Colorado

With meetings returning to normal as the COVID-19 pandemic levels out, outdoor mountain pursuits are finding more time on meeting agendas. Taking events outdoors not only boosts attendees’ comfort level as they ease back into in-person meetings, time spent in nature is proven to improve brain health and stimulate creative thinking as well.

We’ll be looking at this topic in-depth in the Spring/Summer 2022 issue of Mountain Meetings. Consider this as an introduction to some of the possibilities.  

Whether a team is still working from home, or has made a phased return to the office, the past few months have seemed monotonous with not as many in-person meetings and events to break up work weeks. Meeting with a group boosts motivation, and Zoom meetings can’t compare when it comes to rallying morale. After months at home, planning small meetings and corporate getaways away from home is a great way to motivate and revitalize a team’s performance–especially when the destination provides all of the benefits that Colorado offers.

As working from home has become the norm since March, so has connecting with coworkers using webcams and Skype. Button downs and sweatpants have become a work-friendly outfit, and Zoom happy hours were the only way to grab a drink with friends. Especially for teams that used to meet in the office every day, a chance to shake up the (new) same old and safely reconnect in person is much needed after months apart. An out-of-state trip could be a memorable way to sync up with coworkers again, as well as do wonders for motivation and productivity upon return.

So far, webcams and Zoom meetings have been an essential part of 2020. While digital options are functional placeholders for meetings, chatting with a coworker over Skype doesn’t always set up a team for success. Human connection is vital to team building, and hosting safe, small meetings is a great way to revitalize teams after months of working from home.

Erase any vision you might have of a dude ranch, especially the “City Slicker” version. For the purposes of this story, let’s use the name ranch resort and picture a big dose of vision and thousands of acres for both herds and people to roam. It’s a fairly different option, but one with similar friendliness and the Western spirit of a dude ranch.

These interviews are part of a series that highlights new hires within the industry. Have you recently started a new role or do you know someone who has? Submit your ideas to lauren.pahmeier@tigeroak.com.

Theron Gore was recently named the chief marketing officer for East West Hospitality.

1. What are you looking forward to the most in your new role?

Our editorial advisory board sounds off about what’s happening in their sectors of the meetings and events world.

Deanna Curtis, The Broadmoor’s first female falconer, shares how she landed in a unique career.

These experienced meeting makers are impacting the industry as individuals and business owners, and just happen to be married!

This Kate Spade-inspired vignette makes a colorful splash at ILEA and NACE Designer Showcase.