MOUNTAIN REVELRY GRAND COUNTY DELIVERS GROUP FUN & ALPINE VIEWS
MEETINGSMAGS.COM
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NOVEL CONNECTIONS INFUSE TEAM OUTINGS WITH REGIONAL CULTURE
WINTER
2026
SIBLING SUCCESS VAIL VALLEY DMC FOUNDERS LEAD WITH TENACITY
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Artful
INTRIGUE GATHER AT MUSEUMS SHOWCASING ARTISTRY & HISTORY
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Green Valley Ranch Casino
River Mountains Loop Trail
PHOTOS Xxxx Xxxxx
Water Street Dinning, Events, Live Entertainment
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Nine Championship Golf Courses
Lake Las Vegas
SO MUCH. SO CLOSE. SO NEVADA. Book your next meeting experience close to all the action–Henderson. With many options for groups and excursions of all sizes. Just minutes from all the action of the Las Vegas Strip. • • • •
Minutes from the Las Vegas Strip Over 25 Hotels to Choose From Over 350,000 Square Feet of Meeting Space Easy access to Harry Reid International Airport and the I-15
VisitHenderson.com A Variety of Shopping
M Resort: Official Hotel of the Las Vegas Raiders
STN Sports
Water Street: Dining, Events, Live Entertainment
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Contents
WINTER 2026
18 Feature //
Centennial State Team Building BY BETH BUEHLER
Research shows team building can increase the return on investment of a meeting, and the Centennial State offers plentiful choices
In Every Issue //
4 Editor’s Note 6 Meeting Notes
Invest in Kids’ Jane-A-Thon fundraiser at Winter Park Resort
Reinforce your planner toolkit with inspiring ideas, pro tips, and handy products
18
8 Destination
Grand County offers authenticity and distinct event options for groups
MOUNTAIN REVELRY GRAND COUNTY DELIVERS GROUP FUN & ALPINE VIEWS
MEETINGSMAGS.COM
WINTER
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SIBLING SUCCESS VAIL VALLEY DMC FOUNDERS LEAD WITH TENACITY
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12 Venue Report
INTRIGUE
22 Industry Update Get the inside scoop on meetings and events industry news in Colorado
On the Cover
Colorful art gallery at the Denver Art Museum
26 Snapshots
PHOTO COURTESY JAMES FLORIO PHOTOGRAPHY
Eventgoers competed for gold at NACE Denver Chapter’s Catering Olympics
28 People Profile
12
Denver Art Museum’s Northwest Coast and Alaska Native art galleries
PHOTOS (FROM ABOVE) Jay Stewart, James Florio Photography
GATHER AT MUSEUMS SHOWCASING ARTISTRY & HISTORY
Check all the boxes at museums in the Front Range cities of Boulder, Colorado Springs, and Denver
Siblings Melissa and Todd Layton near three decades of DMC success in the Vail Valley
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NOVEL CONNECTIONS INFUSE TEAM OUTINGS WITH REGIONAL CULTURE
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PHOTOS (FROM ABOVE) Jay Stewart, James Florio Photography
EDI TOR ’ S N OT E
+ meetingsmags.com/colorado
» I AM THRILLED. Downtown Denver celebrated the reopening of the entire 16th Street pedestrian mall with an allday fete on Oct. 4, exactly 43 years after the car-free section of the street opened in 1982. For me, it’s a joyous return to enjoying strolls a long the street with fa mily, friends, a nd colleag ues—plus Editor Beth Buehler on a powdery trail traversing between meeting venues, resin Crested Butte taurants, and downtown hotels in the meetingsmags.com/colorado Mile High City. I’ve missed the liveliness meetingsmags that a fully open 16th Street (formerly called the 16th Street Mall) provides for residents and visitors alike. No more figuring out where to dodge the construction on foot or how to ride an adapted route for the 16th Street Free Ride. It was an appropriate salute after three years of construction that cost $175 million and resulted in enhanced connectivity and renewed energy downtown. The 1 1/4-mile pedestrian mall also contributes to Denver’s ability to successfully host memorable meetings in the city’s center. Originally envisioned by the Regional Transportation District and Downtown Denver Partnership to alleviate congestion and improve quality of life, 16th Street has long served as a hub for people working in the city’s core, Denver residents, convention attendees, and tourists. World-famous architect I.M. Pei designed the street’s original granite sidewalks and streets to resemble the scale pattern of the western diamondback rattlesnake. Today, there are over 950,000 new granite pavers along the street arranged in patterns inspired by the serpent. This long stretch of car-free space is connected by the electric shuttle buses that run between Denver Union Station and Civic Center Park, with stops on every corner in between. While most days I relish walking the district, other times the shuttle saves time, avoids aching feet from stylish—but uncomfortable—footwear, and protects from fickle weather conditions. Wider walkways, vibrant public spaces, expanded restaurant patios, a newly created tree canopy with over 200 trees, and interactive art installations are among the many improvements. Additionally, the Denver Police Department’s Mounted Patrol unit has been welcomed back as both a community engagement tool and safety initiative. I’m looking forward to meeting the five horses: Maverick, Maximus, Ollie, Orei, and Wylie. How about you?
BETH BUEHLER
Editor bbuehler@greenspring.com
B2B SALES MANAGER - SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE BEN DEVRIES 616-551-9858 | BDEVRIES@GREENSPRING.COM ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER – NATIONAL SALES JENNIFER MAX 952-200-4878 | JMAX@GREENSPRING.COM
GROUP EDITOR DANIELLE FIELDS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF TODD R. BERGER EDITOR BETH BUEHLER SENIOR EDITOR AMANDA CHRISTENSEN MANAGING EDITOR LINDEN M. BAYLISS
CREATIVE DIRECTOR TED ROSSITER ART DIRECTORS JOHN JENSEN, TONY WAGNER
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR DEIDRA ANDERSON ADVERTISING COORDINATORS SYDNEY KELL, ELLIANNA RADOVICH JUNIOR ADVERTISING COORDINATOR ANNIE BERWALD JUNIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER BRYCE ECKMAN SALES + MARKETING SPECIALIST TAUSHA MARTINSON-BRIGHT
EVENT MANAGER RICK KRUEGER SPONSORSHIP, PARTNERSHIPS + PR MANAGER ELISABETH WULF MARKETING + COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST LUCY MULLEN
DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS KATHIE GORECKI ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATE AUSTIN SCHMELZLE AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR GERI WILSON AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER CINDY FISH
REPRINTS For high-quality reprints of 500 or more, call 612-371-5849 or email danderson@greenspring.com. For address changes, ordering single copies, cancellations, or general questions about your subscription, please contact customer service at 866-660-6247.
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The pages between the covers of this magazine (except for any inserted material) are made from wood fiber that was procured from forests that are sustainably managed to remain healthy, productive, and biologically diverse. Colorado Meetings + Events is published quarterly. © 2025 Greenspring Media. All rights reserved.
PHOTO Beth Buehler
16th Street Returns
PRESIDENT TAMMY GALVIN
PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.
