All Zoom-ed Out: Small Meetings on the Rise at The Broadmoor

Many are exhausted from video chatting and yearn for the connection of getting things done together, in person.

The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs is observing the trend of being “zoom-ed out” firsthand as it hosts an increasing number of small corporate groups and associations drawn to the resort because of its ample space to spread out indoors and in the surrounding outdoor venues around the main campus.

“The 40-person-and-smaller group has become our new normal,” says Pepper Dombroski, Director of Sales at The Broadmoor.

Small groups are getting together (with proper social distancing) at the property. Many opt to modify the meetings and continue with a select group of executives, curated teams or “inner circle” attendees to create hybrid meetings while bringing in other team members virtually.   

The Broadmoor has a number of diverse meeting space offerings, from boardrooms to grand ballrooms and even wilderness properties including The Ranch at Emerald Valley, the Orvis-endorsed Fly Fishing Camp, and Cloud Camp.  These boutique venues have overnight lodging for groups between 20 and 60, are all-inclusive and offer a great escape for exploring ideas as big as the commanding scenery. 

Cloud Camp offers its own dedicated meeting space called The Overlook, a 1,500-square-foot room with floor-to-ceiling windows. Providing stunning views of Colorado Springs from the large deck, it is perfect for groups of ten to 60 people seeking a unique and memorable setting at 9,200-feet elevation.

Back down at the main hotel, The Estate House is a Gatsby-esque, 12,000-square-foot home complete with croquet gardens and a library, while the rustic Fish House is an Adirondack-style cabin located on the 6th hole of the historic East Golf Course. The phrase, “there’s space for everything,” truly fits at The Broadmoor.

But with more than 90 meeting rooms of assorted shapes and sizes, what was once specialized space to meet the needs of groups is now more space to spread out. From lawns and patios to balconies, the “hallways” are the outdoors where guests can enjoy the beautiful Colorado weather as they move throughout the resort. 

Some groups utilize the resort’s recently completed 125,000-square-foot Exhibit Center for private dining and meeting space. Individuals can be seated six feet apart, and the 32 breakout rooms (ranging in size from 350-square-feet to 650-square-feet) can accommodate smaller gatherings without crowding.   

Dining has also evolved in the current climate. Meals and breaks are meant for socializing and with the immense square footage of The Broadmoor, this is easily accomplished. 

Breakfast may be an organized event at one of our restaurants, breakout rooms or an individual venture. Lakeside seating offers the perfect spot to have a one-on-one meeting while enjoying the beauty of Cheyenne Mountain as the backdrop.  

Call it a “lunch-on-the-go” as meeting attendees enjoy three and four-course bento boxed lunch. When the meeting breaks, boxes are distributed while observing all of the current guidelines.

Because many meeting venues offer indoor and outdoor space, it’s not unusual to see attendees enjoying meals on an outside patio or within the meeting space. When it comes to dinners, both modified buffets and plated events are available. Social distancing is paramount for both options.  Guests observe the six feet apart guidelines and the tables are set to adhere to the current parameters, which allow for interaction and networking in a safe environment.

Apart from the socially distant meetings, attendees are spending as much time outdoors, taking advantage of The Broadmoor’s two championship golf courses, tennis and pickleball, and even ziplining. Hiking has also been a popular choice this summer, from heart-pounding outings to more accessible, informational hikes with a naturalist. Mountain biking, both guided experiences and self-guided, has also seen an increased demand.

Bulk rentals are available to accommodate groups interested in keeping attendees together while enjoying the outdoors. Corporate groups are also showing an increased interest in picnics, movies under the stars (complete with individual snack items and lawn seating) and outdoor team-building exercises via Broadmoor Outfitters.

The Broadmoor and its Wilderness Experiences encompass a total of 5,000 acres within the breathtaking Pikes Peak region. As the longest-running, consecutive recipient of both the Forbes Five-Star, AAA Five-Diamond awards, the main resort has 784 guest rooms and suites, two championship golf courses, an award-winning spa, unique retail and 20 diverse restaurants, cafes, and lounges.

The Broadmoor’s unparalleled combination of an illustrious history of innovation and distinctive culture of service has made it one of the country’s premier event destinations for over 100 years.

For more details on meetings at The Broadmoor, visit broadmoor.com/meetings-events. 

(This sponsored content was provided by The Broadmoor)