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BY BETH BUEHLER
Colorado meeting planners share inspiration sources, inventive ideas, and a few of their proudest events
4 Editor’s Note
6 Meeting Notes
Reinforce your planner toolkit with inspiring ideas, pro tips, and handy products
10 Destination
Colorado Springs’ impressive list of venues and attractions encourages meeting planners to think big
16 Trend Report
Tips for navigating event contract negotiations, from avoiding surprises to knowing when to walk away
22 Industry Update
Get the inside scoop on meetings and events industry news in Colorado
26 Snapshots
Destination Colorado Meetings hosts a ‘Holiday Hoedown’ trade show at Denver’s National Western Center
28 People Profile
While pursuing a golf career, Jack Damioli found his calling leading luxury hotels like The Broadmoor







Inspiring Spaces.
An Enticing Destination.
At Viceroy Snowmass, we elevate every gathering into a truly remarkable experience. Inspiring event spaces with spectacular mountain views, refined amenities, and serene spaces for relaxation come together to create events that feel both luxurious and effortless.
Let’s make your next event unforgettable.

» THE BEST WAY to learn about a destination as a meeting planner or journalist is to visit in person. Last year, I tacked on a day to explore Colorado Springs further after volunteering with the on-site planning team for the Colorado Governor’s Tourism Conference (Oct. 22-24). This extra time was invaluable, allowing me to pen the destination story for this issue with a deeper understanding of the city.

Editor Beth Buehler on Larimer Square in downtown Denver
meetingsmags.com/colorado meetingsmags
I appreciated having my first glimpse of Hotel Polaris, the main conference site, which opened in 2024—it caught my attention from the initial press releases about the property being built next to the North Gate of the U.S. Air Force Academy. The hotel contains so many unique architectural and decor details that tie into the academy, and many attendees mentioned how fitting the property was for the event. Special touches included a welcome letter that could be transformed into a paper airplane and an aviation-themed teddy bear greeting guests in their rooms.
On the first night of the conference, we went to the beautiful U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum, where the welcome reception flowed throughout the facility, including all 12 galleries. My favorite part was holding a real Olympic medal and torch, but I also enjoyed the interactive exhibits for simulated alpine skiing, archery, skeleton, and more. The next evening’s after-hours event was held at Flying W Ranch, which has been owned and operated by the same family since 1947. The ranch did an excellent job entertaining and immersing attendees, with cowgirls on horseback and small ponies greeting guests upon arrival, a rousing musical performance by the Flying W Wranglers, an impressive barrel-racing demonstration, and delicious comfort foods like berry pie.
After the last boxes were loaded for transportation back to the Colorado Tourism Office in Denver, I hiked the trails and browsed the visitor center at Garden of the Gods Park; stayed at the nearby Garden of the Gods Resort & Club; and wandered, shopped, and dined in the Old Colorado City district. After four days well spent, I said goodbye to Colorado Springs and headed home, feeling an immense appreciation for the state’s second-largest city.

BETH BUEHLER Editor bbuehler@greenspring.com
meetingsmags.com/colorado
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Colorado’s third-largest city delivers bountiful options for groups, from a diverse food scene to scenic parks BY BETH BUEHLER
» AURORA IS A PRIME DESTINATION for groups hosting small- and medium-size meetings with 500 attendees or less, offering easy accessibility, regional flair, and diverse venues. Planners also can go big with Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, featuring 1,501 guest rooms and suites and more than 500,000 square feet of function space. “Aurora is a city on the verge of major growth,” says Amber Hejduk, director of sales for Visit Aurora. “New hotels, entertainment venues, restaurants, and retail developments continue to emerge, making it a destination that’s evolving rapidly.”
VIBE: Beyond boardrooms and ballrooms, Aurora has 103 picturesque parks, 119 miles of scenic trails, and 10 golf courses for getting outdoors. The city’s dynamic food scene with 400-plus restaurants serving global cuisine can be paired with innovative craft beers and ciders to give attendees a taste of Aurora. “Aurora offers the best of Colorado with wide-open spaces, incredible outdoor experiences, and a genuine sense of place that, combined with a meeting infrastructure, make planning easy,” Hejduk says.
TRANSPORTATION: There is hardly a time when something new isn’t in the works or being introduced at Denver International Airport, located about 10 miles from Aurora. As the country’s fourth-busiest airport in terms of passenger numbers, Denver International Airport has nonstop flights to 231 destinations worldwide. The airport’s recent Gate Expansion Program that wrapped in 2022 added 39 gates, a new American Airlines club, and more, while the Great Hall Program currently underway aims to update ticketing space and add a new security checkpoint, among other refreshes to be completed next year.
HOTELS: Visit Aurora works with 68 hotel properties that have more than 11,500 guest rooms. While Gaylord Rockies is a flagship resort, the city offers additional strong options, including Hyatt Regency Aurora-Denver Conference Center, Denver Airport Marriott at Gateway Park, DoubleTree by Hilton Aurora, and The Benson Hotel & Faculty Club. “Together, these properties offer a range of styles and capacities, providing planners with a variety of options to suit their goals and group profile,” Hejduk shares.
VENUES: Stanley Marketplace, a converted aviation factory, serves as a memorable dine-around option and place for internationally themed cooking classes at Create Kitchen & Bar. The Local Drive Hangar within the market features 12 Trackman-powered golf bays, two bars, and more than 10,000 square feet of space spread across two levels, as well as an outdoor patio and adjacent sand volleyball court. Elsewhere, Cerebral Brewing, Cheluna Brewing Co., and Second Dawn Brewing Co. are well-versed in hosting groups, along with the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds Event Center, which provides over 50,000 square feet of indoor gathering space and multiple lawns for outdoor functions.
MUST-SEES & -DOS: If getting outside is a priority, Cherry Creek State Park has an 880-acre reservoir for water sports, 35 miles of trails, an amphitheater that holds up to 100 people, and the Smoky Hill and Dixon Grove shelters that each accommodate up to 250. Give attendees a taste of the West by booking 12 Mile Stables for trail rides, horse-drawn hayrides, and Western-style meals for groups of five to 250 at the park.
visitaurora.com
Two of Boulder’s beloved national brands open their factories to the public and groups for tours. Walk into almost any grocery store in the U.S. and you will likely find Boulder’s Celestial Seasonings in the tea aisle. Founded in 1969 and now one of the largest tea manufacturers in North America, Celestial Seasonings housed its first production facility in a Boulder barn. While touring the current factory, participants watch as tea, herbs, spices, and other botanicals are carefully blended and boxed, and they can savor complimentary samples of over 80 tea varieties in the Tea Bar. During the $6 tour, make sure to stop and admire the colorful original paintings that also adorn the tea boxes.
For another fun and educational option, see firsthand how Liberty Puzzles’ wooden jigsaw puzzles are made on the company’s free tour at its 49th Street factory. Founded in 2005, Liberty designs, manufactures, and boxes all its products at the Boulder facility. Known for beautiful artwork and unique puzzle-piece shapes, Liberty Puzzles’ products are memorable gifts. Factory tours are limited to 12 people per group.
celestialseasonings.com | libertypuzzles.com