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Meet the team that will ensure the first and last mile of your event is a success
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Hermes Worldwide, Inc. | Global Reach, Local Expertise
PHOTO Beth Buehler
6240 E 49th Dr, Denver, Co 80022 } +1.303.577.7600 | hermesworldwide.com | events@hermesworldwide.com
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M EETI N G N OT E S Prime Planner Resources
Mingling at the fundraiser’s Flock Star Lounge; Below: Flamingo interactions, an event highlight
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upporters of the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (DZCA) were invited to shake a tail feather at the Flock Party fundraiser in early September in support of the zoo’s global wildlife conservation efforts and 2,500 animals. Now in its sixth year, the benefit featured craft cocktails and artisan bites prepared by Denver-based Bonanno Concepts; live music; and animal experiences that featured African lions and Asian elephants, a walk with the zoo’s flamingo flock, and animal ambassadors that interacted with attendees throughout the zoo. The event brought in some 2,500 attendees and raised more than $1 million. Bonanno Concepts served cocktails and cuisine inspired by its Denver restaurants, including rigatoni Bolognese from Luca, wild mushroom fusilli from
Osteria Marco, beef gyro sliders from Vesper Lounge, ginger chicken and pork dumplings from Dumplin’, and more. Attendees also were treated to Featherfest, Flock Party’s music festival, with performances by Concertvation Quartet Ensemble; Fed on Peaches bluegrass band; Incendio guitar duo; DJs Erin Stereo and Something Vinyl Club; and 6 Million Dollar Band’s 1980s dance covers. “Partnering with the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance on Flock Party has been one of the most creatively inspiring collaborations for our team,” says B ona n no Concept s ’ chef a nd ow ner Frank Bonanno. “ W hen you combine g reat food w ith communit y celebration and real conservation impact all in one evening, that’s something special.” bonannoconcepts.com | denverzoo.org
PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE FROM BELOW LEFT) Joe Mahoney (2), The Oxford Hotel, Spirit Hound Distillers, Adults & Crafts
FLOCK ’N’ ROLL AT THE ZOO
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PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE FROM BELOW LEFT) Joe Mahoney (2), The Oxford Hotel, Spirit Hound Distillers, Adults & Crafts
FRONT RANGE SPIRITS
Liquid creations by Spirit Hound Distillers in Lyons; Above: Bourbons poured at The Oxford Hotel in Denver
Convenient Crafts
» COLORADO HAS EARNED major recognition in the craft beer industry, but the state’s distillery scene is absolutely toastworthy as well. Here are two options for groups who like their sips a little more spirited and venues a little more memorable. The Oxford Hotel in Denver’s Lower Downtown district has a long-standing relationship with Laws Whiskey House of Denver. The distillery crafted a special 1891 label whiskey for the hotel four years ago to celebrate the property’s 130th anniversary, and The Oxford still sells bottles of the whiskey and pours it nightly at the complimentary Bourbon Hour held in the lobby. For groups, a guided one-hour distillery tour of Laws Whiskey House is followed by a tasting in the Whiskey Church that features wooden pews and two-story Gothic windows. Planners can book the upstairs cocktail lounge for private gatherings of up to 50 people or full buyouts for up to 100. Spirit Hound Distillers has been crafting award-winning spirits from its Lyons distillery since 2012, and today produces bourbon, rye, gin, vodka, rum, and liqueurs. Not only can the liquid deliciousness be sampled at Spirit Hounds’ Lyons tasting room and Denver cocktail lounge, but event space also is available. In Lyons, the distillery has two spaces: The Back Yard, which holds up to 100 attendees, and The Woods Bar, which hosts a maximum of 35 (or 80 when combined with the adjacent patio). In Denver, a buyout of the lounge accommodates up to 100, while the on-site Aspen Grove and The Still Room are ideal spaces for smaller groups of up to 10 and 20, respectively. For a special touch, planners can book a cocktail class during which attendees make two cocktails and taste the included spirits, or a spirit/whiskey class for learning about and sampling five spirits. lawswhiskeyhouse.com | theoxfordhotel.com | spirithounds.com
Artsy, in-person fun with Denver’s Adults & Crafts
D
enver-based Adults & Crafts might offer the perfect novel group activity. Instead of scheduling the standard networking happy hour, planners can have the Adults & Crafts team visit an office or venue in the Denver area and other Front Range communities to lead a group crafting session. Or, the company can mail craft kits, guide virtual instruction, and host events at its brick-and-mortar location near Denver’s River North neighbor hood, Denver Craft Club. The company’s craft kits (think meal kits, but for crafting) also are fun options for networking at events or trade-show booths, or they can be gifted as a takeaway for attendees to complete on their own time. Agate resin coa sters , wa l l ter ra r iu m s , ba mboo t u r ntables, and hot cocoa candles are among the many kit options. Bulk ordering also is available. denvercraftclub.com
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DE ST I NAT ION Grand County
Snowcat skiing at Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa in Tabernash
Northern Charm
Grand County embodies a classic Colorado vibe and caters well to adventurous groups
» GRAND COUNTY IN NORTHERN Colorado offers groups three huge benefits: There is a large amount of stunning open space for all sorts of outdoor fun; easy proximity to Denver but with a seclusion that is truly divine; and guest ranches, ski resorts, and a standout YMCA venue well-versed at hosting gatherings. Winter Park Resort and Granby Ranch ski areas—in the Grand County towns of Winter Park and Granby, respectively—have helped put Grand County on the map as a winter mecca for skiing and snowboarding. However, the region is a year-round destination with a casual Colorado vibe. The one exception is the town of Grand Lake to the north, with Grand Lake Lodge and Shadowcliff Lodge & Retreat Center available to groups only in summer and early fall. The town sits at the west entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. “Grand County has an authentic Western charm about it,” says Thad Carlson, senior director of sales at Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa in Tabernash. “It’s a special backdrop for meetings because of the location and scenic open spaces. … [It is] away from the hustle and bustle of the interstate and pressed against the majestic Continental Divide, yet has one of the closest mountain towns to Denver, [Winter Park]. There is no shortage of space to enjoy, and every activity is at your disposal.”
YEAR-ROUND PLAY AT SKI AREAS Upon opening in 1940, Winter Park Resort became Colorado’s first major ski area, although several smaller ski hills were established around the state before then. The resort has grown leaps and bounds to more than 3,000 skiable acres and now offers a wide range of comfortable lodging, flexible meeting and event space, and loads of activities for planners to consider. Over the years, snowboarding, tubing, snowcat tours, snowshoeing, and ski bikes have been added to the winter adventures at the resort. Biking, hiking, gondola rides, concerts, movie nights, a putting course, and an alpine slide are among the summer and fall activities. Attendees are sure to remember unique options like the “Snowcat and S’mores Tour,” “Sunset Snowshoe Tour,” and glow night tubing under neon lights. Also make time to check out downtown Winter Park and consider an off-site event at Headwaters Center, which has indoor and outdoor gathering space and a museum that focuses on water conservation and wildlife. An easy way to transport attendees directly to the slopes or to combine an urban and mountain meeting experience is to book tickets on the Amtrak Winter Park Express that runs from Denver to Winter Park in two hours. The train departs Denver Union Station at 7 a.m. and leaves Winter Park at 4:30 p.m.
