By Allison Grassetti, CMP
When one thinks of corporate meetings or events, visions of drab boardrooms with minimal light, the same old lunch spread and hours of lectures typically come to mind. This doesn’t exactly paint a picture of an environment or agenda that inspires a team to think differently, be more creative or walk away as a more bonded, in-sync company. To truly plan a memorable meeting, planners need a memorable location—one that stays ingrained in your attendees’ minds long after they leave. While other elements of planning a meeting are certainly important, selecting a location that offers natural beauty combined with plenty of activities for attendees to enjoy is one of the most important things planners can do. Ultimately, you want those participating in your meeting to be inspired by the location, instead of only trying to use traditional presentation methods.
Free gondola ride from Mountain Village into the historic town of Telluride. Photo courtesy Telluride Ski Resort/Ben Eng
Ways to Inspire in Telluride Savor the scenery – A mountain meeting destination like Telluride provides the perfect setting for a one-of-a-kind corporate meeting or retreat. Set among the highest concentration of 13,000 and 14,000 foot peaks in North America, Telluride’s natural landscape is enough to keep people in awe and thinking they are part of something bigger. For terrific views, meet at Allred’s for cocktails and have dinner overlooking the town of Telluride, or during the winter head up to Bon Vivant for lunch and enjoy a decadent meal while gazing out at Palmyra Peak.
Fly fishing on the beuatiful San Miguel River. Photo Courtesy of Telluride Ski Resort/Ryan Bonneau
Utilize the great outdoors – Telluride’s location in the San Juan Mountains also provides opportunity for activities that take your team out of the conference room and into nature, whether it’s to hike, mountain bike, paddleboard or take a 4×4 tour. In the winter, organize some friendly competition among colleagues on our racecourse or just bond together while on a tour of the resort, discussing ideas on the chairlift. Combining traditional meeting elements with those that take people out of attendees’ comfort zones lets them tap inner potential that they didn’t know existed.
Stand up paddle boarding on Trout Lake. Photo courtesy Telluride Ski Resort/Brett-Schreckengost
Step back in time –The story of Telluride is rooted in the mining industry, where more than 150 years ago, gold was discovered in the surrounding mountains and brought thousands of people to town in search of fame and fortune. After decades of boom and bust, the town became a quaint, thriving ski town with its feet firmly planted in its mining past and its head and heart in the clouds high above the 13,000 and 14,000 foot peaks that surround it. Everywhere you walk in town, you’re reminded of the history. Take in a show at the Sheridan Opera House, which still retains some of its original fixtures. Have a drink in the old bar at the New Sheridan Hotel or take a 4×4 tour from town to the old ghost town of Tomboy to envision what the miners went through. Tap into culture – Telluride also has a thriving arts and music scene that not only provides creative inspiration but also an opportunity to let loose and enjoy time as a team. During the summer, festivals such as the Bluegrass Festival and Blues & Brews are held in Town Park and are can’t miss events. Club Red at the Telluride Conference Center also brings national touring acts to perform in an intimate venue. After a day of meetings, what better way to entertain than walking through the town’s art galleries or by catching some live music?
Outdoor Telluride concert surround by a scenic wonderland. Photo courtesy of Telluride Ski Resort/Ryan Bonneau
By planning your meeting in a Colorado mountain destination, you combine best-in-class event spaces, dining options and scenery to spark new ideas and ways of thinking among event attendees and keep them talking long after they leave. The Colorado Rocky Mountains is the perfect place to escape the hecticness of the board room, detach from technology and let the mind wander to create, innovate and inspire.
Allison Grassetti, CMP is the Conference Sales Director for Telluride Ski & Golf Resort with more than 20 years of working with clients at top resort, hotel and vacation destinations.
