OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2017 / NOVEMBER OCTOBER Consider a

Online at meetingnewsnw.com meetingnewsnw.com Online at Sports Venue Sports complexes and arenas offer unique ambience for memorable events

FEATURE Distinguished Northwest Hotels + With a notable history and classic décor, these hotels offer superior service and modern amenities. Page 18> 30 Budget Saving Tips Creative ways to trim event costs without affecting the attendees’ experience. Page 16> MEET HERE Northwest Washington Scenic and welcoming, Northwest Washington has excellent facilities and warm hospitality that await your next meeting or event. Page 28> MEET IN 18 cities between Vancouver BC and In This Issue One Eugene, including Seattle and Portland. Vancouver, B.C.

[8] ten best West Coast Entertainment North America –National Geographic Seattle

Portland

[26] [6] Outdoor function at Skamania Lodge, WA Boise Centre, Idaho

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2017

ON OUR COVER 12 Consider a Sports Venue

FEATURES The best way to get work done, build effective business relationships, skip traffic, and have a great time is on 16 30 Budget Saving Tips Amtrak Cascades. With eight daily trains between Seattle and Portland and four daily trains between Seattle 18 Distinguished Northwest Hotels and Vancouver BC, you can get people to conferences and meetings or book meetings on the train. 26 Introducing Health & Wellness into your Event TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR SPECIAL PROMOTIONS... [25] MEET HERE Hotel Sorrento, Seattle 25% off 14-day advance purchase | Seniors and students – 15% off | Children – 50% off 28 Northwest Washington DEPARTMENTS Visit AmtrakCascades.com for details. Restrictions apply. FOCUS ON SUPPLIERS 4 New in the NW 35 Venue Spotlight 40 Starline Luxury Coaches 8 Fresh Ideas 36 Stay Local 10 People to Watch

A service of the states of Washington and Oregon Meeting News Northwest October / November ‘17 » 1

www.AmtrakCascades.com Giammarco Andrew Entertainment, Boise Centre, Coast West Argast, left: Patrik top This page, clockwise from © On our cover, clockwise from top: Ben VanHouten | Seattle Mariners, Sammy Todd Dyess, Blake Crosby Dyess, Blake | Seattle Mariners, Sammy Todd Ben VanHouten top: clockwise from © On our cover, 8/31/2017 Word Search Puzzle

Forgot username or password? Passcode/Create New User Help username password

COFFEE Solutions for Districts Free Resources FROM THE EDITOR BREAK What We Offer Who We Are Teachers Parents Students WORDMeet Here: SEARCH Northwest MEET HERE: Washington NW WASHINGTON READ THE STORY ON PAGE 28

S N M R P M X N S K P I U Z B ANACORTES CASCADES E M O F G V S K G U F X Y R K FAIRHAVEN MOUNTAINS T M U T F M A H G N I L L E B PUGET SOUND R A N L G G S E U J Q P H N N URBAN utumn is upon us and, frankly, it’s my favorite time of the year. Sunny days still BELLINGHAM O Y T P I N T K W Q C C I N V linger but come with moderate temperatures, and crisp, cool nights are a CHARMING refreshing change from the heat of summer. This is a busy time for planners with lots C O V T D S I R I N I O K O S HIKING of holiday activities to coordinate. At the same time, planning for future meetings and MOUNT VERNON President & Publisher Dave Peterson events must continue. In this issue, we offer suggestions that provide opportunities A S E X O M V L E I U Z I C B SKAGIT for enhancing a meeting, conference or event by utilizing a unique venue. VIEWS Editor in Chief N U R U O N O V R T N J N A C Ron Engeldinger Some of the region’s finest hotels have been around for many decades. These BURLINGTON staystayI N THE likelike HEART OF PORTLAND’Saa locallocal Creative Director historic hotels welcomed guests from all walks of life and often became a central A G N S J Y A U D U T G G L A COASTLINE Erica Bolvin WEST END DISTRICT gathering spot for locals. Evoking a sense of history while providing outstanding LA CONNER Advertising Account Managers O D O W N H N O N B B O V X S service and modern amenities for today’s guests, these establishments can provide a OUTDOORS Tim Park | [email protected] Sandra King | [email protected] special setting for any social or business gathering. J T N E R C O A S T L I N E C SKIING Debbie Taylor | [email protected] Another unique opportunity for meetings and events is one of the area’s many WHATCOM C T H I V R Q A W N A B R U A Office Manager Ryan Yale sports complexes and arenas. The facilities are accustomed to serving large crowds, and they are often underutilized when the teams are not playing. Many of them have G K A V S E M G V H D I L J D Copy Editors F ULL CATERING AND GROUP ROOM BLOCKS AVAILABLE Roger Ward fine facilities for group gatherings. Fans and non-fans alike will appreciate the special Aaron Theisen O F G N I M R A H C P K N K E environment that these venues provide. Contributing Writers This issue, we take a trip north to explore Northwest Washington. With Puget W H A T C O M N N N V K W S S staystay likelike aa locallocal Tracy Beard 4 09 SW 11TH AVE PORTLAND | 503.224.3293 | MARKSPENCER.COM Catie Joyce Bulay Sound waters lapping at their doorstep and the North Cascade Mountains towering Lara Dunning ANACORTES BELLINGHAM BURLINGTON Tim Hansen above, the area offers incredible scenery and provides visitors with a wide range of CASCADES CHARMING COASTLINE Garrett Johnson recreational options. The region is readily accessible and filled with charming towns FAIRHAVEN HIKING LACONNER Heather Larson MOUNTAINS MOUNTVERNON OUTDOORS Tamara Muldoon that welcome visitors and offer planners a variety of opportunities for a memorable PUGETSOUND SKAGIT SKIING Ann Randall meeting or event. Peyton Scheller URBAN VIEWS NEW WHAHOTELTCOM Now Open We also offer advice from Northwest meeting and event planners about topics Advertising Inquiries that are always at the top of your mind when planning any type of gathering. Created by Puzzlemaker at DiscoveryEducation.com [email protected] 253-432-4682 Keeping within the budget while delivering a successful event can often be a Subscription Inquiries challenge and several seasoned veterans provide tips that have helped them 253-432-4682 successfully keep within the budget. Explorer Media & Marketing P.O. Box 2254 Whether your client asks for a locally-sourced catering menu or you suggest adding Tacoma, WA 98401 a yoga class to a meeting, healthy options are popular in our current environment. All photographs, articles and advertising or any part A group of destination representatives and successful planners offer ways to thereof are exclusive property of Explorer Media & PLAY WITH PASSION. RELAX IN STYLE. Marketing. Opinions expressed in this magazine are incorporate well-being and promote self-care for participants in several ways. those of contributors and do not necessarily represent THAT’S THE POINT! the views of Meeting News NW Magazine. As you read this issue, I hope some of the ideas we offer will encourage you to explore Explorer Media & Marketing is an the many fantastic opportunities our region has to offer for your next meeting or event. environmentally responsible company. Hotel To success, Meeting Room • 94 Guest Rooms • Business Center When it’s time to go... All Your Favorite Games please recycle this magazine. 700+ Slots • Blackjack • Craps http://puzzlemaker.discoveryeducation.com/code/BuildWordSearch.asp 1/2 Ron Engeldinger Live Music & Entertainment Editor in Chief Center Bar • Cutter Cigar Club • Boom Room Lounge [email protected] Dining Market Fresh Buffet • Little Boston Bistro • Point Julia Cafe

Kingston, Washington www.the-point-casino.com 1.866.547.6468

The Point Casino & Hotel is proudly owned and operated by The Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe. MEMBER WA & OR CHAPTERS

2 »TPC-6552-1 October / MNWNovember 8.875x5.88.indd ‘17 1 meetingnewsnw.com9/8/17 3:57 PM Meeting News Northwest October / November ‘17 » 3 New in the Northwest

bedroom unit is often cheaper than four also held senior sales and marketing Distribution Sciences in Kobe, Japan. She hotel rooms or a large suite. positions at several hotels in Seattle and currently resides in Bellingham and enjoys The apartment’s living room allows throughout California, including Kimpton exploring the region. groups to relax or brainstorm before © Amtrak Canary Hotel in Santa Barbara and Grand A seaside escape, less than two heading to the conference. The apartment Hyatt San Francisco. hours north of Seattle and minutes is convenient for a review session in “Kanami brings extensive experience from the Canadian border, Semiahmoo comfortable surroundings after a long to Semiahmoo, and we are thrilled to Resort, Golf, and Spa is a rejuvenating day. An apartment is also ideal for a CEO have her leading our sales team,” says getaway for couples and families, and an who wants a space away from all the Christopher Hutsen, resort manager at ideal destination for meeting and event © Jean-Marcus Strole Photography Strole © Jean-Marcus conference hub-bub, and it is a convenient Semiahmoo. “Her background will lend planners seeking a distinctive location. location for hosting a reception. itself to enhancing our growing meetings Sitting on 300 acres of picturesque “At BridgeStreet, we have and events sector, and the overall guest seashore, this one-of-a-kind resort allows experienced a strong increase in experience at Semiahmoo.” guests to draw inspiration from the demand over the past 12 months,” says Fujita began her career in the natural Pacific Northwest scenery. The Snapkowski. He adds, “Bridgestreet hospitality industry as a sales manager friendly staff is eager to help groups and has spent the last two years building an for the Grand Hyatt in Taipei, Taiwan, and individuals define their own experience online travel agency that is solely focused has continued to work with high-profile and be as productive or relaxed as they on the business industry. Our properties hotels around the world. desire, while taking advantage of The are carefully vetted, and we conform to “I feel honored to have the opportunity Spa, two championship golf courses, the travel policies of most major clients.” to work at such a stunning Pacific three restaurants featuring the freshest BridgeStreet works with more than Northwest destination that truly fosters items from local waters and farms, and 900 local and regional suppliers that innovation and creativity,” said Fujita. an endless list of year-round activities have large inventories to provide facilities “I’m excited to work alongside a talented indoors, on the shore and on the water. all over the world, so planners will find team to further position Semiahmoo as traffic conditions that are never fun, make a day trip from one city to the CONNECT a facility wherever they are preparing an ideal setting for memorable meetings however there is another alternative. other and spend more than nine hours at to meet. “We have inventory in more and events, and to create incredible semiahmoo.com “The train is a wonderful option for the destination before heading back. than 850 cities in 60 countries,” says experiences for all our guests.” square feet of space, W Seattle offers “We are starting to see more and traveling between the two cities,” says The new trips are being added Snapkowski. For Northwest planners, Originally from Japan, Fujita graduated a variety of options for meetings and more meeting attendees, conference Laura Kingman, marketing director for thanks to 800 million dollars in federal » W Seattle Opens the Snapkowski notes that the company with a BA in commerce and marketing New Ways to Fly to the events. Rooms range from the Strategy participants and trade show exhibitors the Washington State Department of stimulus funds, that targeted 20 separate has a presence in many Northwest from the University of Marketing and W Sound Suite Room, that is just right for a group of who want to stay in a home or Transportation (WSDOT). projects in Washington state. Projects San Juan Islands » cities including Seattle and Spokane in An attractive option for meetings and 16, to the Great Rooms 1 and 2, that can apartment during the event,” says Jointly supported by the Oregon include congestion improvement, With a temperate year-round climate, Washington, Portland and Eugene in events of all sizes is the W Seattle Hotel, accommodate 520 in a theater-style Mike Snapkowski, head of revenue Department of Transportation and expanded stations and eight new a relaxed atmosphere and breathtaking Oregon, Boise, Idaho and Butte, Montana. and newest among the hotel’s space arrangement. On-site catering featuring for BridgeStreet Global Hospitality. WSDOT, Amtrak Cascades is the Siemens Charger locomotives. scenery, the San Juan Islands are one locally-sourced cuisine, WiFi and complete The advantage of using a company options is the W Sound Suite. The W CONNECT passenger rail service providing When all the new projects are of Washington’s premier destinations. Sound Suite at W Seattle is a unique audiovisual support make hosting a such as BridgeStreet for business or transportation that connects 18 completed, WSDOT expects travel Meeting and event planners seeking a fun 800-278-7338 meeting space that is the perfect venue meeting at the hotel an easy affair. professional accommodations over the cities along the western Oregon and times between Seattle and Portland and dramatic setting for any gathering bridgestreet.com for a small group. The first W Sound The hotel offers 424 recently- more common online housing services Washington corridor. to decrease by about 10 minutes can look to the islands for a memorable Suite to launch in North America, the remodeled guest rooms and suites. is that they are fully-vetted to meet Kingman adds, “We offer some per trip, along with much increased group experience. Guests can relax in the comfortable duty-to-care standards. W Sound Suite at W Seattle provides a Amtrak Cascades of the only European-style trains in reliability. BNSF Railway, which operates Golf & Spa © Semiahmoo Resort, There are a variety of ways for groups private music studio and creative space accommodations while enjoying views With a more home-like feeling and the U.S.” The trains feature a special the trains along the corridor, will be to get to the islands. Washington State

