shopping for their meeting and event needs.

PHOTO: ADOBE / STUDIO ROMANTIC

Casinos Do It All

By Todd R. Berger

At the beginning of 1978, casinos could only be found in Nevada—no other state had legal gaming. On May 26, 1978, Resorts Casino Hotel opened in Atlantic City, New Jersey, a year and a half after the state’s voters approved a referendum legalizing gambling in the city to bolster the economy in the area.

A year later, the Seminole Tribe opened the first Native American-owned casino in the United States, the Seminole Classic Casino Hollywood in Hollywood, Florida. Initially a bingo hall, it soon expanded to include gaming machines and poker. During the 1980s, as Native American casinos spread, several state governments pursued court cases to try to shut them down. The tribes argued in court that their status as sovereign nations (per an 1831 U.S. Supreme Court decision classifying Native American tribes as “domestic dependent” nations) made them exempt from state laws against gambling. Finally, in

1987, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in California v. Cabazon Band of Mission Indians (480 U.S. 202 [1987]) that gambling on tribal lands did not fall under the legal jurisdiction of the states. The next year, Congress passed the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, which allowed tribes to open casinos on tribal land in states that already permitted legalized gambling. By 1996, 25 states had legal casinos.

Around the same time period, the Mirage opened in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 1989. This ground-breaking casino resort was the largest hotel in the world when it opened, commencing the era of casinos making money through nongambling activities, including, at The Mirage, shows featuring white tigers and the magic of Siegfried & Roy, a volcano, and an aquarium. The idea was to make customers feel like they already struck it rich with a Polynesian theme, ostentatious opulence, and free food. Built by Steve Wynn and today owned by Hard Rock International, the Mirage fundamentally changed the Las Vegas Strip.

Within a few years, more spectacular, themed resorts appeared up and down the Strip and nearby, including Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino, and Paris Las Vegas, both owned by Caesars Entertainment.

The latest style of casino resorts, the rise of Native American gaming, and the spread of gambling across the country ushered in a new era of casinos that provided the perfect setting for gatherings and conventions of all varieties.

Today, 44 states (all except Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Utah) have casino gaming resorts that cater to meetings and events. Almost anywhere in the United States you wish to meet, there is likely a casino resort that can fulfill—and exceed—all your event needs.

Agua Caliente Casinos

Cathedral City, Palm Springs, and Rancho Mirage, California

Founded: 2001 (Rancho Mirage), 2003 (Palm Springs), and 2020 (Cathedral City)

Size: 23,500 Capacity: 1,000 aguacalientecasinos.com

Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa

Atlantic City, New Jersey

Founded: 2003 Size: 49,000 square feet Capacity: 3,500 borgata.mgmresorts.com

Caesars Entertainment

Founded: 1937 Caesars Entertainment has more than 60 casino resorts in 17 states and 2 million square feet of meeting space across its destinations. Event spaces include the new CAESARS FORUM on the Las Vegas Strip, which has the two largest pillarless ballrooms in the world. caesars.com

Spotlight on Casino Resorts

ilani Ridge eld, Washington

Founded: 2017

Size: 30,000 square feet Capacity: 2,500 ilaniresort.com

e Mirage

Las Vegas, Nevada

Founded: 1989 Size: 90,000 square feet Capacity: 8,650

Monarch Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk, Colorado

Founded: 1997 Size: 5,000 square feet Capacity: 250 monarchblackhawk.com

MotorCity Casino Hotel Detroit, Michigan

Founded: 1999 Size: 67,500 square feet Capacity: 10,000 motorcitycasino.com

Pechanga Resort Casino Temecula, California

Founded: 2002 Size: 274,500 square feet Capacity: 7,000 pechanga.com

Quechan Casino Resort Winterhaven, California

Founded: 1996 Size: 20,000 square feet Capacity: 2,300 playqcr.com

Resorts Casino Hotel Atlantic City, New Jersey

Founded: 1978 Size: 64,000 square feet Capacity: 1,350 resortsac.com

Seminole Classic Casino Hollywood Hollywood, Florida

Founded: 1979 Size: 120,000 square feet Capacity: 5,000 seminolehardrockhollywood.com

Sky Ute Casino Resort Ignacio, Colorado

Founded: 2008

Size: 19,000 Capacity: 2,000 skyutecasino.com

Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort Mount Pleasant, Michigan