» WHEN GATHERING at Grand Hyatt
Vail Resort and Spa, groups can book a variety of add-on activities. Highlights include “Cowboy Hat Bars” from Reverie Collab, a Vail Valley-based business that gives attendees the opportunity to design personalized Western-style hats to wear and take home. The on-site Japanese restaurant Makoto Vail is the backdrop for a sake-tasting experience and sushi rolling; the tasting highlights four distinct sake styles from across Japan and includes 3-ounce pours and insights into the flavors, history, and technique behind each type. Additional options on the programming menu include après-snowshoe, guided hikes, horseback trail rides, fly-fishing, yoga, singing-bowl meditation, private movie theater rentals, spa buyouts, and interactive Topgolf Swing Suites. hyatt.com



Colorado has a long and storied cattle-ranching history, especially on the Eastern Plains and Western Slope. The state is known for wellmarbled, flavorful beef that locally owned steakhouses source directly from Colorado ranches and other producers statewide. Chef-driven steakhouse menus incorporate dry-aged cuts of beef, wood-fired grills, Colorado lamb and bison, and vegetarian options to fit a variety of tastes. Plus, many of the state’s top steakhouses have private dining rooms and offer full buyouts for groups, with the newest being Broadway 10 that opened in Denver’s Cherry Creek North neighborhood in December.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Colorado’s oldest steakhouse, Denver’s Buckhorn Exchange, delivers vintage character and classic cuts, while two Elway’s locations—Elway’s Vail and Elway’s Downtown at The Ritz-Carlton, Denver—are go-tos for business and high-end dinners, offering refined experiences and multiple private dining options. Also in The Mile High City, Guard and Grace by Chef Troy Guard impresses with a contemporary feel and fire-grilled steaks, while Chef Dana Rodriguez’s Carne is all about international flavors. And some of these establishments have a touch of football star power: Elway’s is co-owned by former NFL Denver Broncos quarterback and Hall of Famer John Elway, while Shanahan’s Steakhouse in Denver is named for former Broncos coach Mike Shanahan. In Fort Collins, Sonny Lubick, the well-known retired Colorado State University football coach, is the inspiration behind Sonny Lubick Steakhouse.
It’s hard to beat steakhouses with mountain views, and three stand out from the rest: The Steakhouse at Flying Horse within Flying Horse Resort & Club in Colorado Springs, Charter Steakhouse in The Charter at Beaver Creek, and Corrida in Boulder. The Steakhouse at Flying Horse is in a Tuscan-style villa and Charter Steakhouse is steps from the ski slopes, while Corrida has Spanish flair and a focus on wood-fired steak and seafood.
b10chophouse.com buckhorn.com carne-rino.com chartersteakhouse.com corridaboulder.com
» WITH COLORADO’S 300 DAYS of annual sunshine, it’s never too early to start thinking about patio time. The Colorado adage, “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes,” is good news for groups and all patio lovers. The following are two in Denver to consider.
Number 38 in the RiNo Art District is an all-in-one taproom, music venue, and social hall. The 20,000-square-foot patio with a dedicated bar is great for mingling and watching sports on the 220-inch outdoor LED wall and two TVs. The 120 taps featuring Colorado brews should quench almost anyone’s thirst. nmbr38.com
Groups can soak in island vibes on Adrift Tiki Bar’s patio that is decked out with colorful tropical murals, picnic tables, and grasslined umbrellas. Order handcrafted tiki cocktails, punch bowls, and mocktails from the menu, which also features appetizers, small plates, entrees, and desserts. adriftbar.com
elways.com flyinghorseresort.com guardandgrace.com shanahanssteakhouse.com sonnylubicksteakhouse.com


8,600 sq. ft ballroom and 3 meeting spaces
Professional AV support team
Dedicated venue manager
Complimentary parking


Schedule your private tour and see why Denver’s top companies choose Infinity Park for their most important events.







Colorado Springs helps planners secure a podium finish with standout meetings
BY BETH BUEHLER
» ANCHORED BY the silhouette of Pikes Peak, Colorado’s second-largest city is one of the state’s most versatile meetings and events destinations. With an impressive lineup of group-friendly resorts and hotels, distinctive venues, and extraordinary experiences, Colorado Springs allows planners to think big, even when bookings are for smaller groups.
“Colorado Springs is a beautiful city— a big city with a small-town feel,” says Jack Damioli, president and CEO of The Broadmoor, one of the most renowned hotels in Colorado with a rich history spanning over a hundred years. “There is a lively food and bar scene downtown and a wonderful urban interface with wilderness. It is only a 1-mile walk from The Broadmoor to North Cheyenne Cañon Park, with The Broadmoor Seven Falls in this area.”
The hotel purchased Seven Falls back in 2014 and reopened the park, known for its seven canyon waterfalls, one year later after restoration work and the addition of Restaurant 1858 and the Soaring Adventure zip-line courses.
Known as “Olympic City USA,” Colorado Springs is home to the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee; Colorado Springs Olympic & Paralympic Training Center; U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum; and 26 national governing bodies, which are responsible for managing training, competition, and development for specific sports. Meeting planners might book

function space and group activities at both the museum and training center.
Groups also can learn about notable athletes at the World Figure Skating Museum & Hall of Fame and ProRodeo Hall of Fame & Museum of the American Cowboy; the latter offers several indoor and outdoor function spaces. Celebrate the spirit of competition by cheering on the United Soccer League’s Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC at Weidner Field, an 8,000-seat outdoor stadium in downtown Colorado Springs that can be booked for gatherings.
“Colorado Springs offers first-tier amenities without the first-tier price tag,” says Dina Worthen, director of sales for Visit Colorado Springs. “For many attendees, the city is a bucket-list destination, driving program attendance across all industries. Additionally, access continues to get easier with increased flights to the Colorado Springs Airport, which is served by all the major airlines.” Denver International Airport is just over an hour away, expanding flight options even further.

