The Colorado-based chapters of various meeting and event industry associations know how to have a good time and get business done at the same time. In addition to offering valuable educational opportunities throughout the year, there are plenty of other opportunities for members to connect during social events and fundraisers. Here is a glimpse of several gatherings held in November and December.
After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID pandemic, Serving Up Hope returned on Nov. 9 at Omni Interlocken Hotel in Broomfield and raised $23,000 for Food Bank of the Rockies. Hosted by the Meetings Industry Council of Colorado since 1994, the luncheon gives meeting industry professionals the opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and support and support a good cause. A meal of soup, bread, salad, and dessert was prepared by City Bakery, Copper Mountain, The Curtis, Embassy Suites by Hilton Denver Downtown Convention Center, Fogo de Chão, Local Jones, Omni Interlocken Hotel, Spruce Farm & Fish, Table Mountain Grill & Cantina, The Westin Denver Downtown, and Yours Truly Cupcake.
HSMAI Southern Colorado Chapter brought the Clue board game to life at its Who Do You Suspect? fundraiser on Nov. 10 at SCP Colorado Springs Hotel. At the live detective event, members had to figure out who did it, where they did it, and how they did it. The event also honored Inside Out Youth Services.
A little party never killed nobody, according to the invite from Meeting Professionals International Rocky Mountain Chapter for a Speakeasy Casino Night on Nov. 18 at Ironworks in Denver. Members were instructed to bring a date, dress to the nines, and enjoy entertainment, socializing, imbibing, a murder mystery, and casino games.
Infinity Park Event Center in Glendale was the location for the Colorado Meetings Showcase on Dec. 8, giving 118 exhibitors at 61 booths the opportunity to connect with 180 planners in a holiday-inspired atmosphere. Destination Colorado Meetings, an association that promotes Colorado as a meetings and events destination, organized the annual event that also featured live painting by artist Pat Milbery, music by cellist Jae Wes, a holiday photo booth, and festive foods by Serendipity Catering.
Flannel and Frost was the theme for the infamous Naughty or NACE, hosted by the Greater Denver National Association of Catering and Events (NACE) on Dec. 13 at The Rally Hotel. Members and guests went full-on flannel and had their dance party ready to go for this annual evening of full-on fun, with little business sprinkled in for good measure.