PHOTOS (FROM LEFT) Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa (2), C Lazy U Ranch
BY BETH BUEHLER
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PHOTOS (FROM LEFT) Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa (2), C Lazy U Ranch
From left: Grand Lake Lodge’s open-air pavilion in Grand Lake; “Horses and Happy Hour” offering at Granby’s C Lazy U Ranch
With 900 skiable acres, Granby Ranch is a smaller resort in terms of terrain but still a nice option for groups looking for lessexpensive lift tickets and a more compact downhill skiing and snowboarding experience. Plus, Nordic skiing, as well as snowcat and snowshoe tours, are available as add-ons, along with a variety of other noteworthy winter activities. “We also host paint and sips, kid-friendly activities, and bands,” says Gabby Lara, marketing manager at the ranch. “There is always something to do no matter someone’s age or activity level. In the summer, we have scenic chairlift rides, mountain biking, an 18-hole golf course, hiking, and music festivals.” Granby Ranch hosts groups of 12 to 200 in the 8350 Lounge, Bluebird Bistro, and Slopeside Great Room. Accommodations include condos, townhomes, and homes, or planners might elect to book The Inn at Silver Creek, which is 2 miles away. TOP-NOTCH GUEST RANCHES Grand County has two standout, high-end guest ranches for groups: C Lazy U Ranch in Granby and Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa. Both are open year-round, and groups booking the ranches can easily tap into accommodations, meeting and event space, dining, and outdoor amusements, with them all in one place. The 8,500-acre C Lazy U Ranch has 8,000 square feet of function space and various sizes of cabins for comfortable places to stay overnight. Activities range from archery, f ly-fishing, hiking, off-road vehicle tours, and a ropes and zip-line course during fair weather to hockey, Nordic skiing, sleigh rides, snowmobiling, and tubing in winter. Horseback riding and trap
shooting are offered year-round. C Lazy U also collaborates with two Colorado distilleries, Locke + Co. Distilling (which sells its products at various retailers statewide and is headquartered in Denver) and Peach Street Distillers (based in Palisade), to create exclusive whiskeys served for private tastings in the ranch’s Adega Wine Room. A personal chef ’s meal can be crafted to complement spirit and wine tastings. Or, consider the new Trail Rider Saloon, a transformed horse trailer that provides handcrafted beverages alongside the ranch’s herd of 225 horses during its “Horses and Happy Hour” function. Also new is Lazy You Hideaway, an outdoor lounge comprised of a sauna, 10-person cedarwood hot tub, gas fire pit, lounge seating, and two cold-plunge pools for rejuvenating after meetings. Located on more than 6,500 acres, Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa is 15 minutes from Winter Park in Tabernash. The cabins, guest houses, and two lodges accommodate groups of up to 250. It’s hard to match the authenticity of the ranch’s meeting spaces, which include two beautifully restored barns, windowfilled Timber House, stone-faced Yager House, outdoor Axel’s Pavilion, and spacious terraces. John L’s Wine Cellar & Uncorking Room and the Grotto Suraboza are the ranch’s private dining spaces, and many outdoor activities also are available. “Steadfast winter activities include world-class Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and sleigh rides,” says Carlson. “Other newer offerings include mixology, paint and sip, and goat yoga.” He adds that one of the most popular options for team building is the customizable “Pioneer Challenge” that includes up to six activities planners select from a menu of options.
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DE ST I NAT ION Grand County
Hitting the slopes at Granby Ranch in Granby; Left: Fall exhilaration at YMCA of the Rockies’ Snow Mountain Ranch in Granby
Minneapolis-ba sed Cha r t wel l Fina ncia l Adv isor y Inc. held its annual summer outing for 110 people at Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa in July. Highlights from the event itinerary included ranch tours via horse-drawn wagons, a custom cowboy hat bar with Denver-based Hats By Parker Thomas, line dancing with Two Left Boots (also based in Denver), and the “Pioneer Challenge,” with teams competing in archery, hatchet throwing, a laser biathlon, and a “minefield” activity. During this exercise, team members were tasked with solving the diagram of a faux minefield and traversing through the pattern as fast as possible. If any participant stepped in the wrong place, that attendee went to the back of the line. “We also gave employees time for one activity [of their choice], which included mountain biking, hiking, zip lining, horseback riding, spa massage, and f ly-fishing,” says Lindsey Reilly, corporate events manager at Chartwell Financial Advisory Inc. “The group challenge and choice activities were all a big hit, and they were something that everyone really enjoyed.”
CAMP-STYLE SETTING While YMCA of the Rockies’ Snow Mountain Ranch in Granby was once devoted to ranching, it became a venue for camps, retreats, and family vacations in 1969. This gem of a place satisfies most price points, has accommodations ranging from lodge rooms to eight-bedroom cabins, offers dozens of complimentary activities, and delivers 27,000 square feet of indoor meeting space. Snow Mountain Ranch’s sweet spot is groups of 150 to 175 people, but the property comfortably hosts up to 250. Snow Mountain Ranch encompasses over 5,000 acres and draws groups that want space to roam. “The top activities that draw people in are our new aerial challenge course and tubing hill that are open during the summer months,” says Carrie Valan, group sales representative at YMCA of the Rockies. “In the winter, our Nordic Center brings people in from all over to take advantage of the many miles of groomed trails for Nordic skiing and snowshoeing. We also offer dog-sledding tours on-site.” The ranch features customization, Valan notes. “Our programs department caters to events by creating a team-building environment specific to any groups’ preferences. We also offer unique outdoor environmental education for groups wanting to learn about the mountain environment and being outdoors.” clazyu.com devilsthumbranch.com granbyranch.com
visitgrandcounty.com winterparkresort.com ymcarockies.org
PHOTOS (FROM LEFT) YMCA of the Rockies’ Snow Mountain Ranch, Granby Ranch
Chartwell selected Colorado due to its central location for flying in employees from around the U.S., and Grand County fit the set parameters of being no more than two hour’s driving distance from Denver International Airport. “We also wanted someplace intimate for our group size, so once we found Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa, it seemed to be the perfect fit. Our employees loved the ranch, and we all had a wonderful time,” Reilly shares.
