The Broadmoor Golf Club in Colorado Springs is considered one of the finest in the world.

Colorado offers a wealth of options for planners — from vibrant urban centers and dynamic mid-sized cities to charming suburbs, scenic mountain towns, grand resorts and boutique hotels — all set against a backdrop guaranteed to inspire.

COLORADO SPRINGS

Seventy miles south of Denver, Colorado Springs is ideally positioned between fruited plains and purple mountain majesty — a setting as inspiring as it is iconic. Yet, Colorado Springs offers more than just remarkable views.

Caprice Caster, CMP, VEMM, event planner with Walsworth Publishing, in Overland Park, KS, brought the company’s national sales meeting to Colorado Springs recently, drawing 180 attendees. “Colorado Springs offers a true destination experience while still being very manageable from a planning and logistics standpoint. The area is accessible for attendees traveling from across the country, and once onsite, it provides a unique setting that feels special and rewarding — perfect for an annual meeting that’s business-focused and recognition-driven.”

The city has energy and does a good job supporting groups looking for something beyond a typical city meeting, she says, adding, “Colorado Springs offers a great mix of scenery, activities and a fresh-air feel that helped keep attendees engaged and excited throughout the week.”

Visit Colorado Springs, the city’s CVB, provided support. “They were wonderful to work with,” Caster says. “They reached out proactively and were supportive throughout the process. One small but memorable touch was that they provided complimentary lip balm for our attendees, which was genuinely appreciated and became a fun, practical surprise that people talked about.”

The meeting was set at The Broadmoor, and Caster says the overall experience exceeded expectations. “We chose The Broadmoor because it offered an exceptional combination of service, meeting infrastructure and an elevated resort experience. For this meeting, we needed a property that could support a high-volume schedule with general sessions, breakouts and special events, while also creating an experience that feels worth traveling for. The Broadmoor delivered on all of that. The property is expansive and impressive, but we never felt like a small group lost in a large resort. The property is extremely well maintained and feels polished and high quality throughout. Somehow, they keep their historic feel and brand very polished. That level of care and consistency matters when hosting an important annual program, and it was evident in guest areas and meeting spaces.”

She says several things about the resort stood out. “The biggest was how well The Broadmoor team supported us operationally. The property is large, but they intentionally placed all of our sleeping rooms and meeting space in the West Building. That made a huge difference for the attendee’s experience — saving steps, simplifying flow and keeping the group together. It helped us feel like a priority group rather than a small fish in a big ocean.”

The group used The Broadmoor’s function and conference space. “The meeting spaces were well managed, and the staff support was consistently strong,” Caster notes. “From a technical standpoint, the AV experience was exceptional. Their team was proactive, solutions-oriented and extremely reliable — making them a key part of the overall success of the meeting. They were hands down the best we’ve ever worked with. We will definitely consider The Broadmoor again.”

One of the group’s signature events, the Million Dollar Club dinner, was set at The Broadmoor’s Cheyenne Lodge, which received rave reviews from attendees and was a highlight of the week. “The setting was perfect for recognition: memorable, elevated and executed beautifully,” Caster says. “The Broadmoor is a standout property for corporate groups because it offers a true resort experience while still delivering at a very high level operationally. The service, meeting support and especially the AV team were exceptional. The way they strategically placed our rooms and meeting space together also made the program feel cohesive and easy for attendees to navigate.”

As for Colorado Springs, she calls it a destination that delivers both experience and practicality. “It feels special and rewarding for attendees, but it’s also a destination that works well for planners, especially when you’re managing a complex agenda and need reliable partners.”

To fellow planners, Caster says, “If you’re looking for a destination that creates excitement and strong engagement and a property that can execute a high-stakes corporate meeting smoothly, Colorado Springs and The Broadmoor are an excellent choice.”

Hotel Polaris, at the U.S. Air Force Academy, 375-room property, offers a spa, multiple dining venues and the only flight simulators at a hotel in the United States, providing unique opportunities for groups. CommonSpirit Health set its perinatal summit with 350 attendees at Hotel Polaris last November.

Susan Fleming, an event planner with the organization who works remote from Colorado Springs, says the destination provided an ideal alternative to Denver and elsewhere. “While we typically host conferences in Denver or other cities where we have a system office, this group’s tight budget required us to expand our search. Colorado Springs proved to be an ideal alternative, offering significantly lower costs while still being easily accessible. Hotel Polaris is just a 40-minute drive from our system office in Denver. That proximity allowed us to manage the event efficiently while staying within budget, without sacrificing the overall experience for attendees.”

