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MEETINGS QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER - FALL 2009

The Presidential Edition

A special guest was coming to stay at Big Sky Resort.  Very special.  Secret Service Special.  Maybe.  But don't tell anyone.

This was what the Big Sky sales team learned in the middle of a summer season already packed with professional association meetings, weddings, reunions and corporate retreats.  Known for its exquisite Rocky Mountain setting, its luxury accommodations and amenities, and its highly professional staff, the Summit at Big Sky Resort successfully called upon their usual team to prepare for and execute this event that was as far from usual as could be.  While still allowing for the sense of openness and freedom so much a part of Big Sky, security in the protected and remote mountain venue suited even this most demanding client.  Fully capable of meeting any client's needs at a moment's notice the staff enthusiastically embraced the challenge of flexibility and secrecy this event required.  Simultaneously the staff hosted a wedding reception and a large medical conference at the Resort.

The moment the Marine helicopters landed and the Presidential entourage arrived at the modern, 10-story hotel at the base of Lone Mountain, each tiny detail had been taken care of.  "I couldn't be more proud of our team in excelling at this historic experience, particularly under the unique secrecy involved," said Big Sky general manager, Taylor Middleton. 

In this thrilling moment Barack Obama, the President of the United States, the man who'd already made history for the United States, made history for Big Sky.  He brought his family, wife Michelle, and daughters, Malia and Sasha to "The Basecamp to Yellowstone" for a short vacation after a Town Hall meeting in Belgrade, Montana.  The first sitting American President ever to do so.

The First Lady and the girls headed out for a whitewater rafting adventure on the Gallatin River.  "Mrs. Obama was an incredible paddler.  She was better than the Secret Service out there." said raft guide Jaye Gibb.  President Obama meanwhile, pulled on waders and tried his hand at fly-fishing.  During the two-hour trip, the President chatted with guide, Dan Vermillion.  "We talked a lot about his family and the challenges he and Michelle face trying to keep his kids grounded in the surreal experience he lives in."  he said.  Dan called the experience the thrill of a lifetime.  The First Family's visit included a variety of the exciting activities offered to guests at the Resort:  whitewater rafting on the Gallatin River, fly-fishing, zip-lining and scenic lift for a bird's eye view of the spectacular mountains.  Whereas normally the White House chefs prepare all the meals, in this case the chefs at the Summit kitchen - known for their culinary talent - were offered the privilege of cooking for the President.  After a quiet dinner, the First Family enjoyed a special evening planned by the Summit of roasting s'mores over a fire pit at the Carabiner Lounge outdoor terrace to cap the exciting day.  The family's Montana vacation culminated in a visit to historic Yellowstone National Park. "There were certainly a lot of moving parts when tasked with hosting the President, but truly, the family experienced Big Sky and all its charms just as any guests could expect when visiting our area," said Middleton.  "But perhaps with a fewer Secret Service."

If you want to be treated to "presidential" service, book your conference or event and bring your family on vacation as a bonus.  If you book 40 rooms for a minimum of two nights by December 31, 2009, you will get two nights free lodging with two free lift tickets (winter) or free Yellowstone National Park entrance fees (summer) or receive a credit of equal value on your master bill.  Enjoy walking in the footsteps of history.