Colorado Springs’ lodging landscape supports gatherings of all sizes and styles. “We have a wide range of lodging options, so we can work with larger groups of more than 400 down to board retreats or incentive programs of 20 people,” confirms Worthen. “About 150 to 200 [attendees] is the sweet spot for many of our hotel properties.”
However, the 41st annual Space Foundation Space Symposium to be held April 13-16 will be a major exception, with more than 10,000 registrants representing 1,500 organizations attending the event last year. The Broadmoor always serves as the meeting location and joins Cheyenne Mountain Resort, A Destination by Hyatt Hotel, as a host hotel. Twenty-eight other area properties are part of the lodging pool, each with shuttle transportation provided to the conference.
Opened in 1918, The Broadmoor has 315,000 square feet of meeting space that spans elegant ballrooms, flexible breakout rooms, and picturesque outdoor spaces.

“Colorado Springs is a beautiful city—a big city with a small-town feel.”
–JACK DAMIOLI, PRESIDENT AND CEO, THE BROADMOOR
The property also is well known for its many diverse dining outlets and on-site activities, including a Forbes Five-Star spa and two championship golf courses. For accommodations, there are 784 guest rooms and suites, including cottages, brownstones, and the five-bedroom Estate House. The resort extends beyond the main 5,000-acre campus and into the mountains surrounding Colorado Springs with two Wilderness Experience properties: Cloud Camp and The Ranch at Emerald Valley.
The latest news from The Broadmoor is the relaunch of The Penrose Room, which opened in 1961 and became the first Colorado restaurant to earn a Forbes Five-Star rating in 2008, a year after receiving a AAA Five-Diamond rating. “The Penrose Room is stunning, and we are getting rave reviews,” shares Damioli. “We also are finishing up plans for a par-3 golf course that will launch in 2027.”
Three other full-service resorts in the area also are well worth consideration and offer the whole package: lodging, meeting space, restaurants, spas, golf, tennis, and
a long list of additional activities. All have earned AAA Four-Diamond ratings, and each has its own unique personality and distinct features for groups. For example, Garden of the Gods Resort & Club is surrounded by the red rocks that make Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center one of the city’s best-known attractions. The 117-room resort wrapped up a $40 million renovation in 2023 and has 57 guest rooms and suites in the main lodge, as well as oneto three-bedroom cottages and casitas. One of the most distinctive aspects is the 31,000-square-foot Strata Med building that includes a medical center; spa; salon; and an event center often used for fitness and cooking demonstrations, educational lectures, and more. Here, planners can book spa services for attendees, schedule a wellness retreat, or plug leadership into the concierge “Executive Health” program.
In northeast Colorado Springs, Flying Horse Resort & Club has 102 guest rooms, suites, and villas, plus more than 21,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor venues, including four meeting rooms



with connecting terraces and floor-toceiling windows. Playing a round at one of the two golf courses is one of many activity choices. Meanwhile, the 217-acre Cheyenne Mountain Resort delivers lake and golf-course views and 100,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, including four spacious ballrooms and an amphitheater, for up to 600 attendees.
The Mining Exchange Hotel downtown unveiled a total renovation in June 2024 that blends boutique style with modern amenities in a 1902 historic building, while The Antlers, A Wyndham Hotel, is ideal for larger conventions and meetings in the heart of the city. For groups drawn to heritage and tranquility, Glen Eyrie Castle & Conference Center offers a unique, campus-style environment where meetings unfold amid manicured grounds and historic stone architecture.
Newest on the meetings hotel scene is Hotel Polaris that opened next to the North Gate of the U.S. Air Force Academy in November 2024. Groups can book more than 30,000 square feet of indoor meeting space, a 4,000-square-foot event lawn, and the 5,500-square-foot plaza. Frontgrade Technologies, headquartered in Colorado Springs, hosted its annual Leadership Forum at Hotel Polaris in August, bringing together 60 senior leaders.
“Hotel Polaris was selected as the venue because it is a new, visually striking property that offers a fresh and inspiring setting, along with a meaningful connection to leadership through its proximity to and design influence from the U.S. Air Force Academy,” says Frontgrade Technologies Staff Executive Ewa Folden. “That tie to service, discipline, and leadership strongly aligned with the purpose and goals of our Leadership Forum.”
Frontgrade used the hotel’s conference rooms for meetings and meals and the Thunderbird Bar, Flight Simulator Lounge, and rooftop Aviator Bar for networking. “One of the things we loved most about Hotel Polaris is that you truly don’t need to go off-site, because the property








Colorado Springs boasts more than 500k square feet of flexible meeting space along with 300 days of sunshine. It’s the perfect blend of big-city amenities with a small-town feel. Allow our awardwinning sales team to provide complimentary services that make planning your event a breeze. Elevate your next meeting in the city where mountain adventure meets modern convenience. Learn more at VisitCOS.com/meetings



offers so many built-in experiences that support connection, networking, and team engagement all in one place,” Folden says. “That said, we did take our team to downtown Colorado Springs for one evening, which provided a great opportunity to enjoy the Colorado Springs scene.”
The new General Bradley and Zita Hosmer Visitor Center at the U.S. Air Force Academy, slated to open in May, is connected to Hotel Polaris via walkway bridge. The 34,000-square-foot center will include seven galleries, each with its own theme and interactive Air Forcefocused exhibits. In the center’s 108-foot atrium, attendees might marvel at the 40-, 45-, and 50-foot tetrahedra amid soundscapes of Air Force ceremonies while looking out toward the Front Range.

