Danielle Bishop is the founder and CEO of The Beyond Collection, a community of more than 8,000 corporate meeting planners and executive assistants who plan meetings and events at luxury hotels and resorts. The company hosts 50-plus events each year, including its Adventure Summit, which was last held at Paws Up Montana, a 37,000-acre, luxury ranch and resort located roughly 30 miles from downtown Missoula in Greenough, Montana.
Following, Bishop details why the property is such a hit for the Adventure Summit program.
What type of program did you host at Paws Up Montana?
We hosted the Adventure Summit, an exclusive gathering of hospitality partners and top meeting planners designed to foster meaningful business relationships through immersive experiences. With around 50 attendees, this three-day event blended structured one-on-one meetings, adventure-driven networking and intimate discussions in an environment designed for authentic connection.
Attendees stayed in luxurious canvas tents across different camps, offering the perfect mix of rustic charm and refined comfort. The experience was elevated even further by world-class dining, where every meal became a moment to connect. Executive Chef Sunny Jin, whose background includes The French Laundry and El Bulli, crafted incredible dishes that surprised and delighted guests. The food was a standout—thoughtfully sourced, beautifully prepared and completely unexpected in such a remote location.
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What made this property the right fit for your event?
Paws Up offers something few places can—a setting that feels both adventurous and indulgent. While the property is a working ranch, guests aren’t seeing cowboys moving cattle; instead, they’re immersed in a refined version of Montana’s rugged beauty, complete with herds of buffalo roaming the open plains. The accommodations in canvas tents across different camps added an element of privacy and exclusivity while still fostering a strong sense of community.
Beyond the landscape and luxury, the hospitality at Paws Up is seamless. Attendees had access to five-star service in every aspect of their stay, from beautifully designed tented accommodations to exceptional dining experiences. The culinary program, led by Sunny Jin, was a highlight of the event—every meal was an unexpected, high-level experience that rivaled top restaurants. Guests came expecting ranch-style meals, and instead, they were treated to a level of culinary artistry that elevated the entire event.
At The Beyond Collection, we carefully curate event destinations that go beyond traditional venues—places that create immersive, meaningful experiences that foster connection and creativity. Paws Up is a perfect example of what makes a destination truly special. It’s not just about the setting; it’s about how a place makes people feel, engage and interact. That’s why our planners return to Paws Up year after year—it delivers exactly what they’re looking for: An event that doesn’t just happen, but one that’s felt.
Why did you decide to host your event in a remote destination instead of a major city?
In a city, attendees check their emails between sessions. At Paws Up, they check in with themselves.
Hosting the summit in a remote location allowed attendees to fully immerse themselves in the experience without distractions. Without the noise and pace of a city, conversations felt more intentional, ideas flowed more freely and relationships formed in a way that felt organic and lasting.
The setting itself also played a key role in elevating the experience. Where else can attendees wake up in a luxury tent, walk outside to see buffalo grazing and then start the day with a guided breathing exercise on the banks of the Blackfoot River? One morning, I led a group in a focused breathwork session at sunrise, followed by a cold plunge in the river. At first, only 10 out of 50 attendees were brave enough to jump in, but after they did, they came out beaming—not just from the shock of the cold, but from the exhilaration of doing something outside their comfort zone. That moment captured exactly why we bring our community here—to push boundaries, embrace discomfort and come out stronger together.
How did Paws Up deliver a unique and memorable event that your group couldn't have experienced anywhere else?
One of the most powerful moments of the summit was Jackie Keskes’ mustang demonstration. Before dinner, attendees gathered in the equestrian arena to watch Jackie enter a round pen with a mustang that had never been handled by humans. Over the course of 45 minutes, she slowly earned its trust, with the audience helping guide the process.
Even those with no prior experience with horses were completely captivated. It was more than a demonstration—it was a lesson in trust, patience and leadership. I saw people holding their breath, leaning forward in their seats, even wiping away tears. It was a moment that no one expected but that left a lasting impact on everyone who witnessed it.
Beyond the unique programming, the food at Paws Up made the event unforgettable. Every meal was an experience in itself—beautifully prepared, locally sourced and completely unexpected in such a remote location. Guests weren’t just dining; they were gathering around incredible food, continuing conversations from the day and deepening their connections over each course. The combination of adventure, storytelling and world-class hospitality is what made this event unlike anything else.
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What feedback did attendees share post-event?
Attendees left feeling energized, inspired and more connected than they had in a long time. The overwhelming feedback was that this wasn’t just another networking event—it was an experience that shifted their perspective.
Many said they came expecting a great event, but they left with something much more personal. The balance of adventure and comfort, the stunning natural setting and the level of hospitality all contributed to something truly memorable.
The food was a major talking point. Attendees raved about the quality of each meal, from breakfast in camp to beautifully plated dinners that felt more like fine dining than anything you’d expect at a ranch. The unexpected contrast of rugged Montana landscapes and exquisite food created an element of surprise that made every meal an experience.
Would you recommend Paws Up to other planners and if so, why?
Absolutely. Paws Up is more than just a venue—it’s a transformational experience. It’s where business conversations turn into lasting relationships, where personal breakthroughs happen alongside professional ones and where the unexpected becomes the most memorable part of the journey.
From waking up in a luxury tent with the sounds of nature all around, to witnessing a wild mustang take its first steps toward trust, to diving into the icy Blackfoot River and emerging exhilarated—every moment at Paws Up challenges attendees to engage more fully, both with each other and with themselves. The setting strips away the distractions of everyday life and creates space for meaningful connection, while the five-star hospitality, world-class cuisine and seamless event execution make it effortless.
If you want to create an event that attendees will talk about for years, an event that doesn’t just check the boxes but truly moves people, Paws Up is the place to do it.