that can be a unique retreat for groups. of the city and across Puget Sound. The larger square footage, many travel Adds Additional Rail technology that uses gravity to tilt financially incentivized to ensure 88% or Ferries provide regular service from a

The 380-square-foot sound-proof venue’s location in the heart of the city planners and meeting organizers are through curves while maintaining speed. better on-time performance. variety of Puget Sound ports, and several space can hold up to 25. With views of gives guests and meeting attendees choosing a short-term apartment Service between » Travelers can enjoy a relaxing and scenic companies offer private charter cruises. Mount Rainier, the room includes a vocal easy access to all the dining, shopping, to meet their housing needs. The Seattle and Portland journey between the cities, arriving CONNECT Approaching the islands by air offers booth, mixing equipment and a lounge galleries and entertainment that Seattle apartments are completely furnished, refreshed and ready for business. If you visitors a unique and unforgettable way For regional meeting and event 800-872-7245 area. WiFi, a white board and audiovisual offers. Attractions such as the Pike Place and they offer more space than a want to keep working, the trains offer amtrakcascades.com to reach this Puget Sound playground. planners and their attendees, travel capabilities make the space ideal for a Market, Pioneer Square and Seattle’s standard hotel room. Amenities such as 110-volt electrical power outlets and Several new services are providing between Seattle and Portland usually small group meeting, a break-out session scenic waterfront are only a few blocks a full kitchen, WiFi and housekeeping free WiFi in all cars. additional options for flying to the islands. entails a long drive along I-5 and

from the larger conference or as a from the hotel. services are provided. The cost of a four- The Bistro Car offers a variety of Semiahmoo Resort,

special setting to host VIPs. The room is fresh cuisine, as well as alcoholic and available 24 hours a day for booking. CONNECT non-alcoholic beverages. With space for Golf, And Spa Appoints » Innovative recording technology 206-264-6125 30 passengers, the Lounge Car offers a Kanami Fujita As invites guests to unleash their creativity in [email protected] place to eat, read, confer with associates the studio, and there is a complete food wseattle.com or enjoy the scenery. For additional Director of Sales and beverage “rider menu” for guests. comfort, Business Class cars provide Semiahmoo Resort, Golf, and Spa

Whether groups want a private space wider seats and extra legroom. has named Kanami Fujita as its new © Visit San Juan Islands to plan strategy or they want to live out Alternative Homes and According to Kingman, Amtrak director of sales. Fujita has worked their rock-star dreams, getting a group Cascades will add two new round trips in the hospitality industry for over 17 Serviced Apartments Global Hospitality © Bridgestreet together for a jam session can be a fun per day between Seattle, Washington, years, bringing a wealth of knowledge and entertaining team-building activity. Offer New Options for and Portland, Oregon, by year’s end, to Semiahmoo. She officially joined the

Located in the heart of Seattle’s making travel between the two cities team in May 2017, and oversees the dynamic downtown, W Seattle is an Meeting and Event » even more convenient. WSDOT officials Resort’s group business which includes urban retreat. The dramatic three-story Accommodations recently unveiled the new timetable for guestrooms, meetings, and events such as receptions and weddings, as well as stainless-steel fireplace and the eclectic The rise in popularity of the sharing the route at a rail advocacy picnic in convention services. glass chandeliers of the Living Room, economy, demonstrated by fast-growing Lacey, Washington, in August. Before arriving at Semiahmoo, Fujita the hotel’s lobby area, greet guests as organizations such as Airbnb and Uber, The new trains are being scheduled served as director of sales and marketing they enter. Guests can relax in the Living has transformed the hospitality and with a running time of three hours and for Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham Room and soak up the vibrant scene transportation industries across the world. 20 minutes. They will depart Seattle at Hotel and Conference Center. Prior to before heading out to explore the city. This phenomenon is now beginning to 6:00 am and 7:45 pm and leave from that position, she was director of sales With 11 flexible meeting rooms offer an attractive alternative for meeting Portland at 6:20 am and 5:40 pm. With and marketing at Hilton Seattle. She has that encompass more than 10,000 and event planners. the new schedule, it will be possible to

4 » October / November ‘17 meetingnewsnw.com Meeting News Northwest October / November ‘17 » 5 New in the Northwest EXPERIENCE SPOKANE WASHINGTON, Albion Air started the first scheduled that connect to Boeing Field and then COMPLIMENTARY WWFF AND service between the Portland, Oregon, shuttle you to SeaTac,” adds Merritt. area and the San Juan Islands on Friday, June 16, offering Oregon visitors a direct CONNECT air connection. Albion Air © Boise Centre UP TO ,,,, MARRIOTT POINTS. Owner of Albion Air, Mark Hills, 503-925-4444 ext. 101 is a Royal Air Force-trained pilot. “In [email protected] 27 years of flying, I have never flown Kenmore Air a more beautiful route than the one 866-435-9524 from Portland to the San Juan Islands. kenmoreair.com I started this service because I love Point to Point Air making this flight and wanted to share it 425-530-5518 with others,” says Hills. point2pointair.com Hills says he wants to make it easier for Portland area passengers to enjoy the one-of-a-kind experience that is the Seattle Native San Juan Islands. At the same time, he Emily Cantrell Named wants to give San Juan area residents the opportunity to experience the eclectic, Director of World Trade » urban delights of Portland, all without the Center Seattle added flight time and inconvenience of commercial flight lines. The World Trade Center Seattle Albion Air offers non-stop flights (WTCSE) has named Emily Cantrell as networking,” says Cantrell. “I am thrilled rooms and 86,000 square feet of highly every Friday and Sunday between the its new director, bringing a wealth of to be joining a team that is focused flexible space, all featuring a modern and Portland area and Friday Harbor on knowledge in business development, on fostering connections among local contemporary design. San Juan Island. Flight time is about an strategic planning and marketing to the thought leaders and creating exceptional On the heels of completion in early hour and fifteen minutes in a spacious organization. She will collaborate with experiences for its members who help June, Boise Centre welcomed 1,500 public twin engine Piper aircraft. Free parking the Board of Governors and members make Seattle thrive.” health officials to the Annual Conference at Aurora State Airport, near Portland, to drive efforts to grow and diversify Cantrell previously worked as a sales of the Conference of State and Territorial and competitive “by the pound” rates WTCSE memberships and sponsorships manager for Columbia Hospitality, a Epidemiologists (CSTE). Registrants for passengers and luggage, make this a across a range of industries. Additionally, Seattle-based hospitality management included representatives from the U.S. convenient option for travelers. Albion she will develop compelling programming company that manages WTCSE. She is a and from several countries including Air also offers on-demand charters and provide opportunities for leaders graduate of the University of Washington China, India and Sudan. Beverly Christner, throughout the Pacific Northwest. to network and advance economic with a degree in mass communications. senior director of operations for CSTE, Kenmore Air now offers Fly + Stay development in the region. A gateway for commerce, trade applauded Boise Centre’s expansion. “We Packages that make getting to the Before arriving at the World Trade and opportunity, WTCSE is a gathering have heard only positive comments on the islands fun. Whether you’re looking for Center Seattle, Cantrell served as director place that provides access, collaboration accommodations at Boise Centre and the a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, of communications and marketing for and networking for business leaders friendliness of its staff,” says Christner. Kenmore Air’s Fly + Stay packages to Seafair, an annual nonprofit festival that throughout the region. WTCSE is part “It has been exciting to see our the San Juan Islands offer flexible fare reaches more than two million people of the World Trade Center Association expansion in use right away. With 1,500 options combined with preferred lodging through 75 sanctioned summer events. that has more than 1.5 million member delegates, CSTE is the largest multi-day and activities, including Earthbox Inn & Prior to her time at Seafair, she was companies. The Association provides convention in Boise Centre’s 27-year It’s time for your EXACTLY LIKE Spa and Tucker House Inn. tourism manager for Visit Seattle where members with access to over 330 World history,” says Pat Rice, executive director of Kenmore Air provides daily seaplane she managed their offices in China and Trade Centers in 90 countries. Located Boise Centre. “With the proven capability NOTHING ELSE experience. service connecting Seattle’s Lake Union South Korea, organizing the annual China on the Seattle waterfront at 2200 to accommodate conventions with over with various locations on the islands. Mission in addition to overseeing all public Alaskan Way, WTCSE offers members 1,000 attendees, we look forward to Daily wheeled-aircraft flights service relations, communications, sales and complimentary valet service, no-charge welcoming more national and international Sign a group agreement before San Juan Island airports from Seattle’s marketing efforts for the initiative. meeting rooms and no minimum events of this size in the future.” Boeing Field. Shuttle service from Sea- “The World Trade Center Seattle is expenditures. Meeting and event space New spaces added during the December 31, 2017 for one of our Tac International Airport to Boeing Field the ultimate gathering place for regional offering stunning views of the Seattle expansion include, a 14,000-square-foot are synchronized with Kenmore Air’s business leaders, as it provides invaluable waterfront is also available to the ballroom with a spacious two-story glass- arriving and departing flights, offering an opportunities for growth, innovation and general public. The WTCSE is owned enclosed lobby overlooking the city’s qualified value dates and receive a easy connection to all major national and by the Port of Seattle and operated by civic plaza and fountain, nine additional international destinations. Columbia Hospitality. meeting rooms and a concourse to great group rate, complimentary Barbara Merritt, communications provide attendees convenient access and stewardship manager for the San CONNECT between spaces. Many of the newly added Juan Islands Visitors Bureau, says, “There wtcseattle.com rooms feature beautiful views of the WiFi for your entire group and is another cool air service that started nearby Boise Foothills or the city skyline. recently. It’s called Point to Point and is Custom chandeliers crafted from what's more, you can earn up to super convenient and very affordable.” Boise Centre hand blown Italian glass were chosen Point to Point is a charter service that Seattle Center Trade © World Completes $47.5 Million to add dramatic features to the new serves the San Juan Islands from airports ballroom and two lobby spaces. A second 500,000 Marriott Rewards points. throughout Washington. Expansion Project 6,000 square-foot commercial kitchen » was added during the expansion to Merritt adds, “I just returned from Boise Centre, Idaho’s premier serve a growing number of events and a trip using them and it shaved around convention venue recently finished a guests. High-efficiency lighting, a new four hours off my trip each way because three-year expansion project that added sound system and wireless internet were I didn’t have to connect with a ferry, bus 36,000 square feet of meeting and event installed in the expanded areas. or plane schedule.” Point to Point picks space in an effort to accommodate you up on your schedule from any island larger regional and national conventions CONNECT and drops you at Sea-Tac Airport. “The and multiple events simultaneously. In other air services are on set schedules total, Boise Centre now offers 31 meeting boisecentre.com Davenport Hotels • 111 S. Post St., Spokane, WA 99201 • 509.455. 8888 • davenporthotel.com

