Working for Smart Meetings often takes us on the road to conferences, conventions, press trips and client meetings, and our sales people are often out of the office. Michael Gardner, regional advertising manager, just got back from a whirlwind trip to Montana, Wyoming and Idaho. His trip started out on Sunday June 14th leaving from our home airport, SFO, to Spokane, Wash where he hopped in a stylish PT Cruiser. His trip to these naturally beautiful states took him through 1,200 miles of winding roads and wildlife. Once he caught his breath, I took a moment to chat with him about his visit to a state I have yet to see.


   View from guest room at Coeur d'Alene


Q: Can you describe your trip?
A: I met with clients and stayed at some great locations and some not so great! I stayed at the fabulous Coeur d'Alene Resort in Idaho, Averills Flathead Lake Lodge and Holiday Inn Bozeman, both in Montana, Snow King Resort, Jackson Hole Wyoming, and Sun Valley Resort in Idaho. I traveled through Yellowstone Park and the Grand Tetons. Had lunch in the super campy town of West Yellowstone.


   Cabin at Averills Flathead Lake Lodge


Q:What was the highlight of your trip?
A: It’s a toss up between seeing a bald eagle in Yellowstone Park, a trail run on Coeur d'Alene Lake with thunder and warm rain, dinner with my dear Aunt Kay in Bozeman, Montana and watching the horses at Averills Flathead Lake Lodge.


   Buffalo at Yellowstone


Q: What do you wish people knew about Idaho and Montana?
A: Great people, way slower pace of life, amazing landscapes...great options for corporate retreats and team building.


   View from the road in Montana


Q: What is the buzz out there?
A: Rodeo! I saw rodeos all over, they are like football in the Rocky Mountain Cowboy States, except there are lots of girl riders.


   Geysers at Yellowstone


Q: In your opinion, are these areas getting more business because of their relaxed and not luxury perception?
A: Yes and no. The region is very family friendly and relaxed with many budget options, but the iconic luxury resorts in Idaho, Coeur d'Alene Resort and Sun Valley Resort are also very relaxed and family friendly!