Calling all alumni relations professionals! For those of you heading to the annual Council of Alumni Marketing and Membership Professionals Conference, you're in for a treat! This year's location is none other than Boulder, Colorado.
Famed for its breathtaking landscape and vibrant cultural scene, Boulder provides a diverse array of activities that you can indulge in between conference sessions or once the day's agenda is complete. We’ve selected some of our favorites, most within walking (or e-biking!) distance of this year’s conference site at the University of Colorado Boulder. Cuseum is proud to be attending as a sponsor of this year’s conference, so let’s meet up for a slice of famed Colorado-style pizza, a pint of local brew, or just swing by our booth in the expo hall to say hello!
Here are our top five picks to ensure you have a memorable time in this charming mountain city:
1. Stop, Shop, and Savor at Pearl Street Mall
Your visit to Boulder isn't complete without a stroll through Pearl Street Mall. This four-block-long pedestrian mall in downtown Boulder is filled with a variety of shops, boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and bars. Here, you can find everything from locally made crafts to brand name clothing, and from gourmet cuisine to on-the-go snacks. Plus, Pearl Street Mall is well-known for its vibrant street performers—watch out for musicians, acrobats, and jugglers adding to the lively atmosphere!
2. Explore Boulder's Famous Hiking Trails
Nature lovers rejoice! Boulder's hiking trails are a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors and soak in some stunning views. We recommend the trails at Chautauqua Park and the Flatirons. These trails vary in difficulty levels and offer panoramic views of the city and the surrounding plains. Remember to pack good hiking shoes, sunblock, and plenty of water!
3. Enjoy a Cup of tea a World Away
Tucked away in the heart of the city, the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse is a hidden gem that you shouldn't miss. This exquisite establishment was a gift from Dushanbe, Boulder's sister city in Tajikistan. The teahouse, adorned with intricate hand-carved and hand-painted designs, provides a tranquil space to relax while sipping on a selection of over 100 different types of teas from around the world. Their lunch and dinner menus are also a treat, offering a wide range of dishes inspired by global cuisine.
4. Hop to it: Tour Boulder's Famous Breweries
Boulder has a thriving craft beer scene, making it a haven for beer enthusiasts. There are several local breweries offering tours, such as the Avery Brewing Company and the Boulder Beer Company. These tours offer fascinating insights into the brewing process, and, of course, they usually end with a tasting of their finest brews. For the non-beer drinkers, don't fret! Boulder is also home to several distilleries, a meadery, and tons of taverns with non-alcoholic beer and mocktails on tap!
5. Steep Yourself in Local Culture
If you're a tea lover or simply curious about the process behind your cuppa, the Celestial Seasonings factory tour is a must-do. Celestial Seasonings, one of the largest specialty tea manufacturers in North America, offers free tours that give you an in-depth look at the tea-making process—from raw ingredients to the packaged product. Don't forget to check out their tea shop, where you can sample and purchase a vast selection of their teas.
There are many effective paths to fostering loyalty, all of which depend on a deep understanding of your members' expectations, priorities, and core values. Equipped with the appropriate member insights, alumni associations can concentrate on strengthening constituent connections, transforming members into lifelong supporters, and consistently offering value to both recent graduates and long-standing members for countless years ahead.
Interested in exploring further? Don't miss out on our eBook, The Ultimate Guide to Navigating the New Landscape of Alumni Engagement, packed with tips and insights from 150 alumni relations professionals!