6 » October / November ‘17 meetingnewsnw.com IDEAS Fresh • Flexible Venues Whether you need a Meeting West Coast Entertainment Space or a Party Place… VIRTUAL REALITY FOR FUN AND TEAM BUILDING Virtual Reality (VR) is one of the newest phenomena to enter the world of meeting and event planning, and many groups are finding it a useful team-building tool. You immediately become fully immersed in a new environment when you put on the VR headset, and VR allows you to experience the world in a way you will never be able to in real life. For meeting and event planners, VR is quickly becoming another means for them to © West Coast Entertainment Coast © West Entertainment make any gathering more fun, exciting and rewarding. “West Coast Entertainment began IS OUR GAME! offering VR activities about 18 months ago, and VR has become an excellent team building activity,” says David Chambers, president of West Coast Entertainment. He adds, “VR activities require high-level communication and team coordination. They help develop problem-solving and teamwork skills.” • Hotel Accomodations VR offers a wide range of opportunities for team building. For example, in one activity, the participant wearing the VR headset experiences being enclosed in a virtual room. Using a map of the room, the other group members must guide the participant through virtual obstacles to escape the room. Communication and group problem-solving are the keys to success for this activity. “Games of all types offer the opportunity for a shared experience, and West Coast Entertainment prides itself on helping groups create a bond through recreation,” says Chambers. In addition to VR, the organization offers a wide variety of traditional games for fun and team building. Outdoor competition games, like a giant trike race or a water balloon toss, are popular. Cooperation games such as the team-ski challenge offer a fun experience. “We have been offering event planning and games since 1978. We can deliver a comprehensive service for any gathering,” explains Chambers. The company can provide • Event Spaces complete event planning and coordination whether it is for a small office occasions or a large trade show. From corporate events and non-profit fundraising, to recreational parties and other group activities, West Coast Entertainment provides full-service support. C A SINO R E SORT Planners may be most familiar with West Coast Entertainment as a provider of casino parties; however, they offer much more than that. Among the services the company Sales & Catering: [email protected] offers are customized theme development. Do you want a Roaring 20s theme for your theskagit.com • On I-5 at Exit 236 • 360-724-0154 event, or how about the Game of Thrones? The company’s event planners can sit down with you and create the experience you want. They can also assist with venue selection, décor, design and print production, and even event publicity.

CONNECT David Chambers, president 206-938-0569 [email protected] wcent.com THINK OUTSIDE THE BALLROOM Roger Yost Gallery INSPIRE THE CREATIVE SPIRIT AT YOUR NEXT SOCIAL MIXER BOOK THE BALLPARK If you’re looking to infuse some creative energy into Awards board this spring. break-out sessions. The gallery does not have regular your next event, or just want to surround your guests Although the fine art paintings and sculptures hours open to the public, but private tours and with stunning visuals, then the Roger Yost Gallery in are impressive in their own right, the location, a events can be scheduled. Field Reception Salem, Oregon, is the place. The 7,500-square-foot preserved 1927 art deco tower, adds even more Courtney notes it is impossible to have a bad SAFECO FIELD – SEATTLE space displays Roger Yost’s diverse art collection, whimsy to an event. Before Yost moved his artwork conversation in the space. The exhibit space features HOME OF THE SEATTLE MARINERS AND YOUR NEXT EVENT from traditional to pop. The gallery was named into the space in 2009, the building’s previous tenant original paintings and limited edition giclees by Safeco Field offers 16 unique meeting spaces that are flexible and functional to meet the one of the 25 Best American Galleries, and the Best was a bank. “It started out as a cute temporary idea more than sixty collectible international artists, needs of each distinct event. The ballpark hosts hundreds of private events year-round. Gallery or Museum in Oregon, by the American Art that literally grew into an art bank and museum,” says plus sculpture, art glass and ceramics, with an Groups of 10 to 47,000 people have enjoyed the ballpark’s amenities for offsite receptions, Rebecca Courtney, curator. emphasis on historic museum-quality paintings. The company picnics, concerts, team-building outings and more. Distinguish your event and Yost chose to keep the bank eclectic collection of styles ranging from classic to provide your participants with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. interior intact, creating a unique contemporary provides natural ice-breakers and Batting Practice space to host networking and social conversation starters for any group. Yost has been Two miles from downtown Seattle events for up to 300. The teller stalls building his collection for the past fifty years during Plated Meal are now used as wine serving booths, his travels around the world, selecting art that is Retractable roof and the bank deposit counter makes representative of the region or significant to the trip. © Roger Yost Gallery Yost © Roger Ample parking for busses and vehicles the perfect food station. Attendees For a truly unique and inspiring event, meeting can wander through the two-story planners can’t go wrong with the Roger Yost Gallery. Built-in audio visual multi-room space to view the art, In addition, the gallery is located downtown within Team-building enhancements including inside the bank’s vault, walking distance to hotels, restaurants and other Indoor/outdoor spaces admiring details such as stenciled galleries, as well as a short walk from the Salem ceilings and period wallpaper. Convention Center. BY CATIE JOYCE BULAY MLB’s largest videoboard A conference room on the Team Building Complimentary WiFi second floor can accommodate CONNECT approximately forty people seated, 503-391-4481 and more seating can be placed on [email protected] (206) 346-4228 | [email protected] | MARINERS.COM/EVENTS the first floor for small meetings or rogeryostgallery.com

8 » October / November ‘17 meetingnewsnw.com Meeting News Northwest October / November ‘17 » 9 PEOPLE TO WATCH

Matt Jensen CORPORATE DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING, DAVENPORT HOTELS BOOK YOUR Embracing Quality and Consistency NEXT EVENT AT “It is wonderful to work in an environment where people are impressed,” says Matt Jensen, corporate director of sales and marketing for Spokane, Washington’s Davenport PROVIDENCE Hotels. Jensen has been with the Davenport Hotels for 16 years, and he has been an integral contributor to the growth of the company during that time. He explains that his formula for success matches the motto of Louis Davenport, builder of the original Davenport Hotel in 1914. PARK “We want guests to be glad they came, sorry to leave and eager to return,” he says. A summer trip to Banff, Canada, when he was a youngster started Jensen on the road to a HOME OF THE PORTLAND career in the hospitality industry. “Walking through the lobby of the grand Banff Springs Hotel, I thought to myself, ‘this would be a cool place to work,’ and that eventually led to where I am now,” TIMBERS AND THORNS FC says Jensen. A Spokane native, Jensen took a roundabout path to his current position. A degree in [email protected] hospitality from Washington State University, a couple of years studying and working in Switzerland and a variety of positions at U.S. hotels gave him a solid background in customer 503.553.5414 service and hospitality sales. Jensen was excited when he learned that Spokane’s Historic Davenport Hotel was about to re-open. “I always wanted to work in a historic property and this was my chance,” he says. Jensen is proud of the Davenport Collection’s focus on quality. “We are very customer-centric in everything we do,” he says. He adds, “An example of the approach to quality is the custom-made Davenport mattress. Guests were so impressed with them that they asked where they could buy them for their own homes. We now sell them through our Davenport Home stores.” The focus on quality and consistency is apparent in the approach that he and his staff take in their interaction with meeting and event planners. “It is a pleasure to work in an organization WHERE YOUR where our customers are pleasantly surprised with what we offer them,” Jensen says. He adds, “Planners love simplicity, and that is what we provide. We will work with you to provide the service and amenities your group requires. Our goal is to make a visit with us will be memorable. We have MEETING GOALS even partnered with Marriott to offer Marriott Rewards for our guests.” Jensen is also an enthusiastic spokesperson for Spokane. He boasts that the city is beautiful, MEET THE GREAT affordable and easy to get around. He explains, “I can get from my house to work in less than ten minutes with virtually no traffic congestion.” He adds, “With many wonderful parks, and plenty of OUTDOORS. sunshine, Spokane is a great place to raise a family.” The Davenport Hotel Collection consists of four unique properties in the center of Spokane. From the modern convenience of the Davenport Grand Hotel for a large conference, to the classic elegance of the Historic Davenport Hotel for an event in a unique setting, the Davenport Hotels offer planners the opportunity to design an event tailored to their group. “Come and see us. You will be pleasantly surprised,” says Jensen.

CONNECT 509-458-8888 [email protected] davenporthotel.com All photos © DavenportCollection All photos Hotel

meetinalaska.com

10 » October / November ‘17 meetingnewsnw.com Meeting News Northwest October / November ‘17 » 11 FEATURE // Sports Complexes and Arenas FEATURE // Sports Complexes and Arenas © Craig Mitchelldyer © Craig © Ben VanHouten | Seattle Mariners © Ben VanHouten

