THIS MEETING COMES WITH A VIEW
Take a break from the boardroom. Think mountain trails in Crested Butte, alpine views in Vail, and scenic adventures in Breckenridge, Keystone, Beaver Creek, and Park City.
With expert planning and world-class amenities, your next meeting will leave your team refreshed, inspired, and ready for whatever’s next. Let’s plan your next adventure in the Rockies.
BY BETH BUEHLER
Elevate play and team building at Colorado casinos and entertainment venues
Every
6 Meeting Notes
Take meetings from drab to fab with the help of these products, places, and inspiring ideas
10 Destination
Durango, Pagosa Springs, Silverton, and Telluride showcase the best of southwest Colorado
14 Meet + Eat
Chuckwagon suppers, trail rides, and catered events deliver delicious barbecue and picnic fare
22 Industry Update
Discover the latest updates and Colorado news
26 Snapshots
MPI Rocky Mountain Chapter hosts a colorful awards gala
28 People Profile
Terri Taylor perfects the art of planning in the legal, financial, and medical industries
18
Puttshack Denver’s dazzling mini-golf course
Embrace Local Happenings
» SOME OF MY FAVORITE summer happenings in Colorado are the festivals and outdoor concert series. Where I live in Crested Butte, the city’s wildflower and arts festivals noticeably increase the population for a few days or a week, but it’s a treat to see residents and visitors embrace the natural beauty and creativity of this place.
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When planning a gathering in Colorado, do yourself and attendees a favor by checking the event calendar for your destination. Why spend precious budget dollars on booking a band when there might already be a great concert series happening, especially in places like Denver and Vail? My hope is that you consider including an area event during the free time in your agenda. Alternatively, it is helpful to know time frames to avoid when lodging might be in high demand and inflated in price.
If you are planning a meeting in tandem with a popular festival, it is key to get organized early to secure lodging, meeting space, dinner reservations, and tickets. Want to take part in the culinary experiences at the annual Food & Wine Classic in Aspen? Don’t wait too long or you might risk losing out.
Or, sometimes you can ask a festival team if they will do something specifically for your group outside of their event dates in exchange for sponsorship or a nice donation. For example, ask the Palisade Peach Festival team if they would help organize dinner in an orchard like they do in August, or perhaps the Telluride Film Festival could do a screening of films that would speak to your group, and bringing in a movie producer or director to speak in conjunction.
Perhaps you could even build a meeting theme around the festival you will be attending with decor, food, and gifting. Think about what you could do to tie into the foodie Pueblo Chile & Frijoles Festival or one of the spectacular hot-air balloon festivals held in Colorado Springs, Snowmass, or Telluride.
Embracing all things specific to the host destination, from food to festivities, continues to be a priority for both planners and attendees. Think of creative ways to do this, and satisfaction scores are sure to skyrocket on postevent surveys.
BETH BUEHLER
Editor bbuehler@greenspring.com
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Editor Beth Buehler on a hike amid wildflowers in Crested Butte
TRAIN STATION SWEETS
For something elegant and timeless, groups can book a dessert experience at Baumé–A Dessert Bar inside Denver Union Station. Opened in February within the freshly renovated Great Hall, Baumé serves European-inspired pastries, cakes, and tarts along with a curated Champagne list. The seated Baumé Experience starts at 4 p.m. daily and is available for private buyouts for groups of up to 30 people.
“One of my favorite dishes is Baumé Paris-Brest,” says Denver Union Station Culinary Director Kevin McCormick, who oversees Baumé. “It is named after the famous bike race from Paris to Brest and is an old-school French pastry that has seen resurgence in the last few years. Our version is a play on the original with alternating seasonal flavors and textures.”
McCormick is a Michelin-starred executive pastry chef with over 20 years of diverse culinary experience, including at Per Se in New York City and Frasca Food and Wine in Boulder. He also worked as executive pastry chef at Chicago’s Beacon Tavern (now closed) and North Pond, and opened Good Ambler bakery in the Windy City in 2020. baumedenver.com
Convene in Castles
» EVER THOUGHT ABOUT meeting in a castle? No need to book a trip to Europe when there are options in Colorado. Two are in the neighboring communities of Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs, and both can be rented for events. Built in 1895, Miramont Castle in Manitou Springs is a 14,000-square-foot National Historic Landmark that was crafted from regionally quarried greenstone and features nine styles of architecture ranging from English Tudor to Byzantine. Live your “Bridgerton” dreams by promenading through the gardens and viewing 33 rooms with authentic Victorian furnishings before retiring to the Queen’s Parlor Tea Room to feast on Victorian and modern-day fare. Owned and operated by the Manitou Springs Historical Society, the castle’s Great Hall, Solarium, and gardens can be booked for gatherings. miramontcastle.org
Glen Eyrie in Colorado Springs was built in 1871 by Colorado Springs founder William Jackson Palmer and is available for historic tours, teas, overnight stays, retreats, conferences, and more. Tucked away behind Garden of the Gods Park, the 67-room English Tudor castle has served as the headquarters for The Navigators, an international Christian ministry, since 1953. There are 95 guest rooms and 17,700 square feet of meeting space across the spacious grounds. gleneyrie.org
Glen Eyrie, Rudy Ortega
Glen Eyrie in Colorado Springs
MOVES YOU THE MUSEUM THAT
Bike Builds Made Easy
» FOR THE SECOND year in a row, the Colorado Convention Center (CCC) has partnered with Denver-based nonprofit Wish for Wheels, which organizes bike builds with volunteers to bring dreams to life for underserved second graders in the community. Since the organization was founded in 2004, it has been on a mission to provide every second grader in need with their very own bike and helmet. The Wish for Wheels team can work in any state and handles everything behind the scenes: coordinating with schools, organizing
HOPPY SPAS
Athe bike builds (which can also double as a team-buidling activity for groups), and having volunteers present the bikes in person to see kids ride what likely are their first bikes.