“In addition to flexible convention and meeting space, the region offers unique and authentic off-site venues that are sure to elevate the experience for attendees,” emphasizes Worthen. Colorado heritage takes center stage at the historic Flying W Ranch, where chuckwagon suppers and Western stage shows featuring the Flying W Wranglers create a festive, high-energy atmosphere. The 1,450-acre working cattle ranch hosts groups of 20 to 2,000 attendees and offers many event spaces and add-on entertainment options, such as private rodeos, cattle-roping demonstrations, archery, ax throwing, horseback riding, and more. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, perched above the city, delivers an unforgettable setting for events with animal encounters and sweeping views, while the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum adds historical context to receptions and meetings.
More history comes alive at the National Museum of World War II Aviation and inside the fully intact aircraft dining room of The Airplane Restaurant just 1 mile away. Other memorable outings include food, cocktail, beer, and art tours with Rocky Mountain Food Tours and arcade games and billiards at Dave & Buster’s. Or, check out the lesser-known Edward C. Rochette Money Museum and Rocky Mountain Motorcycle Museum.
For a dose of culture, Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College has galleries, performances, and educational programs that add depth to any agenda. Or, purchase tickets for concerts at the open-air Ford Amphitheater, which opened in 2024 with a capacity of 8,000 and private event spaces for 10 to 500 attendees, as well as restaurants that overlook the seating and stage.
visitcos.com

WITH 2026 UNDERWAY, the race is on to find meeting and event spaces that inspire and deliver. In Denver, Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel stands out as a destination that not only keeps pace with that energy but also defines it. As one of the first hotels in the world to debut Sheraton’s full brand transformation, this “halo property” showcases what the future of the brand—and the future of meetings—can be.
Following an extensive, multiyear renovation, the hotel now offers a modern environment built to support connection, collaboration, and productivity. With expansive ballrooms, flexible meeting rooms, and one of the largest overall footprints of any hotel in downtown Denver, Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel gives planners the space and versatility needed for programs of all sizes. Situated along the iconic 16th Street pedestrian corridor, the hotel places groups in the heart of the city and within easy walking distance of the Colorado Convention Center, making it an ideal home base for citywide events or programs that combine on-site and convention - based sessions.
Inside the hotel, a dynamic mix of venues and amenities elevates the event experience beyond the expected. For outdoor receptions or sun - soaked breaks, the heated rooftop pool and bar offer a comfortable, scenic retreat that captures Denver’s mountain - city energy. It serves as both a refreshing escape and

a unique backdrop for networking or social events. For groups drawn to interactive experiences, the on - site Topgolf Swing Suite brings an element of playful competition perfect for team building or casual evening gatherings. As the day transitions into night, BEZEL, Sheraton Denver Downtown’s signature cocktail lounge, serves as a stylish, modern setting for receptions or relaxed conversations over expertly crafted drinks. Planners seeking something more exclusive will also find a standout option: the hotel’s hidden speakeasy, available as a private event venue. With its intimate character and unexpected prohibition- era atmosphere, it transforms meetings into memorable moments and helps create stories attendees will share long after the event ends.
As organizations map out their calendars for the year ahead, Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel is introducing fresh opportunities, including customizable meeting packages and flexible rates designed to align with a range of program goals. Whether groups are focused on enhancing value, elevating their experience, or simply trying something new this year, the hotel’s team is ready to tailor offerings that meet planners’ visions.
In a city known for innovation and reinvention, Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel embodies the spirit of “new year, new space,” inviting planners to elevate events in a flagship setting where ideas can take shape and programs can truly stand out.

Minimize event-planning hiccups through effective and successful contract negotiations
BY KATHY GIBBONS
» WHEN IT COMES to negotiating successful contracts for meetings and events, Therese Jardine, CEO of Strategic Event Procurement in Seattle, has an analogy: “Sending someone who does not have industry experience to negotiate a hotel contract is like sending a 16-year-old who just got their driver’s license to the car lot to buy their first car themselves. What you don’t know, you don’t know.”
And there is oh-so-much to know. Sure, dates, rates, and space are obvious. But details such as the wording of attrition policies for unfilled rooms also can make a huge difference. Which concessions are
the property willing to make? What happens if the client ends up needing to cancel or if the property opts to back out in favor of a more lucrative booking? What if an unexpected disruptive event makes it impossible to meet? What if the property does not keep up with maintenance or is unexpectedly under construction? Or, if it is new, what if the property is not ready to go when your dates roll around?
And those just scratch the surface of the multiple issues that can arise long after the ink is dry. While a contract might not address every possibility, it helps avoid surprises—for all involved.
Nicole Gore, global director of the Americas for Hyatt Hotels Corp. and based in Dallas, works with third parties to book events at Hyatt properties around the world. “For me, a successful contract is really about communication and transparency,” she says. That means working from a request for proposal with accurate and detailed information, including client needs, expectations, and budget.
Michael Ferreira, owner and founder of Detroit’s Meetings Made Easy, specializes in hotel sourcing and contract negotiation, among other services. He says the request for proposal sets the tone. “My goal is to make sure a request for proposal looks as detailed as possible, so a salesperson can quickly determine whether they are able to bid on it or not,” he says.
In her leadership role, Jardine works with corporate and other meeting and event organizers to develop strategies for successful gatherings. She provides guidance on contracts as well. Additionally, she teaches a contract-negotiation course for Meeting Professionals International and offers a catalog of key clauses for clients. For example, when it comes to calculating attrition, Jardine says using cumulative room nights is the gold standard as opposed to nightly room counts. “It protects against unexpected stay patterns while still recognizing overall revenue for the hotel,” she says. She also notes planners need to pick their battles. “If your meeting is not at risk for attrition, put your energy in another clause or concession that you do want,” she advises.
Most event contracts favor the party that created them and tend to originate with the property, says Joshua Grimes, a Philadelphia-based attorney who specializes in meetings and events. “It’s the responsibility of the planner to recognize clauses that cause issues and propose alternatives or revisions that are more favorable to the planner if not more equitable to both sides,” Grimes says. Besides attrition, those might include clauses relating to cost increases, room
“It’s the responsibility of the planner to recognize clauses that cause issues and propose alternatives or revisions that are more favorable to the planner if not more equitable to both sides.”
—JOSHUA
GRIMES, MEETINGS CONTRACT ATTORNEY, PHILADELPHIA
rates, and service charges. Staffing and service expectations should be addressed from the get-go. So should security and who is responsible for it, Grimes notes, citing the example of keynote speakers who could be targets of protests.
He also advises examining the wording of force majeure provisions. “Traditionally, force majeure allowed cancelation by either party if it became ‘impossible, illegal, or commercially impracticable’ to have a meeting,” Grimes says. “Since [the start of] the COVID-19 pandemic, the words ‘commercially impracticable’ have been eliminated by venues, which means the meeting would have to go forward unless it’s illegal or impossible.” But those words should be included, he says. Without them, planners risk being unable to cancel due to uncontrollable events such as natural disasters, government restrictions, or supply chain disruptions.
The way in which a property’s policies are spelled out is a detail that should not be overlooked. Jardine strongly suggests when contracts include hyperlinks to online policies, those sections should be printed out and attached as part of the signed contract, because electronic language can be changed after the fact. In addition, Gore notes planners can save money with multiyear commitments.
Besides hotel contracts, others might be negotiated for convention centers, catering, transportation, production/ creative, entertainment, event management, destination management, and offsite venues. John Paladino of Milestone Meetings in Scottsdale, Arizona, says
Cvent’s event platform is a fantastic tool. It streamlines the process of managing venue selections, negotiating contracts, and covering logistics, and makes it easy to send out a request for proposal to multiple venues. Still, Paladino says nothing replaces a healthy conversation to tee up communication with vendors of particular interest.
It is always a good idea to have a contract reviewed by an attorney or experts like meeting brokers and procurement professionals before finalizing. For those
with limited time or resources, artificial intelligence also is a helpful tool to analyze and summarize contract language, but Jardine says it should be used with a cautious and discerning approach, as it is not always 100% accurate.
And lastly, planners should remember they can always walk away if coming to an agreement is just not working. “Too many groups have already settled on a particular venue, and they communicate to that property that they’re not looking anywhere else,” Grimes says. “So that really creates very little incentive for the property to negotiate.” He says in today’s environment where there is often pressure to decide quickly, sometimes moving on is a planner’s best bet.
cvent.com hyatt.com meetingsme.com milestonemeetings.com mpi.org strategiceventprocurement.com
S h a k i n g S h a k i n g S h a k i n g S h a k i n g

