More Than a Tour: Real Employment Skills in Action at Gaylord Rockies
At Ability Specialists, we believe that exploring new career pathways starts with real-world exposure. Recently, our members had an incredible, behind-the-scenes employment experience at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, stepping behind the curtain to discover what it is truly like to work in the high-energy hospitality and events industry.
From the moment our group arrived, we were welcomed and treated like true VIPs. Beyond seeing how a world-class resort operates, our participants dove into essential workforce lessons—learning about professionalism, exceptional customer service, and workplace confidentiality (including how staff interact with high-profile guests and celebrities, and recognizing that "no photos" means no photos, even when you are excited!).
Learning from Industry Leaders
Throughout the day, our members had the unique opportunity to meet, learn from, and ask questions to executive leadership across the entire Gaylord resort:
Patrick, Director of Learning
Mike, Executive Director of INNclusivity
Chef Timothy, Executive Culinary Operations
The General Manager and Hotel Manager
Amanda, Director of Events
Hands-On Career Stations: Experiencing 5 Essential Hospitality Roles
This experience was designed to be active and immersive. Our group moved through five practical stations to practice real daily tasks alongside hotel professionals:
Hospitality & Guest Services: Members toured the luxurious Presidential Suite, learning what it takes behind the scenes to maintain high-end guest accommodations.
Housekeeping & Facility Care: The group completed an interactive scavenger hunt to experience the attention to detail and teamwork required on the cleaning and operations team.
Event Operations: Members explored expansive conference rooms and event halls, learning how spaces are transformed and prepared for different conventions and galas.
Table Service & Dining Preparation: Participants built and set formal tables for private events, practicing how to create an extravagant, high-end table presentation.
Culinary Arts: The team took a full tour of the main kitchen and worked side-by-side to prepare a complete three-course meal—including a fresh salad, entree, and dessert!
After working hard at each station, our group sat down to enjoy lunch together alongside the Gaylord team, engaging in great conversations about career goals, workplace expectations, and what it takes to thrive in the hospitality sector.
A Potential Foot in the Door for Holiday Opportunities
This immersion experience was especially timely as Gaylord Rockies prepares for its famous seasonal event, Christmas at Gaylord Rockies.
With the holiday season around the corner, seasonal positions may offer a fantastic entry point and "foot in the door" for members interested in building a career in hospitality. Working in a large-scale environment during peak season provides invaluable resume-building experience and a clear path toward long-term employment.
Grateful for Our Community Partners
This impactful day was so much more than a field trip—it was an opportunity to see, practice, and experience real employment skills in action.
A huge thank you to Mike at INNclusivity for helping make this partnership possible, and to Patrick at Gaylord Rockies for putting together such a thoughtful, welcoming, and memorable employment experience for our members!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is INNclusivity?
A: INNclusivity is a non-profit organization that partners with hotel and hospitality leaders to create structured training, hands-on job shadowing, and employment opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Q: Can participants apply for jobs at Gaylord Rockies after this experience?
A: Yes! Interactive job explorations like this serve as a pathway to identifying interest areas. Participants can apply for seasonal roles during major events like Christmas at Gaylord Rockies or explore ongoing job openings with job coach support.
Q: How does Ability Specialists support participants working in hospitality?
A: Through our Supported Employment programs, Ability Specialists provides on-site job coaches to assist with onboarding, daily task mastery, and ongoing workplace communication to ensure long-term success.