“This event has become one of our most popular team-building and volunteer activities, thanks to the convenience of hosting it on-site and our company’s paid volunteer time program, which encourages employees to participate and support our philanthropic efforts,” says Kayla VanCleve, assistant director of sales for CCC through ASM Global,
ccording to the Boulder-based Brewers Association, Colorado ranks No. 4 in the U.S. for the number of breweries per capita. But why limit your group’s exposure to Colorado brews to simply sampling the suds when you can treat your crew to a beer spa? Two of the newest in the state are a second location of Denver-based Oakwell Beer Spa in Highlands Ranch and the Bohemian Bier Spa, set to open this August in Glenwood Springs.
At Oakwell Beer Spa, attendees might unwind in the self-serve taproom, detox in an infrared sauna, soak in a bubbly beer bath, and savor a full-body massage in a zero-gravity massage chair. Beer, wine, cider, and nonalcoholic beverages are served in the taproom, and customizable group spa packages are available. Oakwell Beer Spa can host “garage parties” for groups, connecting two rooms via an open garage door, and the new Highlands Ranch location has an event-friendly patio. bohemianbeerspa.com | oakwell.com
which manages the convention center. “The following week, several volunteers joined the bike giveaway, a celebratory event where we connect with the second graders who benefit from the Wish for Wheels mission and witness the positive impact of our involvement in the community.” In addition to creating an opportunity to give back, these bike builds also can help build camaraderie among participating attendees.
denverconvention.com wishforwheels.org
Tub at Oakwell Beer Spa in Denver
PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE LEFT) Wish for Wheels (2),
Auraria Campus, Oakwell Beer Spa
Colorado Convention Center staff assembles bikes for area kids
UNEXPECTED CITY CAMPUS VENUES
The Auraria Campus in Denver is well known as a shared campus for three institutions of higher education: Metropolitan State University of Denver, University of Colorado Denver, and Community College of Denver—but there also are three distinct venues specifically on the Metropolitan State campus for events of all sizes.
» Tivoli Turnhalle , located inside the Tivoli Student Union, has stand out features like beautiful molding around the stage, vaulted ceilings, and a wraparound balcony overlooking the main event space courtesy of its 1870s design. Turnhalle accommodates 350 for banquets and 450 theater-style.
» The Tivoli Quad covers 4 acres and is Auraria Campus’ largest outdoor venue, with the Tivoli Student Union and Denver cityscape as backdrops.
» St. Cajetan’s is a Spanish colonial Catholic church built in 1925 that was the hub of the Auraria neighborhood’s Spanish-speaking community until 1973. This landmark church is now a multipurpose event center featuring a main hall that holds up to 150 for banquets and 250 theater-style. aurariacampus.edu
The Best Place for Meetings and Events
Learn about rental sites, catering, packages and
St. Cajetan’s church
Savor the Southwest
Charming
» PLANNING MEETINGS AND EVENTS in southwest Colorado means working with mountain communities that deliver a big dose of personality, spectacular beauty, and memorable venues and activities. The region is a little off the beaten path from the state’s larger population areas, but that is what keeps it extraordinary with plentiful open space.
While the geographic outline of southwest Colorado varies based on who you talk to, Colorado Meetings + Events focuses on Durango, Pagosa Springs, Silverton, and Telluride, since they all have unique offerings. Plus, Durango and Telluride have convenient regional airports, and Pagosa Springs is about 60 miles east and Silverton 48 miles to the north of Durango.
Durango and Telluride are best suited to host groups, but a major expansion that wrapped up this spring at The Springs Resort & Spa has broadened the possibilities in Pagosa Springs. Silverton can host small groups for overnight stays at the Grand Imperial Hotel, which was fully renovated by the owners of Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and has 37 guest rooms plus Grumpy’s Restaurant and Saloon.
Not only do they share the same part of the state, but Durango, Pagosa Springs, Silverton, and Telluride all also have rich mining history dating from the 1870s to 1890s, and have ski resorts in town or nearby. Telluride Ski Resort is the largest, while
BY
BETH BUEHLER
Durango is home to Purgatory Resort. Silverton has Kendall Mountain and the ultrachallenging Silverton Mountain Ski Area, and Pagosa Springs has easy access to Wolf Creek Resort, located about 30 minutes away.
ON TRACK TOGETHER
With a population of about 15,000 that grows when Fort Lewis College is in session, Durango is one of southwest Colorado’s largest towns. Three historic hotels downtown—Strater Hotel, The Rochester Hotel, and General Palmer Hotel—offer memorable lodging and function space along with easy access to loads of shops, restaurants, and museums.
It’s an easy walk from these hotels to the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad depot and museum to take a beautiful ride to Silverton for a day or overnight. While in Silverton, groups can book meeting and event space at Kendall Mountain Community Center and Silverton Town Hall. Planners might choose to stop midway on the route at Soaring Tree Top Adventures for a teambuilding excursion on the largest zip-lining course in the U.S., with 27 spans, paired with a gourmet four-course lunch in the trees.
Or, consider DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Durango that borders the Animas River, has the Animas River Beer Garden, and features 7,500 square feet of meeting and event space. James Ranch,
Mount Wilson Terrace at The Peaks Resort & Spa in Mountain Village
Bar D Chuckwagon, and craft breweries like Steamworks Brewing Co., Carver Brewing Co., and Ska Brewing Co., are worthy places to gather, along with Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa.
For outdoor adventures, book a sleigh or horseback ride with Bear’s Ranch. Or, consider a scenic Jeep tour through La Plata Canyon or a private tour to Mesa Verde National Park (about 35 miles away) with Durango Rivertrippers & Adventure Tours.
Downtown Colorado Inc. (DCI), a nonprofit centered on supporting the downtown infrastructures of Colorado communities, selected Durango for its 2024 annual conference last April. Most of the sessions were held at Strater Hotel and The Powerhouse science museum, and included in the event itinerary were walking and mobile tours, an awards dinner at the Animas Theater, and a dinner with DJs at Lola’s Place and 11th Street Station.