Founded: 1998 Size: 70,000 square feet Capacity: 13,000 soaringeaglecasino.com

We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort Fort McDowell, Arizona

Founded: 2006 Size: 25,000 square feet Capacity: 2,000 wekopacasinoresort.com

Wildhorse Resort & Casino Pendleton, Oregon

Founded: 1995 Size: 11,000 square feet Capacity: 1,000 wildhorseresort.com

MOTORCITY CASINO HOTEL MONARCH CASINO RESORT SPA

PECHANGA RESORT CASINO

The Cash Cow

From slot machines and blackjack tables to horse races and bingo, there are a variety of ways to gamble. As a means of entertainment for some, casinos are an unconventional-yet-effective way to generate immense revenue, some of which is funneled back into society.

Of course, the success of a casino depends on gamblers’ confidence in their luck and their willingness to wager. Apparently, people are indeed increasingly confident in their abilities as, according to the American Gaming Association, gambling revenue has risen 21% since 2019, reaching a lofty record of $53 billion in 2022. Nearly $30 billion of that revenue came from 460 tribal casinos across 28 states. With so much money funneling into casinos, taxes on casino revenue are a primary financial resource supporting state and local programs.

By Ava Diaz

Gaming wasn’t always a catalyst for societal advancement. Following the 1929 stock market crash and the construction of Hoover Dam beginning in 1931, Nevada’s economy was in dire need of economic stimulation. Operating as a small railroad town, Las Vegas was soon gaining traction from the infiltration of construction workers moving to Boulder City, 25 miles down the road, to build the dam. Gambling trips to Las Vegas became routine for workers. With

MGM Resorts International’s New York-New York Hotel & Casino under construction in 1996 in Las Vegas, Nevada

increased popularity and a sudden cash flow, Nevada’s government legalized gambling in 1931 to quickly generate funding to restabilize the state’s finances. Gambling was much later legalized in select states across the country.

To regulate the gambling cash flow, state and federal governments intervened in both commercial and tribal gaming. For tribal gaming, the U.S. Congress passed the Indian Gaming

Regulatory Act of 1988 to create a legal basis for the operation of casinos (in states that allowed gaming within their borders). The tax revenue from these establishments helped fuel steady employment, provide consistent cash flow for reservations, and create lively regional attractions. Some tribes with state compacts pay fees based on their revenue to state and local governments. As for commercial casinos, many states

implemented taxes based on gross revenue (after winner payouts) to maximize casino money rerouted into state coffers.

To combat a negative backlash over states’ revenue from gambling, 23 out of the 24 commercial gambling states designate a portion of their casino tax revenue to fund research and treatment for gambling addiction, according to the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies in Washington, D.C. Many commercial gaming states also use some of their tax revenue to fund public programs and services, including education, economic development, infrastructure, and the fine arts (anywhere from 20% to 90% of state funding goes toward state art agencies in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, and West Virginia).

For tribes with state compacts, the breakdown of contributions awarded to the state varies based on need. The State of Arizona, for example, allocates 88% of its tribal gaming revenue to infrastructure improvement for schools, trauma and emergency care, wildlife conservation, and tourism. The remaining 12% is distributed to community service and public safety programs in cities and counties of the tribes’ choosing. Though the allocation of funds varies from state to state, the influx of money that filters through casinos provides states with a constant stream of revenue.

At casinos, there is fun to be had by all. Gambling, to some extent, can benefit individuals as a means of entertainment and the potential for winnings. Coming full circle, the money spent can work its way back into their lives through improved services and renovations of sites made possible by casino revenue.

1950

Above: Hoover Dam under construction in 1936, before Lake Mead filled. Left: Golden Nugget Las Vegas Hotel & Casino on Fremont Street in

The Green Future of Casinos Is Now

By Todd R. Berger

Thirty miles north of Las Vegas, Nevada, among the Joshua trees and greater roadrunners of the Mojave Desert, 323,000 solar panels covering the equivalent of 484 football fields glisten in the sun. This 100-megawatt solar array provides 90% of the electricity for 13 MGM Resorts International casinos and 36,000 hotel rooms in Las Vegas, including ARIA Resort & Casino, MGM Grand Las Vegas, and Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. Away from the glittering lights of the Las Vegas Strip, the sunshine collected by these panels spotlight a sustainable future for casinos worldwide.

