Space Symposium Boosts Local Colorado Springs Businesses

Annual event brings economic lift to Ivywild School and other nearby establishments

Apr. 15, 2026 at 12:21am

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A stylized, isometric 3D illustration depicting a bustling scene inside the Ivywild School complex, with various businesses like restaurants, shops, and a brewery, all arranged in a clean, modern, and playful manner to represent the economic boost the Space Symposium provides to the local community.The annual Space Symposium brings a surge of activity and revenue to local businesses surrounding the event's main venue, The Broadmoor, in Colorado Springs.Colorado Springs Today

The annual Space Symposium held at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs is providing a significant economic boost to local businesses, especially those located in the Ivywild School area. Restaurants, shops, and event spaces in the Ivywild School complex are seeing a surge in catering orders, private events, and foot traffic from symposium attendees looking to network, dine, and socialize outside of the main conference.

Why it matters

The Space Symposium is a major annual event that draws thousands of aerospace industry professionals to Colorado Springs. The influx of attendees provides a critical economic lift to local businesses, helping them make up for slower periods and kick off the busy summer season. This symbiotic relationship between the symposium and the local economy highlights how major events can have a ripple effect on surrounding communities.

The details

Businesses like Salad or Bust, Bristol Brewing Co., and others located in the Ivywild School complex are reporting a significant increase in catering orders, private events, and overall foot traffic during the symposium week. One company even booked the Bristol Brewing space as a home base for the week, while others are hosting social gatherings and events. The Broadmoor's concierges and shuttle drivers also direct symposium attendees to check out the Ivywild School area for dining, drinks, and networking opportunities.

  • The Space Symposium takes place annually at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs.
  • This year's symposium was held from April 10-13, 2026.

The players

Ivywild School

A mixed-use complex in Colorado Springs that houses restaurants, shops, and event spaces, including Salad or Bust and Bristol Brewing Co.

Robert Curtis

Owner of Salad or Bust, a restaurant located inside Ivywild School

Kortney Reyes

Director of sales and hospitality at Bristol Brewing Co., which is located in the Ivywild School complex

The Broadmoor

The luxury resort hotel that hosts the annual Space Symposium in Colorado Springs

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What they’re saying

“Our catering alone like this week is going to double our business and it's all space symposium related.”

— Robert Curtis, Owner, Salad or Bust

“This week we have more private events booked than we've had in the past year we even beat our symposium events from last year so we're really happy to see that increase.”

— Kortney Reyes, Director of sales and hospitality, Bristol Brewing Co.

“They got such great feedback they have essentially tripled the size of their event we're expecting 250 people tonight down in our barrel room and beer garden so we're planning for a big party down there.”

— Kortney Reyes, Director of sales and hospitality, Bristol Brewing Co.

What’s next

The Space Symposium will return to Colorado Springs in April 2027, providing another opportunity for local businesses to capitalize on the influx of industry professionals.

The takeaway

The annual Space Symposium demonstrates the symbiotic relationship between major events and the local economy. By drawing thousands of attendees to Colorado Springs, the symposium provides a critical economic boost to nearby businesses, helping them thrive during the busy summer season and offsetting slower periods throughout the year.