Help me plan a meeting in my own back yard

March 27, 2007 5:04 PM

We are thinking of hosting a small (around 100 people) scientific conference in Colorado some time in April-June 2008. Our office in Boulder doesn't have a room that's big enough. A colleague suggested holding the meeting in Steamboat Springs, but Steamboat is three hours' drive away. I'd prefer something equally scenic but closer to Boulder/Denver. Any suggestions? Thanks!
posted by lukemeister to travel & transportation (10 comments total)

A friend had her wedding at the Parkside Mansion. It's definitely scenic.
posted by saffry at 5:15 PM on March 27, 2007

I'm sure there's plenty of stuff at Estes Park. You could also look at Boetcher Mansion or the Crystal Rose up on Lookout Mountain.
posted by Octoparrot at 5:42 PM on March 27, 2007

Sometimes universities rent out their facilities; you could contact UC Boulder, for example, and ask if there's a possibility of this. You might even affiliate with the relevant science department there.
posted by LobsterMitten at 5:44 PM on March 27, 2007

The last time I was in Boulder, the good people at the Boulder Broker Inn made my week long stay so pleasant, I feel I have to mention them whenever hospitality and Boulder are discussed. And, they were giving away bunny rabbits at the front desk! (Big animal lovers there, and somebody's rabbit had had a litter.) How cool is that?

Seriously terriffic food in the restaurants, an attentive, helpful staff, easy to find location in downtown Boulder, and quiet. Looks like they have great catering services and meeting facilities, too.

Give 'em a call.
posted by paulsc at 6:31 PM on March 27, 2007

Chautauqua is an interesting spot right in Boulder. It looks like their limit on people might be 75 but I didn't read through all the information.

I've stayed there (not for business) and it's a really lovely setting with a history and purpose that seems in line with what you're planning.
posted by cocoagirl at 6:48 PM on March 27, 2007

cocoagirl: Thanks. Chautauqua is great, but I think it's probably not quitie big enough.
posted by lukemeister at 9:56 PM on March 27, 2007

There are always the big-time hotels– Marriot, St. Julian, etc.

If it's a scientific conference, why not try and hook up with the respective department heads at CU to see if you can't use some of those facilities?
posted by dantekgeek at 10:08 PM on March 27, 2007

The YMCA outside Estes Park frequently hosts conferences. I'm not sure how fancy their facilities are....
posted by fieldtrip at 10:37 PM on March 27, 2007

Is Keystone too far out? About 90 minutes from the airport. My wife's been to several medical-type conferences there and has enjoyed the venue.
posted by cairnish at 8:00 AM on March 28, 2007

Thanks, everyone! I'm going to try the St.-Julien, since they're just down the street from our office. I suspect it will be too pricey, but we'll see....
posted by lukemeister at 8:13 AM on March 28, 2007