Safeco Field

The venue’s multi-purpose indoor spaces can SAFECO FIELD Safeco Field © Chad Nelson | Topgolf accommodate a variety of events from an intimate Seattle, Washington board retreat to a large networking activity. Floor- to-ceiling windows overlook the field in the bright, The thrill of major league baseball will permeate Safeco Field offers unrivaled opportunities stylish KeyBank Club. This room is the venue’s most the atmosphere when you take your meeting or for team building or simply fun group activities. enticing event space. The 3,400-square-foot room event out to the ballpark. Safeco Field, home of the Group activities include running or walking the can accommodate 215 guests in a theater-style Seattle Mariners, offers a special opportunity for bases, participating in a batting practice and arrangement or 300 for a reception. gatherings of all sizes. From a 10-person corporate conducting home run or speed pitch challenges. Two exclusive covered decks allow planners retreat to a full-scale event for thousands, the More adventurous groups can include a rock wall, to incorporate the outdoors into their plans. The facility provides a fun alternative to the traditional a zip line or a laser tag experience in their event. patio adjacent to the room allows planners to add meeting and event venues. Guest appearances by the Mariner Moose or past fresh-air breaks or an outdoor reception to their With space for a 10,000-person reception or 1,200 players and the opportunity to create co-branded event. The KeyBank Club Deck, located directly above guests seated at rounds, the playing field is well merchandise will make any event special. the KeyBank Club is ideal for an outdoor banquet, suited for large-scale events. Whether it is the general session for a conference, a fundraising dinner or a reception or trade show. This space can accommodate CONNECT up to 700 for a reception or 500 for a banquet. company picnic, the playing field offers a unique setting for any type of event. Your message will Alisia Anderson, director of ballpark sales and marketing Located adjacent to the KeyBank Club, the 206-346-4219 Providence Community Room also overlooks the field. resonate with the group when it is displayed on the [email protected] With a capacity of 100 guests, this space is perfect for MarinersVision HD screen, the largest scoreboard in mariners.com/events Providence Park a corporate sales meeting, seminar or board retreat. major league baseball. Meeting participants will appreciate the modern A variety of additional outdoor spaces include SPOKANE VETERANS MEMORIAL styling and comfortable furnishings of the room. the main concourse and several terraces. The 40-foot-wide main concourse wraps around the ARENA, DWIGHT MERKEL SPORTS The playing field is ideal for large events. The COMPLEX AND JOE ALBI STADIUM field can accommodate anything from a company stadium, offering 88,000 square feet of space for a Spokane, Washington picnic to a sports-themed wedding or fun team- trade show or special event such as a casino night. building activity. Your meeting or event attendees The concession stands along the concourse can be Spokane boasts a variety of indoor and outdoor can feel the thrill of playing soccer in a major open for group catering to provide a fun food and sporting venues that planners may want to consider league stadium with the Providence Park Field beverage experience. Built-in seating for 47,000 and for a meeting or special event. Whether it is a business Experience package. With this package, groups can high-powered audiovisual capabilities make the meeting, a small conference or a reception, the venues create their own soccer tournament with all the stadium suitable for an all-company meeting or any offer a variety of options. The outdoor spaces are ideal Consider a Sports Venue type of performance. equipment provided by the Park. for team bonding or fun group experiences. Sports complexes and arenas offer a unique setting for a meeting or event Providence Park’s in-house catering department A wide array of indoor spaces offers the flexibility The Veterans Memorial Arena is a 12,500-seat can create a menu appropriate to your group’s needs. to accommodate a variety of get-togethers. Located multipurpose venue. The arena is home of the By Tim Hansen The catering team is adept at everything from ballpark on street level, the Ellis Pavilion can accommodate Spokane Chiefs of the Western Hockey League and snacks to formal dining. The facility can provide 300 theater-style or 400 for a reception. The Pavilion has six meeting rooms with a total of 10,000 square professional audiovisual equipment and support, offers four alcoves that can be used separately for feet of meeting space. The Integra Telecom Meeting Fans and non-fans alike will appreciate the special environment that the PROVIDENCE PARK and complimentary WiFi is available in many indoor breakout or for meal activities. The space is popular Rooms provide 2,700 square feet of meeting space region’s sports venues provide for meetings and events. Accustomed to handling Portland, Oregon spaces. The downtown Portland location, adjacent to for pre-game meetings allowing your group to end that can accommodate up to 250 theater-style. The large crowds, these venues offer all the services and support planners require Major League Soccer takes center stage at Providence Park, imparting the special the MAX light rail lines provides convenient access their day watching a ballgame. A meeting in the meeting rooms can be divided into two spaces to combined with interesting spaces for gatherings. These facilities are especially aura of major league sports to any meeting or event. A rich history and recent from anywhere in the Portland area. Visitor’s Clubhouse can be fun and inspirational. For a accommodate smaller groups or breakout sessions. attractive during the off-season when more space options are available. major renovations combine to make this Portland landmark the area’s premier special touch, you can customize jerseys for your team The Arena’s 4.500-square-foot Champions Room is “Our meeting guests are thrilled by the aura of major sporting events they athletic venue. With several indoor and outdoor spaces making it suitable for a CONNECT and have them hanging in the lockers. The Press Box ideal for a reception of up to 300. Additionally, Meeting experience when they visit our stadium,” says Ashley Highsmith, vice president of meeting or event any time of the year, the facility hosts a wide range of activities Ashley Highsmith, vice president of guest services & event sales Suite, overlooking home plate, and the Owner’s Suite, Rooms A and B are smaller spaces suitable for a board guest services and event sales at Portland’s Providence Park. from a 20-person board meeting to a corporate event for 3,000. 503-553-5429 decorated with baseball memorabilia, are suitable for meeting or planning session. The venue can provide Here is a selection of exciting options for your next meeting or event. [email protected] a small receptions or intimate board meetings. a full range of catering and bar services. Complete providenceparkpdx.com

12 » October / November ‘17 meetingnewsnw.com Meeting News Northwest October / November ‘17 » 13 FEATURE // Sports Complexes and Arenas

audiovisual support is available from the multimedia Meet in Albany services department. During the hockey season, groups can conduct a productive meeting and then adjourn to Discover Oregon catch the thrills of a professional hockey game. Joe Albi Stadium is a grand outdoor arena that hosts a variety of sporting and non-sporting events Explore history, throughout the year. With a capacity of 26,000, the heritage, and culinary stadium regularly hosts concerts, sports games and community activities. The stadium is ideal for large- magic in our welcoming scale outdoor events. and vibrant city. Adjacent to Joe Albi Stadium, the Dwight Merkel Sports Complex has softball fields and six athletic fields including two full-size athletic fields featuring Unique event and artificial turf. Groups looking for space to conduct a meeting spaces. team-building activity have a wide variety of options at the complex. The facility also has a one-mile paved Expansive convention, hiking trail that connects to Spokane’s Riverside Park exposition grounds. and views of the Spokane River.

Stueckle Sky Center Smith Photography © Steve CONNECT www.albanyvisitors.com Spokane Arena Matt Gibson, general manager of meeting and event options for planners. Large STUECKLE SKY CENTER Tel: 541-928-0911 509-279-7101 groups can take advantage of the entire facility Boise, Idaho [email protected] for an event or utilize a portion for a meeting, conference or special activity. Located along the Boise River only minutes from the Joe Albi Stadium center of town, the four-level Stueckle Sky Center Diana Termer, event services specialist The North Concourse is the ideal space to set up offers a memorable meeting experience. The Center 503-354-7169 tables for a banquet or reception. With direct access [email protected] to the playing field, attendees can head out to the towers over of the famous Blue Turf of Albertsons gridiron for some outdoor fun and team building. It Stadium, home of the Boise State University Broncos Dwight Merkel Sports Complex football team. With a variety of meeting and event Staci Hazelbaker is easy to imagine the stands full of cheering fans as spaces, including three banquet areas, it offers state- 509-625-6676 your group conducts a field goal kicking contest. [email protected] Indoor spaces include the East End Zone Terrace, of-the-art amenities and panoramic views. with a capacity of 100 to 125 and views overlooking The Double R Ranch Club is a grand space with AUTZEN STADIUM AND the field, that is ideal for a conference or seminar. floor-to-ceiling windows offering some of the best MATTHEW KNIGHT ARENA The Club Level offers 10,000 square feet that can views of Boise and the surrounding region. This Eugene, Oregon accommodate a banquet for 500 or theater seating 7,114-square-foot room is ideal for large a meeting, for 600. The Club Level’s floor-to-ceiling windows banquet or conference. The space has a capacity of 450 During the late summer and autumn months, offer scenic views across Eugene to Spencer Butte. in a theater-style arrangement or 500 for a reception. collegiate football occupies the attention of sports Large events can take advantage of the Moshofsky Located one floor above the Double R Ranch Club, Meet Amidst Majesty enthusiasts nationwide. Impressive facilities, such as Center adjacent to the stadium. This full-scale the Loft offers meeting space for up to 100. Offering Autzen Stadium in Eugene, have been built to host indoor practice facility holds up to 6,000 for an space for breakout sessions, or a comfortable setting WELCOME TO the hordes of fans that flock to the games. event. PK Park, next door to the stadium, is home to to keep the entire group engaged, the room beckons While 54,000-seat Autzen Stadium, home of COEUR D’ALENE, IDAHO the Eugene Emeralds minor league baseball team. meeting planners to schedule additional time to the University of Oregon football program, was The covered pavilion along the right field line can enjoy the stunning sunsets over the valley. designed to host large crowds, it also has a variety accommodate 100 for a warm-weather reception or The Skyline Room, atop the Stueckle Sky banquet. During baseball season, a group outing to Center, features panoramic 240-degree views. The the game can be a fun post-conference activity. space can accommodate 300 theater-style or 200 Matthew Knight Arena, located on the for a banquet. Also located on the top floor, the university’s main campus, is a state-of-the-art 711-square-foot Conference Room is an intimate facility. The 12,000-seat arena has earned LEED space that is ideal for an executive meeting or Gold certification, and it regularly hosts large board retreat. The room can accommodate 18 in a conferences and concerts in addition to sporting classroom setting or 32 for a plated dinner. events. Two practice courts are can accommodate Whether it is break-time snacks or a full-service banquet, Classic Fare Catering, the exclusive caterer

© Don Hankins | Creative Commons © Don Hankins | Creative several hundred for a reception or banquet. The lower concourse areas feature open spaces for Stueckle Sky Center, can provide whatever food that are suitable for a reception, while the upper- and refreshments your group desires. All rooms feature built-in audiovisual equipment, MEET IN IDAHO level concourse offers nice views over campus. The Arena floor can be set up with rounds for a banquet and the facility provides full technical support. WiFi is or theater-style for a conference. The Founders Club available and the venue offers teleconference support FOUR GREAT SEASONS. and McArthur Club are elegant spaces that each hold to facilitate remote attendees. Access to the Blue Turf up to 100 guests for a meeting or luncheon. of the football field for activities or a photo session is One Incredible Destination. Both venues offer full-service catering for any type possible, however it must be approved in advance by the Boise State University Athletics department. The Call 844/651-9126 of meal from an intimate luncheon to a banquet for thousands. Both the stadium and the arena feature Stueckle Sky Center Event Coordinator can provide or visit meetincda.com to learn more. the latest in audiovisual equipment and offer an details about the approval process and pricing. abundance of parking. CONNECT CONNECT Jentry Walsh, university event services manager 208-426-4050 Mike Duncan, senior associate athletic director [email protected] For lodging information Autzen Stadium 541-346-5326 eventserices.boisestate.edu cdaresort.com visit coeurdalene.org [email protected]

14 » October / November ‘17 meetingnewsnw.com Meeting News Northwest October / November ‘17 » 15 FEATURE // Budget Saving Tips FEATURE // Budget Saving Tips

• Keep breakfasts simple. A continental breakfast can cost substantially less than a full breakfast buffet. Many attendees do not eat a large breakfast and appreciate healthier options such as fruit, yogurt (served in bulk, not individual cartons) and non-sugary breakfast breads. • Don’t order the pre-packaged breaks from the facility’s catering menu. Instead, order snack items a la carte. Request that cookies, sweet breads and bars be cut in half and order less as a result. Bulk snack items such as popcorn, chips, or pretzels can cost less per person. • Rather than choose from the banquet menu, ask the chef to create meals to fit your budget. Chefs love to get creative and are often willing to adapt to your needs. • Choose a hearty vegetarian entree for lunch instead of a meat-based entree. Typically, a non- meat meal will cost less.