“Durango is a vibrant and hospitable place to plan a meeting and conference,” says DCI Executive Director Katherine Correll. “There are a variety of venues, from historic to utilitarian and innovative. The partners, people, and scenery created an atmosphere for attendees that engaged participants and created memories.”
CONNECTED BY GONDOLA
When people talk about Telluride, they usually are referencing two towns: historic Telluride, founded in 1878, and Mountain Village, where Telluride Ski Resort opened in 1972. As the name implies, Telluride Ski & Golf offers both sports in Mountain Village, as well as Telluride Racquet Club, a bike park, and a canopy adventure with zip lines, aerial bridges, and rappeling.
The communities are connected by a free gondola that operates day and night, giving groups easy access to the charming downtown area, ski area, and all the amenities both offer. The largest lodging properties and meeting and event spaces are in Mountain Village, including the 16,000-square-foot Telluride Conference Center. Planners seeking accommodations and function space all in one location should consider The Peaks Resort & Spa and Madeline Hotel & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection.
The Peaks Resort & Spa, owned by Telluride Ski Resort, can host groups of up to 300 with 10,000 square feet of indoor function space and 9,000 square feet of outdoor decks and terraces; this is complemented by 150 guest rooms, 16 cabins and condominiums, and 10 penthouses and suites. The property is adjacent to the ski resort and golf course, while two restaurants and a 42,000-square-foot spa with a fitness center, pools, hot tubs, and a range of spa treatments keep attendees fed and relaxed.
“Regardless of season, there are countless activities to experience,” says Jesse Kittlestad, director of sales at The Peaks Resort & Spa. “Coupled with the restaurants, festivals, events, and shops, you can’t go wrong. Also, having the ability to hold a program or conference above 9,000 feet and literally walk out our doors to ski, golf, or hike makes for some of the best team building imaginable.”
Madeline Hotel & Residences is an 83-room and 71-residence property that has 4,000 square feet of meeting space and the prestigious Forbes Five-Star rating. The Idarado Ballroom can accommodate up to 270 people and opens onto a prefunction area with views of Reflection Plaza Ice Skating Rink and Telluride Ski Resort. During warmer months, the ice rink is covered with AstroTurf and can be used as a 6,500-square-foot outdoor venue.
Groups can enjoy Madeline Hotel & Residences’ many amenities, including a slope-side ski valet; Alpine Swim Club with a heated outdoor swimming pool, hot tubs, fire pits, and an
Right, from above: Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad; Timber Room at Madeline Hotel & Residences in Mountain Village; Greene Street in downtown Silverton
alfresco lounge; Black Iron Kitchen and Bar; and Timber Room with outdoor fire tables and an indoor/outdoor bar. Last December, the hotel introduced Crest Club, a private members club that can be used as a summer event space.
For on-mountain events, there are several venues under the Telluride Ski Resort umbrella. “Allred’s, Gorrono Ranch, Alpino Vino, Bon Vivant, and Tomboy Tavern are the most event friendly, and all venues except for Alpino Vino can be utilized in both the summer and winter,” says Ben Solomon, manager of business development for Telluride Ski & Golf. For standout experiences, he recommends “First Light,” an hour of skiing before the resort opens to the public; “Opening Story,” a snowcat ride to the top of the mountain at sunrise with the head of operations and ski patrol; and meet and greets with avalanche dogs, which include demonstrations.
(for a current total of more than 50), a new geothermal spa with 12 treatment rooms, and an outdoor event space with a lawn and stage. In total, the property’s meeting and event space can accommodate groups of up to 100 guests.
The project also added a geothermal greenhouse, greenhouseto-table restaurant Wild Finch, and an outdoor dining experience known as 1881 Poolside Provisions. Overnight guests can access the adults-only Relaxation Terrace and daily wellness activities such as aqua yoga, aqua floating meditation, aqua sound bathing, and a detox contrast circuit, with the latter maximizing the various benefits of cold-plunge therapy.
“Durango is a vibrant and hospitable place to plan a meeting and conference.”
The town of Telluride has smaller lodging options like Hotel Columbia, New Sheridan Hotel, and The Hotel Telluride, as well as lots of restaurants and shopping boutiques. Ah Haa School for the Arts, Sheridan Opera House, and Telluride Science and Innovation Center are among the attractions that offer on-site options for meeting and event space.
HOT SPRINGS HIDEAWAY
– KATHERINE CORRELL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, DCI
“With the addition of our immersive guest accommodations, expanded geothermal soaking pools, enhanced spa, and dedicated wellness spaces, The Springs Resort & Spa is evolving into a comprehensive wellness retreat,” says Dr. Marcus Coplin, the resort’s medical director. “Our dining experiences further enhance the resort’s offerings, creating a holistic, rejuvenating escape that redefines what it means to connect with nature and prioritize health.”
Pagosa Springs is best suited for smaller groups and is one of Colorado’s prime hot springs destinations, with three options for planners to consider: The Springs Resort & Spa, Healing Waters Resort & Spa, and Overlook Hot Springs Spa. Located at The Springs Resort & Spa, “The Mother Spring” was discovered by the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, currently feeds all geothermal pools and waterworks throughout Pagosa Springs, and is certified by Guinness World Records as the World’s Deepest Geothermal Hot Spring Aquifer at 1,002 feet.
The Springs Resort & Spa offers the whole package for groups including meeting space, accommodations, hot springs, and activities. The upscale property recently added 78 guest rooms and suites (bringing the total to 157), 20 new hot springs pools
Like the resort, RiverWalk Inn has a riverside location and can accommodate groups of up to 50. If you are searching for just a venue, consider Liberty Theatre and Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts. The center is the largest with 7,000 square feet of space and a capacity of 200 attendees.
