The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. Courtesy Photo

From stunning vistas to towering mountainsides to vibrant urban environments, the Centennial State of Colorado is teeming with truly eclectic destination options for corporate and incentive event planners to consider.

Recently, Pulte Financial Services — a division of PulteGroup, Inc. — held a leadership summit, welcoming a total of 90 attendees to Hotel Polaris in Colorado Springs, which boasts 40,000 sf of indoor and outdoor event space. While the hotel is a preeminent location for meetings of all sizes, one of its biggest draws is its onsite F-16 and 737 flight simulators, which make Hotel Polaris the only resort venue in the U.S. that can provide attendees with the once-in-a-lifetime experience of “flying.”

“We selected Hotel Polaris for several key reasons. The location is ideal for accommodating both local and traveling guests, and the property met all our conference needs,” says Amanda Haley, corporate meeting and event planner at Pulte Financial Services. “Since we are always exploring new venues across the Front Range, the hotel’s stylish design, top-tier amenities, flexible event spaces and breathtaking mountain views made it an easy choice. Throughout the planning and execution, we were truly impressed by the outstanding support and service provided.”

Haley adds that Colorado is an exceptional option for planners, thanks to its diverse range of attractions and stunning attributes, and its unique blend of urban sophistication and outdoor adventure creates unforgettable experiences that resonate with a wide range of attendees.

“From vibrant cities to charming mountain towns, the state has a variety of offerings — each infused with a laid-back Rocky Mountain vibe,” Haley says. “For planners considering events in Colorado, my best advice is to visit your destination in person, explore the surrounding areas and build a strong relationship with venue partners. Understanding the locale and developing local partnerships can significantly elevate the event experience for both planners and attendees.”

Over the years, Loni Paige Weisinger, founder and CEO of Loni Paige Events, has had the opportunity to plan a wide range of corporate events in Colorado, including executive retreats, incentive trips, multiday sales conferences, brand activations, client appreciation experiences and wellness-focused leadership summits. Many of these programs incorporated immersive local experiences — everything from sunrise hikes to après-ski networking events and culinary tastings with local chefs.

“For incentive groups, we often build itineraries around adventure, culture and wellness, all seamlessly balanced with corporate programming,” Weisinger says.

As Weisinger points out, Colorado offers a powerful blend of accessibility, natural beauty and world-class hospitality infrastructure. It’s a four-season destination, which means there’s always something compelling to plan around — from winter skiing to summer rafting, fall foliage to spring wellness.

“The altitude, scenery and sense of adventure make it feel like an escape without being too remote, especially for companies flying in from both coasts,” Weisinger says. “Attendees also love how the atmosphere naturally promotes creativity, connection and mental reset.”

When planning a corporate meeting or event in Colorado, Weisinger recommends meeting professionals plan with altitude in mind. Build in arrival buffer time for guests to acclimate and stay well-hydrated.

“Transportation also is key. Depending on the location (especially mountain towns), private group transfers and shuttles are essential — and should be booked well in advance,” Weisinger adds. “Also tap into local experiences. Whether it’s a fly-fishing outing, a snowcat dinner on the mountain or a farm-to-table cooking class, these moments bring events to life and create long-lasting impact.”

And remember that the weather in Colorado can change fast, so planners should always have a contingency plan for outdoor components.

“Seasonality also impacts pricing. Shoulder seasons (spring and fall) can offer stunning scenery with more competitive rates and better availability,” Weisinger says.

Garden of the Gods Resort in Colorado Springs. Courtesy Photo.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs features around 14,500 guestrooms across the city, and over 450,000 sf of flexible meeting space. With a mild climate and 300 days of sunshine each year, this popular destination has proven to be an excellent backdrop for small gatherings, larger events and everything in between.

Of course, outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to love, with the city’s breathtaking trails and panoramic mountain views. Maybe attendees will want to cross America’s highest suspension bridge at the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park. Perhaps they will enjoy the refined elegance of either The Broadmoor, Cheyenne Mountain Resort or Garden of the Gods Resort. Some might prefer the sleekness of the recently opened Hotel Polaris. Regardless, the perfect venue for every event can be found in Colorado Springs.

Situated at the gateway to the Rocky Mountains, The Broadmoor and its Wilderness Experience properties — The Ranch at Emerald Valley, Cloud Camp and the Orvis-endorsed Fly Fishing Camp — encompass 5,000 acres.

Boasting 784 rooms, suites and cottages, the The Broadmoor also includes two championship golf courses, an award-winning spa and fitness center, a nationally recognized tennis staff and program, more than 20 retail boutiques and a diverse collection of restaurants, cafes and lounges.

The Broadmoor Wilderness Experience properties comprises three unique all-inclusive boutique facilities that deliver an authentic Colorado experience while also offering mountain rustic luxury experiences for meeting attendees.

In addition, The Broadmoor features Colorado Hall and International Center, offering almost 30,000 sf of vibrant, modern meeting spaces designed to inspire collaboration and creativity.

For those attendees who love to be active early in the day, The Broadmoor offers Morning Yoga on the Lake, providing a peaceful natural atmosphere in which to enjoy rejuvenating sessions. The resort also features a 5K walking/running route, offering attendees the chance to get their hearts pumping while they take in the spectacular valley views.

Another Colorado Springs gem is Garden of the Gods Resort. That’s where Shawna Ratner, CMP, director of event strategy and agent experience at Pinnacol Assurance, planned an incentive program for the company’s agent partners.