© Iconic Bestiary • Many facilities will allow you to serve the dessert included with a lunch at the afternoon break instead. This eliminates having to order additional snack food. • Cut portion sizes of meat or fish, especially for dinners. Portions are often too large, especially if hors d’ oeuvres were offered prior to dinner. • Networking is an important part of the attendee experience, so host a reception with light hors d’oeuvres instead of dinner. Then, provide a list of restaurant options for attendees within walking distance of the venue. • Ask the venue what options they have for complimentary centerpieces. It’s amazing what some venues have on hand and are willing to provide at no cost, eliminating the cost of 30 Budget Saving Tips floral centerpieces. Also, consider using food items as centerpiece; such as a fruit or bread By Tamara Muldoon basket, or an enticing dessert display. • Ask if the venue has potted plants that can be used on the stage. These can add interest to a pipe and drape backdrop without having to rent foliage or other décor items. One of the biggest challenges of event planning is keeping on budget, especially if registration is lower than estimated or when unexpected costs arise. That’s when it helps to MARKETING / COLLATERAL have a few tricks up your sleeve. • Eliminate printed brochures and “Save the Date” postcards, therefore avoiding costly printing Meeting News Northwest polled a half-dozen Northwest event planners who willingly and mailing expenses. Instead, leverage email and social media to promote your event. shared their favorite budget-saving tips. Although these ideas may not all be new to you, they • Create a logo that is not year-specific, saving on design costs year after year. You can always illustrate the many ways to manage costs without adversely affecting the attendee experience. add a tag line to include an annual theme. • Do not put the event dates on conference identification signage. Save and reuse generic SITE SELECTION signs from year to year. One conference saved $15,000 over five years by reusing the general • Taking the road less traveled can provide a huge cost savings. Holding your event during directional signage. off-peak dates usually means lower prices, especially for lodging. In addition, smaller cities • Print breakout room program signage double-sided. You pay the same for printing, but that are hungry for group business and eager to increase usage of their venues often have save on the cost of the poster board or foam core. When it is time to change signs, all you attractive rates, and they may be more flexible and accommodating. have to do is turn it around. • Look beyond convention centers and conference hotels for meeting space. Alternative • Utilize electronic signage options when available. Typically, venues will post your agenda facilities, especially those that are non-profit or publicly owned, can be much less on e-signs at no additional charge. This saves on the layout and printing costs of signage as expensive. Also, using the same venue for multiple events increases your negotiating power well as giving you more flexibility with last-minute program changes. over prices and concessions. • With the ubiquitous use of smart phones, some events are doing away with printed programs. • Compare tax rates among prospective locations. For example, Oregon has no sales tax, and Attendees access daily schedules on the conference website or via an event app instead. some states offer tax-exemption for non-profit or government groups. • Reduce or eliminate give-away items. The trend now is away from logo-imprinted tchotchkes and toward a less-is-more minimalist esthetic. Any “swag” items should be LODGING useful and high quality, ensuring that attendees will keep and use them; otherwise, it’s a • Don’t automatically settle for typical hotel concessions such as a one-per-fifty waste of money. complimentary room allowance. Try negotiating a better deal, perhaps one-per-forty, or request some staff rate rooms at a deep discount. If your meeting is also at the hotel, ask for TECHNOLOGY a break on audiovisual costs, free parking for staff, complimentary internet or a waiver of • Use wired microphones where possible – wireless mics typically cost more. Compare the package handling fees. cost versus benefit of using large flat-screen monitors instead of LCD projectors in smaller • Choose venues where hotel rooms are in the same building or within easy walking breakout rooms. distance, therefore avoiding transportation costs. • If allowed, get bids from outside equipment vendors as well as the in-house supplier. • Look for hotels that include breakfast in the room rate. This can eliminate the need to Compare prices, then use this information as a bargaining tool. If you frequently meet in provide breakfast foods at your meeting if attendees eat at their hotel. the same location, using the same vendor for multiple events allows you to negotiate prices • Take advantage of room rebate programs when available. Usually coordinated by the and can result in better service. convention bureau, a nominal upcharge is added to the cost of the group’s hotel rooms. • Providing your own audiovisual equipment can net big savings, but also has its pitfalls. If Those additional funds then go to offset rental expenses at the convention facility. you go this route, have staff on-site who are thoroughly familiar with how to operate the equipment, and have a back-up plan in case of equipment failure or unforeseen problems. CATERING • Utilize the general session room as a breakout room. This may reduce your room rental fee • Food and beverage expense makes up a large portion of any event budget, and yet may be and audiovisual costs, since you most likely already have sound and video equipment there. one of the most flexible for cost-cutting measures. Focus on quality rather than quantity • If your event requires WiFi, keep records of the amount of bandwidth used in previous and spend the money where it is most needed and appreciated. years. This way you know exactly what your group needs and can avoid paying for more • Order water dispenser stations with glasses instead of individual water bottles. Many than is needed. facilities provide this service for free. Bottled water is expensive, not to mention bad for the environment. Instead of individual bottled sodas and juices for refreshment breaks, BONUS TIP substitute bulk fruit juice, iced tea, lemonade or flavor-infused water, which can be half • Negotiate! Always ask for more than you expect, then fight for what you really need. the cost. Cost avoidance through savvy negotiation is even more valuable than cost cutting. Icons © Creative Stall

16 » October / November ‘17 meetingnewsnw.com Meeting News Northwest October / November ‘17 » 17 FEATURE // Distinguished Northwest Hotels FEATURE // Distinguished Northwest Hotels

The Edgewater Hotel The Terrace Room at The Edgewater Hotel SEATTLE, WASHINGTON © The Edgewater Hotel Resting atop Pier 67 over the waters of Elliott Bay, The Edgewater Hotel is Seattle’s only waterfront Distinguished hotel. Originally built to accommodate visitors to the 1962 World’s Fair, the hotel remains an iconic symbol © The Edgewater Hotel of Seattle’s bustling waterfront. Over the years, it has been home to some of the most famous names from the entertainment industry. Northwest Hotel Venues In 1964, during their first world tour, the Beatles stayed at the recently-completed venue. Since then, the hotel has become a popular rest stop for touring musicians. The inspirational setting, with views across the by Ron Engeldinger bay, makes The Edgewater an attractive venue for your for Meetings and Events next conference, seminar, business meeting or special Steeped in atmosphere, and evoking the spirit of elegance, their guests, the historic properties have been renovated over banquet. The hotel offers more than 10,000 square feet of meeting space in eight rooms of various sizes. some of the region’s finest hotels have endured for many the years to offer the latest services and amenities. Floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic decades. The historic hotels of the Northwest each have a If you are looking for a venue that will provide a unique vistas of Elliott Bay, the Olympic Mountains and the location for your next meeting or event, you should consider special story to tell. Through the years, these venues have islands of Puget Sound make the Olympic Ballroom a welcomed everyone from celebrities and politicians to one of the region’s historic hotels. Here is a selection of venues dramatic setting for any gathering. The 3,563-square- everyday tourists, and the hotels that persisted often became that offer modern features in a stylish setting. >> foot room can accommodate 250 in a theater-style the local community’s place to congregate. arrangement and 300 for a reception. An evening The neighborhoods around them may have changed, but reception as the sun sets behind the Olympic these venues continue to maintain a legacy of excellence to this Mountains will make a lasting impression on your comfortable sitting areas. With the exciting sights Marcus Whitman Hotel day. While furnishings and décor stir up a sense of nostalgia in event attendees. of Seattle at the hotel’s doorstep, meeting guests Adjoining the Olympic Ballroom, the Terrace will want to schedule extra time to explore the area. and Conference Center Room features large French doors that open onto a The hotel’s Six Seven restaurant offers breathtaking WALLA WALLA, WASHINGTON large outdoor terrace that offers sweeping views of views along with classic Pacific Northwest cuisine. Named in honor of an early missionary who the Seattle skyline. The Terrace Room can be used in Valet parking is available and the hotel offers a helped establish the region, the Marcus Whitman conjunction with the Olympic Ballroom to provide complimentary shuttle service within the downtown Hotel and Conference Center is located in the center outdoor access, or it can be used separately for an Seattle corridor. of the city. The hotel was built in 1928 as a community- executive retreat or as a VIP reception area. The many dining options along the waterfront wide effort and is Walla Walla’s tallest building. Located on the city side of the hotel, the Cascade range from quick street food to fine dining, and the For decades, the venue has served as a gathering Ballroom provides space for up to 150 guests, and area offers an eclectic shopping experience. Other spot for locals and visitors alike. With a European it can be divided into two sections for smaller Seattle attractions, including the Pike Place Market Renaissance-inspired décor, the hotel is equipped groups. Additional rooms, with capacities from 14 and Seattle Center, home of the Space Needle and the with all the modern amenities and technology. The to 60, offer space for breakout sessions or intimate MoPoP (the Museum of Pop Culture), are only a few Marcus Whitman offers flexible, functional space gatherings. The Edgewater’s catering team can blocks away. with a sophisticated ambience. provide a variety of menu options from a buffet The Edgewater makes the ideal headquarters “We have more than 13,000 square feet of meeting breakfast or break-time snacks to a plated dinner. hotel for groups planning a conference at the Bell space that can accommodate groups from 10 to 450,” The facility offers full audiovisual support including Harbor International Conference Center. Located says Austin Blaylock, director of marketing. The elegant WiFi and video conferencing. adjacent to the hotel, Bell Harbor offers more than Explorer Ballroom is the cornerstone of the Conference The venue’s 223 guest rooms come with gas 100,000 square feet of conference, exhibition, trade Center. The 5,356-square-foot room can accommodate fireplaces, European spa-styled bathrooms and show and meeting space. as many as 500 guests in a theater-style arrangement and 450 for a banquet. The room can be divided into three smaller sections for maximum flexibility. The hotel has two historic ballrooms that have been completely restored to re-create an authentic turn-of-the-last-century ambience. The Renaissance Ballroom holds 120 for a theater-style presentation, while the Empire Ballroom can accommodate up to 80 guests. Behind the decorative surface, both ballrooms are state-of-the-art meeting rooms. The rooms feature digitally-controlled lighting, complete

Marcus Whitman Hotel © Marcus Whitman Hotel and Conference Center and Conference Whitman Hotel © Marcus © Marcus Whitman Hotel and Conference Center and Conference Whitman Hotel © Marcus

The Edgewater Hotel The Conference Center at Marcus Whitman Hotel

18 » August / September ‘17 meetingnewsnw.com Meeting News Northwest October / November ‘17 » 19 FEATURE // Distinguished Northwest Hotels