For activities, Jennifer Green, executive director of Visit Pagosa Springs, recommends a guided tour at Chimney Rock National Monument, mountain biking, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, tubing, the Pagosa Escape Zone, and theater productions at the center. In winter, she suggests snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and Nordic skiing. The community also has two breweries, a 27-hole championship golf course at Pagosa Springs Golf Club, and miniature golf and disc golf courses.
durango.org silvertoncolorado.com telluride.com visitpagosasprings.com
The Springs Resort & Spa along the San Juan River
Perfect Picnics & Cowboy Cuisine
Unfurl the checkered picnic tablecloths and dig into barbecue with a side of Western activities BY BETH
» WHEN IN COLORADO, groups often relish mouthwatering barbecue and host picnics as the sun sets. For planners, such culinary experiences are impactful ways to feed a group and also easy to arrange with experienced ranches, outfitters, and caterers ready to assist.
Colorado Meetings + Events has rounded up four options that come with entertainment and activities as part of the mix. Groups will love chuckwagon dinners in Colorado Springs and Durango complemented by a range of activities and Western shows that is sure to get people tapping their toes, while options in Frisco and Snowmass involve horseback rides, mule-pulled wagon outings, and sleigh tours.
If groups simply want a standout barbecue meal or scenic picnic at a location of their choosing, there are a host of caterers that specialize in both. Read on to hear
about two standout companies to get visions of tastiness dancing in your head.
Located below the beautiful red cliffs north of Durango, Bar D Chuckwagon has presented an Old West cowboy entertainment show and a chuckwagon supper
BUEHLER
since 1969. From Memorial Day weekend through the last Saturday in September, groups can book a night at Bar D and dig into roast beef, chicken, and all sorts of side dishes, paired with lemonade and cowboy coffee. There also is a train, wagon rides, horseshoes, gold panning, a shooting gallery, blacksmith demonstrations, and shops to enjoy alongside entertainment provided by Bar D Wranglers.
La Plata County 4-H’s Youth Development Program held a fundraiser for about 400 people at Bar D last year. “Our guests had an amazing time enjoying delicious food, top-notch entertainment, and a welcoming atmosphere that made the night unforgettable,” says Angela Fountain, La Plata County 4-H youth development specialist. “Bar D Chuckwagon offers a oneof-a-kind experience that delights people of all ages. Its friendly and accommodating
PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE FROM BELOW LEFT)
Krystal Scarborough, Johnny Vacay, Two Below Zero, Afrik Armando, Buffalo Gals
Grilling and Catering
Snowmass Creek Outfitters marshmallow roast; Below: Barbecue meal by Bar D Chuckwagon in Durango
staff made us feel right at home, and the whole evening was filled with laughter, music, and great company.”
The 1,450-acre Flying W Ranch in Colorado Springs can host groups of up to 2,000 for a chuckwagon meal paired with the award-winning Flying W Wranglers, one of the oldest Western performance bands in the world, initially formed in 1953. Envision a classic tin plate heaped with smoked brisket, chicken, Dutch-oven biscuits, baked beans, baked potatoes, and applesauce topped off with a piece of old-fashioned spice cake. Add-on activities planners might arrange include horse and carriage rides, ax throwing, archery, rodeos, and Native American drumming and dances, all available from the end of May through mid-October. Flying W Ranch also offers Cowboy Christmas Jubilee chuckwagon suppers in December.
Planners with crews that embrace a wagon, sleigh, or horseback ride in addition to their grub have great options in Frisco and Snowmass. Two Below Zero offers both summer and winter options from Frisco, with barbecue dinner rides featuring a buckboard wagon pulled by mules to a summer campsite for games like cornhole, horseshoes, and roping before dinner and a Wild West show. In winter, a 20-minute sleigh ride delivers participants to a backcountry camp for a threecourse dinner and live music in a heated tent. Apple pie and ice cream and hot cocoa with a shot of peppermint schnapps wrap up the feast. Two Below Zero can accommodate 100 to 120 guests during winter and as many as 160 during summer.
Snowmass Creek Outfitters’ dinner rides accommodate groups of 10 to 28. The package price includes a 90- to
120-minute horseback ride, dinner, nonalcoholic drinks, lawn games, and s’mores by the fire. Groups can choose from four different menus that feature various combinations of chicken, pork, steak, lamb, trout, and seafood that are paired with sides and desserts like fruit cobbler, bread pudding, and strawberry creme brulee. “We work with corporate groups for ranch rides followed by lunch or dinner—a great option for team building or client entertainment,” says Snowmass Creek Outfitters co-owner Amy Groom.
Last June, Ranch Co. hired Snowmass Creek Outfitters to assist with a company retreat for 40 that had two main objectives: strengthening the team’s bond and capturing imagery of its real estate and ranch brokers in a beautiful natural landscape. In this case, a barbecue dinner was catered by Aspen-based Hickory
Clockwise from above left: Frisco-based Two Below Zero’s Wild West show; Chic barbecue tablescape from Catering by Design of Denver; Western cuisine by Buffalo Gals Grilling and Catering in Colorado Springs
House, Snowmass Creek Outfitters set up picnic tables and provided a horseback tour, and a campfire and live music provided a sweet backdrop. “The response of attendees was 100% positive,” says Ranch Co. Marketing Director Ren Sutherland. “Everyone had a great time and was impressed with the venue and activities.”
Denver-based Catering by Design specializes in creating custom experiences for corporate picnics and barbecues that go beyond the expected. “We provide a litany of offerings from interactive grilling stations and gourmet picnic cuisine to a casual backyard feel, [as well as] design menus that celebrate the flavors of the season while embracing Colorado’s natural beauty,” says Catering by Design Creative and Marketing Director Allie Piazza. “The beauty of hosting a picnic is that you
can really host these types of events anywhere,” she continues. “Outdoor spaces like local parks or venues can offer stunning open spaces with a scenic foothills backdrop or urban spaces where guests can enjoy views of downtown Denver and the Rocky Mountains. For a more private retreat, ranches and mountain lodges in Aspen, Vail, and beyond provide a truly immersive Colorado experience.”