MGM Resorts International solar array outside Las Vegas, Nevada PHOTOS:

Many casino properties are making sustainability a priority. Caesars Entertainment repurposes and recycles just about everything at its casinos, including used soap, towels, and dice. Caesars’ hotels also conserve energy by turning off lights and air conditioning in unoccupied rooms. Visitors to Caesars Palace, Flamingo Las Vegas, and Paris Las Vegas who order a glass of Zinfandel are served a vintage directly from a keg rather than a bottle.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides guidelines on its website that focus on green initiatives for tribal casinos, and, certainly, many across the country embrace sustainability. Chumash Casino Resort, operated by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians in Santa Barbara County, California, has sharply cut electricity usage in its complexes. The tribe built new facilities in 2004 that included doublewalled insulation, a reflective rooftop, and a wastewater treatment plant that reclaims water; the improvements saved the tribe 18% in energy costs. Similarly, Michigan’s Turtle Creek Casino and Hotel implemented skylights to provide natural light and replace electric lighting as early as 2008, reducing energy use by a stunning 50%.

As MGM Resorts International did outside Las Vegas, many tribal casinos also turn to the sun for energy generation and to efficient lighting for energy conservation. In addition to being the first solar-powered casino in Southern California, Harrah’s Resort Southern California—operated by the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians—has a wastewater treatment plant that generates reclaimed water for cleaning and irrigation, and a biodigester that turns food waste into water. At many casinos, tribal or not, much more efficient LED lights are largely replacing incandescent bulbs, not an insignificant trend given casinos’ tendency to use lights on everything from slot machines to video displays.

Some casinos take measures to improve life for other inhabitants of their region. The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians in California— with casinos in Rancho Mirage, Palm Springs, and Cathedral City—partners with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to monitor endangered peninsular bighorn sheep through data collected from high-frequency collars. The Tulalip Tribes in Washington, which run two casinos north of Seattle, operate a salmon hatchery on tribal land that raises and releases 11.5 million juvenile salmon each year.

The tribes—including the Snohomish, Snoqualmie, Skykomish, and other allied bands—also actively manage the habitat of the Salish Sea (including Puget Sound) to support several species of clams, shrimp, and Dungeness crabs.

The sustainability landscape for casinos has evolved dramatically in the last few decades. Many casinos now measure environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria alongside the financial bottom line. Often, casinos see setting ESG goals as essential to saving money and increasing profit. Those that do embrace sustainability will be able to thrive as society evolves toward a greener future.

Harrah’s Resort Southern California was the first casino in the southern part of the state to use solar power.

FIND THE PERFECT SETTING for your gathering at Agua Caliente Casinos. No ma er which of the three premier properties you choose—Rancho Mirage, Palm Springs, or Cathedral City—your event is sure to exceed expectations.

Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage has a variety of venues for your next event, including a 13,000-square-foot conference center that’s perfect for larger groups and a scenic outdoor event lawn, complete with dramatic views of the San Jacinto Mountains. For a more intimate venue, book the private Wine Room at The Steakhouse. Awarded four stars by Forbes Travel Guide, the renowned restaurant o ers gourmet steaks and seafood alongside fine wines.

Agua Caliente Palm Springs, in the heart of downtown, is where luxury meets laid-back. The Cascade Lounge is a swanky venue complete with a stage, dance floor, central bar, and elegant booth seating. The Steakhouse is also available for booking premier group dining.

Agua Caliente Cathedral City is the newest property in Agua Caliente’s collection. The 12,000-square-foot Agave Caliente Terraza is an outdoor entertainment space nestled among stunning skies and picturesque mountain views. Hosting your next corporate or private event there guarantees a unique experience.

BORGATA HOTEL CASINO & SPA in Atlantic City, New Jersey, is a top-of-theline destination to host meetings and events—with an added flare of excitement for everyone who a ends.

As the premier casino resort on the East Coast, Borgata is just a one-to-twohour drive away from Philadelphia or New York City, and the amenities will wow a endees in a variety of ways. Multiple slot machines and table games can be found on the casino floor to appeal to any gamers. The fine-dining outlets spread across the property can be reserved for a team meal a er a day of meetings and are sure to delight everyone’s taste buds. With skilled chefs across the property, catering for an event has never been easier.

Whether something grand or intimate is needed, Borgata’s event planners help select the ideal location and layout for each event. Business meetings, conventions, and trade shows can all be planned in one of the 11 secluded event spaces away from the casino floor that accommodate groups from 10 to 700. Each space is equipped with the latest technology, which is customizable. Borgata is equipped to make executing an event feel like hi ing the jackpot.

