Boulder at a Glance
Location: Northern Colorado, at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains
Access: About 45 minutes from Denver International Airport
Hotel Rooms: Over 2,400
Contact Info:
Visit Boulder
303-938-2071
bouldercoloradousa.com
Meeting Hotels
Embassy Suites by Hilton Boulder
Guest Rooms: 204
Meeting Space: 6,510 square feet
Hotel Boulderado
Guest Rooms: 160
Meeting Space: 2,867 square feet
Residence Inn Boulder Canyon Boulevard
Guest Rooms: 155
Meeting Space: 1,000 square feet
Boulder Marriott
Guest Rooms: 165 rooms
Meeting Space: 2,418 square feet
Who’s Meeting in Boulder
Boulder Startup Week
Attendees: 3,000
National Order of the Arrow Conference
Attendees: 6,500
The Latino Chamber’s Empowered Women Group Conference
Attendees: 300
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Flatirons and the Rocky Mountains, the city of Boulder, Colorado, blends natural beauty with a forward-thinking spirit that makes it a magnetic spot for meetings. Known for its entrepreneurial energy, lively scene and deep commitment to sustainability, Boulder offers groups a setting where ideas come to life just as easily on a trail as they do around a conference table.
Boulder’s downtown is easy to explore on foot, with local restaurants, boutique hotels and unique venues around every corner. It’s the kind of place where it’s easy to grab some specialty coffee between sessions or unwind at an art gallery after a day of meetings. And, when it’s time to unplug, the mountains, trails and parks are just minutes away.
Destination Highlights
Though Boulder is home to the University of Colorado and a hub for start-ups and tech innovators, it retains the charm and warmth of a laid-back mountain town. It’s a place where business suits and hiking boots comfortably coexist, and where groups can easily go from an inspiring keynote session to a sunset hike in the nearby foothills.
For planners, Boulder’s ease of access, pedestrian-friendly downtown and variety of meeting spaces make it a natural choice. Sustainability is more than a buzzword here — it’s part of the city’s DNA. From LEED-certified venues to farm-to-table dining, groups that prioritize green practices will find Boulder a perfect fit.
Beyond the boardroom, Boulder’s buzzing arts and culture scene offers groups an extra layer of inspiration. Live music spills onto Pearl Street, galleries showcase local talent, and year-round festivals add color to the city’s calendar. It’s this mix of natural beauty, creative energy and authentic local flavor that gives meetings in Boulder a spark of something unexpected — and unforgettable.
Distinctive Venues
Forget cookie-cutter meeting rooms — Boulder serves up venues that surprise and inspire. “The BMoCA (Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art) is a unique space to experience rotating art exhibits while hosting a reception or meeting,” said Bailey Burrows, media relations and marketing manager for Visit Boulder. “It’s located near downtown Boulder, so it offers a perfect blend of culture and convenience.”
For something with old-world charm, Chautauqua Community House, built in 1918, provides an intimate space surrounded by gardens and nature trails. Looking for a creative twist? The Dairy Arts Center offers a collection of flexible spaces, from theaters to galleries, that bring a splash of artistic energy to meetings or receptions. “It’s ideal for a creative twist on an annual meeting or sales training,” Burrows said.
For an out-of-this-world experience, Fiske Planetarium lets groups host seminars under the stars, complete with laser shows or celestial tours. And for a casual, local vibe, the Rayback Collective is the go-to in town. Once a plumbing supply store, it’s now a lively event space with rotating food trucks, a beer garden and plenty of room to mingle in a laid-back setting that encourages networking without the name tags. “If you’re looking for a casual vibe with flexible event flow, this is it,” Burrows said.
Major Meeting Spaces
Boulder’s larger venues offer a mix of historic charm, sweeping views and modern amenities. The historic Boulder Theater is a standout, hosting up to 850 guests in theater-style seating. With built-in staging, lighting and sound, as well as its art deco marquee and vintage ambiance, it’s a favorite for product launches, keynote sessions and corporate celebrations that call for a bit of flair.
Over at Folsom Field, the Byron R. White Club Level offers two elegant event spaces — each accommodating 400 guests — on the north and south sides of the stadium. These bright, open rooms come with floor-to-ceiling windows and sweeping views of both the Flatirons and the field itself. For a bonus group activity, planners can arrange exclusive tours of CU Athletics facilities, giving attendees a behind-the-scenes look at this iconic sports venue.
For events that require serious scale, CU’s Macky Auditorium Concert Hall, built in 1922, offers seating for 2,050 guests. This historic venue, with its stately columns and ornate architectural details, creates an impressive backdrop for conferences, lectures and performances. Most availability falls during the summer months, when the university calendar frees up the space for larger public and private events.
Boulder’s meeting scene is also getting an upgrade this year with the opening of the Limelight Boulder hotel. Designed to accommodate up to 1,200 guests in banquet rounds, the venue will also offer flexible spaces perfect for receptions, networking events or team-building activities against a Rocky Mountain backdrop. “The venue will also feature outdoor space, perfect for a variety of event types,” Burrows said.
After the Meeting
Once the workday winds down, groups can shift gears and explore the city’s more playful side. The nearby network of trails makes it easy to set out for a scenic hike, join a sunset stroll or explore the area on a guided cycling tour. For groups looking for something more adventurous, tree-climbing sessions deliver a fun and active way to experience Boulder’s outdoor side. Culinary fans can explore the local food scene through guided tastings, cooking classes or interactive winemaking sessions where teams can blend their own bottles.
“Team-building opportunities include improv workshops, circus arts classes, chocolate-making sessions and escape room challenges,” Burrows said. For more unique activities, she said groups can find everything from planetarium shows to hot-air balloon flights and mindfulness sessions with flower mandalas.
Groups looking for after-hours relaxation have plenty of options, from local breweries offering craft beer tastings to farm-to-table restaurants that showcase Colorado ingredients. Boulder’s art galleries, live music venues and theaters also offer engaging ways to end the day, giving attendees a chance to experience the city’s creative side and connect in a more casual, social setting.