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PHOTOS (FROM LEFT) YMCA of the Rockies’ Snow Mountain Ranch, Granby Ranch
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VEN UE REP ORT Meet in Museums
The light-filled West Atrium of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science; Below: One of nine galleries at the Clyfford Still Museum in Denver
Fascinating Museums
Surround attendees with magnificent aircraft, automobiles, art, and athletic achievements
» MEETING IN COLORADO museums rarely equates with boring gatherings and subpar spaces retrofitted to earn extra operating income. Instead, the state’s museums are places that offer outstanding settings (meaning your decor budget can be less); memorable experiences that go far beyond simple tours; and amenities that planners often seek, like audiovisual, outdoor terraces, and catering services. W h i le t here a re s t el la r mu seu m s throughout the Centennial State to consider, Colorado Meetings + Events will focus on standout Front Range options in Boulder, Colorado Springs, and Denver to keep it concise. However, don’t hesitate to discuss the options with area destination marketing organizations and suppliers in hubs beyond Colorado’s Front Range. In the Mile High City, there are five notable museums to consider, with the first three located in downtown’s Golden
Triangle Creative District: Clyfford Still Museum, Denver Art Museum, and History Colorado Center. The impressive architecture of the Denver Art Museum’s three main structures—Martin Building, Hamilton Building, and Sie Welcome Center—along with the museum’s collection and special exhibitions, make the facility an attractive backdrop for groups of 10 to 10,000. Planners can book
any of the campus’ 11 indoor and five outdoor spaces, with one of the newest options being the window-filled Sturm Grand Pavilion in the welcome center, both of which opened in 2021. “Creativity is a fundamental value of the Denver Art Museum’s vision, translating into every step and detail of our event production and coordination,” says Senior Manager of Event Sa les Mar y Bet h Ma gg io. “ Supplementi n g event experiences with ga ller y exhibitions, docent-led tours, and creative experiences, the Denver Art Museum offers a unique environment for attendees that is unpara lleled in Denver. Any event, big or small, is filled with opportunities to spark creativity and inspire awe at the Denver Art Museum.” W hen abstract expressionist artist Clyfford Still’s widow, Patricia Garske Still, was looking for a city willing to
PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE FROM BELOW LEFT) Clyfford Still Museum, Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum
BY BETH BUEHLER
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PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE FROM BELOW LEFT) Clyfford Still Museum, Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum
build a museum to hold 93% of the artwork (approximately 3,125 pieces) created by her husband during his lifetime, the City and County of Denver stepped up. The two-story, 28,500-square-foot Clyfford Still Museum opened in 2011 and has nine galleries, outdoor terraces, event space on the first floor, and an art creation studio. Up to 50 people can be hosted for a seated dinner and 150 for a reception, and tours, activities, and behind-thescenes experiences also are available. The 200,000-square-foot History Colorado Center features multiple spaces that can be rented for events, like intimate board meetings with 10 attendees, plated dinners for 400, and cocktail receptions for 1,500. The modern facility tells the story of Colorado and the American West. The “Moments That Made US” ex hibit , w ith more tha n 40 a r tifacts that ref lect pivotal moments in American history, will be on display at History Colorado Center through Oct. 18, 2026, during America’s 250th and Colorado’s 150th anniversaries. Examples of items on display include the spurs Gen. George Washing ton wore at the Va lley Forge army encampment during the American Revolutionary War and moon rocks from the Apollo 11 space mission. Branching out from downtown, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science is a treasure trove of wildlife dioramas, gems, minerals, mummies, dinosaurs, and more. Beautiful window-lined atriums, boardrooms, and a lovely terrace provide a wide range of meeting spaces, along with an auditorium, a theater, and planetarium. The 26,000-square-foot Boettcher Plaza integrates the museum with adjacent City Park and extends the possibilities for gathering space. The museum accommodates receptions for 4,000-plus attendees with buyouts, and there also is space for up to 700 people for dinners. Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum sits on the former grounds of Lowry Air Force Base in Denver. Tucked away in the historic Lowry neighborhood
The reservable, historic Division I Courtroom at Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum; Below: U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum
and housed in Hangar No. 1, the museum preserves the history of the base’s operations from 1938 to 1994, and has more than 60 aircraft and spacecraft, plus several exhibits on-site. The museum has 44,000 square feet of event space to host groups of up to 1,200 people seated and 3,500 standing. The museum’s second location features views of an active f light line at Centennial Airport in Englewood. This campus has aviation-focused events, programming, exhibits, and 19,000 square feet of event space. Groups of up to 350 attendees seated and 570 standing that gather here are surrounded by the sights and sounds of Colorado aviation history.
The Alzheimer’s Association Colorado Chapter held a Colorado Purple Ga la at Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum on May 31, with just over 500 people in attendance for an evening of dinner, live entertainment, silent and live auctions, and storytelling about the organization’s work. It was the second time the organization held the event at the museum, and positive attendee feedback prompted them to book it again for next May. “ We chose Wings Over the Rockies because it’s truly a one-of-a-kind venue that brings a sense of history, wonderment, and inspiration,” says Valerie Lombardi, vice president of development for
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VEN UE REP ORT Meet in Museums
War II Aviation documents the role military aviation played in the emergence of the U.S. as a superpower. Located on 20 acres on the northwest side of the Colorado Springs Municipa l A irpor t, the museum hosts events in its hangars and features 29 aircraft, exhibits, interactive displays, and a World War II aircraft-restoration facility. Stepping back in time even more, the Colorado Spr i n gs P ioneers Museu m occupies the former 1903 El Paso County
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PHOTOS Limelight Boulder
the association. “The dramatic backdrop of vintage aircraft and aviation exhibits created a unique, elevated atmosphere that made the evening feel truly special. Our guests absolutely loved it. The setting sparked conversation, offered great photo opportunities, and helped make the gala feel less like a traditional fundraiser and more like an unforgettable experience.” Staying within the fascinating field of f l i g ht but mov i n g on to Colorado Springs, the National Museum of World
Courthouse in Alamo Square Park along South Tejon Street downtown. Permanent and rotating exhibits highlight the fascinating history and culture of the Pikes Peak region. Planners can rent portions of the 15,000-square-foot museum exhibit area for groups of up to 400, with other spaces available, including the historic Division I Courtroom, main lobbies, galleries, a meeting room, and more. For something completely different, get your spurs on and head to the city’s ProRodeo Hall of Fame & Museum of the American Cowboy. The attraction recognizes rodeo notables and educates the public about rodeo culture and its history and impact on the U.S. The 8,300-squarefoot museum hall holds up to 350 seated for dinner and 600 for receptions, and the Hal Littrell Pavilion is “a separate rental space perfect for groups under 150 people that opens up onto our patio and sculpture garden,” says Sloan Hoffmann, supervisor of events and marketing at the museum. Hoffmann and her events team can provide ideas for add-ons like Western bands, game rentals, and performance arts such as dancing, gunfighting, and trick roping. Planners can coordinate
PHOTOS (FROM ABOVE) Dave Devore, ProRodeo Hall of Fame & Museum of the American Cowboy
Mingle among aircraft at the National Museum of World War II Aviation in Colorado Springs; Below: Museum Hall at the ProRodeo Hall of Fame & Museum of the American Cowboy in Colorado Springs
Limelight Boulder: In the Center of It All At the intersection of campus life and unmatched natural beauty, Limelight Boulder is a modern hub in Colorado’s iconic college town. Situated in The Hill neighborhood, the hotel is conveniently located near some of Boulder’s best group activities, including shopping and dining on Pearl Street Mall, kayaking on Boulder Creek, and hiking and biking more than 300 miles of scenic trails. The sustainably designed, urban retreat features airy, contemporary guest rooms offering a relaxing respite after a day of adventure. With 26,000 square feet of inviting indoor and outdoor meeting space, Limelight Boulder plays host to many events and experiences tailored by its team of seasoned planners. Limelight Boulder’s diverse venue options position it to host events of any size, with on-site catering making logistics a breeze. One of the largest ballrooms in Boulder, the Flatirons Ballroom is 15,000 square feet and accommodates up to 1,500 attendees reception-style. Plus, the hotel provides two spectacular outdoor meeting spaces, each accommodating 250 to 300 people. An additional ballroom and four smaller meeting rooms round out the selection. After meetings conclude, attendees can relax and enjoy amenities like Limelight Boulder’s outdoor heated pool and hot tub—open year-round with impressive views of the Flatirons—or take in the beauty of the evening and mingle
PHOTOS Limelight Boulder
PHOTOS (FROM ABOVE) Dave Devore, ProRodeo Hall of Fame & Museum of the American Cowboy
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around several outdoor fire pits. The 24-hour fitness center comes complete with the latest equipment, including two Peloton bikes, Woodway treadmills, a Tonal machine, free weights, and more. Hotel guests also have access to the University of Colorado Boulder’s Recreation Center. On the second floor, The Den offers attendees the chance to escape and socialize with popular pastimes like foosball, shuffleboard, pool, and an abundance of board games. For a memorable group meal, Ajax Tavern at Limelight Boulder brings Aspen’s iconic après-ski spirit to the Front Range, refreshed with a distinctly Boulder twist. A magnetic gathering place where the energy of the mountains meets the warmth of community, Ajax Tavern showcases regionally sourced, high-quality ingredients in craveable comfort dishes, paired with craft cocktails and a curated selection of regional wines. Inside, thoughtful design and genuine hospitality create an atmosphere that feels both fresh and familiar. Private dining is available for groups upon request. When planners book a meeting or event at Limelight Boulder with a minimum of 50 room nights and $10,000 in food-and-beverage spend, they can choose one of several rewards to redeem before March 31, 2026. To learn more, contact Angela Blackstock at ablackstock@limelighthotels.com.
