We are pleased to announce that we are hosting our 7th Annual Dallas Showcase Trade Show on Wed., March 21 at The Belo Mansion & Pavilion in Dallas. To assist in producing this show this year, we have teamed up with our partners, the MPI Dallas chapter, Plan Your Meetings, Successful Meetings/MeetingNews and Texas Meetings + Events/Colorado Meetings + Events. This is a great event that brings meeting planners, event planners and incentive buyers throughout the Dallas area to a trade show exclusively featuring Colorado destinations!

Dallas area meeting planners have the opportunity to visit with close to 20 exhibiting members from all over the state, including such Colorado regions as Aspen, Beaver Creek, Boulder, Breckenridge, Crested Butte, Denver, Durango, Estes Park, Granby, Grand Junction, Keystone, Snowmass, Steamboat Springs and Winter Park.

We currently have 16 Destination Colorado members who are signed up to exhibit at this show, and those members include:
Aspen Chamber Resort Association
Beaver Creek
Beaver Run Resort & Conference Center
Boulder CVB
C Lazy U Ranch
Crested Butte Mountain Resort
Devil’s Thumb Ranch
Durango Area Tourism Office
Grand Junction VCB
Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center
Keystone Resort & Conference Center
Omni Interlocken Resort & Spa
Sky Hotel Aspen – A Kimpton Hotel
The Steamboat Grand
Viceroy Snowmass
YMCA of the Rockies

Interested exhibitors or meeting planner attendees can contact Amber Broughton at amber.broughton@destinationcolorado.com or at 303-652-7704.

We hope to see you there!

Cindy Harder
Destination Colorado Board of Directors’ President

In late October, we hosted our Town Hall membership meeting with Colorado Meetings + Events as our sponsor. This year’s panel was a great group of meeting planners representing various segments of the industry.

This year’s panel included Carolyn Van Way, ConferenceDirect; Claudette Ferris, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment; Carol Galle, Special D Events (from Royal Oak, Mich.); Donna Patrick, Medtronic, Inc. (from Minneapolis); and Devon Binder, Kinsley Meetings. One of Destination Colorado’s board members, Patricia McNamara from the Sonnenalp Resort of Vail, moderated the discussion.This panel discussion touched on such topics as meeting forecasts, human value connection vs. brand, Colorado winter vs. Colorado summer, the best marketing practices, social media, etc.

Click here to review the notes from this year’s Town Hall membership meeting; they cover important and timely topics in the meetings industry. Click here to view the photos from this year’s Town Hall membership meeting.

We’d like to extend a big thanks to Colorado Meetings + Events for partnering with us on our Town Hall again this year.

Cindy Harder
Destination Colorado Board of Directors’ President

We are pleased to announce that we are hosting our 15^th Annual Front Range Trade Show on Tues., Dec. 6 at University of Denver’s Hamilton Gymnasium at Ritchie Center. To assist in producing this show this year, we have teamed up with our partners, Colorado Meetings + Events, MPI, Plan Your Meetings and Successful Meetings. This is a great event that brings meeting planners, event planners and incentive buyers throughout the state of Colorado to a fun and festive trade show!

This is Colorado’s largest meeting planner show of the year, bringing in approximately 250 planners. While our guests stroll the trade show floor, they can visit with close to 80 exhibiting members from all over the state, including such Colorado regions as Aspen, Beaver Creek, Boulder, Breckenridge, Colorado Springs, Crested Butte, Estes Park, Denver, Durango, Fort Collins, Granby, Grand Junction, Greeley, Keystone, Pueblo, Snowmass, Steamboat Springs, Telluride, Vail and Winter Park.

With just two weeks before the show, we currently have 74 exhibiting members and close to 350 RSVPs from meeting planner guests. Interested exhibitors or meeting planner attendees can contact Amber Broughton at amber.broughton@destinationcolorado.com or at 303-652-7704.

We hope to see you there!