She says the city itself was a bonus. “Colorado Springs offers a beautiful setting, and Hotel Polaris — being brand new — provided a stunning, modern backdrop for the event. The combination of value, proximity and an elevated experience made it an ideal choice for this conference. The ease of using the local airport is also a major advantage. With more direct flights than ever before and recent renovations, it offers a much smoother travel experience than most airports. Colorado Springs Airport is my go-to choice for a less stressful airport experience.”

The location and newness of the hotel were strong factors in choosing it for the summit. “We chose Hotel Polaris for its strong reputation for exceptional customer service, its location on the north end of Colorado Springs — conveniently close to Denver — and its upscale, boutique-style design,” Fleming says. “As a new property, the guestrooms were beautifully designed and offered stunning mountain views and thoughtful details throughout. Each room combined refined décor with upscale amenities, including Lavazza coffee makers and reusable water bottles for each attendee with purified water refill stations throughout the venue. The meeting spaces were equally well planned, allowing for easy load in and load out and a seamless flow between general sessions, breakout rooms and reception areas. With favorable weather during the event, we were able to take advantage of the hotel’s outdoor gathering spaces and seating areas, which added to the overall experience.”

The group used both main ballrooms for general and breakout sessions. A welcome reception and a poster display were set up in the pre-function area. “The function spaces were gorgeous and had everything we needed,” Fleming says. “Of special note were the high ceilings, stylish lighting and floor-to-ceiling windows offering exceptional mountain views, and we had easy access to outdoor seating and reception space. We brought our own production equipment and AV team; however, the in-house AV team was very attentive and easy to work with.”

Hotel Polaris was a fit in multiple ways. “The size of the property was ideal for our group. We were able to buy out the hotel, which allowed us to create a true CommonSpirit atmosphere throughout the event and foster meaningful networking and connections,” Fleming says. “The F & B service was another highlight, complementing the overall experience at a very high level. Our experience was exceptional. From arrival to departure, the Hotel Polaris team delivered a seamless, highly personalized experience for every attendee, consistently going above and beyond in how they welcomed attendees and attended to their needs. We’ve already recommended Hotel Polaris to other groups within our company.”

Fleming calls Colorado Springs an amazing destination that not only offers easy airport access and lower costs, but also naturally encourages strong attendance. “The beautiful surroundings and access to local activities motivate attendees to bring their families or extend their stay, adding extra value to an event. With excellent hotels like Hotel Polaris and a convenient airport, Colorado Springs strikes the perfect balance between efficiency and experience for any group.”

ASPEN

Aspen has been known for phenomenal skiing since the 1940s. It’s also the ideal place for William Blair & Company’s annual Leadership Summit, held at Hotel Jerome in 2024 and 2025 with 30 attendees. Lisa Wilson, manager of event execution for the company, which is located in Parker, CO, knew she wanted to host an event in Aspen the first moment she visited it.

“After operating our first Leadership Summit, we knew we would return,” she says. “Once you get to Aspen, there’s no need for transportation. The airport is a 10-minute drive from the downtown area, and the hotels are all situated in prime locations and close to many shops and restaurants.”

Aspen has something for everyone, Wilson says. “In the winter months, groups can experience world-class skiing followed by a lively après at the St. Regis Aspen Resort or The Little Nell. In summer, hiking, biking, fly fishing or simply relaxing by the pool at Hotel Jerome are all fan favorites. Aspen has so much history and allows its visitors to explore it in different ways, whether it be walking through Smuggler’s Mine or enjoying an afternoon at the Aspen Art Museum. For repeat travelers who have visited many times, the talented and knowledgeable team at the Aspen Chamber Resort Association can recommend restaurants or bars, assist with hotel reservations and guide individuals and groups to new and exciting things happening seasonally.”

Hotel Jerome has been welcoming attendees to Aspen since 1889, and Wilson says it’s no ordinary hotel. “It’s a gathering place that attracts people from all over the world. From the moment you arrive, you feel welcomed by the staff outside and at the front desk. Every guest is treated like a VIP. Accommodations are pristine, showcasing an elegant western theme, and the hotel has beautiful indoor and outdoor space for groups to gather. The banquet team continuously strives for excellence in preparation and service.”

Wilson says staying at Hotel Jerome makes it easy to plan a great day when meetings conclude. “Grab a coffee from Felix Roasting Co. and then hit the town for some shopping. Want to include adventure in your day? Book a flyfishing experience through Wild Willow Outfitters right in the hotel lobby. Once you return, enjoy a delicious lunch in the Garden Room before you relax and unwind in the Yarrow Spa. Finish your day with a delicious cocktail at J-Bar and listen to live music at Bad Harriet.”

To planners who may consider the destination or the hotel, she says, “I’ve traveled to Aspen for leisure and have hosted numerous groups in this beautiful city. The attendees always leave feeling inspired, refreshed and wanting to return. Whether attendees are traveling in for the warm and welcoming summer months or the snowy and vibrant ski season, Aspen is truly a year-round destination.”

