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Colorado Springs, Colorado City Guide

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Colorado Springs Meeting Planning

Colorado Springs Skyline

With plenty of sunshine, recreation and excitement around every corner, Colorado Springs offers endless possibilities for meeting planners. Beckoning visitors with endearing neighborhoods, restaurants and attractions, the city is a rare combination of urban amenities and a serene, seemingly untouched landscape. With so much to offer, it's no wonder that Colorado Springs welcomes approximately six million visitors per year.

The allure of this mountain destination is apparent as soon as guests touch down at the Colorado Springs Airport. Just 20 minutes from downtown, the airport welcomes approximately 100 flights per day on eight major carriers. A convenient and efficient way to arrive in the region, Colorado Springs Airport features one of the best on-time records in the country. After landing, hotel shuttles, taxis and rental cars ferry guests with ease to one of over 13,000 hotel rooms. With accommodations ranging from familiar chains to mountain retreats to upscale boutique hotels, Colorado Springs can meet a variety of needs and price points.

Easy access is just the beginning of Colorado Springs' appeal. Located on the north side of the city, the Phil Long Expo Center provides a welcoming environment for meetings and events. Thanks to 92,000 square feet of continuous space, the center is one of Colorado Springs' most sought-after meeting venues for large events. With its attached 4,500-square-foot atrium, the center can also easily accommodate smaller seminars and dinner meetings.

World Arena, Colorado Springs

The Colorado Springs World Arena, the Pikes Peak region's premiere sports and entertainment venue, is another great facility for hosting events on a large scale. Within walking distance of shops, dining and nightlife, the arena features 21,500 square feet of exhibition space for up to 142 booths. An additional 22,500 square feet on the main concourse has seating for up to 8,500 people.

Beyond the impressive convention facilities, many of Colorado Springs' hotels offer well-equipped meeting space in addition to luxurious lodging. Business and pleasure blend beautifully at the phenomenal Broadmoor resort. Just minutes from downtown, the highly lauded Broadmoor offers 185,000 square feet of flexible meeting space amidst the grandeur of a 3,000-acre luxury resort. While at The BroadmoorThe Broadmoor
The Broadmoor, delegates can enjoy the on-site convenience of championship golf courses, a world-class spa and 18 restaurants.

Groups can also meet in one of three ballrooms at the newly renovated Crowne Plaza Colorado Springs. With 43,000 square feet of meeting space and 500 guest rooms, the Crowne Plaza is ideal for conventions and meetings. Planners can also invite guests back to the hotel that started it all: the Antlers Hilton Colorado Springs Hotel. Opened in 1883, the Antlers Hilton was the first hotel built by city founder General Palmer as the flagship resort to spur the town's tourism. Today, planners enjoy 27,500 square feet of function space spread among 17 well-equipped rooms.

Flying W Ranch

A number of alternative spaces are available for adding a unique taste of the city to an event. From historic sites to red rock retreats, Colorado Springs offers planners plenty of options to keep guests entertained. Host a meeting at the new Lodge at Moose Lake at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Touted as America's only mountain zoo, Cheyenne offers 5,200 square feet of meeting space along with breathtaking views. Or, for an event with a modern flair, the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center offers 15,328 square feet of space set in an elegant Art Deco building. For a change of pace, groups can enjoy an event straight out of the Old West at Flying W Ranch.

Along with tourism, Colorado Springs' economy is driven largely by the military. The city is home to the United States Air Force Academy, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), Schriever Air Force Base, Peterson Air Force Base and Fort Carlson. Technology corporations such as Taeus International, Configuresoft and Intelliden Corporation are headquartered in Colorado Springs. In addition, a number of colleges and universities call the city home including Colorado College and the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs.

Key Statistics

About Colorado Springs / Additional Info

Nestled at the base of America's famous Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs sits over one mile above sea level in the shadow of the spectacular Rocky Mountains. The city was founded in 1871 by General William Jackson Palmer, who aspired to transform the city into an upscale resort community. With its high altitude, dry climate and proximity to breathtaking natural attractions, it didn't take long for Colorado Springs to become one of the most popular U.S. tourist destinations.

Though the city's livelihood varied throughout the years (particularly during the Colorado Gold Rush and World War II military boom), its allure remained unchanged. Today, over 370,000 people live in Colorado Springs, making it the 2nd most populous city in the state following Denver. An urban mecca of culture and lively events, the city was fittingly named the number 1 Best Big City in Money magazine's 2006 list of Best Places to Live.

Horse Riding, Garden of the Gods

Visitors can still enjoy the soaring wonders of Colorado Springs that inspired General Palmer more than a century ago. With over 20,000 acres of parks and 350 miles of scenic trails, the city offers a seemingly endless array of chances to horseback ride, whitewater raft, hike, canoe, kayak, mountain climb and more. Enjoy the panoramic views atop Pikes Peak, one of the few mountains in the world where visitors can drive safely to the top. Or, take a guided nature walk of the Garden of the GodsGarden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods, the most visited attraction in the region. Here, remnants of red and white sandstone and limestone sedimentary beds create massive and unique rock formations.

The charm of Colorado Springs is not limited to its natural beauty – it spills over into its many eclectic neighborhoods. Visitors can stroll the streets of Old Colorado City and get a taste of days gone by while stopping in at shops, restaurants and art galleries. Or, check out Old North End's grand Victorian homes, formerly inhabited by some of the city's most well-to-do citizens.

Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum

Along with its scenic views and charming boroughs, Colorado Springs also features an array of electrifying indoor attractions. Visitors can view more than 40,000 intriguing artifacts at the award-winning Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, while the May Natural History Museum of the Tropics features what is widely considered the world's most beautiful collection of unique tropical insects. Travel back to the 1800s at the popular Ghost Town Museum, or explore the city's present-day connection to the military at the sprawling 18,000-acre campus of the Air Force Academy.

After a day of sightseeing and outdoor activities, visitors to Colorado Springs can enjoy the sumptuous cuisine at one of many delightful eateries. Sample some of the finest French food in Colorado Springs at the intimate La Petite Maison, or taste the flavors of the Italian countryside at Fratelli Ristorante Italiano. Sip fine wines crafted at one of 52 Colorado wineries at the unique Wines of Colorado restaurant and winery.

After dinner, visitors can choose from a wide range of lounges, pubs, theaters and dance clubs. Dance the night away to the tunes of country-western music at Cowboys or drop in at Phantom Canyon Brewing Company to shoot a game of pool and sample specialty beer. From brews to views, Colorado Springs' long history of captivating visitors will surely continue for years to come.