By Beth Buehler
Destination Colorado’s Front Range Trade Show is the place where meeting and event planners and suppliers from around the state gather to network and book business. Now in its 21st year, the Front Range Trade Show is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 6 from 4 – 7 p.m. at one of the Denver area’s hottest new venues: The Hangar at Stanley in Aurora.
The Hangar at Stanley
Meeting Planners, this is Colorado’s version of the huge IMEX America held annually in Las Vegas. In true Colorado fashion, it’s casual, friendly and festive and features more than 70 exhibitors representing hotels, resorts and meeting services from around the state. Here are just a few ways planners can get the most out of the Front Range Trade Show.
Plan to attend the entire trade show. It seems like there is never enough hours in the day when details for several meetings and events need to be checked off a “to do” list. Instead of sitting for hours at a computer researching possible destinations, properties and more for upcoming Colorado gatherings, do this in person and all in one place! It’s sure to save time and be more fun, and Destination Colorado and all the exhibitors make sure that each hour is valuable for planners.
Think through upcoming needs before attending. The Front Range Trade Show is the perfect time to start shopping dates and places for upcoming annual meetings, conferences, retreats, incentive trips, team-building, galas and more. Find out about new venues, recent renovations, and all sorts of great Colorado experiences to make your next meeting or event the gathering attendees talk about and remember well into the future.
Network with other planners. It’s helpful to be around people in the same profession to share knowledge and stories. Utilize time at the Front Range Trade Show to meet other planners, enjoy great food and libations, and win prizes and lodging packages.
Experience a new venue. An added bonus to this year’s Front Range Trade Show is the chance to wander around Aurora’s new Stanley Marketplace with more than 50 boutique shops, restaurants, bars and service businesses and an 18,500-square foot event space, The Hangar at Stanley. To understand the space, it’s helpful to know the history. Stanley Aviation manufactured ejection seats for military aircraft at its Aurora factory from 1954 to 2007, when the 140,000-square-foot, two-story facility shut down. Today, the steel beams, polished concrete floors, large wooden wire spools and 30-inch light fixtures that once lit up Stanley Aviation are highlights of The Hanger at Stanley, along with original hangar doors that open onto what used to be a jet way leading to runway 26 at Stapleton Airport (the predecessor to Denver International Airport).
There are plenty of other reasons to attend this important trade show for Colorado’s meetings and events industry. Make sure you register now and review the updated list of exhibitors. Networking, collaborating and celebrating Colorado … that’s what the Front Range Trade Show is all about!
Destination Colorado’s 2016 Front Range Trade Show took place at the EXDO event center.
Beth Buehler is editor of Colorado Meetings + Events and Mountain Meetings magazines, has planned numerous meetings and events, attends trade shows and enjoys exploring Colorado in all seasons.