FOUR COLORADO PLANNERS SHARE HOW THEY KEEP MEETINGS FROM BEING POURED INTO THE SAME GLASS
BY BETH BUEHLER
While the roles of meeting planner and bartender are very different, the two jobs have interesting crossovers. Professionals in these occupations operate using a set of basic guidelines for successful meetings or tasty cocktails, yet the best in their respective fields add healthy dashes of creativity that still manage to respect a client’s purpose and tastes. They put lessons learned along the way to good use, watch for standout examples from peers, and monitor the latest industry trends to keep things fresh.
To illustrate how these event innovators operate, Colorado Meetings + Events reached out to four planners who came highly recommended as people who think outside the box. These featured professionals run the gamut from destination management company (DMC) and independent meeting-planning company staff to association and corporate event organizers.
Sara Lawrason, regional director of client experience and event operations for Vail Valley-based Operation Altitude, has a primary goal of creating an experience that not only matches clients’ visions but also exceeds their expectations. “No two clients, visions, or challenges are ever the same, and I thrive in that environment,” she says. “I love taking an idea—sometimes just a spark—and turning it into an experience people remember. Seeing clients light up when everything comes together is incredibly rewarding and is truly what keeps me passionate about this work.”
Colorado-based Brooke Eder, global events lead for Cloudsmith, a technology company headquartered in Belfast, Northern Ireland, notes the meetings and events industry is constantly evolving in terms of expectations, technology, formats, and attention spans. “That forces me to stay curious and rethink what value looks like for attendees,” she says. “I have spent my career in technology and designed experiences mainly for developers and software engineers, which makes it fun to borrow inspiration directly from that world when designing events and activations.”
Perhaps a future issue will highlight how groups can best tap the talents of top Colorado bartenders. For now, raise a glass to these four talented meeting planners and the insights and case studies they shared.
It can be difficult to churn out new takes on familiar event types, but curiosity and collaboration help Lawrason keep creative juices flowing. “I’m constantly exploring new venues; building relationships with vendors; and staying up to date on design trends, technology, and attendee-experience innovations,” she says. “Collaboration also plays a huge role—I love brainstorming with my team and partners because it pushes us to think creatively and look at events from new perspectives.”
The fact that no two events are alike keeps the work exciting for Jen Houseman, meeting architect for Littleton-based Kinsley Meetings. “I am deeply committed to innovation and try to be proactive by researching emerging trends, exploring new technologies, and collaborating closely with my clients and vendor partners to ensure every single experience is tailored to its unique audience,” Houseman says.
Like Houseman and Lawrason, Eder prioritizes getting to know colleagues in her respective industry. “I love building relationships with event marketers at partner companies in our ecosystem, sharing ideas, and working together to create experiences that feel fresh, thoughtful, and genuinely creative.”
Meghan Keelean, a certified meeting planner and associate director of meetings for the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), with main offices in Denver and Washington, D.C., finds it helpful to get involved with industry associations for extra support from peers. She currently is a board member for the Meeting Professionals International Rocky Mountain Chapter (MPIRMC) alongside Eder. “Every day is different,” Keelean says. “If I think I have seen it all, something new comes up—there are always new challenges to tackle. I try to stay involved in groups like MPIRMC, so I have those industry friends to reach out to for advice like, ‘How have you handled this?’ and sometimes just to vent.”
For Lawrason, thinking outside the box for a program begins with an in-depth brainstorming session with a client. “Once we know their direction, we take that concept to an entirely new level,” she explains. “We do our research—learning about the company, its goals, its culture—and find meaningful ways to tie everything together so the event feels intentional and on-brand.”
National Conference of State Legislatures off-site at Mortenson’s Eaves Movie Ranch last year in Santa Fe, New Mexico


Associate Director of Meetings, National Conference of State Legislatures
TOP TIP FOR PITCHING IDEAS TO BOSSES & CLIENTS
Remind them if it doesn’t work, you can go back to the old way: “Just because we try something new doesn’t mean we have to keep doing it. We always evaluate and see if a new approach worked out how we wanted it to. A couple years ago, we tried having 30-minute sessions at our annual meeting. It didn’t work.”


