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Why Denver is a Top City to Host a Meeting

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Meetings That Stay on Track and Stand Out

In Denver, travel is straightforward, the compact downtown layout keeps everything within reach of hotels, venues and the Colorado Convention Center, and the mountain-studded setting makes for beautiful backdrops and exhilarating excursions. Here are the top reasons (in no particular order) Denver delivers meetings that are affordable, stay on track and keep guests engaged with plenty of culture, dining and things to do.

1. Lower Travel Costs 

Drive attendance with Denver’s exceptional value. Airfares at Denver International Airport (DEN) average 12% below the national rate, making it easier for attendees to commit early. And across downtown and beyond, hotels span every brand and price point. Add in affordable ground transportation and a compact, walkable downtown that minimizes shuttling, and it’s easy to keep your meeting budget on track. 

2. Easy Access and Getting Around 

Getting to your meeting is easier than ever with more than 1,900 daily flights through Denver International Airport, including nonstop service to over 230 domestic and international destinations. With most U.S. cities just a three-hour (or less!) flight away, attendees don't have to sweat the logistics. Once you arrive at DEN, get a $10 ticket to hop on the A Line train to Union Station in downtown Denver in only 37 minutes. Once you’re in the heart of the city, getting around is just as easy with public transportation options including trains, buses and the 16th Street FreeRide shuttle. 

3. A Compact, Walkable Downtown 

Denver’s vibrant, walkable downtown provides everything you need: more than 50 hotels, the Colorado Convention Center, award-winning, Michelin-recognized restaurants, unique off-site venues and the newly revitalized 16th Street. The mile-long, tree-lined pedestrian promenade, located in the center of downtown, features all kinds of outdoor dining, sunny rooftop patios and unique spaces perfect for off-site networking, happy hours or events. 

4. A Convention Center Built for You 

The recently expanded Colorado Convention Center offers 2 million square feet of versatile space. Highlights include 577,000 square feet of exhibit space, 63 meeting rooms, three state-of-the-art ballrooms and the 5,000-seat Bellco Theatre. The new terrace level showcases a 20,000-square-foot rooftop terrace, the 80,000-square-foot, column-free Bluebird Ballroom, and 35,000 square feet of pre-function space with a backdrop of the soaring Rocky Mountains. 

5. 350+ Venues for Off-Site Events 

Break out of the ballroom and elevate your meeting at one of Denver’s more than 350 unique venues. From gilded historic theaters and art-filled museums to rooftop patios with Rocky Mountain views — and even iconic settings like the National Western Center, Meow Wolf and Coors Field — the Mile High City offers one-of-a-kind spaces designed to inspire. Many are conveniently located downtown, creating a seamless experience for meetings of all sizes. 

6. A Michelin-Recognized and Diverse Dining Scene

Add unforgettable flavor to your meeting by indulging in Denver’s award-winning dining scene. From Michelin-rated restaurants to gourmet food halls and international cuisine, there’s something for every palate. Attendees can also toast to a successful day of sessions over their cool drink of choice at one of the city’s many wineries, cocktail lounges or breweries.  

7. A City Set Up for Sustainable Meetings 

Sustainability is an increasing priority for attendees, and Denver leads the way. In 2023, Denver became the first city in the world to achieve Platinum (the highest level available) certification from the EIC Sustainable Event Standards. From the LEED Gold certified Colorado Convention Center and LEED-certified Denver International Airport, to certifiably sustainable businesses, hotels and restaurants, hosting a greener meeting is easy in the Mile High City. Plan with sustainability in mind every step of the way with tools like our green vendor directory and voluntourism directory

8. More Than 50 Hotels Within Walking Distance

Secure the rooms you need without overcomplicating your layout or logistics. In Denver, there are more than 50 downtown hotels offering over 13,000 rooms. And metro-wide, you can sleep easy knowing there are more than 58,000 hotel rooms with all brands and price points represented.  

9. Accessibility Across the Entire Visit

Denver was named one of America's most accessible destinations by USA Today and Travel and Tour World — and the city is Wheel the World destination verified, too. The Mile High City’s flat, wide streets and accessible transit make getting around easy. Many of the top attractions provide resources to make spaces welcoming to all visitors of different mobility, vision, hearing and cognitive abilities. 

10. Built-In Entertainment After Sessions

Attendees will love exploring Denver’s vibrant museums, live music and events year-round. The city’s arts and culture scene is full of must-see exhibits, street art, performing arts and concerts at iconic venues throughout the city. Few team-building experiences are better than an evening concert at Red Rocks. The Denver Performing Arts Complex, just steps away from the Colorado Convention Center, produces more than 2,500 shows a year — so you can simply stroll over to a traveling Broadway performance or opera after a meeting. And Denver is home to seven professional sports teams with three downtown stadiums serving up more than 200 nights a year of pro sports. 

11. Mountains, Parks and Outdoor Options Nearby

Count on 300 days of sunshine to keep attendees outside and engaged beyond the agenda. Plan team outings or pre/post visits to nearby mountain towns, or build in time for hiking, golf or winter ski days followed by a soak in regional hot springs. Closer to central Denver, parks, lakes and trail systems give attendees space to walk or bike between sessions, while patios across the city turn outdoor dining into an easy group option in warmer months. 

Start Planning Your Denver Meeting Today

Get everything you need to bring your meeting to life in Denver. Order your free Meeting Planners’ Guide for insider details on top venues, trusted vendors and hotel options across the city. Interested in bringing your event to Denver? Contact Visit Denver to learn how our team can help make it a success. From venue sourcing and site visits to hotel coordination, marketing support and local connections, we're here to help every step of the way. Submit your RFP to get started. 

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