< Previousthemeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESMAY 2023 Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs 28DESTINATION REPORT 29 MAY 2023 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIES Colorado Venues Statewide Offer Spaces to Appreciate the Views By David Swanson rom the mountains to the prairies, and from tony ski resorts to laid-back dude ranches, when it comes to hosting meetings against a variety of backdrops, Colorado just about has it all. F After all, several Colorado cities regularly appear in the top 20 for U.S. News & World Report’s annual “Best Places to Live” list. Boulder, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins and Denver have routinely topped the charts as prime locations to reside, but these areas and many others also continue to draw meeting planners year after year. Though identified as one of America’s Western states, Colorado is not far from the geographical center of the country, making it a prime target for a centrally located meeting site. The farthest major cities from Denver — Bos- ton and Miami — are just a 3-1/2-hour flight. That central location has helped establish Denver International Airport as one of the busiest airports in the world, with nonstop ser- vice to more than 200 destinations, including more than 20 international destinations. Conveniently located only 8 1/2 miles from Denver’s airport is Aurora’s Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center. The resort offers nearly 518,000 sf of meeting space, which includes the Aurora Ballroom & Exhibit Hall with more than 179,520 sf of flexible meeting space. Aurora offers more than 65 hotel properties with 13,000+ guest rooms, and more than 1 million sf of meet- ing space. Another convention hotel is the 249-guest room Hyatt Regency Aurora/Denver Conference Center, which offers 36,000 sf of meeting and event space that includes the 11,800-sf Aurora Ballroom and a 4,000-sf outdoor terrace. Visit Aurora is available to help planners create a Colorado experience they will never forget. A Historic Venue Although much of the state is defined by what happens in the Denver metro area, there is plenty to draw meeting planners to other destinations spread around the state, including to the second-largest city, Colorado Springs. Located 72 miles south of Denver, the city is also home to one of the state’s largest meeting properties, The Broadmoor, the “grand dame of the Rockies,” built in 1918. The Colorado Association of REALTORS chose The Broadmoor for its 100 Year Celebration, Conference & Expo, a gathering of 1,065 real estate agents from across the state. Colorado Convention Center PHOTO BY STEVE CRECELIUS“We held our conferences at the Broad- moor for the first 80 or 90 years of the association,” says Brenda Moss, direc- tor of meetings and events, about their four-day event. “We felt it appropriate to return to where it all began. Many of our longtime members have fond memories of the conferences held at the Broadmoor and wished to return.” An asset Moss recommends to meeting planners is The Broadmoor’s Bartolin Hall. The venue is a new asset for the state, featuring 125,000 sf of flexible events space, including 93,500 sf of true exhibit space designed spe- cifically for trade shows. Bartolin Hall features polished concrete floors, 32 meeting rooms, 25-foot-high black piped ceilings, and direct connection to the resort’s 60,000-sf ballroom Broadmoor Hall. Over- all, The Broadmoor boasts more than 315,000 sf of meeting space, and allows large conference or trade show attend- ees to receive a high level of service at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. “In order to accommodate a large group such as ours with keynotes and breakouts, we had to utilize several buildings, which housed different types of events spaces,” Moss says. “We even moved to two different buildings for our last two days of our conference. It worked out well, but directional signage and good communication is key to getting attendees where they need to be. Bartolin Hall is great for an expo hall, and, if it is possible, I’d suggest utilizing the many breakout rooms in this building. There’s office-type space on the sec- ond floor of Broadmoor Hall that was very convenient for our staff and vendors. The International Center Foyer, utilizing the indoor and outdoor area, is a wonderful setting for recep- tion. And our guests really enjoyed the Robert Trent Jones, Sr. Room at the Broadmoor Golf Club for our VIP dinner.” Moss notes that guest rooms can be quite a distance from the meeting space, but The Broadmoor’s shuttles are conve- nient and easy enough to use. “The campus is large,” Moss says. “Utilize the conference services staff to find little unknown ways to maximize different spaces, such as suites and their balconies, the Rob- ert Trent Jones, Sr. Room, etc.” Summer and Winter Activities Although Colorado Springs is set against a back- drop that includes both