Global Events Lead, Cloudsmith
TOP TIP FOR PITCHING IDEAS TO BOSSES & CLIENTS
Address strategy before tactics: “When everyone agrees on the goal, unique ideas feel much less risky. From there, I focus on clearly explaining the ‘why’ by tying creative ideas back to real outcomes and walking stakeholders through what the attendee experience will actually feel like.”
Multiday meetings and events open the door even wider for creative expression, Lawrason suggests. “Each day can have its own experience, its own energy, and its own story while still tying into the overarching theme,” she explains. “This gives us the freedom to layer in surprise moments, dynamic entertainment, and design elements that evolve throughout the event.”
Designing events with a positive attendee experience and sponsor satisfaction is a top priority for Houseman. “Every single detail—from the logistical flow and agenda pacing to unique interactive sessions—must be geared toward transforming attendees from passive observers to active contributors,” she says. “It is also important to maintain sponsor activation and fulfillment from a revenue standpoint.”
Houseman adds, “When attendees and exhibitor sponsors walk away feeling that their time and investment were well spent, if they made genuine connections and the experience was truly impactful for them, that’s when we know we have delivered an event experience that generates real value.”
Eder also recommends designing events around what people tend to remember, which doesn’t require bigger budgets but does involve more intentional choices. “Smaller, focused programs often create space for richer conversations, stronger connections, and clearer outcomes,” she says. “When events stand out in a thoughtful way, they earn attention, build trust more quickly, and leave a lasting impression.”
Lawrason and Operation Altitude partnered with Visit Denver in 2019 to host an event at Ironworks as part of the convention and visitor bureau’s annual Meet Denver program, which showcases the city’s capabilities for hosting meetings, conventions, and events to meeting planners. For this event, the partners wanted to push the envelope of creativity and showcase Ironworks as a venue, so they landed on a steampunk theme “for something bold, immersive, and a little unexpected,” Lawrason says.
The DMC filled the main room with gear-inspired light fixtures and teamed up with Denver-based Three Tomatoes Catering to design thematic tablescapes. She adds, “The entertainment and activations also brought the theme to life: Attendees sipped smoked cocktails, had fortunes read, and enjoyed whimsical bites served in
Regional Director of Client Experience and Event Operations, Operation Altitude
Draw from past experiences: “Identify what has worked well and explore how you can elevate these ideas specifically for the program. The combination of visuals, proven concepts, and tailored enhancements helps clients immediately understand the vision and get excited about the possibilities.”


light bulbs,” Lawrason recalls. “It was one of those events where every single element worked together to tell a story, and the response from attendees was incredible.”
When Kinsley Meetings spearheaded a 1,500-person conference last year in Orlando, Florida, for the Minneapolis-based Professional Liability Underwriting Society, its team incorporated what they called the “Connections Lounge” to encourage meaningful networking. During the day, attendees could have their dreams interpreted and handwriting analyzed. One evening, the space transformed into a curated happy hour that went beyond traditional mingling. “To elevate the attendee experience, we introduced highly personalized activations set against the backdrop of live acoustic music,” Houseman shares. “For example, a Pantone color analysis [activity] helped attendees discover their own signature shade, and [the creation of] custom caricature keepsakes resulted in a relaxed, engaging atmosphere that encouraged connection while celebrating each attendee’s individuality.”
While attendees also had the opportunity to network over less-personalized activities such as indoor miniature golf and an outdoor football toss, many preferred the individualized activations. “Event attendees want experiences they cannot create for themselves,” she says. “The color-analysis sessions were the standout feature of the entire event. They were interactive, personalized, and provided a tangible tool participants could use long after the conference ended.”
Cloudsmith recently hosted an executive roundtable with an industry partner at the Churchill War Rooms in London, intentionally choosing a venue that would capture the interest of corporate-level leadership. The program paired a fireside chat and roundtable discussion with an immersive guided tour of the museum. “The venue created instant intrigue, and the flow of the event made attendees feel actively involved rather than spoken at,” Eder says. “Every attendee stayed on for informal networking at a nearby pub, and the most common feedback we received was that they wished the half-day event had been longer.”
Even though there are limits on how creative Keelean can get with NCSL events due to grant and funding guidelines, she strives to find unique approaches for unlocking the full potential of the destination where a meeting is held. She describes one recent event that involved a trade show in the rotunda of the New Mexico Capitol in Santa Fe. “If you have been to Santa Fe, you know how artsy the city is, and that carries through the Capitol building as well,” Keelean says. “We had lunch outside because the weather was great, and there wasn’t one room large enough to hold 250 people inside.” She notes another memorable portion of the conference was the business meeting and luncheon at Mortenson’s Eaves Movie Ranch. “We had [the food] catered and then had some free time in the afternoon to mingle and check out the different buildings and sites.”

cloudsmith.com kinsleymeetings.com ncsl.org operationaltitude.com


Meeting Architect, Kinsley Meetings
TOP TIP FOR PITCHING IDEAS TO BOSSES & CLIENTS
Collaborate early with trusted vendors: “This ensures outsidethe-box ideas are logistically feasible. Once the goal and target audience are clear, I bring the clients into the process right away, allowing them to feel invested in the mission and vision from the very beginning.”