LIMELIGHT 303-547-9266 limelighthotels.com/boulder
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VEN UE REP ORT Meet in Museums
the 1960s auto industry. The event center, directly across the parking lot from the museum, includes a conference room fitting 20 and banquet room holding 100. With views of Boulder’s Flatirons, the Museum of Boulder’s rooftop terrace hosts up to 100 people for receptions, while the adjacent Lodge Gallery offers clyffordstillmuseum.org cspm.org denverartmuseum.org dmns.org
an intimate indoor option for up to 80. Just two blocks from the pedestrian Pearl Street Mall, the museum also can be reserved for full buyouts, hosting some 500 people. In addition to event spaces, attendees can enjoy hands-on exhibits, a makerspace, and galleries that highlight Boulder’s past, present, and future.
historycolorado.org museumofboulder.org prorodeo.com shelbyamericancollection.org
usopm.org wingsmuseum.org worldwariiaviation.org
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RENDERINGS Kindred Resort
Clockwise from above left: Shelby American Collection Museum; Denver Art Museum’s Sie Welcome Center; Exhibits at Denver’s History Colorado Center, which double as colorful backdrops
PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE LEFT) Evan Klein, James Florio Photography, History Colorado
private rodeos featuring bu l l riding, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, and barrel racing using talented Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association members and stock contractors. One of Colora do’s mos t i n spi r i n g museums is the 60,000 -squa re-foot , architecturally impressive U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum. The Colorado Springs attraction has interactive exhibits and a vast collection of artifacts that educate, inspire, and reflect the values of the Olympics and Paralympics. A variety of function spaces can host meetings and events from 15 to 150 attendees, while plated meals are capped at 180 people and receptions at 750 with a museum buyout. In Boulder, the Shelby American Collection Museum celebrates the rich history of one of the world’s most famous racing cars—the Shelby AC Cobra—and is dedicated to the legacy of race-car driver, automobile designer, and entrepreneur Carroll Shelby and the Shelby American team from the car company he founded in 1962. The museum has Shelby Cobras, Shelby Mustangs, and Ford GT40s on display from collectors around the country, along with a large assortment of memorabilia, art, and photographs important to understanding
KINDRED RESORT
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RENDERINGS Kindred Resort
PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE LEFT) Evan Klein, James Florio Photography, History Colorado
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uxury arrives in Summit County this December with the opening of Kindred Resort in Keystone. The 107-room property and 95 luxury residences, which can be configured for group bookings, introduce design-forward sophistication and genuine ski-in/ski-out access—just 90 minutes from Denver International Airport. For planners, Kindred offers a curated alternative along the Interstate 70 Mountain Corridor, pairing Front Range convenience with intimacy and attention to detail. At the heart of the resort lies 6,100 square feet of flexible indoor meeting space, anchored by the Mountain Vista Ballroom—a light-filled venue with slopeside floor-to-ceiling windows framing Dercum Mountain. Theater-style capacity reaches 415, with banquet configurations accommodating up to 277 guests. Two dedicated breakout rooms and a spacious pre-function area with natural light and views of the beautiful surroundings provide ideal settings for board meetings, team-building sessions, and creative collaboration. The Kindred Slopeside Courtyard extends the experience outdoors with AstroTurf, integrated fire pits, and panoramic mountain views—perfect for wellness breaks, cocktail receptions, or après-ski networking. Steps from the River Run Gondola, attendees can transition seamlessly from strategy sessions to the slopes, no shuttle required. Where Kindred Resort distinguishes itself is in the details that shape the attendees’ experience between sessions. The culinary program moves beyond standard group fare with three distinct restaurant concepts, each available for full buyout. Kinji Sushi brings Japanese technique and modern Asian-fusion cuisine to the high country as Keystone’s only sushi restaurant, offering an unexpected dining counterpoint to typical mountain menus.
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Goodz Tavern occupies the slopeside sweet spot, its spacious patio and alpine energy making it a natural après-ski destination where slow-cooked comfort classics get reimagined with contemporary execution. Lula’s, named for pioneering Keystone resident Lula Meyers, anchors the resort’s lobby with a family-style approach to seasonal alpine ingredients, emphasizing rustic flavors and shared plates across breakfast, lunch, and dinner service. For events in more intimate settings, customizable catering menus are available, featuring regionally sourced ingredients, while private dining experiences can be arranged for rehearsal dinners, whiskey tastings, or executive gatherings. The Kindred Spirits lobby bar rounds out the offerings with craft cocktails emphasizing liquor from Colorado distilleries, as well as thoughtfully curated bourbon flights. Beyond food and beverage, throughout the property, guests will discover a 70-piece regional art collection curated by Nine Dots Art, weaving local culture and mountain storytelling into the design narrative. The Spa at Kindred, Dry Bar, heated outdoor pool, and full ski valet service complete the experience, ensuring effortless access to the slopes and relaxation afterward. The accommodations themselves reflect a commitment to contemporary mountain design rather than predictable lodge aesthetics. For planners navigating Colorado’s competitive meetings and events market, Kindred Resort delivers what few can: accessible luxury, genuine connection, and a sense of place that embodies “Campfire Luxury.” With contemporary design, inspired dining, and intuitive service, Kindred redefines the alpine meeting experience—one that is elevated, intimate, and distinctly Colorado.
