If you think mountain meetings are for winter, your head is buried in the snow (instead of the sand)! Recently, I was attending a gathering in Telluride, Colo., and we were discussing how many mountain towns are seeing summer now eclipsing winter in terms of number of visitors. However, this has to be balanced out by noting that many summer guests drive instead of fly and spend less during fair-weather. One big advantage for corporate, association and nonprofit groups is that summer and fall can be less expensive times to book lodging and event space, especially on weekdays when they are not competing with weddings.
One thing groups should absolutely tap into, if possible, during summer group visits is the plethora of festivals. Why not take advantage of entertainment that has already been planned? In our spring/summer 2014 issue, we provide a variety of mountain festival ideas for throughout the year.
It’s also hard to beat the many dining spots with magnificent views in mountain towns. Narrowing it down to a manageable number for an upcoming venue report about restaurants with views proved nearly impossible! Wait until you see the photos and hear about the local/farm-to-table angles of many of these eateries throughout the Mountain West.
Get out and enjoy summer in the mountains!