With more than 50 first-class properties spread throughout 20 destinations and 120 sales executives across the country, Caesars Entertainment’s vast empire promises not only a wealth of convenient options, but a commitment to provide unparalleled family-style services. From ideating an event to packing up on the last day, Caesars Entertainment ensures an easy, streamlined level of service to top off its continuously evolving collection of cutting-edge meeting spaces, unforgettable resorts, decadent restaurants, and more. Over the past year, Caesars Entertainment has shown concrete proof of its dedication to providing the best of the best, with massive new additions to its Las Vegas properties and beyond.

Part of the company’s latest evolution, CAESARS FORUM utilized its 550,000 square feet of conference space to host the 2022 NFL Draft, welcoming thousands of ecstatic sports fans. For the high-profile event, the FORUM created an enormous stage and stretched its outdoor space to include the nearby LINQ Promenade parking lot, helping to accommodate the massive audience. Located centrally amid 8,500 hotel rooms at Harrah’s Las Vegas, The LINQ, and Flamingo, CAESARS FORUM provides the two largest pillar-less ballrooms in the world, featuring modern design and flexibility.

The mecca of celebrity chef dining, Paris Las Vegas, welcomed a veritable constellation of star-studded restaurants this year. Sushi

legend Nobu Matsuhisa opened a second Las Vegas location of his eponymous Nobu restaurant at the resort. Next door, Bobby Flay debuted his fast-casual concept, Bobby’s Burgers, bringing a decadent take on burgers, milkshakes, and fries for guests on the go. Vanderpump à Paris—part of reality television icon Lisa Vanderpump’s portfolio—brought with it visions of an old Parisian courtyard. At the tail end of the summer, Martha Stewart’s first-ever dining concept, The Bedford, opened its doors.

In addition to huge new meeting spaces and decadent eateries, Caesars Entertainment has not forgotten to update the backbone of any stay: the accommodations. Harrah’s Las Vegas’ rooms and casino floor have undergone extensive renovations. Meanwhile, Bally’s Las Vegas is undergoing a complete transformation, from its exterior to its rooms and casino floor—preparing to reintroduce itself as Horseshoe Las Vegas by the end of 2022.

FROM HOSTING CONFERENCES and intimate meetings to epic concerts and worldclass entertainers, the ilani in Ridgefield, Washington, has the state-of-the-art facilities and expert staff to make any event a success. With 30,000 square feet of multiuse venue space, endless entertainment options, and a Four Diamond hotel coming in 2023, the area’s premier gaming, dining, entertainment, and meeting destination will help bring your event to the next level.

Equipped to accommodate groups and conventions of various sizes, the resort’s Cowlitz Ballroom can host a crowd of 2,500 for a variety of events. For a more intimate meeting space, the 650-square-foot Cedar Boardroom is perfect for private occasions. The Meeting and Entertainment Center is sure to create a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors.

The ilani is a unique gaming experience unlike any other in the Pacific Northwest, boasting a 100,000-square-foot gaming floor with nearly 3,000 slots and 75 gaming tables— something for everyone. With the casino nearby and pockets of entertainment throughout the resort, ilani provides a unique dining atmosphere—13 restaurant options encompassing fine dining, casual meals, bars, and quick bites for guests on the go.

Monarch Casino Resort Spa

MONARCH CASINO RESORT SPA in Black Hawk, Colorado, is a world-class destination that brings vibrancy to events of all varieties. The breathtaking beauty of the Rocky Mountains with dramatic canyon views presents a unique experience for visitors. Monarch’s meticulous meeting planners are dedicated to flawless execution from the moment you arrive—whether hosting 3 or 250, the resort o ers easily configurable spaces, featuring state-of-theart amenities, scenic views, comfort, and elegance.

Twenty-three floors above Black Hawk, seek solace at Spa Monarch, a place of relaxation and rejuvenation in the form of unique treatment options and spaces—an escape from everyday life. Experience heart-pounding gaming action in the two-level casino area, featuring over 1,000 slot machines, 40 game tables, a live poker room, and the Sportsbook Lounge. The floor is always open, providing easy access to free-time activities.

