Why Choose Colorado Springs
Ten reasons why Colorado Springs should be at the top of your list.
We believe in keynote speakers that would rather spark an idea than follow
an agenda. Attendees who seek a balance between PowerPoint and play.
Conventions that are anything but conventional. We don’t believe in “planners.”
We believe in visionaries.
"We had 578 attendees and 172 exhibitors there for our 42nd Annual Conference in November. Both figures were significantly higher than the year before - and we think it was because of the Colorado Springs location." Abby Tammen, CMP
Associate Executive Director
National Association of College Auxiliary Services
LET'S MEET THERE
After more than a year of Zoom, FaceTime and virtual meetings, it is more apparent than ever that in-person connections are highly valuable. While some meetings can be conducted virtually, the value of face-to-face meetings is simply irreplaceable. Face-to-face meetings deliver additional benefits for both the employee and employer. An essential component to build relationships, convert and retain customers, network and learn about the latest products, technologies and competitive offerings, it should not be surprising that more than four in five decision-makers believe business travel leads to increased profit and revenue.
Top 5 benefits of in-person meetings
- Broadens cultural understanding
- Advances professional growth
- Reinvigorates employee engagement
- Creates valuable and meaningful business relationships
- Gain and share new ideas and best practices
Face-to-face meetings offer competitive advantages through relationship building and knowledge transfer that cannot occur during virtual meetings. Don’t get left behind. It’s time to get back to business. Learn more at LetsMeetThere.travel.
TOP 10 REASONS TO CHOOSE COLORADO SPRINGS FOR YOUR MEETING:
- It's Colorado Springs! Colorado is the 5th most desired state for people to visit and Colorado Springs is a top destination for leisure travelers. Your event attendees will be thrilled to find out that you've booked their event in such a beautiful and exciting meeting destination with plenty of attractions and activities which they can explore in their free time.
- Complimentary Services - We will work with hotels and venues to have proposals sent directly to you. We also provide personalized site visit itineraries, promotional items, attendee items, permitting advice, contact information and transportation assistance.
- Fantastic Accommodations & Flexible Meeting Space – Colorado Springs has the capacity to meet your event needs. Over 15,000 city-wide rooms ranging from familiar brands to mountain retreats and upscale boutique hotels, Colorado Springs can meet a variety of needs and price points.
- Convenient Access – Whether flying or driving, your attendees will find access to Colorado Springs easy and convenient. The Colorado Springs Airport is a great option with more than 65 arrivals and departures daily. Denver International Airport is also a quick 70 miles north. The city is positioned right along the Front Range and I-25 corridor for easy driving access.
- Save Time, Money and Brain Cells - When you call the Colorado Springs CVB, you have a single-source for all your event planning needs. With our professional and customer-focused assistance, you will save time and money during the meeting destination selection and planning process. Minimize your frustration and maximize your success!
- We're focused on YOU - We provide personal, hands-on service to assist you with each step of the selection and planning process. Whether you're a seasoned or first-time planner, we'll tailor our efforts to fit your needs.
- Ongoing Support - Not only can we help you book your event, we're here to assist as the event date draws near. Our service manager will provide assistance for services, activities and other event details when the time is right for you.
- From Here to There - Let us help provide you with transportation solutions so that your attendees are moved efficiently and safely among venues and to and from activities.
- Local Experts - Each member of our sales team is intimately familiar with the lodging, venue and activity choices in the Colorado Springs area. We can quickly determine if your event is a good fit for our area and which of our members can best meet your needs.
- Promotional Support - Once you've selected Colorado Springs as your meeting destination, let us help you promote your event with images, promotional copy, PR contacts, and local PR support. We can provide complimentary bags (made of recycled plastic), Official Visitor Guides and maps. Other promotional items are available in limited quantities for a small fee.
What more information? Contact our Sales Team today!