Meeting Professionals International
Rocky Mountain Chapter’s (MPIRMC) most recent Annual Gala & Auction was themed “Oceanic Odyssey : Celebrating Depths
Achieved, Horizons Ahead” and held on Nov. 13 at Infinity Park Event Center in Glendale. Chapter members and their guests dressed in elegant, oceanic-inspired attire with flowing fabrics, deep blues, seafoam greens, and pearl accents, and the Glendale venue was completely transformed into an underwater-style dreamscape.
The event was presented by Visit Denver, and additional sponsors included Infinity Park Event Center, Encompass Event Group, Method Catering, Visit Newport Beach, Visit Colorado Springs, Visit Boulder, and Elite Entertainment, among others.
A full slate of awards honored several individuals and businesses:
Planner of the Year
Jeanette Stensgaard, ShePlans Co
Supplier of the Year
Devin Scheer, All Digital Photo and Video
Rising Star
Hayley Harmon, Holiday Inn Estes Park
Outstanding Committee Chair
Becca Ellis, Access
Outstanding Committee Member
Lisa Wright, Garden of the Gods Resort & Club
Student Member of the Year
Alexis Boehm-Balgenorth, Ironman Group
New Member of the Year
Vivian Butler, Vivian Butler Events
Meeting and Hospitality
Award of Excellence
Under 50 in Attendance
Beaver Run Resort & Conference Center
Over 50 in Attendance
Embassy Suites by Hilton Denver Downtown Convention Center
Industry Partner of the Year
Encompass Event Group
President’s Award of Excellence
Resa Meagher, Inspire
Amanda Kliem, Visit Newport Beach
Industry Legacy Award in Honor of Sandy Gerety
Danny Findley, 5 Senses
Hospitality Management mpi.org
» FOLLOWING THE LEAD of The Slate Hotel Denver Downtown, Tapestry by Hilton, and its repurposing of a historic school in downtown Denver, the renovated Evans School has reopened in the Golden Triangle Creative District. Originally built in 1904 as an elementary school, the building now has over 13,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space on the first and second floors, a 4,000-square-foot ballroom that previously was the auditorium on the second floor, and more than 9,000 square feet of office space on the third floor.
When booking the ballroom, groups can take advantage of professional lighting and sound systems, plus a dedicated prefunction space with a bar. Also located on the second level, two green rooms are ideal for meetings of up to 20 people and can serve as staging areas for performers and speakers. In addition, The North Lawn venue that is tucked into the plaza garden works well for cocktail parties and other open-air gatherings for a maximum of 250 standing. Groups also can tap into the Schoolyard Beer Garden, an outdoor space that holds up to 75 attendees, as well as the Boiler Room and Classroom 110 that hold a maximum of 50 and 75 attendees, respectively.
Emily Raezer serves as Evans School’s event manager; Raezer previously worked for area attractions like Denver Botanic Gardens and Denver Art Museum. Denver’s City Street Investors redeveloped the Evans School. City Street was part of the team that revitalized Denver Union Station and the Hangar 2 shopping mall. denverevansschool.com | schoolyardbeergarden.com


Jazz Aspen Snowmass opened its Paul JAS Center in mid-December. Located on the second floor of the historic Red Onion building in downtown Aspen, the Paul JAS Center is a performance venue and community hub for culture, education, and special events. The organization celebrated the venue’s grand opening with a full lineup of concerts held Dec. 19 to Jan. 3, including performances from Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue.
The 6,000-square-foot venue hosts groups of up to 164 people for seated dinners and more than 250 for receptions, with Aspen-based Epicure serving as the catering partner. Among the many amenities are a private lounge area, catering kitchen, green room, recording studio, two outdoor terraces, and upper- and lower-level art galleries.
jazzaspensnowmass.org
» THE MEETINGS INDUSTRY Council of Colorado (MIC) hosted its 32nd annual Serving Up Hope luncheon on Nov. 7 last year at Hilton Denver City Center. More than 425 meeting planners and other industry professionals participated, resulting in over $68,000 being raised, the largest contribution to Food Bank of the Rockies in the history of the event. Attendees supported the cause via ticket sales, an auction, after-party, and miscellaneous donations. mic-colorado.org

Bryan Amaro moved up the ladder at St Julien Hotel & Spa in Boulder, now serving as its director of restaurants and bars; he has worked at the hotel since its opening in 2005. In this role, Amaro leads Jill’s Restaurant & Bistro, T-Zero Lounge, in-room dining, the beverage program, as well as entertainment. Amaro’s work is central to shaping the property’s beverage program, mentoring team members, and creating dining and cocktail experiences.

Colter Hocking brings more than 15 years of hospitality leadership experience to his new role as general manager of Clayton Hotel & Members Club in Denver’s Cherry Creek North district. Previously, he was the general manager at Catbird Hotel in the RiNo Art District and held leadership roles at Dallas-based Makeready, including director of operations for Halcyon, a hotel in Cherry Creek. Makeready manages Halcyon and Clayton Hotel & Members Club.


Lauren Lacy, a certified meeting professional and hospitality industry veteran with 21 years of sales management experience, joined Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs as director of sales and marketing. Her most recent positions were director of sales and marketing at The Hotel Telluride and director of sales for Winter Park Mountain Lodge. Lacy serves on the Destination Colorado Meetings and Meetings Industry Council of Colorado boards of directors.

Donna McGinnis was appointed CEO at Denver Botanic Gardens after serving in the same position at Naples Botanical Garden in Florida since 2017. She is president of the American Public Gardens Association board and is a member of the International Advisory Council of Botanic Gardens Conservation International of Boylston, Massachusetts. McGinnis also previously led strategic planning and fundraising at Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis.

Edwin Scholly is the new executive chef at The Hythe, A Luxury Collection Resort, Vail. Raised in his family’s hotel, restaurant, and vineyard businesses in Heidelberg, Germany, Scholly began his career apprenticing under Michelin-starred chef Paul Bocuse in Lyon, France. Scholly went on to serve as a White House chef for 24 years, achieve multiple certifications from the American Culinary Federation, and receive a James Beard Award in 2011.