Five on-site restaurants o er dining options to satisfy any pale e or occasion. For a contemporary atmosphere, enjoy modern Mexican Latin cuisine at Bistro Mariposa. For a luxurious, upscale dining experience, visit Monarch Chophouse. Twenty-Four 7 and The Bu et are perfect options for casual dining, while Java etc. is the place to grab a Starbucks co ee and a quick bite on the go.

Inspiring

FROM

CUTTING-EDGE

PRESENTATIONS to gala banquets, MotorCity Casino Hotel has the facilities to make the extraordinary happen for you. It’s the only place in Detroit that can o er sophisticated boardrooms, 67,500 square feet of flexible banquet and meeting space, and the state-of-the-art 1,500-seat Sound Board theater.

Guests at MotorCity enjoy luxury accommodations with complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the property, valet parking, and 24-hour fitness and business centers. Add a spa, great dining options, and live entertainment, and you have an incomparable place for meetings and events. MotorCity boasts award-winning meeting professionals, an acclaimed culinary sta , and a friendly and professional event team that will ensure that your meeting is flawlessly executed.

At MotorCity, you can work hard and play harder. When you step onto the awardwinning gaming floor, you’ll find 2,700 slot machines including the latest multi-line video and 5-reel slots, 59 table games, and a 12-table smoke-free Poker Room. Plus, the spacious, two-story FanDuel Sportsbook boasts eight be ing windows, 67 HDTVs, a sports ticker, 54 self-service IGT PlaySports be ing kiosks, multiple bars, and plenty of plush leather seating.

Don’t just meet—be moved by the high-powered hospitality of MotorCity Casino Hotel.

ESCAPE THE

BORED ROOM.

B u s i n e s s m e e t i n g s a r e b u i l t d i f f e r e n t h e r e S p a , d i n i n g , m u s i c , a n d g a m i n g 4 0 0 p e r f e c t l y a p p o i n te d r o o m s a n d ove r 67, 5 0 0 f u l l y r e n ova te d s q u a r e f e e t o f d y n a m i c m e e t i n g s p a c e I n n ova t i ve , e n te r t a i n i n g , a n d e x c i t i n g L o u d , p r o u d , a n d l u x u r i o u s D o n’ t j u s t m e e t B e m ove d by t h e h i g h - p owe r e d h o s p i t a l i t y o f M o to r C i t y C a s i n o H o te l M o t o r C i t y C a s in o . c o m

M o t o r C i t y C a s i n o H o t e l a n d M o t o r C i t y C a s i n o H o t e l d e s i g n a r e t r a d e m a r k s o f D e t r o i t E n t e r t a i n m e n t , L L C © 2 0 2 2 D e t r o i t E n t e r t a i n m e n t , L L C A l l r i g h t s r e s e r v e d

Pechanga Resort Casino

951-770-8551 | pechanga.com

PECHANGA RESORT CASINO is nestled in Temecula’s picturesque Southern California Wine Country, the perfect place to stay and play with 1,090 beautifully appointed guest rooms. Guests are treated to exceptional entertainment, dining, and golf amid 24 hours of gaming excitement. The immense 200,000-plus-square-foot casino features more than 5,400 slots and 130 gaming tables. Encompassing 40,000 square feet is Pechanga’s event center—capable of dividing into five sections for a variety of events.

A world of culinary delights awaits at Pechanga’s award-winning restaurants. Featuring a variety of international cuisines, from fine dining to quick bites for guests on the go, the resort houses eight restaurants and a full-featured food court.

Find relaxation at Spa Pechanga: a two-level, 25,000-square-foot spa featuring 17 treatment rooms, a private pool with cabana massage service, state-of-the-art fitness studio, two indoor hydrotherapy pools, and hair and nail salons. The Cove, Pechanga’s 4.5-acre pool complex, features three main pools including a swim-up bar, floating day beds, and more. The world-class, par-72 golf course, Journey at Pechanga, is ranked one of California’s best, winding through 300 feet of native canyons and ravines.

Meetings &

Quechan Casino Resort

QUECHAN CASINO RESORT is an ideal destination in Winterhaven, California—and is host to casino game favorites, four restaurants, and world-class entertainment. The expansive casino floor is home to a variety of gaming, from trying your hand at blackjack to spinning reels at a slot machine. Quechan Resort Casino has an array of eateries, whether you are seeking a fine-dining experience or a casual sports bar. Close to gaming action and great service, Quechan is the perfect place for hosting meetings and events.

