Leah's 2024 Event Round-Up Celebrating Community Connections in Summit County
Living in Summit County has its perks, and one thing that's been truly amazing for me as a marketing consultant is the wide range of events happening all around! Over the past few weeks, I've had the pleasure of attending some incredible local events that highlight the essence of our beautiful mountain community.
As I've mentioned before, small business events are more than just social gatherings—they're valuable opportunities for exposure, collaboration, and connection. They bring people together, spark conversations, offer attendees new knowledge, and provide them with solutions to the challenges they may be facing. Below are a few of the fantastic events I've recently attended, and I also encourage everyone in Summit County to check out!
Photo by Hayden Eastburn
Breck Film Fest
Nestled in the stunning mountains of Breckenridge, Colorado, the Breckenridge Film Festival is an annual celebration of independent filmmaking. USA Today recognizes it as one of the Top 20 Film Festivals in the nation!
The festival showcases a diverse selection of indie films, from premieres and Colorado film showcases to virtual screenings. There's truly something for everyone. You even get the chance to meet and engage with filmmakers, making it an unforgettable experience for any film lover!
This year, some of my favorites were Casa Bonita, Adventure Reel, and the animated shorts. I highly recommend this experience to anyone with a passion for film.
Axis Ascent
Held at Arapahoe Basin, the annual Axis Ascent is a unique gathering for the Axis family, friends, and staff, combining outdoor adventure and connection. Celebrating its 9th anniversary this year, participants could choose between a challenging summit trek, with a 2,270 ft vertical climb, or a moderate 1.8-mile hike to Black Mountain Lodge, gaining 750 ft in elevation. If you're too exhausted afterward, there's also an option to ride the chairlift down!
After the hikes, everyone enjoyed a well-deserved lunch on the lodge deck, taking in breathtaking mountain views. This event truly is all about community, health, wellness, and the spirit of togetherness. I was thrilled to volunteer, biking up and down trails, meeting amazing people, and capturing photos and videos to document the day.
TEDx METAMORPHOSIS Auditions
We recently held auditions for the 5th annual TEDxBreckenridge, which will take place on February 15, 2025. The theme METAMORPHOSIS is all about transformative ideas that spark conversation. This year's event promises a range of thought-provoking talks relevant to our mountain community, giving participants a chance to connect with local artists, innovators, and fellow community members. It is a testament to the transformative power of change, inspiring attendees to embrace new perspectives.
Unfortunately, I couldn't attend due to illness, but I was still a proud member of the speaker selection committee. I'm genuinely excited to see the powerful talks unfold and witness the exchange of fresh ideas!
Women in Politics Luncheon
With the Women of the Summit organization, I attended the Women in Politics Luncheon, an empowering event focused on the future of women in Colorado. The event featured an inspiring panel of local women in public service, each sharing her professional journey, hard-earned lessons, and vision for women's roles in politics.
The panelists discussed their experiences in the political process, the impact of their roles within the community, and how other women can take active roles in politics. It was a privilege to attend and connect with these incredible leaders, and I left with a renewed sense of empowerment about the future of women in politics.
Best of Summit Celebration
The Best of Summit Celebration is a favorite annual event of mine. It recognizes and celebrates the top local businesses in Summit County (including some of my own clients)! For over a decade, Summit County residents have participated in Summit Daily News' annual Best of Summit contest, voting for their favorite businesses, organizations, and attractions.
In 2024, the contest introduced new categories like Attorney, Camp/Summer Program, Computer Retail & Repair, and an expanded section for wedding services. These additions offer more chances for local favorites to gain fans and recognition, making this contest a true reflection of our community's spirit.
Ski Area COO Summit
As an avid skier and lover of all things outdoors, the Ski Area COO Summit with the Summit Chamber was a must-attend on my list of events!
A Summit County tradition for over 16 years, the Ski Area COO Summit (formerly the COO Breakfast) features the Chief Operating Officers of the five local ski areas, sharing summer improvements and winter plans. This annual event now offers both in-person and virtual attendance, so people from across Colorado and beyond can join in and get pumped up for the winter season.
This year's event was held at Copper Mountain Resort. It included insightful presentations from ski area leaders, a tourism data overview from KEYDATA, and opportunities to connect with local business owners. Whether you're a skiing enthusiast or a local entrepreneur, this event is the perfect way to welcome winter in Summit County!
TEDNext
A little further from home, I attended TEDNext in Atlanta, GA on behalf of TEDxBreckenridge. This vibrant three-day event explores what's next in the world and inspires participants to drive change on personal and global levels.
It was a much-needed recharge, filled with workshops, TED Talks, and open community discussions that gave me fresh perspectives to bring back to our small business community. The inspiring atmosphere, creative community, and countless laughs made it a 10/10 experience!
Building Community & Connections at Home
On top of the above events, I've also taken some time to attend personal growth events, like a monthly "Sip and Social" gathering with other local marketing professionals (if you're in the area, ask me about it). Plus, I recently updated my business headshots—keep an eye out for them on my social posts!
The fall has been full of business growth, connections, and opportunities, and I'm looking forward to what's to come as we close out the year. And guess what? I'm here to support you as well! Whether you're looking to get involved in events, update your brand, or refresh your marketing strategy, feel free to reach out, and let's chat about how I can help you and your Summit County small business thrive in 2025!
In the meantime, make sure you stay connected via my free newsletter!
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