Denver’s skyline.

Colorado is being celebrated as a “must consider” location by today’s corporate meeting professionals – and for good reason. The region offers an idyllic blend of vibrant cities and natural beauty, as well as top-tier meeting venues in cities like Denver, Colorado Springs and Vail. In addition, from stand-alone convention centers to awe-inspiring outdoor gathering spaces, Colorado offers a diverse array of venues from which to choose.

Robert Kraus, MMP, owner and event producer at Small Conferences, LLC, has orchestrated a number of corporate meetings in Colorado over the years, including smaller board meetings, retreats, mid-size conferences, plus a major convention for almost 2,000 people.

“Colorado, and in particular the Denver area, is always near the very top of the list for attendees based on the surveys I’ve conducted,” Kraus says. “The appeal is rooted in a compelling combination of desirable features that increase attendee interest and participation. Colorado offers state-of-the-art world-class venues capable of accommodating any size group and budget. Plus, beyond the meeting rooms, attendees are eager to ‘stay and play,’ drawn by the scenic backdrop, culture and unparalleled access to the outdoors.”

Kraus points to other additional top reasons corporate meeting planners should consider Colorado. First of all, people want to go to Colorado. This means attendance will be high.

“In addition, like New Orleans, Orlando, Miami and Las Vegas — folks want to ‘stay and play’ after attending a meeting in Colorado,” Kraus says. “This is especially true in Denver, which is known for the scenic backdrop, local breweries and access to outdoor adventures and natural beauty — not to mention the 300 days of annual sunshine.”

Colorado also offers high-end venues for any size and budget: From the expanded Colorado Convention Center and the Gaylord Rockies Resort in the Denver metro area to a mountain resort conference center like Keystone Resort, the state offers diverse, top notch facilities for groups of all sizes. Even the unique Wings Over the Rockies Museum can host groups of up to 3,500.

There are also plenty of cultural and outdoor activities for attendees to enjoy. Attendees can easily enjoy hiking, biking, skiing, rafting and team-building in the mountains, turning a standard business trip into a rewarding adventure.

“Culturally, the attendees enjoy the Denver Art Museum, Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center and especially exploring the Ancestral Puebloan Cliff Dwellers at Mesa Verde National Park. In addition, many attendees love to attend a concert or simply visit the Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre and I never miss an opportunity to get them to take The Broadmoor Manitou Cog Railway up to Pikes Peak,” Kraus says.

Considered to be the “Napa Valley of Beer,” Denver in particular is well known for being at the epi-center of the national craft beverage revolution. As Kraus points out, many of these breweries offer large event spaces, tap rooms and outdoor spaces that are perfect for large corporate gatherings. Some favorite places include the historic Wynkoop Brewing Company and the Lowry Beer Garden, known for its huge outdoor space and long Oktoberfest-style picnic tables. The boom has also extended to strong farm-to-table movement featuring high-quality local ingredients.

“Colorado’s strong appeal is a result of several key factors that enrich the attendee experience and logistics, which include exceptional accessibility via Denver International Airport, a wide array of cultural and outdoor activities, a culinary and beverage hotspot, and, of course, its natural beauty,” Kraus says. “Colorado makes a powerful case for a rewarding and well-attended business event.”

Denver

As Colorado’s largest city, Denver has proven to be an exceptional destination for today’s conventions and events. The Colorado Convention Center is the ideal spot for expos, conferences and trade shows. Surrounding the convention center are many major hotels, including the much-celebrated Hyatt Regency Denver, that provide convenient accommodations for attendees.

Nearby, in Aurora, CO, the Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center has proven to be a “must consider” venue, especially for large events, thanks to its 500,000 sf of meeting and event space and 1,501 guestrooms. The largest meeting room is 174,518 sf. The facility boasts a rustic Colorado vibe, which adds to the overall “Rocky Mountain” experience for attendees.

The location is only minutes from the Denver International Airport, making it very convenient. Aurora’s light rail system, buses and ride share options make getting around town very simple. There is a thriving art scene and plenty of nature to enjoy with mountain views.

Vail

Beck Building Company, based in Avon, Colorado, had the honor of hosting the National Custom Builders Council (NCBC) – a distinguished group of 40 luxury custom home builders from across the country — for an exclusive corporate event in Vail.

“Vail provided an exceptional setting to showcase the quality and craftsmanship of the custom home building in the Vail Valley. As one of the nation’s most recognized destinations, Vail consistently impresses both first-time and returning visitors with its breathtaking natural beauty, vibrant village atmosphere and world-class hospitality,” says Jill Anderson, director of business development at Beck Building Company.

“From the moment our guests arrived, they experienced the warm welcome and elevated service that define Vail. The community’s commitment to excellence mirrors our own values, making it the perfect environment to connect, collaborate and inspire. A special thanks to the Vail Valley Partnership for their invaluable support in helping us select the ideal accommodations. Their insight and hospitality made it easy to identify and secure a hotel that exceeded our expectations — and our guests were thoroughly delighted. Many have already expressed a desire to return, a true testament to Vail’s enduring appeal.”

Indeed, Vail is the ideal location for corporate retreats, wellness-focused meetings and executive strategy sessions. The region’s robust selection of condos, charming alpine lodges and hotels can accommodate groups of 10 to 2,000 attendees. In addition, hundreds of shops, restaurants and entertainment venues dot Vail’s exquisite landscape, offering attendees ample opportunities to explore this beautiful mountain region. The complementary in-town transportation also makes getting to and from the various venues, shops and attractions streamlined for attendees.

