Backbone POV

Spring is the best time of year in Colorado. The abundance of recreational opportunitiesĀ  matches the sunny outlook for new and exciting business programs, campaigns and projects. It is a great thing when you can be equally inspired by colleagues and work as well as shared experiences ski touring, cycling, paddling, running and climbing.

Full house at Steve’s Guitars

With so many heavy hitters in Carbondale for the 6th Annual 5 Point Film Fest, Backbone once again hosted a POV event; inviting a mix of filmmakers, artists, editors, creatives, brand marketers, CEOs and dirtbags to talk about trends in marketing and social platforms. There were so many different guitars there but my favorite was this metal guitar, the sound from it was amazing!

(former) Striped Mullet curbside with the Lama

Even a Christian knows you have to be Semi-Rad to get the girl

Our panel included Mary Anne Potts from National Geographic, Mark Deming, Marketing Communications for NRS, and Anson Fogel from Camp 4. The audience was stacked with the likes of Fitz Cahall, Travis Rummel, Chris Davenport, David Lama, Kelly Cordes, Michael Kennedy, Jeremy Collins, Malcolm Daly, James Mills, Brendan Leonard, Chris Kalous, Aspen Skiing’s Dave Amirault and Meredith McKee, Black Diamond’s Holly Merriman, Jonathan Thesenga, Brittany Griffith and Ryan Gellert, Christian Folk from Outdoor Research, Amanda Boyle from Google, Len Zanni and Colin Osborn from Big Agnes and Honey Stinger and folks from New Belgium, Comcast, The Timbers, Patagonia, River Restoration, Black Dog Digital, and many more.

Digi Dave and filmmaker Matt Hobbs playing Uncle Sam

Always interesting panelists Anson Fogel from Camp 4 and the elegant Mary Anne Potts

Topics covered the ongoing changes in digital media, the pivot points between social platforms, and branded versus unbranded content. Overall, it was a super fun time in a great local venue – Steve’s Guitars in Carbondale.

Fitz talking fishing

James, MK and Travis, purveyors of pure edit and creativity

New Center of the Outdoor Universe?

Carbondale is more than your average cowtown.

Carbondale is more than your average cowtown.

Boulder, CO? Jackson, WY? Ogden, UT? Asheville, NC?

With self-appointed beautiful people, hipster culture and scenic backdrops, the search for the next great outdoor mecca/center of the universe has ended. In a recent poll released this morning – Carbondale, CO edged out Everest Base Camp as the most happening outdoor spot on the planet.

Why?

Largely due to the 5 Point Film Festival little ole Carbondale, once known only for its roughneck miner bars and hippie festivals, has hit the big time. Visiting dignitaries Conrad Anker, Timmy O’Neill and Lynn Hill banded together with CO locals Chris Davenport, Brad Ludden and Ian’s better half Sari Anderson, to share rowdy surf, climbing, cycling and adventure film experiences.

The crowd ranged from Tyler Bradt – who just set a kayaking world record with a 186 waterfall drop, to Dr. Geoff Tabin of the Himalayan Cataract Project, Mark Godley of Big City Mountaineers and artist Jenny Lowe-Anker.

Over breakfast this morning with the New Belgium Brewery crew – who were visiting for 5 Point and National Bike to Work Week (on CNN ireport) – discussions ranged from the Glenwood surf wave to riding single track and spring climbing conditions in Rifle.

Real esatate in the Carbondale area is at a 5-year low….