970-546-3733 kindredresort.com
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TEAM BUILDIN
CENTENNIAL STATE
Shake up the usual approaches for bringing cohorts together By Beth Buehler
snowmobiling,” O’Brien says. “I love to do a full-day immersive program with teams cooking breakfast together, having their meeting information shared by the higher-ups, doing an organized group activity, and ending with a chili cook-off.” However, the concept of team building is relatively broad. What does it really mean? The answer depends on a group’s goals and desired outcomes. To determine this, Cat Alletto,
PHOTOS (FROM LEFT) C Lazy U Ranch, Tamara Susa ILLUSTRATIONS Adobe/Nuthawut
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hen discussing team building with a group of people, the responses are typically across the board based on past experiences as a planner or participant. It can be hard for attendees to get jazzed about such programming unless it contains something truly unique, helpful for a cause, or related to the meeting destination. Colorado excels in taking groups beyond the surface, and Colorado Meetings + Events has searched out professionals in the field who can speak to the state’s many many offerings and top activities. Corporate groups especially like to feel immersed in the state’s great outdoors, notes Scotty O’Brien, owner of The Team Building Co. in Denver. “This state has so much to offer for all seasons of the year and all types of groups with various individual physical limitations and engagement levels,” he says. “With the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop, how do you go wrong?” After severa l hours of meetings, getting outdoors is often a welcome break to get connected with colleagues on a deeper level. “Depending on the sea son, we of fer whitewater ra f ting, ropes courses, outdoor cooking classes, corporate Olympics, and even
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PHOTOS (FROM LEFT) C Lazy U Ranch, Tamara Susa ILLUSTRATIONS Adobe/Nuthawut
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From left: Successful team cattle pushing at C Lazy U Ranch in Granby; Lost Forest ropes course at Snowmass ski area
CEO, facilitator, and producer for Denver-based Spark4, divides “team-building” requests into three primary categories: team bonding, building, and development. “Team bonding is often requested by hybrid or virtual teams who want to connect in person, share some laughs, and bring levity to a content-heavy agenda,” says Alletto. “Team building is about taking connection a step further by practicing collaboration, problem solving, and innovation, while building appreciation for one another. And then there’s team development, which has grown rapidly in the past couple of years. These programs combine energy and fun with professional growth, giving participants new people skills they can take back to their client and colleague relationships,” she explains. “Research shows that even simple team-building games and get-to-knowyou experiences can improve performance on complex tasks later. When you intentionally use team bonding, building, and development as ‘play with purpose,’ you can actually increase the return on investment of the entire meeting.” GIVING BACK “Human resources staff, managers, and planners are remembering that their team is the most important investment they have,” says O’Brien. “ You can’t do it without your peeps.” He adds that clients also want to ensure the team-building activity is purpose driven, seeking to answer questions like, “What can it accomplish, how will this help build my team, what can the program do to help others, and how can my team learn
from it?” Many of The Team Building Co.’s clients like to help the communities where their meetings are held. Traditional bike builds, ca re package prepa ration for milita r y troops, a nd volunteer hours at nonprofits like Rocky Mountain Food Bank in Denver remain popular options. Beyond large-scale community service endeavors, Alletto is seeing groups lean into “on-demand, donation-based activities.” She says, “These allow attendees to drop in between meeting sessions and assemble care packages or other items for area nonprofits. It [provides] a flexible way to give back while keeping the focus on the flow of the event.” Corporate groups also are plugging into annual fundraisers like Jane-A-Thon, a ski and snowboard event organized by Denver’s Invest in Kids nonprofit and held on Mary Jane Mountain at Winter Park Resort. Money raised helps improve the overall health and well-being of young children and families in Colorado who are experiencing the impacts of poverty. Each participant is challenged to raise a minimum of $250, and corporate teams frequently hire buses for the day, have themes and matching outfits, and plan celebratory après-ski gatherings at the resort. When Colin Stone, project executive for Denver-based Hyder Construction, was introduced to the Invest in Kids nonprofit and the Jane-A-Thon fundraising event, he sensed it was an ideal match. “It combined everything we value: giving back to the community, supporting Colorado kids and families, and sharing meaningful experiences as a team,” says Stone. “What started as a charitable outing has become our most anticipated event of
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“Team building is about taking
connection a step further by practicing collaboration, problem solving, and innovation, while building appreciation for one another.” – C AT A L L E T T O, C E O, FA C I L I TAT O R , A N D P R O D U C E R , S PA R K 4
FOSTERING INTERACTION Spark4’s most popular programs move attendees out of hotels and engage groups with area destinations. “Our ‘Geo Game Trek,’ a hands-on scavenger hunt designed by our team, is consistently popular, as is ‘Colorado Checkpoint,’ an adventure [modeled after the TV series ‘The Amazing Race’] combining historic, scenic, and cultural landmarks with classic teambuilding initiatives led by our staff,” says Alletto. “One standout this summer was ‘Fast & Curious,’ a Formula 1–inspired program that included pit-crew challenges and relays, culminating in a remote-control car race finale.” Commerce City-based Offen Petroleum has booked Spark4 team-building activities for about 80 participants during its national sales conferences in places like Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, and Vail. These have ranged from traditional oudoor group exercises to in-depth workplace personality assessments. “Other activ ities included rocket building, where we defined and
attached our goals to rockets before launching them,” says Danny Sells, senior vice president of sales for Offen Petroleum. “We also had arts and crafts sessions, such as vision boarding, where we envisioned what the next 10 years could look like and mapped out how to achieve our goals.” “The goal of our team-building activities is centered on connection, humility, and drive,” says Sells. “These three core competencies are crucial for effective team building. Alletto and her team at Spark4 are exceptional at delivering what I call ‘pixie dust’—those magical moments that happen outside the office and are incredibly valuable.” MOUNTAIN DESTINATION IDEAS Drew Welsheimer, group sales director for Snowmass Tourism, offers several ideas for novel group outings. For team bonding, head to Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Snowmass Village. Groups of up to 10 can book the ranch’s studio experiences that help ignite creativity. Another fun option is exploring the Lost Forest activity center at Snowmass ski area. Here, one of the main features is the Treeline Trial Challenge Course that combines rappels, zip lines, bridges, and ladders. There are five courses along with seven zip lines, a climbing wall, and an alpine coaster. He also recommends two area nonprofits for team-building activities that have community impact. Carbondale-based Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers helps maintain and preserve the area’s outdoor spaces and offers custom stewardship projects that last four to six hours for groups of six to 30 people.
PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT) Spark4, The Team Building Co., Colorado Wilderness Corporate & Teams, Anderson Ranch Arts Center ILLUSTRATIONS Adobe/Nuthawut
the year. Jane-A-Thon not only strengthens our internal camaraderie and team spirit, but it also brings our business partners together in support of a cause we all share a passion for. Hyder Construction upped our game and style points by outfitting our participants with some swank team [ski suits].”