Buffalo Gals Grilling and Catering in Colorado Springs specializes in Santa Maria-style barbecue techniques and serves groups as intimate as 15 people and as large as 750 throughout the Front Range and southern Colorado. Santa Maria is a regional culinary tradition from the Santa Maria Valley in California, where red oak is used in an open fire to cook meats and vegetables to perfection.
At a recent private event held at Spruce Mountain Ranch in Larkspur, Buffalo Gals Grilling and Catering served four different appetizers along with a dinner featuring Caesar salad, grilled seasonal veggies, garlic mashed potatoes, grilled tri-tip sirloin, and grilled chicken with mango salsa. Tara Ames, owner of Spruce Mountain Ranch, shares, “Dinner was served family-style. Platters of food were brought to the tables so guests could serve up what they wanted. It was a perfect blend of a buffet and a plated dinner at just the right price.”
bardchuckwagon.com
cateringbd.com
dinnersleighrides.com
flyingw.com
pbcatering.com
snowmasscreekoutfitters.com
PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT) Johnny Vacay, Krystal Scarborough, Buffalo Gals Grilling and Catering
Clockwise: Evening fireside seating by Snowmass Creek Outfitters; Bar D Chuckwagon show; Santa Maria-style barbecue by Buffalo Gals Grilling and Catering
Just 75 Miles from Denver, Colorado
GET YOUR GAME ON
Loads of great ideas for getting groups out to play and to build camaraderie
BY BETH BUEHLER
When seeking team-building fun or a break from the rigor of meetings, there are places to play that provide turnkey options. To help get the ball rolling, Colorado Meetings + Events has highlighted Centennial State attractions that deliver the bonus of private event space and group packages, and sometimes amenities like lodging and spas.
Let’s set the stage by looking at two time-proven favorites: Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park and Dave & Buster’s. Celebrating its 135th anniversary, Denver’s Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park is the country’s only downtown theme and water park. From intimate gatherings of 10 to large-scale events of up to 10,000, Elitch Gardens blends 54 rides and attractions with versatile event spaces and dining options. For example, the Mountain Grove Picnic Pavilions are ideal for company picnics and social gatherings, Trocadero Theatre is a historic and elegant setting for banquets and presentations, and Elitch Arena holds up to 6,000 for concerts and large-scale productions.
In 1982, Dave & Buster’s opened its first location in Dallas after two young men, Dave Corriveau and James “Buster” Corley, found an empty 40,000-square-foot warehouse along the city’s Restaurant Row. Since then, the company has
perfected the art of a three-in-one arcade, bar, and restaurant, with plentiful TVs to watch sports.
Dave & Buster’s first entered the Denver market in 2007 and proceeded to open outlets in Westminster and Colorado Springs.
Casino gaming became part of the Colorado scene in 1991. This story will explore four notable casino resorts well-versed at serving meetings and events, as well as newer, standout forms of entertainment, such as pickleball attractions, indoor miniature golf courses, WhirlyBall, and a former airport flight tower that is now a place for beer, food, and merriment.
COOL CASINOS
Colorado’s casinos are centralized in the historic mining towns of Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek, and in the state’s Four Corners region, where two casino resorts are operated by
Native American tribes in Ignacio and Towaoc. In Ignacio, Sky Ute Casino Resort is managed by the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and has 19,000 square feet of indoor event space, outdoor areas, multiple dining outlets, a bowling alley, an arcade, and 18 holes of miniature golf. The property accommodates up to 2,000 people for concerts, trade shows, events, and other larger gatherings, and serves up to 800 for a sit-down dinner.
Black Hawk, located 35 miles west of Denver, has over a dozen casinos. Ameristar Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk features 15,000 square feet of meeting space, including a 5,000-squarefoot ballroom. In addition, there are three meeting rooms and seven hospitality suites. In terms of lodging, 536 guest rooms, including 64 suites, keep attendees comfortable and sleeping well. Monarch Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk unveiled its 516-room hotel in 2022, following the addition of restaurants, a spa, and a rooftop pool. Groups of up to 400 can be hosted in the Crystal Ballroom featuring 3,984 square feet of gathering space. Five dining outlets and several bars and lounges are on-site, along with a fitness center and sun deck.
One of the newest gaming options in Colorado is Chamonix Casino Hotel in Cripple Creek, which opened in late 2023. Owned by Las Vegas-based Full House Resorts, Chamonix has 300 guest rooms and suites, 7,400 square feet of function space, and six restaurants and bars. A spa, salon, rooftop pool, and fitness center are ideal for attendees seeking relaxation and workouts.
NEW PLACES TO PLAY
FlyteCo Tower in Denver occupies the air traffic control tower building that was part of the former Stapleton International Airport. Owned by FlyteCo Brewing, the 25,000-square-foot brewery, bar, restaurant, and entertainment venue opened in 2022. It’s a prime playground for groups of up to 600 with bowling, miniature golf, arcade games, Ping-Pong, and a large patio featuring outdoor games. A separate entity, Over Flyte Denver, offers ax throwing, darts, golf and sports simulators, and 5,000 square feet of rentable space in the tower portion of the facility for events.
Erase thoughts of the miniature golf of your childhood as the experience has dramatically changed due to entities like Holey Moley Golf Club Denver and Puttshack Denver, which both opened in 2023. Play up to 27 holes at Holey Moley and choose from a variety of event packages that can include golf, food, reserved space, and hosting by caddies. The caddies oversee the overall experience, including complimentary games such as duck pong (where attendees throw miniature rubber ducks into red cups) and putting challenges.