Cindy Harder

Destination Colorado Board of Directors’ President

Pikes Peak Cog Railway – 120 years
The Cog Railway, the highest cog in the world, was built in 1891 by mattress tycoon Zalmon Simmons, a visitor to the region in the late 1880s, who envisioned a better way than a two-day mule ride to get to the top of Pikes Peak. Spencer Penrose, owner of the world-renowned Broadmoor Hotel, acquired and upgraded the cog in 1925. While the style of the railcar has changed several times over the years, the amazing experience remains the same for travelers bound for the summit of Pikes Peak. www.CogRailway.com

Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center – 75 years
The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) opened April 20, 1936 during The Great Depression. The FAC is home to world-class art galleries, Broadway-worthy live theatre and an art school for all ages. The FAC carries the legacy of Colorado’s arts and cultural heritage. The FAC’s building is considered an architectural landmark in the Rocky Mountain region and is listed on the National Register for Historical Places. Throughout 2011, the FAC will celebrate 75 years of history with a series of events. www.CSFineArtsCenter.org

Cave of the Winds – 130 years
Cave of the Winds is celebrating 130 continuous years as a public attraction (1881-2011). Over the years, visitors have toured the subterranean passages exquisitely decorated with stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone and helictites. Cave of the Winds is an irreplaceable natural resource of scenic, scientific, educational and historic importance. The Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum is featuring a free exhibit of historical photographs, artifacts and memorabilia of the Cave in 2011. www.CaveOfTheWinds.com

The Golden Bee – 50 years

In 1961, The Golden Bee originally came to The Broadmoor as a collection of panels and fixtures from a 19th-century pub shipped from England and reassembled in Colorado Springs. While it has stayed true to its authentic English pub heritage, “The Bee” has established several traditions of its own: flying bee stickers, yards of ale and a sing-along piano. “The Bee” will mark its 50th Anniversary on May 27, 2011. A partnership with Bristol Brewery will produce a special-release Golden Bee 50^th Anniversary Ale at the May 27 Anniversary Party. After May, the new brew will be available at all Broadmoor outlets for 2011. www.Broadmoor.com/Golden-Bee-Anniversary.php

Cheyenne Mountain Resort – 25 years
Cheyenne Mountain Resort opened in 1985 with a focus on delivering exceptional Colorado experiences to visitors from near and far. The AAA Four-Diamond-rated resort is enhancing the original vision of a Colorado lifestyle resort with a $23 million renovation to upgrade guest rooms and refresh leisure areas. Guests can enjoy numerous activities, including indoor and outdoor pools, a private 35-acre lake, indoor and outdoor tennis, an 18-hole golf course designed by Pete Dye and on-site dining. www.CheyenneMountain.com

El Paso County – 150 years

El Paso County celebrates its Sesquicentennial this year. The county has some of the most interesting parks in the region, including Interpretive Paint Mines Park with mushroom-like rock formations called “hoodoos” and Bear Creek Dog Park, frequented by many two- and four-legged visitors. Fountain Creek and Bear Creek Nature Centers serve as the interactive gateways to Bear Creek Park and Fountain Creek Park offering various activities and events for visitors of all ages. www.ElPasoCo.com.

For more information on Colorado Springs CVB, click here.

The 2011 U.S. Women’s Open will be held at The Broadmoor East Course on July 4-10 with more than 125,000 spectators expected throughout the week long event. Tickets are still on sale for this event, and volunteer opportunities are available. For more information on this momentous event, visit www.2011uswomensopen.com and The Broadmoor.

A Taste of Colorado

Friday, September 3 – Monday, September 6

www.atasteofcolorado.com

The free, four-day event Taste of Colorado attracts more than 500,000 foodies to Civic Center Park to enjoy the offerings of more than 50 area restaurants, in addition to 250 marketplace artisans, vendors, and educational programs promoting the diverse cultural and western heritage of the region. The festival also features seven stages of live music, with big name national acts planned for 2010.

