H&LA development update: Denver, Colorado. As part of a recent feasibility study conducted in the greater Denver, Colorado area, H&LA researched the market's current development landscape to better understand the trends shaping the region's hospitality, meetings, and attractions sectors. Several major projects are either recently completed or currently underway, signaling continued investment and confidence in the Denver market. * Denver International Airport is putting the finishing touches on its $2.1 billion Great Hall Program, one of the most significant transformations in the airport's history. The renovation has already delivered new security checkpoints and expanded terminal gates, and will ultimately introduce three distinct zones for international arrivals, domestic arrivals, and a reimagined pre-security gathering space. With completion set for 2027, this investment positions DIA to comfortably accommodate its growing passenger volumes for years to come. * The Colorado Convention Center raised its profile in 2024 with a $233 million expansion - the largest in the property's history. The upgrade added an 80,000-square-foot ballroom, 150,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, and a striking rooftop terrace. The investment paid off quickly: bookings hit an all-time high in 2025. * North of downtown, the National Western Center is advancing an ambitious $800 million expansion anchored by a new 4,500-seat Equestrian Center. The long-range vision also includes a hotel, residences, and a parking garage - cementing the campus as a premier year-round destination. * Denver's iconic 16th Street Mall has been reborn following a $175 million reconstruction spanning 13 blocks. The refreshed corridor features repositioned transit lanes, wider sidewalks, striking new public art, and a curb-less design built for festivals, outdoor dining, and everyday foot traffic. * Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center in Aurora rang in 2025 with a major Phase Two expansion, growing the property to more than 1,500 guest rooms and over 500,000 square feet of event space. The expansion also introduced the Fortunate Prospector restaurant, Embers Lodge Bar, and the all-new Mountain View Pavilion event venue. * Water World, the beloved outdoor waterpark north of Denver, made a splash in May 2026 with the debut of Summit Canyon. Replacing the former Calypso Cove, the new area brings four pools, two long water slides, and ample deck space for guests to relax in the sun. Latest insights. By: Jason Sorci and Adam Zarczynski, CHIA The phrase "If you build it, they will come" has become part of the development lexicon, particularly for ambitious hospitality, resort, and entertainment...

Katherine (Kate) Girotti named CEO of National Western Center. DENVER, CO - Today the National Western Center Authority Board of Directors named Katherine (Kate) Girotti as the next Chief Executive Officer. Following a comprehensive national search, the board identified Girotti as the clear choice to build on the Authority's strong progress and existing momentum while leading its next phase of growth, partnership development, and long-term strategic implementation. "Kate emerged from a highly competitive field as the leader best equipped to build on the years of hard work, collaboration, and progress that have shaped the National Western Center Authority, bringing the experience and strategic leadership needed to carry this important work forward and advance its vision and mission," said John Ikard, Chairman of the NWC Authority Board of Directors. "The board is confident in her ability to build on the momentum of the National Western Center and strengthen its impact for the community, partners, and stakeholders across Colorado and beyond." "Kate Girotti's appointment marks an exciting new chapter for the National Western Center," said Denver Mayor Mike Johnston. "I look forward to collaborating with her as we continue expanding opportunities and advancing this transformational project for our city. I also want to thank Brad Buchanan for his outstanding leadership. Brad helped turn the vision of the National Western Center into reality, and I'm grateful for his continued service as he leads Denver's Community Planning and Development Department." Girotti brings extensive leadership experience across the live sports, entertainment, and hospitality industries. Throughout her career, she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to innovation, community-centered leadership, and the successful execution of complex, high-impact projects. She has a proven track record of building strong, diverse community coalitions, aligning stakeholders around shared goals, and fostering partnerships that drive long-term economic and social value. Her work reflects a deep understanding of how to connect large-scale developments with the needs and identity of the communities they serve, ensuring projects are not only operationally successful but also locally meaningful and sustainable. "I am honored to take on this important role," said Girotti. "The National Western Center represents an extraordinary opportunity to connect culture, education, sustainability, and economic opportunity in a way that benefits the entire region. I look forward to continuing conversations with the Board and community stakeholders about the future of this institution." Girotti was named the sole finalist on May 22 and has been participating in community meet and greets in the surrounding neighborhoods of Globeville, Elyria and Swansea. She will begin creating strong partnerships, meeting with key stakeholders, and building critical relationships that will help shape and guide her leadership moving forward. Her official start date is July 6, 2026.