In addition to the various resorts and hotels offering ample meeting and event spaces throughout Vail, the Dobson Ice Arena is currently undergoing a $55.4 million renovation and is slated to reopen by next fall. The renovated facility will offer a variety of meeting and events spaces for groups to enjoy, including conferences and private corporate functions.

The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs is the world’s longest-running consecutive Forbes Five-Star, AAA Five-Diamond resort.

Colorado Springs

Set against the backdrop of Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs offers a dramatic setting for corporations to consider for meetings. For Ewa Folden, staff executive at Frontgrade Technologies, Hotel Polaris in the heart of Colorado Springs proved to be the ideal locale for the company’s annual Leadership Forum — a gathering that brought together leaders from across the entire organization.

“It was an incredible opportunity for our leadership team to connect, share ideas and align on our vision for the future in an inspiring and collaborative environment,” Folden says.

From the very first planning conversation to the final day of the 2½-day forum, the experience with Hotel Polaris was flawless for the Frontgrade Technologies group. The hotel offers an unmatched experience — world-class facilities, a team that truly cares, and a setting that inspires connection and purpose.

“The property is so thoughtfully designed, with amazing spaces like the rooftop Aviator Lounge and the onsite flight simulator that offer unique, built-in opportunities for team building and fun without ever having to leave the hotel,” Folden says. “The team was amazing – attentive, professional and genuinely kind. The hotel itself is truly state-of-the-art and beautifully designed to honor the nearby U.S. Air Force Academy, where so many of the nation’s greatest leaders have come from.”

The meeting spaces also were perfect for the meeting sessions — comfortable, modern and equipped with top-tier AV technology that made everything seamless.

“Colorado Springs also was the perfect choice because it embodies leadership, excellence and inspiration — values that are at the heart of our organization,” Folden says. “Being so close to the U.S. Air Force Academy added a deep sense of meaning and pride to our event, serving as a reminder of the discipline, service and strength that define great leadership. The natural beauty of Colorado provided the perfect backdrop for reflection, collaboration and connection.”

Situated at the gateway to the Rocky Mountains in Colorado Springs, The historic Broadmoor and its Wilderness Experience properties, The Ranch at Emerald Valley, Cloud Camp and the Orvis-endorsed Fly Fishing Camp is a vast venue offering different types of meeting and event experiences for attendees. Encompassing over 315,000 sf of meetings and event space, and over 5,000 acres to explore, The Broadmoor offers a one-stop-experience for attendees. It is the world’s longest-running consecutive Forbes Five-Star, AAA Five-Diamond resort.

The more than 100 year old resort features two championship golf courses, an award-winning spa and fitness center, a nationally recognized tennis staff and program, retail boutiques, diverse restaurants, cafes and lounges. For groups looking for a more rustic mountain luxury experience, the Broadmoor Wilderness Experience offers attendees the chance to experience three unique, all-inclusive boutique facilities that highlight an authentic Colorado experiences.

The Broadmoor also recently renovated Colorado Hall and International Center, part of its Convention Center, which offers over 200,000 sf of vibrant, modern meeting spaces designed to inspire collaboration and creativity.

In addition, The Broadmoor offers falconry experiences, fly fishing, morning yoga on the lake and while water rafting, to name a few adventures that attendees can enjoy.

Aspen

A meeting planner recently worked with the Aspen Chamber Resort Association to host a corporate event in Aspen. “Aspen offers an unforgettable blend of natural beauty, accessibility and charm,” the planner says. “From the luxury accommodations at hotels like the St. Regis and Hotel Jerome to the world-class dining and vibrant nightlife — Aspen has so much to offer in such a small footprint.”

“Downtown Aspen’s walkable layout makes it easy for attendees to explore its boutique shops, art galleries and renowned restaurants, all set against a stunning mountain backdrop,” the planner adds.

The attendees at this event also enjoyed the various outdoor adventures in Aspen like hiking to see the famous Maroon Bells, golfing at Aspen Golf Club, mountain biking and fly fishing — all of which provided the perfect setting to inspire connection and creativity.

“Whether you’re walking into Aspen Brewing Company for a cold pint or ordering homemade pasta at Casa Tua, the warm and welcoming charm of the Aspen locals creates a genuine sense of community for all those visiting this vibrant city,” the planner says. “I have hosted numerous groups in Aspen and every time the attendees leave feeling inspired, refreshed and wanting to return. Whether traveling in for the warm and welcoming summer months or the snowy and vibrant ski season, Aspen is truly a year-round destination.”

With about 300 days of sunshine a year, Aspen offers the idyllic setting for groups of all sizes. And although the region’s extraordinary beauty is a huge draw for many potential corporate meeting attendees, there also are a wealth of unique venues that leave lasting impressions. From the quintessential Dunbar Ranch, which offers 9,300 sf of event space, to the Aspen Art Museum, which can fit up to 250 people at a reception and includes a rooftop space with panoramic view of Aspen Mountain, there are plenty to truly unique venues that allow attendees to experience everything that Aspen has to offer.

Several hotels in Steamboat Springs have ski in and out access to the ski resort.

Steamboat Springs

With a stunning mountain backdrop, Steamboat Springs provides an idyllic locale for meetings and events with many venues offering a range of settings from elegant resorts to ranches. The Steamboat Grand has over 17,000 sf of flexible indoor meeting and conference space and a grand ballroom ideal for large groups of up to 500 people. Sheraton Steamboat Resort & Villas, as well as Steamboat Springs Community Center and Colorado Mountain College and are just a few of the possible nearby venues available for groups of different sizes. C&IT