Meeting Industry Council of Colorado

Today I'm blogging from the Sheraton in Denver, where MIC is celebrating its 10th anniversary. The week started with supplier receptions and culminated with the event today. Its filled with great workshops for both planners and suppliers as well as a supplier trade show in the afternoon. Everyone in the Denver event planning business is here, and the speakers have been awesome. If you haven't heard of Colleen Stanley, check out her website at www.salesleadershipdevelopment.com. This is the second time I've heard her speak on sales and ideas to grow you business and each time she surpasses my expectations of the past. No matter which industry you are in, she is one to follow. Brian O'Malley was the keynote during the lunch and he is owner of www.adventurespeaking.com and wow is all I can say. His topic at lunch was finding your Everest, your passion, something that keeps you awake at night and conquer it. Thank you MIC for a great 10 years in the business we all love.

Loving Southwest

Before you ask, yes I am touting my new found love interest: Southwest Airlines. I had the pleasure of flying Southwest from Denver to Vegas roundtrip this week for an industry grand opening event at City Center. My entire experience was terrific from curbside checkin to the gate agents, flight attendents and the pilot's continual updates on the Chargers playoff game, I couldn't have asked for more. Not to mention, its free to check your bags and there is no change fee. Granted I do still hate the cattle call lineup prior to boarding as well as the panic attack that strikes because I forgot to check in 24 hours prior to departure...please don't let me be in group C. But honestly, all can be forgiven after yesterday. The standard Southwest plane holds 133 passengers. Yesterday we had 148 passengers trying to get on the flight from Vegas to Denver. I'm guessing everyone did as bad at the tables as I did and were all trying to make a fast dash away from Sin City. But the gate agent handled it with calm and ease, offering a free roundtrip ticket, a $100 voucher and the reimbursement of your oneway ticket to Denver. And he even the mad dash to his counter didn't rattle him.

A Denver Staycation

Have you considered staying in your home town and having a "staycation" instead of a long distance vacation this year? With all economies tight, area hotels and restaurants are offering amazing deals for locals. And if you combine that with a city tour, you may just see parts of your hometown that you never knew existed.

Culinary Connections of Colorado offers such a delectable destination tour! And trust me, it will be hard to come across a better way to see Denver. Becky Creighton, a self ascribed foodie, has launched a entree filled endeavor that will keep you coming back for more! Her tours are between 4 and 5 hours in length and take you behind the kitchen doors of some of the best restaurants Denver has to offer. She provides amazing ambiance and an exclusive setting between you and the chef. The tours are limo chauffeured with an intimate group of only 6-8 people and you are even escorted by a local chef! Check out her site as http://www.culinaryconnectionsofco.com/ is not one to miss!

Combine this with amazing stays at Hotel Monaco, the Ritz or Hotel Teatro and you will feel like you are worlds away without all the hassle of travelling.

As a side note, the Hotel Monaco has rates as low as $109 for a queen bed that includes a bottle of wine, free wifi and a wine reception on the evening of arrival.