“Holey Moley Golf Club Denver can cater to any group, from small team-building sessions or celebrations all the way to whole venue buyouts of up to 200 people,” says Holey Moley Sales Manager Kete Blonigen. “We can create fully customized packages to suit any budget and personalize parties to bring your company’s vision to life.”
For a corporate event or team happy hour, Puttshack Denver has semiprivate event space,
Right: Craps game tables at Ameristar Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk; Below: FlyteCo Tower in Denver; Left: Puttshack Denver
“ We can create fully customized packages to suit any budget and personalize parties to bring your company’s vision to life.”
– KETE BLONIGEN, SALES MANAGER, HOLEY MOLEY GOLF CLUB DENVER
a large patio, and colorful murals by area artists. The 24,500-square-foot space also features a dining area, two bars, and four nine-hole golf courses. “We had such a great experience organizing an event at Puttshack Denver,” says Angela Sun, an event coordinator for Starknet Foundation based in London, England. “The sales manager was super responsive and extremely helpful during the whole planning period before the event. Then, as soon as I arrived to set up, the team was immediately there on hand to help wherever possible. They helped our guests settle in, made sure everyone had drinks, and even put up with me changing the event schedule halfway through so we could play mini golf for a little longer.”
Head to WhirlyBall in Colorado Springs to have attendees try a sport combining elements of basketball, hockey, and bumper cars. “Our venue can host up to 783 guests; has 12 leaguesize bowling lanes; two WhirlyBall courts; and games like Ping-Pong, cornhole, giant Jenga, and giant Connect 4,” says WhirlyBall Event Sales Manager Mary Earle.
“We have popular menus such as our taco bar, craft pizza package, as well as live action stations to build your own event menus.”
A private event space at WhirlyBall that can hold up to 160 attendees was used by Dutch Bros Coffee for a meeting before treating employees to food and games. “What a great place to host an event,” confirms Bryan Gumpy, operator of a Dutch Bros Coffee outlet in north Colorado Springs. “The staff is kind and helpful, the food is great, and my team had a blast, whether they were playing the games or just hanging out in a fun and comfortable atmosphere.”
THE PICKLEBALL CRAZE
Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in the U.S. and perhaps one of the most social, resulting in venues that are far more than just courts to play on. Sporty Pickle Bar & Grill in Englewood is a hub for sports with three indoor pickleball courts, other games like pool, and more than 30 TVs for watching sports teams play. Any skill level can participate or spectate from the PicklePit, and there is private event space including the Banger Lounge that opens onto one of the pickleball courts and has three dart lanes.
Counterclockwise from above: WhirlyBall Colorado Springs; Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park in Glenwood Springs; Sporty Pickle Bar & Grill in Englewood
For larger gatherings, combine multiple spaces at Sporty Pickle Bar & Grill or go all-in with The Big Dill package, a full venue buyout that provides access to the entire restaurant, courts, game room, lounge, and patio for gatherings of up to 300 people. Other packages like The Lil Dill and Dink & Drinks are available, and on-staff pickleball captains can teach participants how to play.
Chicken N Pickle launched in 2017, finding success combining a chef-driven restaurant, sports bar, pickleball courts, and yard games. The company has locations in Arizona, Kansas, Missouri, Nevada, Oklahoma, and Texas, and is expanding to Colorado with an outlet opening in Thornton in June and in Parker next year. Chicken N Pickle in Thornton will feature bars; multiple dining areas; indoor and outdoor pickleball courts; and games such as cornhole, Ping-Pong, and giant Battleship and Jenga. The main dining area will be spacious enough for gatherings ranging from lunch meetings to large team-building events.
AMUSEMENT & ADVENTURE
Accessed by gondola, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park in Glenwood Springs is the country’s only mountaintop theme park at 7,100 feet above sea level. Glenwood Caverns originally opened as the Fairy Caves in 1895 but shut down at the onset of World War I. The caves were closed for 82 years until owners Steve and Jeanne Beckley reopened the caverns in 1999 and created the adventure park, which includes cave tours, amusement rides, laser tag, a 4D motion theater, dining options, and more. Time a gathering well to plug into events, such as the Music on the Mountain summer concert series, Oktoberfest, and Winter on the Mountain.
Glenwood Insurance Agency in Glenwood Springs hosts an annual employee event at the park for more than 45 team members, kicking off the day with a barbecue spread under a large tent. “From [going on] thrilling rides to exploring the breathtaking caverns, our team embraces every adventure the park has to offer,” says Ileha Parsegian, senior people and culture business partner
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for the company. “One of the highlights is our custom-themed scavenger hunt. Teams race through the park solving clues and competing for the ultimate win, making for some truly fun and memorable moments.”
Located west of Cañon City, Royal Gorge Bridge & Park is another iconic Colorado attraction. Constructed in 1929, Royal Gorge Bridge is the highest suspension bridge in the U.S. at 956 feet. Attendees will marvel at walking across the bridge’s 1,257 wooden planks that stretch 1,260 feet across the Royal Gorge, and they can enjoy amusement rides, gondola, and a theater.
“The Royal Gorge Bridge & Park has two outdoor and one indoor dining locations for large corporate groups as well as small events,” says Gail Dexter, sales and events manager for Royal Gorge Bridge & Park. “We also provide unique, bucket-list attractions, perfect for corporate teams to adventure together, such as the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park Via Ferrata, Royal Rush Skycoaster, and Cloudscraper Zip Line.”
elitchgardens.com flytecotower.com glenwoodcaverns.com holeymoley.com
monarchblackhawk.com overflytedenver.com puttshack.com royalgorgebridge.com
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Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park in Denver
Fresh Approach to DMCs
The husband-and-wife team of Scotty O’Brien and Mary Dechant launched Denverbased Partner DMC Rocky Mountain, bringing a combined total of more than 50 years of industry experience from the supplier perspective. Event management and design, transportation logistics, strategic marketing and branding, entertainment and talent sourcing, audiovisual services, custom team building, and luxury incentive trips are among the services offered by the new destination management company.