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PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT) Spark4, The Team Building Co., Colorado Wilderness Corporate & Teams, Anderson Ranch Arts Center ILLUSTRATIONS Adobe/Nuthawut
Clockwise from left: A Spark4 group activity near the Flatirons in Boulder; Scotty O’Brien firing up his staff at Denver-based The Team Building Co.; A rock-climbing thumbs up with Boulder’s Colorado Wilderness Corporate & Teams; Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Snowmass Village
The nonprofit provides everything, including tools, training, logistical support, and project leadership. Habitat for Humanity Roaring Fork Valley welcomes groups to work on construction sites, with the volunteer commitment lasting from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. C Lazy U Ranch near Granby offers an all-inclusive getaway for corporate retreats. For team bonding, quintessential Colorado activities like f ly-fishing, mountain biking, hiking, yoga, trap shooting, archery, hatchet throwing, and zip-line and ropes courses are available. Groups can step it up a bit more to improve communication skills with cattle-pushing clinics and programs. During cattle pushing, participants learn to herd, sort, and move cattle as a team, simulating cowboy tasks that require synchronized movement and mutual trust—all while on the backs of horses. The activity emphasizes both verbal and nonverbal communication, patience, and adaptability, and the experience can be connected back to leadership and collaboration principles that are consistent with workplace values. During “The Amazing Race” activities, teams of four to eight participants rotate through a series of challenge stations, such as the ropes course, archery, fire building, hatchet throwing, and trap shooting. The format encourages strategic thinking, time management, and role delegation as teams compete for the highest score and best time. TEAM DEVELOPMENT Colleen Huther, general manager at the Hotel Boulderado in Boulder, has more than 30 years of experience building and being part of successful hotel teams across Hilton Hotels & Resorts,
Hyatt Hotels Corp., and Marriott International brands. She opened Hyatt Centric Downtown Denver in 2021 with an allfemale leadership team, a first in the brand’s history. Huther shares her expertise through a new team-building workshop, “The Boulderado Blueprint: Building Teams.” The 1 !1/2-hour workshop is open to any group gathering at the hotel and includes Huther’s tips and tricks for building high-performing hotel teams, advice learned from leadership training for senior executives, an interactive case study during which participants walk through a hotel opening, and a game-style competition to build the strongest dream team using fictional candidates. Boulder-based Colorado Wilderness Corporate & Teams focuses on team development that blends outdoor adventure with leadership science. The company’s client base is varied and from throughout the U.S. “We have worked with U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers, the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies coaching staff, and Fortune 100 executives,” says owner Joshua Baruch. “[We also have hosted] programs for USA Fencing, Google, and several other national organizations and corporations. They come for the same reasons: Colorado’s natural environment paired with highly customized, evidence-based programming that can’t be replicated indoors.” andersonranch.org boulderado.com clazyu.com cwrag.com gobuildteams.com
habitatroaringfork.org iik.org rfov.org spark4team.com
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I N D USTRY U P DAT E The Meetings Beat
Regionally sourced foods at Four Seasons Hotel Denver’s Edge Restaurant & Bar
Eco-Friendly Lodging Option » FOUR SEASONS HOTEL DENVER implemented several
sustainability programs noteworthy to planners and groups. A new Smart Valve system reduces water usage by at least 10% every month, and the hotel installed motion sensors and retrofitted lighting in guest rooms, corridors, and public spaces to reduce energy consumption. Also, the Four Seasons eliminated single-use plastics from guest rooms—including water bottles and bathroom amenities—and now offers complimentary electric vehicles for attendees to explore Denver. Electric vehicle charging stations also are available. An on-site recycling program includes specialty items, including light bulbs, batteries, metal, kitchen grease, and cooking oil. Not content to stop there, the culinary team at the hotel’s Edge Restaurant & Bar partners with Englewood-based nonprofit Kaizen Food Rescue to donate excess food to the community, purchases products from area producers like Björn’s Colorado Honey based in Boulder, and has a composting program and internal practices in place to reduce food waste at the property.
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isit Boulder, the city’s convention and visitors bureau, collaborated with the Boulder hotel community to introduce a Boulder Lodging Business Assessment Area (LBAA). The LBAA will directly support Boulder’s lodging businesses and broader hospitality community through a 2% assessment on gross short-term rental revenue, which will be invested in initiatives that strengthen the Boulder economy. The LBA A is ex pected to generate $2.1 mi l lion in its f irst year, yielding additiona l resources to attract large groups, meetings, and events to meet the demands of Boulder’s increasing number of accommodations, generate interest in Boulder’s low season, and contribute to citywide transportation and infrastructure solutions. With two new hotels joining the community—Moxy Boulder and Limelight Boulder—the timing of the LBAA is meant to sustainably manage Boulder’s growth while continuing to support the long-term success of the city’s hospitality industry. bouldercoloradousa.com
PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE LEFT) Four Seasons Hotel Denver, InSync Photography, Visit Boulder
fourseasons.com
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PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE LEFT) Four Seasons Hotel Denver, InSync Photography, Visit Boulder
MIC GROWS RANKS & ANNOUNCES OFFICERS
Chair Stephanie Sadri with Immediate Past Chair Sydney Rhea
» THE MEETINGS INDUSTRY COUNCIL (MIC) of Colorado added two member organizations, Destination Colorado Meetings and Colorado Event Alliance, bringing its total to 13. MIC also announced its officers for the year: Stephanie Sadri, chair; Justin Clark, chair-elect; Sarah Michel, treasurer; and Sydney Rhea, immediate past chair. Directors-at-large include Desiree Kelly, communications; Genevieve Belou, member engagement; Kelly Nelson, programs; John Moritz, Serving Up Hope; and Nikki Bibbero, industry relations. “We are excited to welcome this dynamic and committed slate of leaders,” says Allison Kinsley, executive director at M IC of Colorado. “ Their diverse perspectives and shared passion for the industry will help propel MIC’s mission of connection, education, and community impact.” mic-colorado.org
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I N D USTRY U P DAT E The Meetings Beat
Coworking space at Denver’s Clayton Hotel & Members Club
Changing It Up at Clayton Club ransformation is underway at the Clayton Hotel & Members Club, located in Denver’s Cherry Creek neighborhood, with a trio of new players. The new ownership group is led by Rockbridge (a hospitality investment firm based in Columbus, Ohio), and Dallas-based Makeready now manages operations of the property.
Renovated Blue Spruce Suite at Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center
The collaboration builds on an established relationship with Rockbridge and Makeready already owning and operating Halcyon, a hotel in Cherry Creek, with Denver-based BMC Investments as a limited partner. In addition, McClinton Heil, managing director for Halcyon, is overseeing both the Halcyon and Clayton.
Among the planned investments are improvements to the second floor, upgraded service levels, and two additional restaurants on the ground level. Alteño by Michelin-starred chef and owner Johnny Curiel is open, and the other eatery will be announced in the near future. claytondenver.com
ROOM REFRESH AT HYATT REGENCY DENVER » TO CELEBRATE 20 YEARS in downtown Denver, Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center (CCC) is undergoing a complete transformation of its 1,100 guest rooms and suites, corridors, and elevator landings. The renovation represents a $70 million investment with completion slated for March. The updated rooms will feature all new hard and soft goods made of natural materials like wood, stone, porcelain, and vegan leather, reflecting the city’s natural outdoor beauty. The hotel has 60,600 square feet of event space and a prime location near CCC, making the property ideal for large groups. “This renovation is more than a refresh, it’s a thoughtful reinvention of our guest experience,” says General Manager Greg Leonard. “Our team, along with our exceptional area partners, has created spaces that reflect what travelers today value most: calmness, comfort, a sense of place, and genuine connection to the community.” hyattregencydenver.com
PHOTOS (COUNTERCLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE LEFT) Clayton Hotel & Members Club, Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center, St Julien Hotel & Spa, Hotel Colorado, Kindred Resort
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PEOPLE NEWS Daniel Dohner will lead the December opening of the Kindred Resort in Keystone as general manager. Dohner has 25-plus years of hospitality experience in mountain destinations, such as Aspen and Snowmass in Colorado, and Snowbird and Park City in Utah. Previously, he served as director of hospitality development for Broomfield-based Vail Resorts and has since led openings and operations at Hyatt Vacation Club at The Ranahan in Breckenridge and Hilton Garden Inn Union Station in Denver. Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs promoted Alta Otto to director of c at er i n g a nd event s i n June. Otto was the property’s social sales manager for two years, and she is a certified meeting and wedding planner. In her new role, Otto leads the planning, coordination, and execution of all catered gatherings at the property, and she spearheads development of the hotel’s signature events, such as the annual Lighting Ceremony. She also is generating new experiences to position the hotel as a premier leisure and business destination. Kristin Snodell began her role as director of sales a t B o u l d e r ’s S t Ju l i e n Hotel & Spa in June. She brings more than 25 years of experience in the hospita lity industr y, previously ser ving as director of catering and conference serv ices at the Boulder hotel from 2021 to 2023. Prior to joining St Julien again, Snodell was director of catering a nd conference services at The Westin Westminster, and director of catering and events at Renaissance Denver Hotel & Conference Center.