Vice President of Sales
719-685-7632
Lee@VisitCOS.com
Lee joined Visit Colorado Springs in November 2024. He has extensive experience in hospitality sales in Colorado Springs, having worked as the Director of National Accounts at Hotel Polaris during their pre-opening phase. He has also worked at Colorado Springs Switchbacks as the Director of Sales, Catering & Events, Garden of the Gods Resort and Club as the Director of Sales, Flying Horse Resort and Club as the Director of Sales and Marketing and Cheyenne Mountain Resort as the Director of Group Sales. He holds a degree in International Business from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs.
Senior Sales Manager
719-685-7629
Brittany@VisitCOS.com
With a father in the military, Brittany has lived all over the place. When he retired, her family put down roots in Colorado Springs after falling in love with the destination and all the wonderful things it has to offer. Brittany loves traveling, hiking, white water rafting, cooking, live music, breweries and trying all types of new food. As an avid white-water rafter, you can ask Brittany about her tips for picking the perfect river trip.
Area Information
HOW TO GET HERE
Our Visitor Center offers a wealth of Colorado Springs area information for travelers of all types. It is located directly off of Interstate 25, just 20 minutes from the Colorado Springs Airport or 70 miles from Denver International Airport by car. Shuttle service and ground transportation are available at both airports. The Colorado Springs Airport serves six major airlines with 11 non-stop flights and 98 arrivals and departures daily. Visit www.flycos.com for more information. The Visitor Center provides plenty of great Colorado Springs area information for your stay in the city.
CLIMATE
Our altitude and proximity to the mountains provide for a year-round, mild climate. Classified as an alpine desert, we enjoy an average of 300 days of deep blue skies, abundant sunshine and low humidity. The region’s climate is often as pleasant in the winter months as it is during the rest of the year. We receive 15-16 inches of precipitation annually and get less snow than Denver, Salt Lake City or Minneapolis. The weather in Colorado Springs is a key element in the region’s appeal, giving you ample opportunity to enjoy all that we have to offer.
ACCOMMODATIONS & MEETING SPACE
There are 15,000 guest rooms in the Colorado Springs region. 19 full-service properties offer 4,012 first-class hotel rooms. The region also showcases over 400,000 square feet of flexible meeting space. Please check out our Meeting Planner Guide for more Colorado Springs area information about lodging properties and meeting space around the city.
ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES
Visitors can enjoy more than 55 natural and man-made attractions and activities in the Colorado Springs region. For Colorado Springs area information on all there is to see and do, please view our Things to Do section. It provides extensive Colorado Springs area information on attractions and activities around the region.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY PROGRAMS
There are plenty of opportunities for groups to give back the Colorado Springs community.
DINING, SHOPPING & ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE
There are tons of ways to fill your fork and raise your spirits in Colorado Springs! Take a look at the Dining, Shopping and Entertainment Guide.
Fast Facts
- Colorado Springs is Colorado’s second-largest city
- Founded in 1871 by General William Jackson Palmer
- Elevation – 6,035 ft.
- Population – City: 426,388, Metro Area: 626,227
- Climate: Alpine Desert
- Average Yearly Precipitation: 17.4”
- Average Yearly Snowfall: 43”
- Average Humidity – Morning: 63%, Afternoon: 40%
- Average Yearly Days of Sunshine: 300+
- Parks: 156 State, County and City Parks
- Daily Newspaper: The Gazette
- Weekly Newspapers: The Independent, Colorado Springs Business Journal
- Universities: 12 Colleges: 8 Grad Schools: 4
Colorado Springs experiences all four seasons, with abundant sunshine, low humidity and endless blue skies.
MEETING FAQS
Colorado Springs is one of the West's best-kept secrets. Below is a list of frequently asked questions about Colorado Springs. The answers will confirm that Colorado Springs is a great destination to hold a meeting, conference or event.
Does Colorado Springs have an airport?
Yes - The Colorado Springs Airport (FlyCOS.com) is located just minutes from downtown and is serviced by major airlines with non-stop and direct flights.
Is it affordable to fly into Colorado Springs?
Yes - When comparing us to Denver, car rental fees and taxes, drive time and the cost of gas combine to make Colorado Springs an affordable place to fly in to.