“Garden of the Gods Resort is one of Colorado’s best-kept secrets. It’s incredibly easy to get to — although less than 10 minutes from the interstate, you feel like you are a world away,” Ratner says. “Most of our attendees came from across Colorado and had never been there before. It’s a modern and serene property that focuses on wellness and sustainability. Colorado is gorgeous year-round, offers endless activities and spectacular dining and provides an array of luxury and unique properties to choose from.”

Indeed, Garden of the Gods Resort delivers impressive conference experiences for large groups, relaxing retreats for executive teams and memorable incentive journeys for others. Surrounded by natural beauty, the resort also offers customizable meeting experiences, giving planners many options to consider.

Ratner adds that, overall, Colorado Springs is a compelling destination for corporate meetings and events as there are a plethora of unique venues beyond the city.

“While Denver has excellent convention centers and hotels, consider the unique charm of venues across the state, such as historic hotels in mountain towns, rustic dude ranches, art centers in smaller cities or even outdoor amphitheaters with stunning natural backdrops,” Ratner says. “You’ll find a network of dedicated tourism boards, convention and visitor bureaus and event professionals across Colorado who are passionate about showcasing this region and ensuring successful events. They can provide invaluable local knowledge and support. You can’t go wrong with an event in Colorado.”

Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center. © Hyatt

Denver

Colorado’s winter activities are the perfect escape for a corporate group seeking alpine adventures, while summer conferences give attendees the chance to explore the state’s many golf courses and other sun-soaked recreational opportunities. However, for year-round corporate events, it’s Denver that truly shines.

The Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center is located one block from the 16th Street Mall and within walking distance of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. With Rocky Mountain views aplenty, the venue is a prime downtown location, offering up to 60,600 sf of event space.

Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel is another favorite among corporate meeting planners looking to provide groups of all sizes with access to city’s celebrated attractions and entertainment. After an $80 million renovation, the hotel offers more than 130,000 sf of flexible meeting space and state-of-the-art amenities.

Nearby, the Grand Hyatt Denver offers more than 52,600 sf of meeting and event space. Located in the heart of downtown Denver, it is just minutes from the Colorado Convention Center, Coors Field, Union Station, as well as some of the best restaurants and shopping in the region.

Located close to both Denver and Boulder,  Omni Interlocken Resort is the ideal getaway for corporate meeting and incentive groups. In addition to the championship golf courses dotting the property, Omni Interlocken offers 40,000 sf of meeting and event space in addition to idyllic spa experiences that will rejuvenate busy attendees. The resort — which recently renovated its 15 meeting rooms to enhance productivity and comfort — also offers a wealth of outdoor decks, terraces and pavilions from which attendees can enjoy some truly stunning vistas.

Neighboring Denver is the rapidly developing city of Aurora, which is home to the Hyatt Regency Aurora-Denver Conference Center. Located between the Denver International airport and downtown Denver, this property can accommodate up to 1,400 attendees with a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces. Of course, when it comes to great meeting venues, the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center has helpetd put Aurora on the proverbial map with its more than 500,000 sf of meeting and event space. A remodeling of the resort included a rejuvenation of the Grand Lodge and the addition of an expansive 15,000-sf lawn.

West of Denver, Monarch Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk in Black Hawk, CO, can accommodate up to 400 attendees for corporate and incentive events, tradeshows and executive gatherings. Tucked into the heart of the Colorado Rockies, this venue is less than an hour from downtown Denver but a world away in terms of the area’s natural surroundings. And when it’s time to relax, attendees can take a dip in the rooftop infinity pool or treat themselves to rejuvenating treatments at the world-class spa.

Aspen

Long considered a preeminent skiing town, Aspen’s charisma is encapsulated by its rugged red mountain tops and steaming hot springs, and corporate and incentive meeting attendees will delight in the award-winning restaurants and charming shops that dot Aspen and its surrounding area.

In the heart of Aspen, Hotel Jerome has been attracting visitors to the region since its founding in 1889, during the local silver boom. Able to host up to 500 attendees, this historic hotel has earned its reputation for providing a luxury contemporary venue experience while at the same time celebrating its heritage in a unique and memorable way.

From its rustic mountain décor to its wealth of outdoor excursions, the town offers ample opportunities to create an unforgettable experience for attendees. To further enhance this, the Aspen Chamber of Commerce has developed preplanned itineraries that will inspire and delight meeting and incentive groups year-round. Whether it’s paragliding, visiting a nearby ghost town or enjoying a guided experience at one of the regional ski and snowboard schools, there is something for everyone in Aspen all year round.

Vail

Colorado’s Vail Valley is another great choice, as it offers a wide array of meeting venue options. Considered by many to be the soul of Colorado, the town is packed with high mountains and deep, narrow valleys — the ideal environment for ski enthusiasts. For instance, Grand Hyatt Vail offers a ski in-ski out experience for attendees looking to hit the slopes. Perfect for aficionados of the sport, the resort also caters to any novices in a corporate group or, in warmer months, those who enjoy fly fishing on picturesque rivers. Of course, when it’s time to get down to business, Grand Hyatt Vail also features stunning indoor and outdoor settings that celebrate all this iconic town has to offer.

Colorado Checks All the Boxes

One of the most significant trends in event planning today is the shift from transactional to relational experiences. Corporate event planners are prioritizing environments that encourage guests to bond, collaborate and build lasting relationships through interactive activities, networking lounges or informal gathering spaces. That’s where many of Colorado’s resorts and venues come in. Luckily, the state is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of experiences that blend the rugged beauty of nature with the thrill of adventure — all while also providing a number of exceptional venues for corporate and incentive events. C&IT