Conveniently located next to Yuma, Arizona, Pipa Event Center is just a quick trip away. The event center is one of the region’s largest venues for weddings, meetings, and special events.

It offers a full-size stage and auditorium with seating for 2,300 and dedicated space for a dance floor. Boasting over 20,000 square feet of space—divisible into six stately rooms ranging from 2,415 to 3,174 square feet—the auditorium can be reconfigured for business meetings, team-building exercises, training seminars, trade shows, formal presentations, luncheons, dinners, banquets, weddings, and more. The expert staff of planners ensures flawless execution to make the most of all occasions.

SOARING EAGLE CASINO & RESORT is the ultimate place to have a winning time and is home to Michigan’s largest gaming floor. Whether you love playing for triple sevens or pu ing on a mean poker face, all guests can win big with one of the largest collections of slot machines and table games in Michigan—something for everyone. Additionally, guests can continue their hot streak over at the bingo hall.

Ge ing hungry? Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort presents a variety of topnotch, award-winning dining options that will appeal to everyone. Whether seeking a thick, juicy steak at an upscale steakhouse or a casual all-American burger and milkshake, Soaring Eagle has the options to satisfy every pale e.

What’s dinner without a show? When it comes to entertainment, Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort has been voted the Best Outdoor Concert Venue in Michigan, and has won countless awards for bringing in top-tier talent to the middle of the state.

REIMAGINED.

We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort

SET AMONG the majestic beauty of the Sonoran Desert landscape, We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort is the jewel of the Phoenix area, located just moments from Scottsdale and Fountain Hills, Arizona. The resort is a stunning state-of-the-art oasis and the latest chapter in the rich history of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. The casino features a spacious gaming floor with hundreds of slots; table games like blackjack, craps, and roulette; and the WKP Sportsbook powered by Betfred Sports. It’s all part of a spectacular resort getaway with numerous amenities and comforts.

Host to a number of eateries for any occasion, We-Ko-Pa showcases an incredible array of flavors from around the world.

A destination dining experience, Ember is the perfect stop for an upscale restaurant atmosphere. More casual options include WKP Sports Bar and Entertainment, Ahnala, and The Market.

The resort also serves those who love the outdoors. The We-Ko-Pa Golf Club is home to two award-winning courses, and Fort McDowell Adventures offers guests the chance to tour the desert landscape on horseback, by kayak, or through guided Segway tours.

Business and pleasure come together in the stunning beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Here, you’ll find 25,000 square feet of meeting space that’s flexible to suit gatherings large and small, as well as a 246-room hotel, unforgettable dining, and more. It’s all in the Valley’s finest AAA Four-Diamond Casino Resort.

WILDHORSE RESORT & CASINO sits 4 miles east of Pendleton among the wheat fields and Blue Mountains of eastern Oregon. The resort and casino has two 18-hole golf courses, nine restaurants, a five-screen cineplex, 24 bowling lanes, live music, and multiple indoor-outdoor event spaces with room for 12 to 720 people. It is owned by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, which includes the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla peoples, and carries on a long tradition of games pertaining to skill and chance from the region’s tribal cultures. The 10-story Tower Hotel has rooms and suites featuring spectacular views of eastern Oregon’s high desert plateaus. Nearby, visitors can tour the world-famous Pendleton Woolen Mills; host events at the Hamley Steakhouse, Western Store, and Saddle Shop; and pick huckleberries or hunt for mushrooms in the Umatilla National Forest. The region also features the Pendleton Round-Up in September, which includes the town’s annual rodeo, as well as brewpubs, wineries, and multiple restaurants and shops along the city’s Main Street.

Sky Ute Casino Resort

UNIQUELY LOCATED amid the diverse Four Corners region of southwest Colorado, Sky Ute Casino Resort is the perfect hub from which to explore the area’s beautiful landscapes. The resort features Las Vegas-style gaming with a familyfriendly 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 also nearby. The resort features 140 culturally themed rooms and a 25-space RV park, along with on-site dining at Seven Rivers Steak, Seafood, and Spirits—the only authentic steakhouse in southwest Colorado.

PHOTOS: SKY UTE CASINO RESORT

Register now for the 23rd Annual Conference at the Colorado Convention Center. Join over 1,000 professionals in the meetings industry and share in their expertise and experience.

TITANIUM

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

Colorado Springs has what you need to create a memorable experience for your attendees. Here, you’ll find room to impress, innovate and reconnect.