Is Colorado Springs easy to get to by car?
Yes - We are located just 70 miles south of Denver on Interstate 25. It's a beautiful drive no matter which direction you're coming from.
Are there a lot of things for my attendees to do before and after meetings?
Yes - Colorado Springs is the second-largest city in Colorado, with over 600,000 residents. We have major museums and over 50 attractions that make Colorado Springs an exciting and sophisticated destination.
Does Colorado Springs have choices for arts & culture?
Yes - Colorado Springs is rich in culture, with a variety of museums, events, art exhibits and performances. A full calendar is available here
Is Colorado Springs comfortable in the winter?
Yes - Colorado Springs enjoys a year-round mild climate. While it does snow, it melts and evaporates quickly. The low humidity keeps temperatures moderate and pleasant.
Is Colorado Springs comfortable in the summer?
Yes - The average daily temperature in July is 84 degrees and our low humidity keeps it from feeling hot and muggy. Evenings are delightfully cool and bug-free.
Is Colorado Springs an affordable destination?
Yes - Colorado Springs is home to several luxurious resorts, but pricing at these and other venues is very competitive. Our lodging tax is only 2% and our car rental tax is only 1%, so your dollar goes further here.
Are there choices for dining and nightlife?
Yes - Colorado Springs has the state's only 5-diamond restaurant and a multitude of award-winning establishments to fit your mood, taste and budget. Relaxing or high-energy lounges and nightclub are found in downtown Colorado Springs or nearby Old Colorado City and Manitou Springs.
Are there some great places to shop?
Yes - The region boasts wonderful shopping experiences including Downtown Colorado Springs, Old Colorado City and Manitou Springs. You'll also find great shops in Briargate and Castle Rock.
Can my attendees participate in a community service project?
Yes - We have coordinated with some great local charities that would love to coordinate a project for your group. For more information click here.
Are all CVBs alike?
Absolutely not! We have an experienced and customer-focused staff that is dedicated to making your event memorable and successful. Let our DMAP certified staff help make your site selection and event planning easier and more cost-effective.
COLORADO SPRINGS SALES TEAM AWARDS & ACCOLADES
Awards & Accolades
Our Group Sales & Service Department is continuously recognized by readers of major industry publications for outstanding customer service.
- 2024 Platinum Choice Award – Smart Meetings
- 2024 Best of Meetings Today Award – Meetings Today
- 2024 Distinctive Achievement Award – Meetings Magazine
- 2024 40th Annual Award of Excellence – Corporate & Incentive Travel
- 2023 Distinctive Achievement Award – Association Conventions & Facilities
- 2023 Hall of Fame Award – Meetings & Conventions Magazine
- 2023 Platinum Choice Award – Smart Meetings
- 2023 Best West CVBs/DMOs - Meetings Today
- 2022 Best West CVBs/DMOs – Meetings Today
- World Class Award – Insurance & Financial Meetings Management
- Colorado Springs is #2 “Cities of Convention Wisdom” – MSN.com
- #42 Meeting Destinations in North America – Top 50 Meeting Destinations in North America – Cvent
- 2023 Distinctive Achievement Award – Meetings Magazine
- 2022 Gem Award – Society for Government Meeting Planners
- 2022 Top Destination Award – Facilities & Destinations Magazine
- 2021 Peak Performer Individual of the Year – Dina Worthen, Senior Sales Manager – Destination Colorado
- 2021 Top Destination Award – Facilities & Destinations Magazine
- 2020 Platinum Choice Awards – Smart Meetings Magazine
- 2019 Platinum Choice Award – Smart Meetings Magazine
- 2019 Regional Southwest Best CVB Finalist – Northstar Media Group
- 2018 Facilities & Destinations Awards of Excellence
- 2017 Facilities & Destinations Awards of Excellence
- 2017 Top 25 Destination for Smaller Meetings – BizBash Media
- 2017 Chairman's Award – Floy Kennedy – International Inbound Travel Association
- 2016 Industry Legacy Award in Honor of Sandy Gerety – Kathy Reak – Meeting Professionals International Rocky Mountain Chapter
