Welcome to Columbia, MO

Ready to get real about who you are and what you stand for?

We're about to dig into the good stuff—your story, your vision, and the authentic Brand Being that's been waiting to break free from all the industry noise.

These two days aren't just about strategy sessions and sticky notes. We're here to help you discover (or rediscover) what makes you genuinely different and why people should care.

How to Prepare for Your Workshop

Spoiler alert:

it's going to feel pretty amazing.

Spoiler alert: it's going to feel pretty amazing.


Day One

Hoot Design Company HQ
1007 N College Ave.


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 - 5:00 PM

Team synthesis & strategic planning

While you decompress, our team will be "rumbling" with your insights to craft your Brand Heart and Brand Positioning.


Day Two

Hoot Design Company HQ
1007 N College Ave.


9:00 AM

Breakfast

9:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Brand Heart & Positioning presentation

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Collaborative refinement workshop

Together, we'll fine-tune your brand foundation to 75-85% completion, setting the stage for the Brand Personality phase.

Your Complete Travel Guide for the Brand Being Workshop

We're excited to welcome you to Columbia (affectionately known as "Como" by locals) for our Brand Being workshop! 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)

Our Office Location & Amenities

1007 N. College Ave.
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, lunch, and breakfast the next day. Let us know about any dietary restrictions.

  • Bring a notebook for personal reflections. We'll handle all the documentation and provide you with everything digitally.

  • 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

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

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

Coffee Culture

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

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

Coffee Zone

  • Staff Pick: White Chocolate Mocha

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.


Conner Herman, Percy

“The most profound professional experience I’ve ever had.”

Steve Schnarr, Missouri River Relief

“I’ve worked through many branding exercises and I’ve never had anyone come close to what you’ve done today.”