Ready to Transform?

Here’s everything you need to know about the Brand Being Method™ Intensive.

Day One

The Bird House at Hoot Design Company HQ
1206 Smith Street.

9:00 AM

Welcome breakfast & introductions

9:30 AM - 2:00 PM

Intensive discovery session (with lunch break)

We'll explore your personal journey, company origin story, values, vision, and what drives you to create change in the world.

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Working session.

We’ll workshop your Brand Being before we break for the day.

Day Two

9:00 AM

Breakfast

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

We’ll review your content and look at it together with fresh eyes.

11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

We’ll prepare for the next phase, personality development by defining and developing your Brand Tension Point.

Together, we'll fine-tune your Brand Being. You’ll walk away with a source document to build everything from, whether you’re training AI tools or human beings.

Living room with brown velvet armchairs, white walls, large windows, and dining area in background — interior design photography for Hoot Design Company client

Your Complete Travel Guide for The Brand Being Method™ Intensive

We're excited to welcome you to Columbia (affectionately known as "Como" by locals) for our Brand Being Intensive! This vibrant college town offers the perfect blend of Midwestern charm, cultural richness, and modern amenities. Our office is located in the Arcade District, making it easy to explore everything downtown Como has to offer.

Getting to Columbia

  • The Convenient Choice: Columbia Regional Airport is located approximately 12 miles southeast of downtown Columbia, making it the most convenient option for our workshop attendees.

    Flight Information:

    • Currently served by American Airlines with non-stop flights to Dallas/Fort Worth and Chicago O'Hare

    • Beginning September 25, 2025, United Airlines returns with non-stop flights to Denver and Chicago O'Hare

    • Short 15-minute drive from the airport to downtown Columbia and our office

    Travel Time to Our Office: Approximately 20 minutes by car or rideshare from COU to our office: 1007 N. College Ave.

  • More Flight Options: St. Louis Lambert International Airport offers more flight options and may be more convenient depending on your departure city.

    Distance & Time:

    • 120 miles from Columbia

    • Approximately 1 hour 42 minutes from STL airport specifically to Columbia

    Transportation Options:

    • Rental car (most flexible)

    • Private car service or rideshare (expect higher costs for this distance)

Dining area with marble table, wooden chairs, built-in bench with striped cushion, green plants, framed artwork, and modern chandelier — interior design photography for Hoot Design Company client

Our Office Location & Amenities

1206 Smith Street
Columbia, MO 65201

What We Offer:

  • Conference Room: Available for reservation if you need to take calls or hold private meetings

  • Full-Service Kitchen: Feel free to store items in our refrigerator or use our facilities to heat up meals

Convenient Downtown Location: Walking distance to some restaurants, shops, and local attractions, short 2 minute drive to downtown access.

Logistics + Comfort

  • Wear something comfortable that makes you feel authentically yourself. This is about being genuine, not impressive.

  • We've got you covered with breakfast and lunch both days.

  • Bring a notebook for personal reflections. You’ll also need a high speed laptop and a phone for dictation. It’s best if you have an LLM account already created, we prefer Claude for this work.

  • If you're bringing key team members, prep them on the depth and vulnerability required for authentic brand work.

    There may be a moment when we need a single source of truth, make sure the whole team knows who that is.

This workshop requires vulnerability and introspection.

Come prepared to:

  • We'll dig into your personal and professional journey, including the pivotal moments that shaped your vision.

  • We'll challenge you to think differently about your business and industry

  • Growth happens outside your comfort zone, and we'll guide you there safely

  • We'll explore your legacy vision and long-term impact on the world

Brand Being work is deeply personal. Expect to:

  • Feel energized by articulating your true purpose

  • Experience moments of clarity that feel like breakthrough

  • Possibly feel overwhelmed by the depth of the work—this is normal and valuable

  • Leave with a profound sense of alignment between who you are and what you do

What This Workshop Is:

  • An intensive deep-dive into your authentic brand foundation

  • A collaborative process that requires your full engagement

  • The beginning of a transformation that will impact every aspect of your business

  • A strategic investment in clarity that will guide all future decisions

What This Workshop Isn't:

  • A surface-level branding exercise

  • About creating a logo or visual identity (that comes later)

  • A passive experience where you sit back and receive

  • A quick fix—this is foundational work that requires commitment

Where to Stay

Boutique Downtown Hotels

The Tiger Hotel (voco)

Modern comfort meets historic charm at this beloved Columbia landmark that captures the magic of the Roaring Twenties. Built in 1928, this 4-diamond hotel features the famous neon Tiger sign and is located in the heart of downtown.

  • Website: thetigerhotel.com

  • Right next to the University of Missouri

  • Features three onsite restaurants: Glenn's Café, Twain, and Vault

The Broadway Hotel (DoubleTree by Hilton)

Downtown Columbia's premier hotel destination with spacious rooms, world-class dining, and rooftop entertainment. Just a few short blocks from the University of Missouri, Stephens College and Columbia College campuses.

  • Website: thebroadwaycolumbia.com

  • Features the popular rooftop bar "The Roof" with panoramic downtown views

  • Home to 11Eleven restaurant

Chain Hotels

Columbia also offers all the familiar chain hotel options including Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn, Marriott properties, and more throughout the city for various budgets and preferences.

Our Favorite Local Dining Spots

  • Brick storefront labeled 'Mazers Market' with outdoor seating, potted plants, and large windows in a parking lot under cloudy sky.