the sculpted rocks of Garden of the Gods park and the mas- sive flank of Pike’s Peak, for a true Rocky Mountain experience, planners will want to head for the hills — to one of the resorts that caters to both skiers in the winter and hikers in the sum- mer, and meetings and conventions year-round. “Colorado has so many unique areas to offer up for various events and a wide range of weather options depending upon the time of year,” says Carissa Hughes, director of events and operations for the Colorado Association of School Execu- tives. “For our annual summer convention, we always focus on holding the event in the mountains. It’s absolutely the perfect weather at that time of year for indoor and outdoor activities, and all our attendees love getting away to a mountain destina- tion for the week.” Breckenridge has been the association’s pick for more than 20 years, including for its 52nd annual convention. “We have a long history in Breckenridge,” Hughes says. The main reason: It’s a smaller mountain town that can still accom- modate the association’s many event room needs, for 1,300- plus attendees. Beaver Run Resort & Conference Center serves as the main host hotel, with other Vail Resorts properties providing addi- tional room blocks. “This allows our convention to have so many options for large and smaller sessions, with more than 20 event spaces between the properties. Both entities are great partners and work so well together. We work to match conven- tion meals and menus regardless of which venue they are being served at, so that our attendees have a consistent experience.” She adds, “Additionally, we use one AV company, Image Audiovisuals. It’s so great to have one point of contact for all our AV needs, regardless of which build- ing I am planning in. Image Audiovisuals are just absolute rock-stars at providing the best AV services.” In addition to meeting spaces ranging up to the 7,200-sf Colorado Ballroom at Beaver Run Resort, Hughes adds that an attractive feature is the variety of room choices, from hotel rooms and suites to condo-style options ranging up to four bedrooms. “This allows for themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESMAY 2023 we'll move mountains for you. need to impress your CEO with her favorite chicken adobo? Visit Aurora’s dedicated team is here seven days a week to deliver the customized services you need to pull off a seamless event. But that’s just one of the reasons we’re one of Colorado’s premier convention, business, and leisure travel destinations. Let’s start talking today. visitaurora.com/meetings 720-484-8902 The Colorado Association of REALTORS chose The Broadmoor for its 100 Year Celebration, Conference & Expo. Brenda Moss Director of Meetings and Events Colorado Association of REALTORS The [Broadmoor] campus is large. Utilize the conference services staff to find little unknown ways to maximize different spaces... COURTESY OF BRENDA MOSS 30we'll move mountains for you. need to impress your CEO with her favorite chicken adobo? Visit Aurora’s dedicated team is here seven days a week to deliver the customized services you need to pull off a seamless event. But that’s just one of the reasons we’re one of Colorado’s premier convention, business, and leisure travel destinations. Let’s start talking today. visitaurora.com/meetings 720-484-8902attendees to plan a full retreat or vacation in conjunction with our convention. Many attendees hold retreats with their teams; other attendees use this time as a full family vacation. The rooms and amenities at Beaver Run, and Breckenridge in general, cater to family stays,” Hughes says, adding, “At Beaver Run, you get a sales and service team that is top-notch and willing to do almost anything to cater to your specific event needs. Plus, the resort has large on-site ballrooms that are perfect for anchor elements, general sessions and trade show halls. And Vail Resorts is a true partner that is skilled in working perfectly as the secondary venue, complimenting all the elements of the larger event.” Vail Resorts’ spaces at The Village are “wonderful” for additional summit seminars and great receptions, Hughes adds. Hughes’ tip for meeting planners considering a mountain event during summer months: be aware that many facilities do not have air conditioning. “Ninety-eight percent of the time, it is not needed,” Hughes says. “However, we know people have spe- cific preferences, so we book blocks of rooms that provide a combination of lodging with A/C and without, to give registrants plenty of options.” A Planner’s Favorite In the past, the Associ- ation of Christian Schools International (ACSI) has chosen the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa for its Head of School Retreat. Kathy Crabb, senior executive assistant to the ACSI’s president, says the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek is a favorite of hers and her husband. “When my company brought the idea of a retreat