- 2014 Individual of the Year – Kathy Reak, Director of Convention Sales – Destination Colorado
- 2014 Platinum Choice Award – Smart Meetings Magazine
- 2014 Annual Leadership Award - Kathy Reak, Director of Convention Sales – Meetings Industry Council
- 2013 Best Destination Marketing Organization 25,000 + in Population – Colorado Meetings + Events
- Reader’s Choice Award for Best Supplier (2009) – Colorado Meetings + Events
- Gold Service Award (2008-2016) – Meetings & Conventions Magazine
- Award of Excellence (1996-2011) – Corporate & Incentive Travel Magazine
- Top Destination Award (1997-98, 2001, 2006-2009, 2012) – Facilities & Destinations Magazine
- 2008 World Class Award – Insurance & Financial Meetings Management Magazine
- Pinnacle Awards (2013-2016) – Successful Meetings Magazine
- Planners Choice Award (2003-2008) – Meeting News
- Distinctive Achievement Award (2008-2010) – Association Conventions & Facilities Magazine
- Readers Choice “50+ Planners & Places to Watch" (2008, 2009, 2012) – SportsEvents Magazine
- Award of Excellence (2014, 2016) – Corporate & Incentive Travel
- 2011-2012 Supplier of the Year – Kathy Reak – Meeting Planners International
- Readers’ Choice Award Winner (2014, 2015, 2016) – SportsEvents
- 2013 Religious Conference Manager's Praise Award
- 2012 Best Western Destination Line – Group Today's Reader's Choice Awards
- (Nominated) 2017 Stanley Fisher Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Operations – International Inbound Travel Association
- (Nominated) 2019 Award for Excellence in Inbound Destination Marketing – International Inbound Travel Association
Senior Sales Manager
719-685-7629
Brittany@VisitCOS.com
With a father in the military, Brittany has lived all over the place. When he retired, her family put down roots in Colorado Springs after falling in love with the destination and all the wonderful things it has to offer. Brittany loves traveling, hiking, white water rafting, cooking, live music, breweries and trying all types of new food. As an avid white-water rafter, you can ask Brittany about her tips for picking the perfect river trip.
Dina@VisitCOS.com 719-685-7625
TESTIMONIALS
We had 578 attendees and 172 exhibitors there for our 42nd Annual Conference in November. Both figures were significantly higher than the year before - and we think it was because of the Colorado Springs location.Abby Tammen, CMP | Associate Executive Director, National Association of College Auxiliary Services
"From the Cog Railway to the top of Pike’s Peak, the food tours in Colorado Springs, the final night at the Flying W and the pleasant weather for the duration of our event, it could simply not have been more perfect! We had a wonderful experience and it has truly demonstrated the difference between having a professional meeting planner on staff versus someone who just happens to be proficient at handling logistics. The comments that I have received from the members, even some of our prickliest ones, were nothing short of spectacular."
Erin Carter,
Director of Programs & Events
National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc.
"Colorado Springs has proved itself to be an excellent venue for both our symposiums and associated side meetings. Thus, we're already making plans for our next Colorado Springs event."
PS, Anteon Corporation
"The Amateur Softball Association conducted one of their most successful meetings in Colorado Springs. The working relationship with the Colorado Springs CVB was outstanding. The organization delivered what was promised and exceeded our expectations."
Ron Radigonda
Executive Director
Amateur Softball Association / USA Softball
"On behalf of Sk8-Strong, I would like to express my sincere appreciation for your generosity and community-mindedness in helping our organization host the third annual Rocky Mountain Rampage August 23-24, 2014."
Kathi Schwan
Sk8-Strong, CFO
"The National Résumé Writers' Association just had a knockout conference in Colorado Springs! Attendees are still talking about it. The CVB was extremely helpful with planning!"
Sara Timm, NCRW, NCOPE
Immediate Past President, National Resume Writers' Association
