Issue link: http://cp.revolio.com/i/32575
“FEW PLACES IN THE WORLD CAN CREATE A SECURE ENVIRONMENT WHERE EVEN NATO CAN FEEL COMFORTABLE.” The Broadmoor can shut down the entire resort if necessary. For example, for the NATO Summit held on site in 2003, all Broadmoor staff members parked off- property and were screened through metal detectors before entering the grounds. Once inside, employees’ credentials dictated where they could or could not go on property. Depend- ing on the event, the staff may not even know who is actually on-site. The entire affair can be logistically challenging. The Broadmoor might host heads of states one day, followed by a major corporation’s annual sales meeting and several executive board meetings, while simultaneously reserving a wing for a movie star and planning for a U.S. president to spend the evening. There are few public places, like The Broad- moor, that NATO can meet and feel comfortable that a resort will synchronize all the moving parts to host 51 defense ministers from around the world. Yet physical security is just one aspect that defines the success of any such event. Top: Ronald Reagan with with Colorado Governor John A. Love, 1969. Bottom: Princess Ann, 1982. 44 The Broadmoor Magazine | 2011 • 2012 The presentation of these events looks seamless, but the intricacies are quite amazing, according to John Washko, Vice President Sales and Mar- keting. There is often a significant time span between the booking process for these high level affairs and the actual event. Potential employees always go through background checks, and extensive screening and training. Once hired, those employees may undergo many more independent background checks before working during an event, depending on the situation. Washko says, “Few places in the world can create a secure environ- ment where even NATO can feel comfortable, which is why Broadmoor security is a lot more than what you see. Events like these events define the quality of The Broadmoor and how our team flawlessly pulls off a well orchestrated and coordinated effort.” “It’s easier to serve the needs of individual guests,” says Washko. “They check in, go to their room, book their spa treatments, play golf, ask the con- cierge for tour suggestions. That’s the basics of hospitality. But mix in multiple set-ups, F&B requirements, banquet event orders, meeting agendas…and we’ve now added sometimes tele- phone books of info to disseminate throughout the entire staff.” The Broadmoor also accommo- dates most out-of-the-box requests. Political groups, for example, often travel in delegations and room as- signments can be like juggling water balloons. Certain countries prefer not to be located next to a rival coun- try. Each country has certain dietary requirements. Within each delegation, there are also subgroups, and besides the core meeting those groups also require meeting space. One initial group booking may include dozens of breakout meeting rooms. To host an event of this magnitude, the resort must bring the full package to the table. Security is important, but these types of events also require top-quality guest rooms, accom- modations, meeting space, food and beverage, and staff to meet their high expectations. With such an intricately woven op- eration, one glitch can be catastrophic. But that’s the beauty of The Broad- moor and its employees. “Events come and go, but what remains the same is the pride that our staff has taken in the more than 90 years The Broadmoor has hosted these events,” Washko says. “Whether it’s an employee with a 50-year tenure, or a new hire, we are all proud to be affiliated with a team of this caliber that can successfully pull off events of this caliber. To make it all hap- pen is energizing.” Whether it’s a presidential or guber- natorial gathering, a corporate event, a wedding or a celebrity’s romantic get- away, special events are an integral part of the fabric of the legendary Broad- moor’s long and successful history.