for some of our Heads of School, I was quick to recommend the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek,” Crabb says. “It is a beautiful hotel that offers tranquility or as much as you want to do. It is a gem that we really enjoy.” Located just west of Vail, about 110 miles from Denver, the more than 190-room hotel offers a state-of-the-art conference center and more than 20,000 sf of meetings space, much of it with floor-to-ceiling windows. “They were very accommodat- ing on space, and worked very well with us to make everything work well,” Crabb says. “The only challenge was that I was not aware of the room types. For a retreat with spouses, it was a little embarrassing when I found out that some of our couples would be in rooms with two double beds. But our group was awesome and rolled with it.” ACSI provided attendees breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Park Hyatt. “The hotel did an amazing job with the food. It was fresh, colorful and delicious,” Crabb says. “Colorado is one of the most beautiful, scenic locations. It offers so much to do while at the same time the awesome scenery allows you to relax and just enjoy the beauty if you just want to unwind.” New Promotional Programs The Beaver Creek Resort Company has a website that prompts meeting planners to consider a “village-wide” con- ference or gathering. BeaverCreekVillagewide.com provides the planning tools for large groups at the town’s six different resorts and other venues. The website allows incentive, cor- porate and association groups from around the world to easily research a Rocky Mountain multi-venue and multi-hotel meet- ing or event. It’s designed to be a one-stop shop for all Beaver Creek Village event questions. Another state-wide promotion is Colorado’s Meetings and Events Incentive – through the Colorado Tourism Office – which provides pre-approved applicants with a 10% rebate up to $100,000 against the eligible hard costs of hosting meetings and events that take place before the end of this year. The online application must be submitted no later than 45 days before the meeting occurs, and additional details are available at destination- colorado.com/colorado- meetingincentive. Expansions and Renovations Just a few decades ago, Colorado’s capitol was often mocked as a cow town. Today, Denver is one of America’s fastest-grow- ing and most desirable cit- ies. Chief among its lures is the Colorado Convention Center, located downtown. Earlier this year, officials held a “topping out” cer- emony, commemorating the start of construction on a 200,000-sf rooftop expansion. The expansion, expected to be completed late this year, will include an 80,000-sf, column-free ballroom — the largest in Colorado — and will have new pre-function and networking spaces, cut- ting-edge technology improvements, in addition to a rooftop outdoor terrace with sweeping panoramic views of both the city and Rocky Mountains, all seamlessly integrated with the existing building. It was only a little over a year ago that the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel unveiled its two-year, $80 million renovation. A familiar anchor to Denver’s iconic 16th Street Mall, the hotel features 133,000 sf of renovated meeting space, 1,238 newly redesigned guest rooms and 138 suites. Another more recent addition to downtown is The Rally Hotel, part of the highly anticipated McGregor Square develop- ment in the heart of Denver’s vibrant LoDo neighborhood, next to Coors Field. The 182-room hotel features 21,000 sf of private events space, including the 17,000-sf outdoor plaza, which is available for private events. The Rally’s in-building meetings and events space is flexible and unique, and includes the 1,783-sf Wynkoop Ballroom. From the third-floor terrace all the way up to the skybridge rooftop and pool deck, every venue lets in Colo- rado sunshine or sparkling evening views of the city. | AC&F | themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESMAY 2023 ROOM TO INSPIRE KATHY REAK, CFMP Vice President of Sales Kathy@VisitCOS.com | 719.685.7632 Welcome to Colorado Springs, Olympic City USA, where stunning, wide-open scenery is the backdrop to your next meeting or event. From unique venues and properties to outdoor adventure and delicious dining, Colorado Springs has what you need to create a memorable experience for your attendees. Here, you’ll find room to inspire, innovate and reconnect. The Colorado Meetings & Events Incentive program has been extended, offering a 10% rebate on eligible hard costs. See our website for details. Learn more at VisitCOS.com/meet PHOTO BY BRAD ANDERSON / VISIT AURORA In Aurora, Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center offers nearly 518,000 sf of meeting space, including several ballrooms. 