Manfred Steuerwald is now the general manager of Populus Denver. Raised in Austria, he has 40 years of global hospitality experience on his resume, including senior leadership positions at Grand Hyatt Seattle, Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa in Hawaii, and Hyatt Regency Calgary in Alberta, as well as Hyatt Regency Denver. Steuerwald brings extensive operational expertise and culinary roots, along with a passion for hospitality, to the position.
» THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER of the Professional Convention Management Association (RMPCMA) introduced a dedicated group of leaders who will continue driving the chapter’s mission this year. Board members include:
President
Stephanie Pilakowski
Vertafore
President-Elect
Carter Dunham
Production Resource Group
Immediate Past President
Deseri Martinez
Lumina and Associates
Secretary/Treasurer
John Severe
Marriott International
Refocus
To
Director of the All Hearts Gala
Danielle Guillen
Medical Group Management Association
Director of Communications
Alexandra Gifford
Visit Aurora
Director of Community Service
Beth Witzak
ConferenceDirect
Director of Emerging Leaders
Greg Thomas Meet Boston
Director of Golf
Scott Collinsworth
Image Audiovisuals
Director of Programs
Kyle Boland
The Jacquard, Autograph Collection
Director of Sponsorship
Erin Scott
Explore Utah Valley
Director of Membership
Samantha Peckinpaugh
Access
rockymountain.pcma.org










A snowstorm couldn’t stop the “Holiday Hoedown” festivities during the 2025 Colorado Meetings Showcase held by Destination Colorado Meetings on Dec. 3 at the National Western Center in Denver. Suppliers and meeting planners from around the state connected in the Stockyards Event Center for a trade show featuring a record 86 exhibitors, including Colorado Meetings + Events. Food, drink, live entertainment, and plenty of giveaways added to the good cheer.
1. Disco horse provided by Elite Entertainment, lighting by Inspire
2. Lauren Mackintosh and Kyle Tracey
3. Drew Welsheimer (Peak Performer Individual of the Year award recipient) and Kelly Layton 4. Sara Lawrason, Eric Holmes, Allie Schaber, Lisa Wright, and Allison Fecko 5. Devante Robinson, Kara Schuch, and Maddie Kahn 6. Madison Allen and Stephanie Deen 7. Lindsey Rohrbaugh and Jeremy Wilson
8. Amy Mulholland and Dave Feller
To








Jack Damioli helms one of Colorado’s most storied properties BY
ABETH BUEHLER
lthough a young Jack Damioli envisioned a golffocused career, the Ohio native quickly discovered that working at luxury properties and providing top-notch guest experiences would be his life’s calling. For 12 years, he has led The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs—the world’s longest-running consecutive winner of both the Forbes Five-Star and the AAA Five-Diamond awards—as its president and CEO. He gives back to the industry by serving on the American Hotel & Lodging Association board of directors and co-chairing the board of the Colorado Hotel & Lodging Association.
After he graduated from Ohio University in 1983, Damioli worked as the bag-room manager for the golf club at The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. At the time, becoming a director of golf and securing a PGA Tour card were top of mind for Damioli— until the resort’s general manager suggested he fill a front desk position for the winter. “I figured it was a better idea than getting in my 1976 Chevy Nova and driving to Florida,” he recalls. “I fell in love with hospitality and never went back to the golf club.”
While he remains an avid golfer, Damioli’s 23-year career at The Greenbrier culminated in his holding the role of general manager from 2000 to 2006 before becoming president and general manager of The Gasparilla Inn in Boca Grande, Florida. He joined The Broadmoor as vice president and managing director in January 2014 and was named president and CEO 14 months later, a role that includes the property’s related businesses: The Ranch at Emerald Valley, Cloud Camp, Fly Fishing Camp, The Broadmoor Seven Falls, The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway, and The Broadmoor Development Co.
Only seven CEOs and three private owners have held The Broadmoor’s reins over the course of its illustrious, 107-year history. “They don’t make properties like The Broadmoor anymore: a grand resort that is spread out over 5,000 acres,” Damioli says. He adds that the hotel’s campus-like setting, 315,000 square feet of function space, and many activities for attendees are vital for hosting groups, which make up 70% of the resort’s business. “Group business is the bread and butter of what makes The Broadmoor work,” he says.
Damioli says a food rescue program The Broadmoor created in partnership with the Colorado Springs hospitality community to assist the Springs Rescue Mission has been one of the most meaningful projects during his tenure. The nonprofit helps area residents overcome homelessness, poverty, and addiction. He notes, “It really offsets the Springs Rescue Mission’s budget and gives practice to their ‘Mission Catering’ program participants, so they can relaunch back into society.”


WHEN SEARCHING for the ultimate meeting destination, look no further than Bloomington, Minnesota. Combining world-class hospitality with unrivaled convenience, Bloomington offers a professional environment just a short light-rail ride from Minneapolis and Saint Paul.
Bloomington is situated just minutes from the award-winning MinneapolisSaint Paul International Airport and is a quick flight from Colorado. As a major global hub serving over 1,100 daily flights, the airport ensures effortless access for domestic and international attendees alike. Once on the ground, the “Bloomington advantage” kicks in: Complimentary shuttle service connects attendees directly from the airport to many area hotels and Mall of America.
For planners seeking maximum efficiency, Bloomington’s “Under One Roof”
experience is a game changer. This package highlights the seamless integration of convenient and luxurious lodging and expansive meeting facilities. Properties like JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America and Radisson Blu Mall of America are connected directly to Mall of America, allowing groups to transition from keynote sessions to team-building outings without ever stepping outside. This setup eliminates transportation logistics, saving planners both time and money. With over 83,000 square feet of meeting space, 842 hotel rooms at attached properties, and thousands of free parking spots, Mall of America is an unmatched destination for one-of-a-kind gatherings.
While Bloomington is famous for its indoor amenities, it also serves as a gateway to Minnesota’s stunning natural beauty. Attendees can visit the Minnesota
Valley National Wildlife Refuge, which offers several miles of hiking and bird-watching trails right in the city’s backyard. It’s the perfect spot for attendees to recharge or catch a breath of fresh air.
Of course, the excitement of Mall of America remains a premier draw. Groups can enjoy tax-free shopping on clothing and shoes, explore attractions like Nickelodeon Universe, or dine at over 50 unique restaurants. Whether catching a professional sports game in the Twin Cities or enjoying the on-site culinary experiences within Bloomington’s numerous hotels, planners can easily balance rigorous work schedules with frequent relaxation.
The Bloomington Minnesota Travel & Tourism team is ready to help you plan your meeting. To discover how easy it is to meet, stay, and play in one place, visit bloomingtonmn.org/meetings.
