Bringing hospitality to a franchise owners’ event.
INDUSTRY
Franchise
QUICK SUMMARY
This yearly event brought franchise owners together in the Colorado mountains for a weekend of connection. With an adventurous group and a brand-new mountain setting, the client turned to GoGather to design an engaging agenda and handle all the event logistics.
RESULTS
GoGather partnered with the client’s internal operations team to plan and execute a two-day experience that balanced networking and celebration, all while managing the unique challenges of a mountain resort event.
ABOUT THE CLIENT
This national franchise brand brings together hundreds of independently owned locations across the U.S. every year. Their annual Owners’ Celebration is an opportunity to strengthen relationships between franchisees and corporate leadership and build excitement for the year ahead.
Overview of the franchise retreat.
What challenges came with hosting in a mountain resort?
The client wanted to host their event in a destination that reflected their active, outdoor-loving group. After hosting in a desert setting the previous year, the mountains felt like the right change of scenery. But planning at high altitude came with its own obstacles. There was limited shipping access, longer transport times, and concerns with keeping attendees comfortable in thinner air.
How did GoGather adapt to the mountain environment?
GoGather worked closely with the resort team to plan around the challenges of hosting a corporate event in a mountain location.
We coordinated shipping timelines, built in extra transportation support, and added thoughtful wellness touches like hydration stations and oxygen options for guests adjusting to elevation. We also helped design unique outdoor experiences that made the most of the setting while keeping everyone comfortable.
How did GoGather support a small internal team?
With a small corporate staff juggling multiple priorities, their team needed more hands to manage all the moving parts on site.
What did GoGather’s hands-on management look like?
GoGather acted as an extension of the internal team, handling venue coordination, vendor logistics, and the overall event flow. We sourced a local DMC to manage décor, entertainment, and rentals, and served as the main point of contact with hotel staff. Our on-site presence ensured smooth transitions between events and a stress-free experience for the client team.
How did the team keep the event fresh and exciting?
Because franchise owners pay to attend, the event needs to feel worth the trip every year. The internal team wanted to keep some traditions but still make this year’s experience feel exciting.
What made this a branded, memorable experience?
Our planning team worked with the client to design a full two-day agenda that mixed business sessions with memorable experiences. Day one highlights were a general session, poolside lunch, and a western-themed dinner. Day two included golf, an awards reception, and a special closing night dinner celebration. To tie everything together, the event had custom-branded details throughout for guests to bring home:
Branded touches included:
- Custom drink cups
- Poolside towels
- Inflatable floaties
- Swag bags
- Leather drink coasters
- Cozy branded jackets for guests to take home
Final results.
The 2025 Owners’ Celebration in Avon, Colorado, was a success. Franchisees enjoyed all of the personal touches and the fun activities in the mountain outdoor setting. The corporate team appreciated the support and flexibility, knowing all the communications and logistics were handled, even when plans had to shift due to weather.