SNOWMASS

Aspen neighbor Snowmass Village brought the glamour of European skiing to town more than 50 years ago and it’s been a globally loved ski destination ever since. Holiday Seminars, an accredited leader in anesthesia continuing medical education (CME) located in Snowmass, has held its Aspen Anesthesia meeting in the destination for the past 45 years, most recently early this year with 250 attendees at Viceroy Snowmass, the only ski-in, ski-out luxury resort in town.

“The biggest reason to hold a meeting here is hands down Snowmass Mountain itself,” says Jenny Smith, Holiday Seminars’ president and owner. “It’s the best mountain, and our attendees agree. The quality of the skiing and diversity of terrain keeps loyalty and attendance very high at our meeting each year. Once you add all four mountains to the mix on the same lift ticket, with all that Aspen/Snowmass has to offer in terms of dining, cultural experiences and the sheer beauty of the area, it’s a hard destination to top.”

The location is a plus. “Since it’s not easily accessed by Denver day-trippers, it keeps crowds low, which is another huge draw,” Smith notes. “We have a wonderful airport that attendees can easily fly right into. Additionally, the Viceroy Snowmass has significantly elevated lodging offerings in Snowmass, and other properties are raising the bar to keep up with them.” She believes these frequent upgrades among lodging properties, as well as new ski terrain added to the mountain, keep Snowmass fresh even for longtime attendees of the conference.

Aspen Anesthesia is a village-wide event and Smith says her group works with many wonderful properties. “Our attendees are increasingly choosy about the quality of their lodging, but they’re very happy with the offerings in Snowmass. There are also many places to hear live music in Snowmass and Aspen, so there’s always something to keep attendees entertained.”

Viceroy Snowmass works well for this conference. “We chose Viceroy Snowmass because of the ski-in, ski-out location, quality of the rooms, F&B and service that will keep people happily coming back year after year. Plus, it’s only 15 minutes from the airport with free airport-shuttle service, which means attendees don’t need to rent a car, saving them money.”

Snowmass isn’t the only location Holiday Seminars uses for CME meetings, but Smith says it’s the most successful. “We put on seminars in many locations. Snowmass is wonderful because it’s not overly corporate the way some destinations have become. Many hotels and properties in Snowmass are still small enough that you come to know every individual you work with instead of dealing with someone in a corporate office many levels away from being onsite.”

The Viceroy Snowmass conference facilities are another plus. “The windows with amazing mountain views are particularly popular; attendees don’t feel like they’re missing out on the destination while they’re in meetings. I now want windows in every conference room I use! Also, Wi-Fi is included and great, and the staff takes care of every need. The property is a cut above the norm.”

Smith calls Snowmass a perfect destination for meetings. “It’s a special place that everyone wants to return to. It’s a place where you can wow your attendees and have partners and relationships that make it an easy planning experience.”

The Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center in Aurora offers more than 500,000 sf of meeting and event space.

DENVER & AURORA

For groups wanting an urban experience, Denver delivers and there’s always something new to entice planners. Not long ago, The Colorado Convention Center completed a major expansion to accommodate significantly larger groups. It offers 584,000 sf of exhibit space on one level and has several ballrooms and a 5,000-seat theater.

Nearby, the Hyatt Regency Denver has undergone a renovation focused on guestrooms, highlighting a contemporary design, improved in-room technology and eco-conscious elements. It offers more than 60,600 sf of meeting and event space.

Speaking of eco-conscious, the Grand Hyatt Denver, also nearby, has beehives on its rooftop and uses the honey. Their Pinnacle Club offers one of the highest indoor event venues in Denver with panoramic mountain views. They have more than 52,600 sf of space overall. They recently underwent some renovations, including their lobby and some of their guestrooms.

Also popular is the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel. It offers 133,000 sf of flexible meeting space and state-of-the-art amenities.

Portions of the vastly reimagined National Western Center are now open, including event-capable space, as part of the 2.2 million sf of indoor and outdoor space planned for the fully completed 250-acre campus. There are various event centers, banquet halls, auditoriums and expo halls available.

In Aurora, the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center finished substantial upgrades and renovations in recent years. The Great Hall has been reconceptualized, and function space increased with the addition of the Mountain View Pavilion. The resort offers more than 500,000 sf of meeting and event space, as well as more than 1,300 guestrooms.

From high-energy urban hubs to serene mountain retreats, Colorado delivers more than scenic appeal — it offers planners flexibility, accessibility and experiences that resonate long after the meeting ends. Whether the goal is efficiency, inspiration or both, this is a destination that consistently rises to the occasion. C&IT