32ROOM TO INSPIRE KATHY REAK, CFMP Vice President of Sales Kathy@VisitCOS.com | 719.685.7632 Welcome to Colorado Springs, Olympic City USA, where stunning, wide-open scenery is the backdrop to your next meeting or event. From unique venues and properties to outdoor adventure and delicious dining, Colorado Springs has what you need to create a memorable experience for your attendees. Here, you’ll find room to inspire, innovate and reconnect. The Colorado Meetings & Events Incentive program has been extended, offering a 10% rebate on eligible hard costs. See our website for details. Learn more at VisitCOS.com/meet844.350.4522 Broadmoor.com 1 Lake Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80906 Welcome to the True Colorado Convention Experience. So much space, the possibilities are wide open. Nestled in the scenic foothills of the Rockies, The Colorado Springs Convention Center at The Broadmoor oers over 315,000 square feet of meeting space. And every detail and service has been considered to make your event a success. Book your event today at conventioncenter.broadmoor.com 315,000+ SQ FT MEETING SPACE 93,500 SQ FT TRUE EXHIBIT SPACE35 MAY 2023 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIES VISIT BALTIMOREGREATER BIRMINGHAM CVBVISIT DALLAS PHILADELPHIA CVB VISIT TAMPA BAY FORT MYERS ISLANDS, BEACHES AND NEIGHBORHOODS LONG BEACH CVB AMERICA’S PREMIER DESTINATIONS MEETING & CONVENTION ssociation Conventions & Facilities magazine proudly presents the designees of our 2023 America’s Premier Meeting & Convention Destinations. These destinations go above and beyond to stand out among the many destinations around the country. They offer top-notch service and support, as well as promotional assistance, and supplier, facility and venue information to make planning meetings an easy, stress-free undertaking. These industry-leading destinations earn their way atop the list of planners nationwide — through expanded and upgraded facilities — and boast enough A/V and other technology to meet the needs of any of today’s face-to- face, virtual or hybrid meeting. Consider these Premier Meeting & Convention Destinations for your next meeting, conference or event.400 E PRATT STREET, 10TH FLOOR BALTIMORE, MD 21202 TEL: 1-877-BALTIMORE BALTIMORE.ORG/MEETINGS W henyou’relookingtobring peopletogether,startbylook- ingcloseratBaltimore.Situ- atedintheheartoftheI-95 corridor,ourcityisjustadriveorshort flightforover100millionpeople—andyet weofferauniquelyvibrantexperienceata costthat’ssurprisinglyreasonable. A One-of-a-Kind Home to All Kinds of Industries Morethananythingelse,ourdiversity isourstrength.Youcanseeitintheblend ofculturesthatmakeupourpeople andinthevarietyofindustriesthatcall Baltimorehome.Weboastleadersin: •Highereducation,withmorethan 20collegesanduniversities •Healthcareandbiosciencereceiv- ingmoreR&Ddollarsperworker thananyotherstate •Tech,cybersecurityandITbacked bynineCentersofAcademic ExcellenceinCyberDefense •Governmentanddefensecon- tractingthatranks#1ingrant spendingpercapita •Financialservicesmadeupofmore than8,300financialservicesfirms •Youthandprofessionalsports,fea- turingmanynationalandworld tournaments,exhibitionsand competitiveevents •Creativeventures,includinginno- vativestartups,artisticvisionaries andgroundbreakingfirms A Walkable Waterfront Experience OurdowntownandInnerHarborarea haseverythingconvention-goersneed— andit’salljuststepsaway.Weoffer: The Baltimore Convention Center •300,000squarefeetofcontiguous exhibitionspace •85,000squarefeetofmeetingspace •36,672square-footballroom •27,000square-footoutdoorterrace Hotels From the Familiar to the Boutique •8,000downtownhotelrooms •2,300roomswithinablockofthe conventioncenter Enrichment & Entertainment •Waterfrontshoppinganddiningin theInnerHarborjuststepsfrom theconventioncenter •Amosaicofnearbyneighbor- hoodswithdistinctpersonalities andplentyofboutiques,restau- rantsandnightlife •World-classattractions,including theNationalAquarium,Mary- landZoo,BaltimoreMuseumof Art,ReginaldF.LewisMuseum ofAfricanAmericanHistory,Fort McHenryandmuchmore Be Surprised By Baltimore It’sonethingtofindenoughspace forameetingorconvention.It’sanother thingtofindthekindofspacethatmakes agatheringastransformativeasitis memorable. | AC&F | Visit Baltimore A City That Inspires. At a Cost That Makes Sense. Total guest rooms: 8,000 hotel rooms Total hotels/resorts: 34 Convention Center FYI: Our convention center has 300,000 contiguous exhibit space divisible into seven exhibit halls; 68,382 sq feet divisible for 50 meeting rooms; and 36,672 sq. ft. ballroom. Along with the convention center the core convention hotels have over 557,000 sq. feet. FACTS & FEATURES SHERRY VALE Regional Director of Sales, Midwest Visit Baltimore 410-659-8352 svale@baltimore.org CONTACT AMERICA'S PREMIER MEETING & CONVENTION DESTINATIONS 2023 36 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESMAY 2023 PHOTO BY JASON VARNEYthen dinner at an UNEXPECTED neighborhood GEM wake up for a waterfront walk along the HARBOR PROMENEADE be surprised meet baltimore baltimore.org/meetings meet coworkers happy hour in forOUTDOOR HARBOR EASTNext >