    BeetBox

    Middle-Eastern cuisine using locally sourced ingredients in a casual setting where music is part of the experience. Fast-casual eatery focused on Middle Eastern-inspired fare with specials that change daily.

    Location: Walkable! 602 Fay St

    Check It Out

  • A modern building with a sign that reads 'Logboat Brewing Co.' in front of a grassy area with picnic tables and a tree with red and orange leaves, under a clear blue sky.

    Logboat Brewing Company

    Inspired by those who came before us. Beer as we all came to know it: Light. Crisp. Delicious. Features a huge park with outdoor seating that's pet and family friendly.

    No kitchen but regularly hosts food trucks

    Location: Walkable! 504 Fay St

    Check It Out

  • Interior of a modern bar with a dark polished counter, hanging woven lamps, and a fully stocked back bar with various bottles of alcohol on shelves. A bartender is preparing drinks, and a digital menu board is visible. There are wooden chairs in the foreground.

    Irene's

    BBQ, Tex-Mex, and cocktails. A beloved local restaurant.

    Staff Pick: Chicken Torta

    Location: Walkable! 711 N College Ave

    Check It Out

  • Interior of a modern restaurant with wooden tables and chairs, a counter with staff, and large windows letting in natural light.

    Ozark Mountain Biscuit Company

    Scratch made biscuits and delicious Southern sides

    Location: Walkable! 1204 Hinkson Ave

    Check It Out

  • A bartender with dreadlocks and glasses is preparing a drink behind a bar with a shelf full of liquor bottles. A woman in a white shirt is sitting at the bar, visible in the foreground.

    Barred Owl

    Local meat and products, cocktails - popular dining destination specializing in high-quality meats.

    Staff Pick: Butcher Board

    Location: 47 E Broadway

    Check It Out

  • Interior of a modern cafe with wooden tables and white chairs, large windows along the right wall, and hanging pendant lights, decorated with plants on wall-mounted shelves.

    Nourish

    Serves organic, locally sourced, nutrient-rich food, cold-pressed juice, superfood smoothies, and healthified desserts.

    Location: 1201 E Broadway ste b

    Check It Out

  • The exterior of a building with a wood-paneled facade and a clock made from airplane propellers. The sign reads 'FLYOVER'. There are potted plants and firewood outside the entrance, with a shaded area on the right side.

    Flyover

    Family-Style Midwestern Cuisine. Local favorite gathering spot for small plates.

    Location: 212 Grn Mdws Rd STE 9

    Check It Out

  • Inside of a restaurant with empty tables set with glasses, napkins, and condiments. The walls are decorated with paintings and wall sconces, and the floor has a decorative tile border.

    Sycamore

    American cuisine, wine, and cocktails - perfect for a refined dining experience.

    Staff Pick: Patchwork Pork Loin

    Location: 800 E Broadway

    Check It Out

Additional Local Favorites

Broadway Brewery

Local craft brewery with excellent food pairings. Staff Pick: Pretzels & Beer Cheese

Shakespeare's Pizza

Columbia institution known for pizza, beer, and salads. Staff Pick: Panda's Pepper

Addison's

Nachos, pizza, and beer in a casual atmosphere. Staff Pick: Italian Nachos

44 Canteen

Tacos, burgers, and beer with a laid-back vibe. Staff Pick: Fish Tacos, Nachos

FlatBranch

Pizza, beer, and burgers - great for groups. Staff Pick: Veggie Burger

Le Bao

Ramen and steamed buns for those craving Asian cuisine. Staff Pick: Spicy Chicken Ramen

Room 38

Pizza and cocktails in an upscale setting. Staff Pick: Lobster Mac

Cafe Berlin

Perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner. Staff Pick: The Starving Artist

Cozy sitting area with round white table, rust-colored chairs, cowhide rug, and dark teal accent wall — interior design photography for Hoot Design Company client

Coffee Culture

Columbia has an excellent coffee scene to fuel your workshop days:

Wynnsome Cake and Teahouse.

  • owned by Hoot employee, Will Schuchardt, and his wife Emma

Shortwave Coffee Artisan coffee shop.

  • Staff Pick: Mint Mayday

Acola Coffee Local roaster with specialty drinks.

  • Staff Pick: Sweet Cinnamon Latte

Fretboard Coffee Musician-themed coffee house.

  • Staff Pick: Dirty Chai

Sage

  • Staff Pick: Croissant

What Else You Should Know

Getting Around Columbia

Walkable Downtown: Our office location puts you within walking distance of most downtown attractions, restaurants, and shops

  • Rideshare & Taxis: Uber and Lyft operate in Columbia

  • Parking: Street parking and public lots available downtown

MKT Trail: Great for jogging or cycling

Weather Considerations

Columbia features hot, humid summers with temperatures typically around 30°C (86°F) and mild to cool winters. Pack accordingly for the season of your visit.

Local Culture

Columbia is a vibrant college town with a rich arts scene, excellent local music venues, and a strong sense of community. You'll find 7 state parks within a 15-minute drive if you want to explore Missouri's natural beauty.

University Town Energy

Home to the University of Missouri (Mizzou), Columbia has that energetic college town vibe with great restaurants staying open late, live music venues, and a walkable downtown district.

Ready to transform?

Your Brand Being is about to emerge. Trust the process, embrace the journey, and prepare to see yourself—and your business—in a completely new light.

Questions? Reach out to us at hi@hootdesigncompany.com
We're here to support you every step of the way.