5 New Venues in Denver for Fall 2020 Meetings and Events

The Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel plans to complete its $80 million renovation by the first week of November. Highlights of the facelift include a refreshed plaza lobby, 1,237 newly redesigned guestrooms, and 133,000 square feet of refreshed meeting space. “Our design intention is to embrace the history of this iconic building while creating modern spaces that people will want to sit down and enjoy today,” says Heather Vasquez Johnson, associate principal of Denver-based architecture and design firm Johnson Nathan Strohe. “The architectural design is an interpretation of I.M. Pei’s distinctive approach to materials, architectural form, and light.” The interior design is inspired by the 1960s beatnik movement, a time of exuberant growth and cultural change in the U.S. Upon reopening, the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel will be equipped to cater to conventions for as many as 2,100 guests, social gala events, and weddings. Buyout pricing varies depending on convention/event needs, as well as the time of year.

In June, the Denver Tech Center welcomed the international street market-inspired, 5,500-square-foot Spice Trade Brewery & Kitchen. Incepted as Yak & Yeti Brewpub in Olde Town Arvada circa 2008, the award-winning indoor-outdoor brewery was rebranded in 2017, with growth prompting a larger brewing location to marry global-inspired craft beer with scratch-made cuisine. “Our goal is for guests to feel as if they’re traveling the world and experiencing different cultures when they enjoy our beer and visit the brewery,” says co-owner and head brewer Jeff Tyler, who teamed up with chef Jason Bray and Amy Crowfoot for the fare, alongside partner Dol Bhattarai. The food menu spans from Thai chicken wings to Korean barbecue tacos, in addition to vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free items—including the gluten-removed Spice Trade Beer offering. Additionally, expect an array of unique and notable brews infused with hyper-local and international ingredients, such as Chai Milk Stout, Jalapeno Pilsner, and Sun Temple IPA.

In July, Denver’s eclectic art-centric neighborhood of RiNo welcomed Slater's 50/50 to The Hub. The 5,120-square-foot space seats 130 guests and includes a private dining room that accommodates up to 14. Light-filled interiors were designed by Roth Sheppard Architects and pay homage to the neighborhood’s evolution as a railroad transportation hub. The space also features two murals by local artist Karmen Franklin, and the centerpiece (pictured) features a large, rectangular quartzite bar wrapped in tile inspired by the scalene truss of a railroad bridge. In addition to 50-plus beers on tap, amped up milkshakes, and burgers (“50/50” is a nod to a half-beef, half-bacon patty), the restaurant offers a mix of booths, banquettes, high-tops, and outdoor tables for parties of all sizes and preferences. When it comes to events, Slater’s 50/50 covers the gamut, from large gameday watch parties and corporate happy hours to intimate business lunches and lively bachelor/bachelorette feasts. While there is no fee or food and beverage minimum to rent the private dining room, parties must reserve a minimum of six guests. Entire restaurant buyouts are negotiable on a case-by-case basis.

Nestled within the Denver Botanic Gardens of Cheesman Park, the 100,000-square-foot Fryer-Newman Center opened its doors in September. The eco-forward venue features six tech-friendly classrooms, four climate-controlled spaces (three galleries and a library), a 265-seat auditorium, two outdoor balconies, and a coffee shop. Additionally, the Herbaria houses approximately 100,000 preserved plants and fungal collections with space for 50 years of growth, while various science labs allow for expanded ecology, genetic, and tissue culture work. With the goal of erecting one property that could house science, art, and educational spaces, which were formerly spread throughout the gardens, the Fryer-Newman Center also provides advanced technology capabilities and storage for art and history collections. Moreover, Davis Partnerships Architects designed the building to complement the rest of the grounds, incorporating both tulip-shaped posts in the atrium and glass ceiling panels.

In the coming months, Denver Botanic Gardens will also open two new event venues. Both Marnie’s Pavilion and the Orangery will have event capacities of 50 guests and will accommodate corporate and private affairs alike. (Denver Botanic Gardens is currently not accepting proposals for events or meetings, but will reconsider in January 2021.)

Hosting a mix of global culinary vendors, progressive cocktails, and innovative retailers, RiNo’s Zeppelin Station is a versatile space that offers more than the average food hall. Ever-evolving, the ground floor of the Station is now home to three new food offerings: Filipino cuisine from Soy Pinoy and spicy eats from Thai Kun (which started service in July), as well as Graves Good Burger, a counter concept from chef Nick Graves (which opened in September). The food hall boasts 8,000 square feet of space and can host up to 416 guests, while the 3,000-square-foot Big Trouble cocktail bar can accommodate as many as 115. There is also an outdoor patio with a capacity of 190. Buyouts are determined by the group size, food and beverage prices, and room fees, and can range from $500 to $50,000 depending on privacy requests, space requirements, and overall amenities.