CREATING MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES In Person and Virtualy

Across the board, non-profit and civic events have changed drastically over the past few years, from concerts and conferences to sporting events and fundraising galas. You’ve probably attended more virtual events, professional and personal, than you can count — and likely, you’re tired of them.

At the Boulder Chamber, we were full of excitement to see you again in person when restrictions began to allow for it, but found that it was a slow start. “Postpandemic, we shifted back to in-person events, but saw that initial attendance, registration, and engagement at networking events and Happy Hours were slow to return to pre-COVID attendance levels,” explains Maye Cordero, Director of Marketing and Events.

Some members were working from home and not coming into town, and on the flip side, others returned to the office but didn’t have enough time to get to the event location. On top of that, gas prices and the cost of transportation soared in 2022, prompting many to stay close to home. With Covid-19 still a significant risk, some members were still cautious about attending events with large groups.

Unsure of how to best navigate these factors, we turned to you, our members. With an external facilitator, we conducted focus groups and 1:1 phone interviews with over fifty Boulder Chamber participants and asked what you wanted from our events and programs. “We wanted to find out what our members were looking for, and what would motivate our members to come,” says Maye.

In 2022, we listened to what you had to say — and now, it’s time to execute on that! Keep reading to learn how Boulder Chamber events and programs will be changing in the year ahead…

Bringing Industries Together

Intentionally, In Unique Places

You’ll notice that each of our seven types of networking events are now on a regular quarterly pattern. “Through this standard frequency, we’ve been able to give more attention to each event and make them more impactful and meaningful for our members,” says Maye. We’re also hoping this revised event schedule will make it easier to fit them into your schedule. It’s working! Whereas we previously were seeing twenty-something attendees, we’re now welcoming 60 or 70 members in person. We’re also feeling the full excitement of being back in person again!

Business Before and After Hours events also are now grouped by industry to facilitate connections between you and your peers in similar fields. “A learning from the focus groups was that venues matter,” shares Maye. “People want to go to cool places!” We want to bring together the tech industry at a place like Google and the hospitality industry at one of our amazing local hotels. With a venue connected to the event theme (in places you wouldn’t otherwise have access to), we want to get the right people in the room with you.

Creating Memorable Experiences

What has been the most memorable Boulder Chamber event you’ve attended since becoming a member? Our 2023 goal is for more memories to immediately come to your mind. “I want people to say, ‘Remember when we did this? I want to do that again!’” says Maye.

Wedges and Wine was a favorite, which brought the Women’s Leadership Group to Lake Valley

Golf Club for a glass of wine and golf clinic to polish skills in preparation for our annual Golf Tournament. The Bolder Young Professionals went rock climbing outside with mountain guides for a one-of-a-kind networking event, challenging themselves while meeting new people. Pups and Pints was an opportunity for dog lovers to connect while kicking back with a beverage.

“When people with similar interests are brought together in a new setting over an engaging and fun activity, it’s really easy for new connections to be made,” reflects Maye.

If you’re interested in getting involved behind-the-scenes and creating memorable experiences for our community, join our new Events Working Committee. We promise a rewarding trade-off for your investment of time, insight, and a little elbow grease!

… With a Few Virtual Options!

Don’t worry, we aren’t leaving virtual and hybrid events behind entirely. Moving forward, all of our Signature Events will be a hybrid format, both in-person and streaming live. You’ll now see both options for the Economic Forecast, Economic Summit, and Women Who Light the Community Awards.

If you don’t want to leave your home, but still want to be part of the networking fun, join one of our quarterly Virtual Speed Networking events. You’ll meet 20 members in 60 minutes — from the comfort of your remote location.

We’re getting high-tech over here at the Boulder Chamber! Keep an eye out for text alerts this year. We heard from members that reminders about upcoming events would be helpful, so we’re adopting a new texting app feature to get in touch with you.

Showing Support for Our Nonprofit Members

New this year, we’ll be hosting a Volunteering Day in September. “It will be an opportunity for the business community to get out and support community projects across Boulder County and give greater visibility to our nonprofit members,” shares Maye. After all, 14% of our 1,200 members are nonprofit organizations! With causes ranging from animal welfare, children’s education, the arts, disability services, and more — you’re sure to find a volunteer opportunity that aligns with your passion.

Our Promise Endless Value to Your Boulder Chamber Membership

While we’ve been around for more than 100 years, we’re not a traditional Chamber of Commerce,” concludes Maye. “We’re always open to trying new things, keeping it fun, being flexible, and doing things differently to exceed our members’ expectations.” See you at a Boulder Chamber event soon!