Less than a mile from the Airport, close to a variety of lodging

options, our 320 acre event site in beautiful sunny Redmond, © Benson Hotel Oregon, is the perfect setting for everything from large meetings and conventions to concerts, rodeos, tradeshows or sporting events. Neighboring our Three Sisters Conference Center is the spacious First Interstate Bank Center, the finest performing arts center and conference facility in the Northwest. • 200,000 sq ft flexible indoor event space audiovisual support and the hospitality services that • 10,000 seat capacity stadium will make any gathering a success. Named for local Native American tribes, the • Four livestock arenas Cayuse, Nez Perce and Umatilla meeting rooms • NBA regulation basketball court & scoreboard are located on the second floor of the hotel’s This page: The Benson Hotel © Benson Hotel We really historic tower. These rooms provide just the right • Off-road race track for motorsports environment for a smaller meeting and can offer city’s restaurants, shopping and galleries. Walla more than 100 in the region. The staff at the Marcus • 75+ acres of beautifully landscaped lawns space for breakout sessions from a larger conference. Walla lies at the center of one of Washington’s most Whitman can help guests develop a customized The rooms each hold up to 20 guests and the three famous wine regions. Blaylock says, “You can get the excursion itinerary to support anyone’s interests. • Full-service Expo RV park with 200 acres of parking rooms can be combined into the one, the Native full experience of what Walla Walla is about at the American Room, that can accommodate 60 people. Marcus Whitman. We have four wine tasting rooms With 133 luxury guest rooms, the hotel makes an in our lobby, and there are 20 more within walking Benson Hotel can do it all! ideal home base for a mid-size conference. On-site distance of the hotel.” PORTLAND, OREGON catering, complimentary WiFi and free parking add Located at the foot of eastern Washington’s Originally known as the New Oregon Hotel, to its attractiveness. The hotel’s award-winning Marc Blue Mountains, Walla Walla has an abundance of The Benson Hotel was soon re-named in honor of Restaurant offers a casual, yet elegant, ambience for activities for post-conference enjoyment and team Simon Benson, one of early Portland’s noted lumber any after-conference diners. building. Hiking rafting, skiing, golf and a variety barons, philanthropists and visionaries. Benson The Marcus Whitman is located in the center of winter sports will keep visitors entertained. Wine commissioned the city’s most prominent architect of Walla Walla within walking distance to all the enthusiasts will enjoy visiting a selection of the of the day, Albert E. Doyle of the firm Doyle and

Let us help you plan your next meeting expo.deschutes.org 3800 SW Airport Way, Redmond Oregon 97755 | 541-548-2711 Meeting News Northwest October / November ‘17 » 21 FEATURE // Distinguished Northwest Hotels Photos this page © Provenance Hotels this page © Provenance Photos

This page: The Heathman Hotel

Patterson, to design the facility. Benson wanted to lounge, offering a warm atmosphere suitable for a a quiet break as they peruse the literary collection build a grand hotel for Portland that features the family meal or a quiet dinner for two. Adjacent to the in the hotel’s library. The library contains more than distinctive style of restraint and proportion reflected hotel, El Gaucho, the award-winning steakhouse and 2,700 volumes signed by the authors. during the early 20th century. cigar room, provides the ideal setting for a power Located on the mezzanine level, more than Since it first opened in 1913, the classic hotel lunch, or a dinner to impress clients. 3,800 square feet of space in 11 rooms is available has catered to celebrities, leaders in business and With 287 luxury guest rooms and suites, for groups. The hotel can accommodate up to 150 industry, politicians and every seated U.S. president conference attendees will want to find an excuse guests for business meetings, conferences and from William H. Taft to Barack Obama. Whether it is a to linger a few days. The Benson’s location, on the social gatherings. Before and after events, or during large conference, a business seminar, a board retreat northern edge of downtown Portland, puts guests conference breaks, attendees can mingle in the or a celebration banquet, The Benson Hotel can within walking distance of the Pearl District, Pioneer Mezzanine Foyer and Gallery viewing works from the Our conference facilities and boardrooms accommodate any group. Square and downtown. Portland’s iconic bookstore, hotel’s prized art collection. In addition to having historical roots, The Benson Powell’s Books, is a short walk away. The nearby Lan A fireplace and sophisticated décor highlight the can accommodate from 10 to 600 guests, with Hotel also offers 12 rooms with more than 18,000 Su Chinese Garden offers a quiet retreat away from Symphony Room that accommodates up to 25 for a 1000 to 16,000 square feet of flexible square feet of meeting and event space. The opulent the hustle and bustle of the city. business meeting or 50 for a reception. Combined 5,850-square-foot Mayfair Ballroom, located on the The Benson offers valet parking and is easily with the adjacent Broadway Room, the 1,608-square- and comfortable space. Coast’s sales and mezzanine level, features a stage area and provides accessible to Portland’s MAX light rail and streetcar foot space can serve 125 in a theater-style arrangement the perfect setting for both theater-style presentations system. For out of town guests, the hotel can arrange or 150 for a reception. Windows overlooking catering professionals are dedicated to and formal banquets. The room can hold up to 500 shuttle or town car service to and from Portland Portland’s Southwest Broadway bathe the Fremont providing the highest level of guest service, guests. The ballroom can be divided into two separate International Airport. and Morrison Rooms in natural light while providing spaces to accommodate smaller groups. room for breakout sessions and smaller meetings. allowing you to do your best work. The hotel’s stylish lobby is home to the Crystal The Heathman features state-of-the-art Ballroom. This room can accommodate as many The Heathman Hotel technology for meeting planners, including WiFi, the as 210 guests in a theater-style setup or 250 for a PORTLAND, OREGON latest in audiovisual equipment, on-site technical reception. Additional meeting and event spacess Downtown Portland’s Cultural District is the support and a large business center. The catering range in size from intimate rooms, that hold home of one of Portland’s last remaining historic team, led by prominent local chef, Vitaly Paley, can 8 to 12 people, to a variety of mid-size rooms hotels. Originally opened in 1927, the Heathman provide a customized menu for any event from a gala accommodating up to 60. The handsome, wood- Hotel features a stylish 19th-century European dinner to board meeting refreshments. paneled Regency Boardroom provides privacy and ambience, from the doormen dressed in British The Heathman’s 150 guest rooms and suites elegance for executive meetings or receptions. Beefeater-type uniforms to the decorative details in feature luxurious bedding and stylish marble The hotel offers a full-service catering department the Jacobean Revival style. bathrooms. Chef Paley’s Headwaters Restaurant, that can serve everything from break-time The hotel boasts a rich history with a reverent located in the hotel’s lobby, features fresh cuisine *photo - The Crystal Ballroom at The Benson, a Coast Hotel, Portlandland refreshments to an elegant banquet. Complimentary appreciation for the arts. Visitors feel like they have that showcases local ingredients. WiFi and complete audiovisual services provide the entered an art museum as they enjoy the Heathman’s Groups meeting at the Heathman Hotel will find support for any meeting or event. Natural light flows world-class collection of contemporary art that is on an abundance of fun and interesting activities right We are also proud to offer 27 distinct properties in Western Canada and the U.S. COASTHOTELS.COM / 1.800.663.1144 through The Palm Court, the hotel’s restaurant and view throughout the common areas. Guests can enjoy outside the hotel’s doorstep. Only one block from the

22 » October / November ‘17 meetingnewsnw.com FEATURE // Distinguished Northwest Hotels

CONNECT

The Edgewater Hotel • 223 guest rooms • 10,000 square feet of meeting and event space • Eight meeting rooms • 250 seated capacity in largest meeting room Sarah Kiepe, director of sales & marketing

Photos this page © Hotel Sorrento this page © Hotel Photos 206-971-5799 [email protected] edgewaterhotel.com The Marcus Whitman Hotel and Conference Center • 133 guest rooms • 11 meeting rooms • 500 seated capacity in largest meeting room Mark Sansom, director of marketing and public relations 509-524-5108 [email protected] marcuswhitmanhotel.com The Benson Hotel • 587 guest rooms • 18,000 square feet of meeting and event space • 12 meeting rooms The Madison Room at Hotel Sorrento • 500 seated capacity in largest meeting room Leslie Caldwell, director of sales and marketing 503-295-4100 hotel, the Portland Center for Performing Arts and a smaller meeting. These rooms range in capacities [email protected] the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall host a complete from 15 to 40, giving planners a variety of options bensonhotel.com lineup of musical and dramatic performances depending on the size of the group. The hotel’s in- throughout the year. The nearby Portland Art house catering staff can provide an assortment of The Heathman Hotel • 150 guest rooms Museum has a renowned collection of paintings, food and beverage options and complimentary WiFi • 3,800 square feet of meeting and event space sculpture and graphic arts. The museum also has is available throughout the hotel. • Seven meeting rooms a large collection that features art of the native With a large fireplace and plush furnishings, the • 125 seated capacity in largest meeting room peoples of North America. top-floor Penthouse is a sophisticated retreat for Joye Lucas, business and Leisure sales manager Meetings will never be boring on the Tillamook Coast 503-241-4100 The central downtown location offers meeting groups as large as 40. The room opens onto a rooftop TillamookCoast.com/Meetings [email protected] planners and attendees a wide variety of urban deck offering dramatic views of the city. Whether you heathmanhotel.com activities. The city’s shopping, dining and are planning a corporate board retreat or a special entertainment scene unfolds within walking distance sales presentation, this room will impress your guests. Hotel Sorrento of the hotel. An abundance of transportation and Hotel Sorrento is Seattle’s oldest boutique hotel • 76 guest rooms • 4,700 square feet of meeting space parking options are at the hotel’s doorstep. with 76 guest rooms and suites, each having its own • Six meeting rooms individual personality. The guest rooms are large and • 150 seated capacity in largest meeting room Change Your Venue. modern, having been recently refreshed to provide Helena Khu, marketing manager Hotel Sorrento the latest in comfortable amenities while retaining 206-902-2101 [email protected] SEATTLE, WASHINGTON many of the original details such as carved-wood Change the World. hotelsorrento.com Overlooking the downtown and Puget Sound, moldings and restored vintage furniture. Away from distraction, far from the crowds, surrounded Seattle’s First Hill neighborhood has been the home The hotel’s location, in one of Seattle’s oldest by pristine natural beauty. The perfect setting for creative of Hotel Sorrento since 1909. The seven-story building districts, offers a friendly neighborhood appeal. At Sorrento an ideal option for visitors attending an thinking. Bring your next meeting to the San Juan Islands was designed by famed Seattle architect, Harlan the same time, the Sorrento is only a few blocks from event at the Convention Center. For guests staying and watch the magic happen. Thomas, who eventually became the first dean at the the city’s bustling downtown. The Washington State at the hotel, the area around the hotel abounds with University of Washington School of Architecture. The Convention Center is a short walk away, making the interesting dining options. sophisticated venue displays Italian Renaissance-style The Penthouse Deck at Hotel Sorrento features inspired by one of Harlan’s favorite hotels, INSPIRATION FOR THE SENSES the Vittorio, located in Sorrento, Italy. Among the hotel’s distinctive features, the Fireside Room, located on the ground floor, features rich mahogany paneling, comfortable furniture and a large fireplace clad with green Rookwood pottery. The room often serves as a community gathering place for musical performances or literary readings. Warm weather brings guests to the Garden. An outdoor hub of hospitality, the Garden is available for lunch, cocktails and relaxed dinners when the weather permits. The Hotel Sorrento offers more than 4,700 WHERE TEAMS DISCONNECT square feet of meeting and event space in six TO RECONNECT stylish rooms. At 1,800 square feet, the Top of the Town Room is the largest event space. It can Retreat to the Washington Coast for a unique accommodate up to 150 in a theater-style setup. team-building experience. Contact us about our meeting A tall ceiling and intriguing architectural details and retreat packages. make this octagonally-shaped room a unique VisitSanJuans.com/meetings setting for a conference, seminar or banquet. SEABROOKWA.COM/RETREATS — 888.507.4694 Four additional rooms provide breakout space Lopez Island • Orcas Island • San Juan Island / Friday Harbor for a conference, or offer well-appointed space for

24 » October / November ‘17 meetingnewsnw.com Meeting News Northwest October / November ‘17 » 25 SJIVB_2017_MeetingNews_final.indd 1 9/11/17 8:27 AM FEATURE // Introducing Health and Wellness into Your Events FEATURE // Introducing Health and Wellness into Your Events © Hilton Hotels © Hilton