New this year: Adventure Base, an interactive exhibit celebrating the Boy Scouts of America’s 100th anniversary; KidzStage and KidZone featuring play equipment and hands-on craft activities; the Festival of Mountain and Plain area, where families can learn about the states pioneer past, nature, and the environment

Vampire Weekend, Govt Mule and Willie Nelson at Red Rocks

There are three fantastic bills at the one-of-a-kind Red Rocks Amphitheatre over Labor Day Weekend.

www.redrocksonline.com

Friday, September 3: The Upper West Side Soweto sound of Vampire Weekend, with buzz bands Beach House and Dum Dum Girls opening

Saturday, September 4: The rootsy sounds of Govt Mule, featuring legendary guitarist Warren Haynes, along with The Avett Brothers

Sunday, September 5: The one and only Willie Nelson returns to the Red Rocks stage for a long set of classic country music

Free Day at the Denver Art Museum

Saturday, September 4

www.denverartmuseum.org

www.tutdenver.com

Enjoy one of the Mile High Citys top attractions for free – check out the museums incredible collection of authentic Western paintings, along with contemporary masterworks, and an illuminating look at Native American crafts and art.

Note: The museums blockbuster King Tut exhibit (see below) requires separate admission.

Professional Sports: Colorado Rapids & Colorado Rockies

Cheer on the home team and see why Denver is a sports city that’s second to none.

www.coloradorapids.com

www.coloradorockies.com

Saturday, September 4: Major League Soccers Colorado Rapids do battle with the Los Angeles-based USA Chivas at Dicks Sporting Goods Park

Monday, September 6: The Rockies take on the Cincinnati Reds at Coors Field during this special matinee game on Labor Day starting at 1:10 p.m., with two more home games following September 7-8

Blockbuster Summer Events – These once-in-a-lifetime exhibits are part of the city’s biggest summer ever.

King Tut at the Denver Art Museum

Through January 9, 201

www.tutdenver.com

Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs boasts 130 objects from the tomb of Tutankhamun and other famous Egyptian pharaohs most of which have never been seen in the U.S. before, including a 10-foot statue of Tut, the largest rendering of the boy king yet discovered. Take advantage of exclusive skip-the-lines VIP King Tut packages offered by Denver hotels.

Moore in the Gardens

Through January 31, 2011

www.botanicgardens.org

Denver Botanic Gardens landmark, open-air exhibition of monumental works by the internationally acclaimed sculptor Henry Moore offers a unique opportunity to see Moore’s immense work in a diverse array of landscape from prairie wildflowers and serene reflecting pools to cacti or the rugged alpine rock garden.

Great Rates at Denver Hotels for Labor Day Weekend

Denver hotels have rates starting at $79 with many others offering stay one night at regular price, get a second night for $52.80. All rates are based on availability*. Browse all the offers at www.Denver5280Deals.com.

For more information, visit www.visitdenver.com.

Combining thrilling mysteries, stellar performances by ‘Til Death Do Us Party, and Chef Pete’s delectable cuisine, the Hotel Boulderado Murder Mystery Dinner Series remains a hit in Boulder and beyond.

For just $64 a person, the evening includes the Murder Mystery performance, a buffet dinner, one drink of your choice, valet parking, taxes and gratuity. The murder mystery series will take place on Sept. 10, 17 and 24.

MURDER 1958: Life’s a Bitch and Then You Die

It is 1958 … Alaska has just become a state. With America’s first successful launching of a satellite, the space race is on! Elvis is drafted into the army. In Boulder Colorado, Lord Harold Baker of Staffordshire has vanished, much to the distress of his family. Has he been murdered, kidnapped, or has he disappeared on his own accord? Only some dogged sleuthing can pick up the scent of this blueblood to unleash this murderous tale.

Book your tickets online!

Interested in staying overnight at the Hotel Boulderado? Call 303-440-2880.

Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs will come for its Denver debut, as a blockbuster exhibit at the Denver Art Museum. In honor of King Tut’s visit to the United States 30 years ago, both The Westin Tabor Center is offering a King Tut Package, which includes an overnight stay as well as two VIP tickets to the exhibit- allowing guests immediate entry to the exhibition and an opportunity to view the exhibit any time during exhibition hours, even when the exhibition is sold out.

The Westin Tabor Center King Tut Package price begins at $159. For reservations, visit www.westintaborcenter.com. The hotel is located in downtown Denver at 1672 Lawrence Street

The Follow the King Home prize includes four-nights luxury accommodations at the Sheraton Cairo Hotel, Towers and Casino as well as round trip air from New York to Cairo on Egypt Air. The prize is good on a space available basis from January 15 – July 1, 2011.  Guests who purchase and stay on the King Tut package at either the Sheraton or the Westin will be entered into the sweepstakes for a chance to win the trip to Cairo.

