Denver, Colorado Hotels and City Guide

Denver - Business Tips

Economy
Denver’s economy owes much to the city’s geography. Several factors make it a center for transportation, business, and storage: it is the only large city within 600 miles. Goods travelling to the Mountain states pass through and are often stored or processed in Denver. In addition, it is about halfway between Chicago and other big Midwestern cities and the West Coast, making it an important distribution center. Denver’s proximity to the beautiful Rocky Mountains make it a natural tourist hotspot.

Denver is home to many federal agencies, more, in fact, than any other area besides Washington, DC. With this federal presence come companies that work on US Defense and space projects. Other high-tech companies include the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Qwest Communications, Starz-Encore, DirecTV, Comcast, and Dish Network Corporation. Telecommunications companies like Qwest use Denver’s geography to their advantage. Its convenient location facilitates communication between the East and West Coasts of the United States, South America, Asia, and Europe in the same day. Its mile-high elevation makes it the largest US city to offer a same-day, real-time, “one-bounce” satellite link to six continents.

Mining, which Denver was founded on, and energy are still big contributors to Denver’s economy. EnCana, Smith International, Newmont Mining, Anadarko, and Noble Energy are the major mining or energy companies in the area. Denver is also on the cutting edge of the green movement, as seen in some of the city’s green roofs.

The diverse economy is given strength by the tourist industry, as well as the shopping and dining opportunities in Denver. Millions of people visit the Rocky Mountain area each year, helping this stay strong and vibrant.

Etiquette
Business Tips

Dress Code: While Americans do tend to adopt a less formal style of dress than their European counterparts, formal business attire is the norm in Denver. Suits and ties for men and suits for women are appropriate for business meetings. After work and weekends offer a chance to done some casual gear and head into the great outdoors. For the boardroom, however, it is better to dress more formally.

Greeting Someone in Denver: As in all American cities, it is appropriate to greet acquaintances in Denver with a brief, firm handshake. When meeting a business associate or contact, avoid using their first names unless they are specifically introduced that way.

Business Hours and Banking: Typical Denver businesses open at 9:00 or 10:00 am to 5:00 or 6:00 pm. Many businesses may have extended evening and weekend hours, especially those catering to visitors. Denver banks keep the usual American banking hours, opening at 9:00 am and closing at 5:00 or 6:00 Monday through Friday. Saturday hours may be 9:00 am to 2:00 or 4:00 pm. You may find many banks that open their drive-up services earlier than 9:00 am for those heading to work or the shops early.

Smoking: Colorado has a smoking ban for bars, restaurants, and most workplaces. Smoking is prohibited in public places, such as store, theaters, and visitor attractions. In open air settings, look for signs. Many parks ban smoking as well; it is considered very rude to light up in front of nonsmokers and children, especially in health-conscious Denver. Some restaurants and pubs with open-air patios still allow smoking, but make sure to look for signs.

Business Etiquette
As a city, Denver has a comfortable, laid-back air. Business is somewhat of an exception. With high-stakes federal and technological industries, as well as mining and energy, business is conducted in a serious and conscientious manner. Though still friendly, business people focus on the matter at hand. Arrange meetings in advance and dress in formal business attire. You will likely meet in offices, conference rooms, or boardrooms. It is also common to meet for breakfast, lunch, or dinner meetings at restaurants. In this case, continue to dress formally as it will convey respect to your hosts. Exchange business cards at the close of the meeting.

Hotels in Denver, Colorado