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S NAP S HOT S NACE Denver Catering Olympics
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Going for the Gold
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Members of the National Association for Catering and Events (NACE) Denver Chapter came ready to compete at the organization’s Catering Olympics on July 8. While attendees might not have spent months preparing like Olympians do, they showed up at Hiwan Golf Club in Evergreen prepared for the ultimate showdown of talent, speed, and creativity in table-setting, menu-planning, and tray-carrying competitions. The highenergy event united caterers, planners, and other event professionals to witness the best-in-the-biz battle for gold, glory, and bragging rights.
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1. The competitors and judges 2. Bryan Evans 3. Jeff Libby and Scotty O’Brien 4. Bonnie Vidal, Kimberly Spath, Cassie Nickerson, and Brianna Kane 5. Desiree Kelly, Jewels Gray, Devan Berg, and Sara Sheveland 6. Table decor by Alegre Weddings and Events 7. Winner’s gold medal 8. Michelle Byerly, Sarah Roshan, and Channing Ricker
To have your meeting or event photos featured, contact bbuehler@greenspring.com.
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PHOTOS Black Bear Events
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PHOTOS Studio JK Photography
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BLACK BEAR EVENTS
WITH OVER 20 YEARS of collective experience, Black Bear Events creates extraordinary Colorado gatherings, serving as the exclusive event-management company for northern Colorado’s Mishawaka Amphitheatre and Riverside Colorado. Both properties are nestled along the banks of the Cache la Poudre River in Larimer County just 20 miles northwest of Fort Collins. Working with Black Bear Events is simple—its team will sit down with you to listen and learn about your vision, refine it with expert input, and execute every detail with precision. It can manage any kind of event imaginable: corporate retreats, team-building outings, meetings, family reunions, graduation and birthday parties, and weddings. Black Bear Events gives you personalized consultation through the day of the event and is devoted to making your milestone moments truly exceptional. As the only event bookers for the Mishawaka Amphitheatre and Riverside Colorado, Black Bear Events provides planners with insider expertise and access that can’t be matched. Not only will its team plan your event, but it also coordinates all venue operations for every gathering at these two extraordinary locations. Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Mishawaka Amphitheatre and Riverside Colorado offer a truly unforgettable blend of natural beauty, comfort, and modern amenities. Surrounded by towering pines and the gentle rush of the Cache la Poudre River, each venue captures the authentic spirit of Colorado while providing everything you need for a seamless and memorable event experience. If you’re planning a fun night out, Mishawaka Amphitheatre hosts an incredible lineup of live concerts from May through October—perfect for treating your team or attendees to a one-of-a-kind Colorado experience. Convenient transportation is provided to and from the venue, ensuring everyone can relax and enjoy the evening. For one-day events, both venues offer easy, reliable transportation coordination through Black Bear Events, making logistics effortless from start to finish. And for those wishing to host an on-site event or retreat, Riverside Colorado provides charming, eco-friendly lodging, plus natural event areas and meeting spaces. To make your occasion even more special, Black Bear Events proudly partners with area rafting companies and professional fishing guides, allowing you and your attendees to immerse in the very best of what the Rockies have to offer. Whether it is a team-building adventure, a family celebration, or a company retreat, your event will leave attendees with lasting memories of outdoor excitement and mountain tranquility. The team at Black Bear Events knows every possibility its legendary venues hold and is ready to make your event unforgettable.
PHOTOS Black Bear Events
PHOTOS Studio JK Photography
SPONSORED CONTENT
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970-237-2814 blackbearevents.com
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P EOPLE P ROFI L E Melissa and Todd Layton
Dynamic Duo
Siblings Melissa and Todd Layton launched Operation Altitude DMC 28 years ago to execute memorable mountain meetings BY BETH BUEHLER
Melissa and Todd Layton at The Edge sculpture by Gail Folwell in Vail Village
PHOTO Rex Keep
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he sister and brother team of Melissa and Todd Layton grew up in St. Louis but, in adulthood, longed to return to Colorado, where they graduated from college. While Melissa was a Chicago-based meeting planner and Todd a hotel sales manager in St. Louis, they hatched a plan to return to the Centennial State. The siblings discovered there was only one destination management company (DMC) in the Vail Valley, and they aimed to create the second. When they discussed the idea while talking on the phone at work, Melissa referred to it as “Operation Altitude.” The code name stuck. In 1997, they established Operation Altitude and have been planning corporate meetings and events ever since. The company was based in Minturn for 23 years, and now serves all Colorado mountain destinations from Avon. When the economy hit a rough patch in 2008, they opened a Denver office to broaden the company’s service area to include Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs. The siblings, who are five years apart in age, both learned the corporate group travel business during previous roles at Maritz, an incentive travel company based in St. Louis. “Being a travel director was an incredible learning experience,” says Todd, who worked for Maritz from 1989 to 1992, while Melissa was employed by the company from 1981 to 1985. “It gave me a comprehensive view of the corporate group travel world and introduced me to the DMC business.” Today, Todd manages transportation, activities, team building, and the financial side of Operation Altitude, and Melissa focuses on evening events, off-property dinners, theme parties, and entertainment. The DMC has six full-time employees between the two offices and numerous freelance staff to help implement programs. For Operation Altitude, success means adjusting to the times with strategy and confidence, including managing the pressure of rising costs and the challenges of maintaining client budgets that are facing a majority of DMCs today, notes Melissa. “Since starting Operation Altitude, we have experienced many global economic and other challenges,” Todd adds. “Looking back, I now see that each of those past challenges eventually turned into new and profitable opportunities. I don’t know when, where, and how, but I have faith that the new opportunities will keep coming.” For people who want to dip their toes in the water of DMC work, Melissa recommends jumping in by freelancing on-site. She says, “See what groups do and how DMCs support the client contacts to ensure attendees have a great time in Colorado.”
28 CO M+E » WINTER 2026
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PHOTOS Visit Colorado Springs
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Visit Colorado Springs W
elcome to Olympic City USA! Colorado Springs boasts over 500,000 square feet of flexible meeting space along with 300 days of sunshine per year and unbelievable Rocky Mountain views. Tucked in the shadow of Pikes Peak, you will find the perfect blend of urban comforts, fascinating history, and natural splendor. World-class venues like the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum, Hotel Polaris, Flying W Ranch, Weidner Field, and the Colorado Springs Convention Center at The Broadmoor will wow attendees, no matter the size of your event. Let this city’s unique amenities and small-town feel bring your meetings to new heights! Along with first-rate venues, Colorado Springs provides limitless recreation options for you and your team. Adventures Out West brings groups on Jeep tours, zip lines, hot-air balloon rides, and more. Immerse yourself in the Olympic spirit by taking a tour of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is one of the most acclaimed zoos in the country, allowing
visitors to get up close with the wildlife while taking in unparalleled views. Ride The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway to the scenic summit of Pikes Peak—America’s Mountain, where you can enjoy a world-famous high-altitude doughnut. Not sure where to start? Allow the award-winning sales team at Visit Colorado Springs to provide complimentary services like leads to hotels and service providers, personalized site inspections, and promotional materials.
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