“With a white glove, one program at a time, and a supplier/vendor-run approach, we are redefining corporate and luxury experiences in the breathtaking Rocky Mountain region,” says O’Brien, who also owns and operates The TeamBuilding Co. and Interaction Denver. “Powered by an elite network of vendors and suppliers, we will deliver seamless, unforgettable meetings, events, and experiences designed for impact, inspiration, and connection.” your-partner-dmc.com
APOLLO HALL REINTRODUCED ON LARIMER SQUARE
» ONE OF DENVER’S NEWEST event venues, Apollo Hall, opened on historic Larimer Square in February. Located in the historic Congdon Building, which originally opened in 1859 as Apollo Hall, the space can accommodate up to 400 people. Highlights include a renovated 40-foot bar, private catering room, coat check, and the option to cater through Larimer Square restaurants. From James Beard Award-winning chefs and Chinese street food-inspired fare to Frank Bonanno’s famous pizza and Huckleberry Roasters coffee, event dining at Apollo Hall offers groups a rich taste of Denver. apollohall.com
Mary Dechant and Scotty O’Brien
Major Upgrades at Loveland Venue
» THE RANCH EVENTS COMPLEX, Loveland’s largest venue, has several proposed upgrades on the horizon, including the construction of a convention center, a 150- to 300-room hotel, and a 130,000-square-foot event plaza at Blue Arena.
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Ernest Brown, the new director of food, beverage, and culinary at Hotel Maverick in Grand Junction, has more than three decades of experience. Previously, he was director of food and beverage at Grand Hyatt Vail, and he has held culinary director and chef roles at various properties in Las Vegas, New Orleans, Chicago, and cities in Georgia and Pennsylvania.
Pamela Dixon joined Elevation Hotel and Spa in Mount Crested Butte as the senior sales manager, overseeing corporate, government, and association group business. She most recently was national sales director at Vail Resorts Management Co. and has worked in hospitality roles at numerous Vail Resorts properties for 25 years.
Iona Lee is now director of food and beverage for Kimpton Claret Hotel in Denver, where she leads all restaurant and banquet operations, in-room dining, and seasonal activations like the Moët Chalet pop-up and Sky Lodge at Halo. Lee comes to Colorado from Orlando, Florida, where she held various positions with Hawkers Asian Street Food.
The existing Great Lawn also will be expanded with the addition of a 2,500-seat outdoor amphitheater. In late December, The Ranch announced the acquisition of more than 70 acres of land directly north for campus expansion. treventscomplex.com
Lee Reijgers was named vice president of sales for Visit Colorado Springs last fall after the retirement of Kathy Reak. He joins the organization with more than 20 years of sales experience across the Pikes Peak Region, most recently as director of national accounts for the preopening of Hotel Polaris in Colorado Springs.
Lance Zanett was promoted by ASM Global to general manager of the Colorado Convention Center after 25 years working at the downtown Denver venue, most recently as assistant general manager. Zanett’s appointment was a collaborative decision between the City and County of Denver’s Arts and Venues Department and Visit Denver.
Matt Zubrod joined Viceroy Snowmass in January as the culinary director after holding the same role at The Little Nell in Aspen. Zubrod’s diverse culinary career spans nearly three decades, beginning with The Ritz-Carlton brand, where he honed his craft at various properties in Aspen; Naples, Florida; and Boston.
EVENTS RETURN TO PRIVATE RANCH
The Home Ranch, a family-owned and -operated ranch in Clark, has reopened as a completely rebuilt Western events facility for booking weddings, corporate retreats, and private events beginning in June. The luxury property was previously operated as a guest ranch before becoming private in 2019, and the family compound is now available for a few select public events and requires a full buyout.
The 3,000-acre ranch features a central Great Lodge with a commercial kitchen, pool, spa, and fitness center; lodging for up
to 35 attendees in guest cabins, lodge rooms, and a three-bedroom home; and multiple indoor and outdoor event spaces for up to 250.
The Belltower Pavilion, Hahns Peak Barn, Great Lodge, and The Hawk’s Nest are among the options, and temporary tents can be constructed at various scenic points.
Gatherings at The Home Ranch are fully customizable with access to horseback and horsemanship activities, fly-fishing on the Elk River, clay shooting, archery, mountain biking, hiking, greenhouse tours, and winter fun. homeranch.com
Go Crystal Clear
» THERE IS GROWING demand for wellness integration in meetings and events. In fact, Wellhub’s “State of Work-Life Wellness 2025” report notes that 88% of employees believe their well-being at work is just as important as their salary. With this in mind, the Mining Exchange Hotel in downtown Colorado Springs has introduced the “Crystal Clear Meetings” package. This customizable group offering incorporates short “power breaks” with wellness practices such as mindfulness sessions, mini spa treatments, and guided crystal consultations with Aurathentic, a wellness center in nearby Manitou Springs. miningexchangehotel.com
Hahns Peak Barn; Right: Compromise Cabin
MAKEOVER AT DENVER’S POP-CULTURE HOTEL
» THE CURTIS DENVER, A DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, in downtown Denver, is undergoing a major redesign of all 15 themed floors, including the 336 guest rooms and suites and the nearly 28,000 square feet of meeting and event space. The upgrade is slated for completion before summer and continues the property’s use of vibrant art and playful nostalgia. The floor themes have changed to include “Camp Curtis,” “Play With Your Food,” “Life of the Party,” “Knock on Wood,” and more.
