Since opening in 1990 in the heart of downtown Denver, the Colorado Convention Center has enjoyed tremendous success, hosting more than 250 events each year. With an expansion slated for late 2023, this premier event center is poised to reach new heights, entering its most anticipated and in-demand era ever.
Sure, that sounds like typical hype. But we promise you, it’s different. It’s different because we listened to meeting planners. You told us how much you loved the first expansion in 2004. You loved it for its 2.2 million square feet. For its modernized meeting space and 5,000-seat theater. You loved it for its own stop on Denver’s Light Rail transit system. They even loved it for its parking garage.
We took that feedback to heart with the center’s latest rooftop expansion. We added more square footage and better meeting spaces. We also added little things that only a meeting planner might notice, but everyone will love. That said, here are the expansion highlights, big and small, that you can look forward to at your next meeting in Denver.
Big thing: Multifunctional ballroom space
For those inspired by flexible spaces, we present the Colorado Convention Center’s expansion’s signature feature: the multipurpose ballroom. It measures 8,000 square feet, to be exact, and can accommodate 19 groups in an infinite number of configurations. At its largest, the column-free ballroom can comfortably seat 7,500 attendees for a general session or 4,600 guests for a catered event. We told you it was big.
Little Thing: Best-in-Class HVAC System
While the average attendee might be distracted by the size of the multi-functional ballroom, a convention veteran will meticulously examine the venue’s ductwork. That’s where they’ll find a state-of-the-art HVAC system, installed to improve indoor air quality, save energy and reduce the presence of disease-causing germs. Because you can’t enjoy the extravagant ballroom if you’re not in shape.
Big Thing: Entrance hall before the function
Many attendees are so caught up in the function that they forget about the pre-function. We know that the real networking happens between sessions, which is why we built a new lobby with 35,000 square feet of comfortable and convenient space. With spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains, the lobby will be where the magic happens between sessions.
Little thing: Blue Bear Custom Rugs
We needed to find a way to bring the fun and liveliness of the famous blue bear inside the convention center. So we traveled all the way to Poland to design and produce a one-of-a-kind blue bear rug. You’ll see the bright blue throughout the convention center, creating a lively atmosphere no matter where attendees are moving. And honestly, it was a lot easier than trying to get the 40-foot-tall, 10,000-pound piece of art through the doors.
Big Thing: Rooftop Terrace
If attendees can tear their eyes away from the red carpet, they’ll step through the accordion doors to some of Denver’s best views. The 20,000-square-foot rooftop terrace connects to the new lobby, where views of Denver’s skyline to the east are surpassed only by the Rocky Mountains to the north and west. Pair those breathtaking views with a fully equipped rooftop kitchen, perfect for VIP tastings, and you’ve got an event venue that’s sure to impress.
Little Thing: Stain-Resistant Deck Flooring
It’s entirely possible, even likely, that after experiencing the HVAC system and custom carpet, convention attendees will be in a state of euphoria. Unfortunately, that energy comes with consequences. Mainly, spills. But with our stain-resistant patio flooring, you won’t have to worry about the effects of all that extra enthusiasm. No harm, no mess at the party.
We listened and we responded. We expanded our offerings with meeting planners in mind, taking the same care in the restroom as we did in the ballroom. That’s why the Colorado Convention Center and Denver have become a popular destination for conferences, conventions and meetings for businesses and organizations across the country. Learn how the big and small details make a Denver convention unconventional.
