Part 2: Elevate your next Missoula event with local flavor

Earlier this summer I wrote a blog about Bozeman’s foodie scene and how to apply it to your next Bozeman meeting.  We work in a diverse region covering Western Montana, from Yellowstone to Glacier National Parks.  Missoula is an excellent anchor point to host a meeting.

Missoula, Montana has an incredible eclectic culture that provides unique experiences for evening events during a conference or meeting. Below are a few excellent suggestions for some distinctive Montana experiences!

Photo: SakeTome, Missoula

Taste of Missoula – Dine-Around Downtown

I love dine-arounds for engaging evening events. What is better than a delicious meal at a fine restaurant? Different delicious courses at many different restaurants of course! Downtown Missoula has a wide range of culinary options all within walking distance which makes it well suited for a dine-around. Start your event with a cocktail hour at the popular Montgomery Distillery which features a rye whiskey, gin, vodka, single malt, and aquavit. They are well known for their infusions and artisan cocktail creations. New York Magazine chose the Black Diamond as their drink to feature from Montana in the article, “Cocktail Country: Outstanding Drinks From All 50 States.”  For the evening’s first course simply walk next door to sample small sushi bites at SakeTome. They were recently named Missoula’s Best Seafood. Next, meet your vegetable quota with a fresh, locally-sourced salad at Second Set Bistro. Walk down the street for the main course at The Pearl, a long-standing local favorite. Give your group a taste of the wild with the Bison Tenderloin. Stroll down the main drag of Missoula, the lively Higgins Avenue, on your way to dessert at Plonk. They have exquisite desserts such as the passion fruit crème brûlée or butterscotch budino and can offer wine pairings to go with any option.  Wrap up the evening with a night cap and local music just around the corner at the Top Hat Lounge. They feature national touring artists as well as local performers in an intimate setting. It’s the perfect place to wind down or dance the night away!

Photo: Summer Ziplining at Snowbowl Missoula

Elevate Your Dinner with Some Elevation

Nature is truly inspirational and motivational. Wow your attendees with an incredible view while enjoying an unforgettable dinner during your conference. Just north of Missoula is Montana’s Snowbowl; a ski area in the winter and mountain sports mecca in the summer. Start the evening mixing and mingling for cocktail hour at the Last Run Inn bar at the base of the hill or zip through the forest on the four zip lines to let go of any stresses from the day. Then take your group up the Grizzly chairlift for an alfresco dinner at 7,000 feet with a 100-mile view of the Five Valleys. A local chef can create a specialized menu created from fresh ingredients grown in the valley. Set up one long table in the middle of the meadow to admire the views all around. There won’t be a bad seat at the table!

Photo: KetthleHouse Amphitheater, Bonner, MT

Take the Entertainment Outside

After a long day of meetings, get everyone outside at an exceptional venue. The KettleHouse Amphitheater opened two years ago along the banks of the Blackfoot River about 15 minutes to the east of Missoula. In its short existence, it has already been voted one of the Top 50 Amphitheaters in the World! Start the evening with a tour of the adjacent KettleHouse Brewing Company and sample some of their best brews. Then enjoy a seated dinner in the Amphitheater with a motivational speaker or exciting entertainers. Conclude the evening with some music under the stars with the Blackfoot River accompanying in the background.

Need a project for your Company Social Responsibility (CSR)? Logjam, which operates the KettleHouse Amphitheater, partnered with Montana Trout Unlimited to create the Blackfoot River Fund dedicated to conserving and protecting the Blackfoot River. Coordinate a river cleanup project or fundraising campaign prior to your event at KettleHouse and give away prizes throughout the evening.

As I said in Part 1, Montana does have some truly unique and unforgettable experiences to add to your events. It just takes a little creativity and thinking outside the box of the meeting room to come up with some great options!

* Price estimated based on website search of availability at time of blog (May 2021)