The winner will be chosen on January 2, 2011, the final day of the King Tut exhibit at the Denver Art Museum.  Once the winner has been chosen and notified via email, prize package and tickets are non transferable; flights are subject to availability. Tickets and hotel room have no cash value and must be used within six months from time winner is notified of prize.

Discover Denver Meeting Facilities

Saturday, 26 June, 2010
Central City Opera House
124 Eureka Street
Central City, CO 80427

FIND: Website and Tickets

FROM THE BEAUTIFUL MUSIC TO THE POIGNANT PLOT, discover why millions of people are still falling in love with Madama Butterfly year after year. A devastating clash of East vs. West ideals in turn of the century Japan leaves heroine, Cio-Cio San, with only one tragic solution to restore honor in her life.

Discover: Black Hawk Colorado Meeting Facilities

FREE FESTIVALS & EVENTS

First Friday Art Walks

June 4, July 2, August 6, September 3

www.artdistrictonsantafe.com

Discover Denver’s thriving creative community during a First Friday celebration, held every first Friday of the month, during which galleries in Denver’s art districts stay open late for a festive, street party-like event.

Denver Chalk Art Festival

June 5-6

www.larimerarts.org

Larimer Square’s Italian street-painting festival is a two-day pavement painting in Downtown Denver. More than 200 artists come down to turn the streets of the Mile High City’s oldest street into a virtual museum of chalk art.

Capitol Hill People’s Fair

June 5-6

www.peoplesfair.com

The largest of Denver’s summer festivals, this fun and funky event in Civic Center Park features live music, one-of-a-kind arts and crafts, and a food bazaar with Colorado cuisine.

Denver PrideFest

June 19-20

www.denverpridefest.org

One of the ten biggest PrideFests in the U.S., this free weekend event in Civic Center Park features a parade, live music, food, and dance, all celebrating the local gay and lesbian community.

Cherry Creek Arts Festival

July 3-5

www.cherryarts.org

Over Fourth of July Weekend, 350,000 visitors enjoy the visual, culinary and performing arts and interactive activities for the whole family. Meet and talk with international visual artists, sample fine cuisine, and enjoy live musical performances and artist demonstrations.

Civic Center SOUNDS: Independence Eve Celebration

July 3

www.coloradosymphony.org
Kick off the U.S.A.’s birthday weekend with a bang in Civic Center with the area’s biggest and best fireworks display, accompanied by patriotic favorites performed by the Colorado Symphony Orchestra.

FREE CONCERTS

Denver Day of Rock

May 29

www.denverdayofrock.com

Rock out all day long during this massive free concert when 20 bands, including the Romantics and Fishbone, take to four stages in Downtown Denver.

City Park Jazz

www.cityparkjazz.org

Every Sunday night in June and July, the City Park Bandstand and Pavilion turns into a swinging, open-air jazz club as music lovers of all ages congregate for the free City Park Jazz.

Confluence Concerts

www.greenwayfoundation.org

Nothing beats a cool summer evening kicking back in Confluence Park with some great free live music as the soundtrack. Every Thursday in July at 6:30 p.m., some of the Mile High City’s best musicians set up shop along the banks of the river and jam the night away.

FREE ATTRACTIONS & TOURS

U.S. Mint Tour

www.usmint.gov/mint_tours/index.cfm?action=StartReservation

Learn how to make money! The Mint produces 50 million coins a day, each one stamped with a little “D” for Denver. Free tours show every step in the process of turning a dull, blank, metal slug into shiny pocket change.

Garden of the Gods

www.gardenofthegods.com

Located 60 miles from Denver, the awe-inspiring Garden of the Gods features gigantic 500-foot high red sandstone rock monuments at the base of Pikes Peak.

Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) Free Days

www.scfd.org/?page=home&sub=4

Colorado residents can enjoy the following cultural attractions for free on select days throughout the summer: The Denver Art Museum (June 5, July 3, August 7, September 4 – free to all, not just Colorado residents); Denver Botanic Gardens at York Street (July 22, August 25); Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield (June 4, August 6); Denver Museum of Nature & Science (August 8, August 30, September 13).