When the Forecast Shifts, So Do We: An Event for Event Pros
Recently, about 100 members of the Emerge Event Collective gathered in Steamboat Springs, Colorado for three days of education, connection, and relaxation in the mountains.
First up, a welcome dinner and a hat bar. Yes, an actual bar where you pick your own cowboy/girl hat and decorate it with charms and ribbon. A brilliant way to break the ice!
The next morning began with yoga beneath the whispering aspens ... peaceful, grounding, and soul-soothing. As they settled into stillness, a light drizzle began to fall. Thanks to one of the retreat sponsors, Ironic Reports, this didn’t catch anyone off guard. Their proactive weather insights had given a heads-up, and planner Brynn Swanson of First Look Events had wisely requested umbrellas - just in case. Clear ponchos were on standby too, because, well… planners plan.
As the drizzle settled in and soft thunder rolled in the distance, the First Look team calmly began handing out clear dome umbrellas to the yogis. Many had already pulled on the Weather or Not Turkish towels received earlier that morning. It provided an extra layer of warmth and comfort against the mountain chill. There was no rush, no stress. Just the sound of breath, the soft patter of rain, and a peaceful close to the session with a grounding sound bath.
The rain stuck around and started to threaten the gorgeous outdoor lunch setup. But in true event pro fashion, it never became an actual problem. Under the guidance of planner, the team calmly shifted everything around. Ponchos came out for the catering crew, tables were adjusted, and everything continued without a hitch. It was one of those moments where you remember how good people in this industry really are at solving problems before they even fully form.
When the rain let up, we all sat down to lunch outside, where it was originally planned. It felt like a win.
That night was the big gala. The theme was passion, and it showed. There was a melty raclette cheese station, a white chocolate fondue dessert, and fiery red decor everywhere. It was inspiring and a great reminder that we all really love what we do.
It’s hard to describe exactly what makes events like this so impactful. It’s not just the event design, the venue, or the gifts. It’s being surrounded by people who get it. Who know what it means to care deeply about making things beautiful, even when the weather doesn’t cooperate. People who can pivot in the rain without losing their cool. People who are in it for the right reasons.
So thank you, Emerge Event Collective, for the time, the space, and the community. Can't wait for next time!
Related videos
Thanks to
Host: Emerge Event Collective @emergeeventcollective
Planning & Design: First Look Events @firstlookco
Host Venue: Flying Diamond Ranch @flyingdiamondranch
Band/Production and After Party DJ: Great Family Artists @greatfamilyartists
Welcome Party DJ: Curate Entertainment/DJ Malike @curate_entertainment @DJ_Malike_
Welcome Dinner: E3 @e3chophousesteamboat
Gondola Welcome: Steamboat Resort @steamboatresort
Photographer: Ali & Garrett @aliandgarrettphoto
(*The photos on this page were taken by Weather or Not, not Ali and Garrett)
Cinematographer: OIlantay Films @ollantayfilms
Rentals: Colorado Party Rentals @copartyrentals
Floral Design: Statice Floral/Flintwood Floral @staticefloraldesign @flintwoodfloral
Lunch/Dinner: Epicurean Catering @epicureancatering
Bar Service: Peak Beverage @peakbev
Table Top Rentals: Enjoue Collection @enjouecollection
Custom Dance Floor Wrap: Advance Industries @advanceindustries
Linens: Reverie @reverie_social
Stationery and Signage: Knapp Design Co @knappdesignco
Dessert: Intricate Icings @intricateicings
Yoga & Sound Bath: Joyful Living by Jeni @joyfullivingbyjeni
Hair & Makeup: Beauty on Location @beautyonlocationstudio
Dome (Bubble) Umbrellas, Ponchos, and Turkish Towels: Weather or Not @weatherornotaccessories
Farewell Breakfast: Gravity Haus @whiterabbittavern @gravityhaus
Hat Bar: Harper & Honey @harper_honey
Lighting & Design: In Light and Design @in_light_and_design
Attire Guide Stylist: Francesca Stylist to the Bride @francesca_stylist.to.the.bride
Weather Concierge: Ironic Reports @ironicreports
Transportation: Hermes Worldwide @hermeslimo
Content Creation: SD Content Creator @sdcontentcreator
Event App: The Wedding App @theweddingappusa