Host a "Slow Meeting"
in Boulder

When it comes to meetings, conferences and corporate events in 2025, here’s what’s “out” and “in”:

In short, what participants tend to crave right now are “slow” meetings — mindful gatherings that prioritize authentic connection, presence and deep work. 

Incorporating these principles into your next event will not only put your attendees at ease, but research shows that a sustainable pace can actually benefit productivity. A win-win. Here are some ways you can take a conscious approach to your next meeting in Boulder.

Find an Event Space That Inspires

Who really wants to sit in a fluorescent-lit, windowless room to talk quarterly planning, especially while they're in a new place for a corporate event? Break from the norm with a unique venue where the environment alone will inspire your attendees, whether through a scenic view, art on the walls, architecture or access to nature. If the timing is right, you could even hold your meeting at an outside event space like a farm, rooftop patio or amphitheater.

Incorporate Wellness Into the Meeting

This could look like starting the day off with a group meditation or yoga class led by a local practitioner, a buffet of fresh, local food from Boulder’s farms, massage chairs or IV infusions set up for breaks, or a sound bath to close out the event. Boulder is a wellness mecca, so there is no shortage of inspiration and resources for incorporating this aspect of our culture into your meeting.

Let Attendees Be Car-Free

Walking benefits your mental health in a plethora of ways, and not everyone lives in a place dense enough to walk and bike everywhere. Boulder’s compact downtown, bike-friendly paths and accessible public transportation will allow attendees to get around with ease and (quite literally) slow down. It will also give them the chance to experience the local environment and community in a close-up and meaningful way.

Try a Walking or Hiking Meeting

If you have a smaller group, imagine grabbing a coffee and breathing in the fresh mountain air while tackling your organization’s to-do list on a scenic path or trail. Researchers at Stanford found that walking boosts creativity by an average of 60% versus sitting. For attendees experiencing disabilities, Boulder offers many accessible paths and trails, and all-terrain, adaptive wheelchairs are available to borrow from Boulder’s Open Space and Mountain Parks department. We have an entire page dedicated to walking conferences, and our team is happy to help plan if you need ideas tailored to your group.

Foster Real Connection

In this digital world, we need genuine, face-to-face connections with each other more than ever. Try having attendees check their devices at the door to encourage more exchanges and focus. Or bring in a local facilitator to lead fun, interactive activities to get to know one another and establish genuine rapport. Feel free to reach out, and we can help find the right people for your meeting.

Embrace Sustainability

Slow down and be mindful with every step of the planning process. Attendees notice when organizations take tangible steps to lessen their environmental impact during events. So we say, ex-nay to the plastic water bottles and bland mass-prepared food from a chain restaurant, and a big, whole-hearted YES to booking a green venue and sourcing materials from local businesses. Read more on how to hold a green meeting in Boulder.

Explore Boulder's History

By giving your attendees insight into Boulder's Indigenous history, they can connect with the land and have a greater understanding of Boulder's past. Consider a group trip to the Museum of Boulder to explore the Experience Boulder Gallery and other historical exhibitions. Go on a group hike at The Peoples' Crossing and learn the history behind the name. Explore public art honoring the Indigenous peoples of Boulder. Your attendees may see and appreciate their meeting setting in a whole new way.

Build a Generous Schedule

Running from session to session or event to event nonstop is what tends to wear participants down at conferences or corporate gatherings. Try leaving more buffer time in between sessions, avoid overpacking the schedule and offer a slightly later start or earlier finish time to avoid attendees feeling overwhelmed. After a presentation or discussion, you can also encourage 5 minutes of quiet journaling or reflection time to help ideas settle in.