Guest rooms feature artwork and interactive games that reflect the floor’s theme. For example, the Camp Curtis floor transports guests to their favorite sleepaway camp with plaid decor, faux animal heads, wood grain accents, and more. The signature suite on this floor features a night sky with glow-in-the-dark stars. The new decor in all meeting and event spaces mimics candy stripes with colorful patterns on the walls and carpet. thecurtis.com
477 Distilling Adds Loveland Location
Greeley-based 477 Distilling has opened a tasting room in downtown Loveland serving up cocktails made with small-batch vodka, gin, and whiskey, all thoughtfully crafted with regional ingredients and unique flavors. The menu includes old-fashioneds and spiced pear mules, while signature drinks such as the Act Your
Sage feature the distillery’s Orange Barrel and Lemondrop spirits accented by pear syrup, sage, and lime juice.
Or, try a Life Hands You Lemons flight featuring a base of the distillery’s Lemondrop liqueur, vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup in four variations: guava, oolong, honeysuckle, and blueberry lavender. The
new tasting room shares space with sister company Oak + Maple, which crafts sweet and savory gourmet waffles. The Oreo Delight will satiate any sweet tooth, while the Jalapeno Popper and Chili & Cornbread are a jolt to the senses.
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477 Distilling tasting room in Loveland; Right: Barrel-aged spirits
Rendering of colorful guest room on “Play With Your Food”-themed floor
MPIRMC’s Colorful Celebration
Meeting Professionals International
Rocky Mountain Chapter (MPIRMC) held its annual awards gala and auction at The Church Nightcub in Denver last December. Its stained-glass windows served as a perfect backdrop for the gala, which was themed “A Kaleidoscope Celebration: A Mosaic of Moments.” Among the 13 award winners were Planner of the Year, Sara Olán Peterson, Convene OPS in Denver; Supplier of the Year, Eric Holmes, The Jacquard, Autograph Collection, in Denver; and Rising Star, Pablo Zacarias of Denver’s Bespoke. The Industry Legacy Award in Honor of Sandy Gerety was presented to Freddie and Keith Templeton of Rocky Mountain Event Consultants in Castle Rock, who serve as executive directors of MPIRMC.
1. Vibrant event decor 2. Tablescapes with textured glassware, colorful bouquets, and bright linens 3. Pablo Zacarias, Rising Star award recipient 4. Alyssa Martinez, Deseri Martinez, and Matt Oliver Kenfield 5. Zach Ortner, Alexander Stanojevic, Hayley Harmon, and Iliana Ruminski 6. Rocio and Jorge Sanchez 7. Gary Schirmacher, Freddie and Keith Templeton, and Fig Wirkler
Visit Colorado Springs
Welcome to “Olympic City, USA!” Colorado Springs boasts over 500,000 square feet of flexible meeting space along with 300 days of sunshine per year and unbelievable mountain views. Tucked in the shadow of Pikes Peak, planners will find the perfect blend of urban comforts, fascinating history, and natural splendor. World-class venues like the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum, Hotel Polaris, Flying W Ranch, Weidner Field, and the Colorado Springs Convention Center at The Broadmoor will wow attendees, no matter the size of the event. Let this city’s unique amenities and small-town feel bring meetings to new heights. Along with first-rate venues, Colorado Springs provides limitless recreation options for gatherings. Adventures Out West brings groups on Jeep tours, zip lines, hot-air balloon rides, and more. Immerse yourself in the Olympic spirit by taking a tour of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum. Cheyenne Mountain
Colorado Springs
Zoo is one of the most acclaimed zoos in the country, allowing visitors to get up close with wildlife while taking in unparalleled mountain views. Ride The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway to the summit of Pikes Peak, where you can enjoy a world-famous high-altitude doughnut.
Not sure where to start? Allow the award-winning sales team at Visit Colorado Springs to provide complimentary services, like leads to hotels and service providers, personalized site inspections, and promotional materials.
Meet in the middle.
Halfway to just about anywhere and tucked into the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs is the backdrop to thousands of meetings and events each year. You handle the agenda and we’ll take care of after-hours “breakout sessions’ at local breweries and rooftop patios.
You’ll never compromise when you meet in the middle.
The ‘Green Smoothie’ Approach
Terri Taylor shares her innovative meeting- and event-planning philosophy
BY BETH BUEHLER
Terri Taylor has been planning meetings and events for most of her career, perfecting the art in the legal, financial, and medical industries. In 2022, she landed the role of event manager for sales training, supporting 850 sales representatives at Natera, a global genetic testing company based in Austin, Texas. Being at the helm of 30 to 40 events annually keeps the work fresh, as the gatherings include new-hire trainings, a global sales meeting for 950, and a president’s club incentive trip.
“I find the medical aspect of what Natera does as a company fascinating, and salespeople are really fun to plan events for,” Taylor says. “I have many opportunities to implement creative event components and strategies. The overwhelming majority of my attendees are pleased to be at my events, [where] they truly feel like honored guests— and I am a very happy hostess!”
Taylor has coined the term “green smoothie” for her meetings philosophy. It describes her dedication to crafting events that are sustainable, reduce waste, and are as “smooth as possible for all involved,” she explains. “I want the experience to be seamless and enjoyable, and for no attendee to give a second thought as to how it is all happening.”
For example, when sourcing locations, Taylor considers where attendees are traveling from to decrease the number of people crossing three time zones. “Chicago and Denver are two great and centrally located cities that have good airports, significant hotel inventory, and multiple options for dining and activities,” she says.
After growing up in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and graduating from University of Colorado Boulder, Taylor worked at nonprofit Downtown Denver Partnership, where she frequently pitched in to help with events— and greatly enjoyed it. “During that time, I also volunteered with a number of nonprofit organizations and always ended up on the committee coordinating the annual fundraiser,” says Taylor. Her first full-time planner role was with the law firm Holme Roberts & Owen of Denver in 2008, which merged with Bryan Cave (today Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner) of St. Louis in 2012.
Thirteen years later, Taylor believes the meetings and events industry is in a strong position. She says, “It feels like companies are doing events at a higher volume than ever before, recognizing the importance of in-person connection and offering quality and engaging experiences for attendees, which makes planning really fun.”
PHOTO Jennifer Olson Photography
20 TH ANNIVER SARY