HEALTHY ACTIVITIES The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends building physical activity into meetings and events. Include activity breaks into meeting Introducing Health and agendas. Smaller groups may want to organize a walking meeting that gets the creative juices flowing. Geocaching is a popular activity. Using the GPS feature built into most smart phones, groups can go on a high-tech treasure hunt. Many outdoor venues and communities have hidden caches for groups to discover. In Seattle, instead of Wellness into Your Events geocaching, you can opt for a Geo Duck Adventure, offered by Ride the Ducks, where By Heather Larson your group finds hidden objects around Seattle. If you’re planning a meeting in Portland, Pedal Bike Tours offers customized team- building bicycling tours, or you can ask for a guided rock climbing experience from the Portland Rock Gym. For a unique twist on team building, inquire at ADX Portland The Pacific Northwest is known for Purpose” initiative. This idea incorporates healthy Washington, and the Doubletree Spokane City Center. about building tables and chairs, creating electronic signage or making a Pacman spectacular scenery from ocean to mountain to food options with physical fitness breaks. As Toni Sometimes your client needs a specific type of Hilton Meet with Purpose (here and above) arcade console for the group’s office. high desert vistas. Besides enjoying the views, Zoblotsky, director of B2B marketing at Hilton, says, healthy food. In Marconi’s case, she’s had requests Team building can be as simple as handing out inexpensive pedometers (or your meeting or event attendees are undoubtedly “The initiative makes the planner’s job easier and for food that follows particular dietary needs, so asking attendees to download an app on their phones like Noom Walk) and seeing

day-dreaming about being outside and immersed delights the attendees.” Local hotel participants in she had to work closely with hotel chefs to prepare Hotels © Hilton who logs the most steps, or as difficult as going through a ropes course. You may also in the remarkable countryside. Proficient planners “Meet with Purpose” include the Hilton Garden Inn in the special, custom menus for those groups. You want to offer meeting goers some active options for their scheduled or free time such are introducing health and wellness components Medford, Oregon, the Hilton Portland and Executive can also provide conference attendees a list of local as biking, nature walks, hiking (provide maps, mileage and elevation gain), rafting, into the schedule to keep attendees engaged and Tower, Embassy Suites in Bellevue and Lynnwood, restaurants that feature healthy options. stand-up paddle boarding, yoga or tai chi classes, zip lining or Zumba. In Florence, benefiting from all aspects that are offered. Whether Oregon, schedule a sand castle building session with master sculptors through Sand your client asks for a locally-sourced catering Master Park, suggests Brandt. Where else will you find this kind of adventure? menu or you suggest adding a yoga class to a However you choose to infuse health and wellness into your events, you have meeting, healthy options are popular in our current endless opportunities to do so in the Pacific Northwest. Many destinations and environment. You can incorporate well-being and venues will work with planners to develop a program to meet the needs of the group. promote self-care for participants in several ways. For example, Debbie McCune, director of sales for Travel Salem says, “We are happy to © Skamania Lodge help coordinate meditation coaches or fitness experts who would come to the venue HEALTHY VENUES and work with your group.” Selecting the appropriate venue will be the initial step towards promoting an event with health and wellness in mind. “We recently helped our client ADX Portland book their annual conference at Skamania Lodge in Stevenson, Washington,” said Melanie Marconi, a partner and chief operating officer at BDI Events © ADX Portland © ADX of Portland, Oregon. “The client plans to have workshops outside, a concert experience underneath the stars and yoga on the lawn overlooking the Gorge.” Skamania Lodge also offers zip lining, golfing, biking and an outdoor salt water hot tub to keep meeting attendees active. If the event must be held in an urban area, look for hotels and conference centers located within close proximity to parks, public access river walks or other activities. Portland, Oregon, as well as other cities, have rental bike stations throughout the urban core. Planners may want to provide an easy-to -read map for attendees to access these. Conferences headquartered close to vineyards, resorts, lodges or beaches inherently offer an invitation to walk, explore and enjoy the fresh air. However, not all visitors will feel comfortable striking out on their own. Organizing gathering places for individuals to meet up after dinner or during free time will provide attendees with an opportunity for exercise as well as networking.

HEALTHY FOOD Once you’ve booked an appropriate venue and planned an active agenda, you might want to check out healthy menu selections. “Continental breakfasts full of pastries and juices can be replaced by nutritious locally-sourced food options,” says Kara Owen, director of sales and marketing at Skamania Lodge. Healthy options such as fruit and granola can be offered at afternoon breaks. Many Hilton Hotels have embraced the health- Skamania Lodge consciousness concept fully with their “Meet with

26 » October / November ‘17 meetingnewsnw.com Meeting News Northwest October / November ‘17 » 27 MEET HERE Seafarers Memorial Park, Anacortes Bellingham and

© Rakan Alduaij Whatcom County With snow-clad Mount Baker dominating the eastern skyline, and the islands of the Salish Sea floating offshore to the west, Bellingham offers visitors dramatic scenery and a wealth of attractions year- round. “The region provides great access to recreation along with a hip, urban atmosphere. Bellingham and

the surrounding Whatcom County have a wide array Tourism County © Bellingham Whatcom of creative indoor and outdoor spaces for meetings and events,” says Annette Bagley, director of marketing for Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism. The region abounds with facilities ranging from modest to luxurious. Whether it is a large conference at a modern hotel, a corporate planning session in a seaside resort, a team-building retreat or a special celebration, the area can meet the needs of any group.

MEET AND STAY Conveniently located near the center of Bellingham and just off of I-5, the Four Points by Hiking Mount Baker Sheraton Bellingham Hotel and Conference Center has recently been renovated and boasts more than 11,000 square feet of meeting space. The facility offers the center of Bellingham, the hotel offers a convenient, provides a relaxing respite. a clean, stylish setting for any conference or event. scenic location for small to mid-size groups. Rich The Silver Reef Hotel Casino Spa is located a The Ballroom is the largest room, seating up to 700 stylish decor and views across Bellingham Bay provide short distance north of Bellingham. Silver Reef theater-style or 500 for a banquet, while a variety an upscale, yet comfortable ambience. Whether it is a complete destination, offering meeting of additional spaces can accommodate groups is a large gathering for 290 guests in the Bellwether space, overnight accommodations, gaming, live of varying sizes for breakout sessions or smaller Ballroom or a private retreat for 14 in the private entertainment, a full-service spa and a variety of gatherings. Free parking, complimentary WiFi and Wine Cellar, the Bellwether offers a variety of options restaurant options. The Event Center has several a wide range of catering options are available to in its 8,667 square feet of meeting and event space. rooms that can accommodate groups from 12 to support any group. Free parking and complimentary WiFi, along with more than 600. With state-of-the-art audiovisual Located directly across from Bellingham audiovisual and catering support, will provide all the equipment, the 154-seat Theater is ideal for a International Airport, the newly-constructed Holiday elements for a successful gathering. seminar, presentation or lecture. The facility offers Inn & Suites – Bellingham has 7,800 square feet of Overlooking Bellingham Bay near the historic everything your group will need in one location. Northwest Washington flexible event space. Meeting rooms range from the Fairhaven District, the Chrysalis Inn and Spa is an Complimentary WiFi, free parking and complete By Lara Dunning and Ron Engeldinger Kulshan Boardroom that seats 10 to the Salish Sea idyllic retreat with stunning views and an inviting conference support are included in the wide array of Room that can seat up to 350 theater-style. The hotel’s atmosphere. The largest meeting room comfortably on-site services for meeting and event attendees. natural color schemes, along with décor representing seats 50 theater-style or 30 classroom-style. Smaller Among additional venues, the Bellingham Cruise northwest Tucked between Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains, water and earth elements, provide a distinctive rooms offer space for an intimate retreat or corporate Terminal is the gateway to the region’s marine-based Washington offers an incredible variety of scenery. and provides visitors with a full range Northwest ambience. The hotel offers complimentary planning session. The hotel provides complimentary activities. With views over the harbor, the terminal of attractive outdoor activities. The region is readily accessible and loaded with charming WiFi, the latest audiovisual equipment, secured WiFi, audiovisual support and a roller-paper station can accommodate up to 250 guests for a meeting or towns that welcome visitors. As top Washington tourist destinations, these towns offer all the covered parking and in-house catering. that is perfect for a brainstorming session or to event. For convenience and cost-saving, you can use services that planners need to conduct a memorable event. A park-like setting along the waterfront is home illustrate a lecture. The Chrysalis offers contemporary your own caterer. The Ferndale Events Center is an to the stylish Hotel Bellwether. Only a few blocks from comfort and scenic views while the on-site spa open-plan space with more than 12,000 square feet of © Hotel Bellwether © Hotel © Mistry & Scott Photography © Mistry & Scott © Skagit Tourism | Island Adventures © Skagit Tourism

Hotel Bellwether Island Adventures Whale Watching Anacortes Transit Shed

28 » October / November ‘17 meetingnewsnw.com Meeting News Northwest October / November ‘17 » 29 MEET HERE // Northwest Washington

CONNECT Alternative meeting spaces in Anacortes include the Port of Anacortes Transit Shed with space for Bellingham and Whatcom County Bellingham Cruise Terminal Holiday Inn & Suites – Bellingham 700 guests, The Depot Arts & Community Center • Whatcom County has more than 2,850 sleeping rooms • 6,350 square feet of meeting and event space • 153 guest rooms with space for 150 guests, and Seafarers’ Memorial • Bellingham International Airport is six miles from • Three meeting rooms • 7,800 square feet of meeting and event space downtown Bellingham • 200 seated capacity in largest room • Five meeting rooms Building with space for 125 guests. Tiffany DeSimone, meetings and events supervisor • 410 seated capacity in largest room In Mount Vernon, McIntyre Hall Performing Arts & Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism 360-676-2500 MegAnne Offredi, catering and sales manager Conference Center at Skagit Valley College is a modern Annette Bagley, director of marketing [email protected] 360-398-6195 performance venue that also has several spaces for 360-671-3990 portofbellingham.com/495/Bellingham-Cruise-Terminal [email protected] groups. The facility has a variety of meeting and event [email protected] ihg.com bellingham.org Ferndale Events Center spaces including a grand lobby, a main stage theater, • 12,000 square feet of meeting and event space Silver Reef Hotel Casino Spa a studio conference theater and a conference room Four Points by Sheraton Hotel and • Five meeting rooms • 105 guest rooms that seats up to 300 guests. State-of-the-art audiovisual Conference Center • 850 seated capacity in largest room • 25,000 square feet of meeting and event space equipment and support, in-house catering and free • 132 guest rooms Jackie Mills, events manager • 10 meeting and event rooms • 11,000 square feet of meeting and event space 360-319-7221 • 1,000 seated capacity in largest room parking make this an attractive option. • 17 meeting rooms [email protected] Crystal Tamcke King, hotel sales manager The Vine, at Bertelsen Winery, features • 700 seated capacity in largest room ferndaleeventscenter.com 360-543-7142 crystal chandeliers and large rolling windows. Dana Weber, assistant general manager [email protected] It accommodates up to 200 guests and includes 360-392-6550 silverreefcasino.com audiovisual, sound systems, complimentary WiFi [email protected] fourpointsbelliingham.com and a small kitchen. The 800-square-foot Barrel Sailing excursion on Schooner Zodiac, Bellingham Room holds up to 50 guests. Also in Mount Vernon, Hotel Bellwether the Days Inn Mt. Vernon offers meeting space • 66 guest rooms suitable for up to 100 guests. • 6,844 square feet of meeting and event space • Five meeting rooms Burlington’s Best Western Plus Skagit Valley Inn • 290 seated capacity in largest room & Convention Center features 10,948 square feet of Elizabeth Crawford, director of sales and catering conference space. The main ballroom accommodates 360-392-3172 up to 400 guests. Four smaller rooms are well suited [email protected] to be used as classrooms or for breakout sessions. The hotelbellwether.com facility provides in-house catering, complimentary Chrysalis Inn and Spa WiFi and free parking. Also in Burlington, the • 43 guest rooms Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton has 984 square • 2,130 square feet of meeting and event space feet of meeting space. The largest meeting room • Four meeting rooms • 50 seated capacity in largest room accommodates up to 50 guests. Chris Simpson, director of sales & marketing The Skagit Casino & Resort in the town of Bow 360-392-5558 features several dining and entertainment options, [email protected] two hotels and a wide variety of flexible meeting thechrysalisinn.com spaces. Meeting and event options include six banquet rooms. The venue offers additional meeting Watch for bigger, better options coming Spring 2019 Four Points by Sheraton, Bellingham space at the Skagit Ridge Hotel. Amenities include full-service catering, full audiovisual support, complimentary WiFi and free parking. Visit SeasideConvention.com for more information The peaceful waterfront town of La Conner is home about our $15M Expansion/Renovation

© Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism County © Bellingham Whatcom to the La Conner Country Inn. The Inn’s meeting space includes a large dividable room that accommodates © Four Points by Sheraton by Points © Four Located on I-5 between Seattle and Vancouver, Further inland, the towns of Burlington, Mount 100 guests in a theatre-style arrangement or 60 for a British Columbia, the region is easily accessed Vernon, Bow and La Conner each have a distinct banquet. Two smaller rooms are ideal for classrooms from anywhere in the Northwest. Amtrak personality and provide attractive options for or small receptions. The nearby La Conner Channel provides regular rail service and the Bellingham meeting and event planners. Lodge also offers meeting space. Amenities for both International Airport offers regularly scheduled air properties include in-house catering, complimentary service to major West Coast cities. MEET AND STAY WiFi and free parking. Also in La Conner, the Wild Iris Located along Padilla Bay with breathtaking Inn has a meeting space for 32 guests. views of Mt. Baker and the San Juan Islands, the Located in the heart of La Conner, the historic Skagit County Swinomish Casino & Lodge features the Wa Walton Maple Hall is a versatile year-round meeting space Visitors will not be disappointed with the diverse Event Center. The Event Center accommodates up including a 275-seat auditorium, a stage, and three space. It is ideal for a trade show, large conference or landscape of Skagit County which includes North to 800 guests and divides into five customizable meeting rooms. Amenities include a catering kitchen special event. Cascades National Park forestlands, the Skagit meeting spaces for break-out sessions, classrooms and free parking. River, fertile farmlands, miles of coastline, as well as or intimate retreats. The venue provides on-site Skagit County is a 1-hour drive from Seattle and OUT AND ABOUT small town charms, farm-to-table dining, boutique catering, audiovisual equipment, complimentary the Canadian border. A handful of its towns are Where work ... meets play The region offers year-round recreational shopping and year-round recreation. WiFi and free parking. The outdoor patios entice along I-5, with the remainder a short drive from the activities. Whether it is skiing or hiking on the slopes “Event planners choose Skagit County because of guests to venture outside for fresh-air breaks and the interstate, and many are served by airporter shuttles. of Mount Baker, kayaking across the salt water, whale the central location between Seattle and Vancouver hospitality suite features a 12-person boardroom table. With more than 1,341 hotel rooms, Skagit County can Contact Gretchen Darnell to discover what Seaside has to offer. watching on the Salish Sea or enjoying a charter cruise British Columbia,” says Julie Burgmeier, consultant In the heart of historic downtown Anacortes, the accommodate a variety of meetings and events. around the harbor, groups will find team-building 800.394.3303 [email protected] to Skagit Tourism, “We offer mild weather year- beautifully restored Majestic Inn & Spa maintains and post-conference activities that relax and inspire. round, a break from the standard big-city meetings its 19th-century grandeur while offering 52 guest OUT AND ABOUT Bellingham’s Downtown Cultural District and the and huge hotels, and a truly authentic Pacific rooms and suites with all the modern comforts. The “Visitors are attracted to Skagit County for its nearby Fairhaven District, featuring Victorian-era Northwest experience for the attendees.” hotel has 5,000 square feet of event space with six beautiful rural landscape surrounded by a wild architecture, are attractive for a relaxing afternoon of Gateway to the San Juan Islands, Anacortes meeting rooms. The largest accommodates up to coastline to the west and the North Cascades to the browsing, shopping and dining. Bellingham also has is a vibrant coastal community in a picturesque 200 guests, and the open-air Rooftop Lounge with east with a mix of artistic small towns in-between,” several fine craft breweries. For a fun group activity, setting. Often overlooked by travelers as they pass spectacular island views seats up to 160 guests. With says Burgmeier. “Where else can you hike to a check out the Good Time Girls Sin & Gin Tour that through to catch a ferry, Anacortes has a variety sophisticated furniture and finery, in-house catering, lookout tower, stop at a farm stand and then jump in explores the brothels and saloons that flourished of interesting meeting spaces activities to reward complimentary WiFi and free parking, the Majestic the sea all in one day?” when the area was a rowdy seaport. visitors who stay a while. Inn & Spa is an elegant option for planners. For an engaging hands-on activity, event

30 » October / November ‘17 meetingnewsnw.com Meeting News Northwest October / November ‘17 » 31 MEET HERE // Northwest Washington

CONNECT

Skagit County Transit Shed Maple Hall and Maple Center Meet in Style, • Skagit County has 1,341 hotel rooms • 4,440 square feet of meeting space • 4,843 square feet of meeting space Discover Excellence • Seattle-Tacoma International Airport • 700 seated capacity in in largest room • 5 meeting rooms is 1.5 hours from Skagit County Port of Anacortes • 276 seated capacity in in largest room • Over 56,000 square feet of Denise Acosta, events coordinator La Conner Town Hall meeting space Visit Skagit Valley 360-299-1822 360-466-2125 Julie Burgmeier, Skagit Tourism consultant portofanacortes.com townoflaconner.org/town-facilities.cfm • Spectacular views and [email protected] outdoor settings visitskagitvalley.com Seafarers Memorial Building MOUNT VERNON • 2,900 square feet of meeting space Bertelsen Winery • Historic accommodations on-site ANACORTES • 125 seated capacity in in largest room • 4,300 square feet of meeting space • Premier chefs and caterers, Majestic Inn & Spa Port of Anacortes • 200 seated capacity in in largest room • 52 guest rooms Denise Acosta, events coordinator Bob Taylor, marketing coordinator focusing on local foods, serving • 5,000 square feet of meeting space 360-299-1822 360-661-4229 up to 500 • 5 meeting rooms portofanacortes.com [email protected] • State-of-the-art technology with Kerra Irwin, sales manager bertelsenwinery.com high-speed Internet and WiFi 360-899-9669 BURLINGTON [email protected] Hampton Inn & Suites Burlington Days Inn Mt. Vernon majesticinnandspa.com • 102 guest rooms • 65 guest rooms • 984 square feet of meeting space • 1500 square feet of meeting space Photography by: Jen Lee Light Swinomish Casino & Lodge • 50 seated capacity in in largest room • 100 seated capacity in in largest room • 98 guest rooms Chelsea Thornton, director of sales David Kim, manager • 9,000 square feet of meeting space 360-757-7100 360-424-4141 • 5 meeting rooms [email protected] [email protected] • 800 seated capacity in largest room hamptoninn3.hilton.com wyndhamhotels.com/days-inn Sarah Nelson, lodge sales manager specializing in catering & events LA CONNER Best Western Plus Skagit Valley Inn & Bring your group to historic Fort Worden! Mention this ad and take 360-588-3705 La Conner Country Inn & Channel Lodge Convention Center 20% off all meeting space. Email [email protected] or call [email protected] • 68 guest rooms • 120 guest rooms swinomishcasinoandlodge.com • 1,035 square feet of meeting space • 10,948 square feet of meeting space 360.344.4400 (ext. 336) to take advantage of this great deal! • 100 seated capacity in in largest room • 5 meeting rooms The Skagit Casino & Resort Katie Hayton. director of sales & marketing • 400 seated capacity in in largest room 360.344.4400 | FortWorden.org • 103 guest rooms at The Skagit Hotel 360-446-1500 ext. 414 Virginia Mango, banquet sales • 40 guest rooms at The Skagit Ridge Hotel [email protected] 360-848-7553 ext. 131 FOLLOW US @FortWorden @FortWorden • 14,000 square feet of meeting space laconnerlodging.com [email protected] @FortWordenPDA @TapsFortWorden @ReveilleFortWorden • 300 seated capacity with banquet rounds in largest room bestwestern.com Skagit Sales Wild Iris Inn 360-724-0154 • 18 guest rooms McIntyre Hall [email protected] • 900 square feet of meeting space • 300 seated capacity in in largest room theskagit.com • 32 seated capacity in in largest room Nida Tautvydas, executive director Sherry Withers, manager and innkeeper 360-416-7622 The Depot Arts & Community Center 360-466-1400 [email protected] • 3,420 square feet of meeting space [email protected] mcintyrehall.org • 100 seated capacity in in largest room wildiris.com City of Anacortes Parks & Recreation 360-293-1918 cityofanacortes.org/depot_arts_center.php a resort for all seasons

© Skagit Guided Adventures Mountaintop Luxury in the Heart of the North Cascades A gorgeous setting for your conference, retreat, team building, family reunion, or wedding. Breathtaking views, outstanding service and an array of unique amenities will make your stay an inspiring experience. Whether it’s all work, all play or some of each, Sun Mountain Lodge is a perfect location for your event. Conference Facilities Include: Five centrally located meeting areas accommodating up to 300 people • On-site dedicated audio/visual service and equipment Full service catering for both indoor and outdoor events • Professional conference planning services and on-site assistance Private wine cellar with seating up to 14 • Outdoor party tent for up to 150 people Complimentary WiFi access in all guest rooms and meeting rooms • No resort fee and complimentary parking La Conner, WA Contact LenElla Tabor at 509.996.4770

planners should consider Escape Anacortes, an event For outdoor adventures, a great option is Skagit with Island Adventures and Mystic Sea Charters, company. Teams are locked in a room and they must Guided Adventures where hikers spend a day on Mt. paddle board with Sound Yoga and SUP, take a jet work together to solve the puzzles and clues in order Baker, chase wildflowers in the North Cascades or boat tour with Deception Pass Tours, and reel in their to “escape” from the room. discover Anacortes’s wild side. To explore the tops of first salmon on a fishing charter. Cultural attractions throughout the county the forest, Adventure Terra offers canopy climbing at Slower-paced options include a day on the green include the Museum of Northwest Art in La Conner, Deception Pass State Park. at one of the county’s golf courses, a self-guided performances at McIntyre Hall and Indie movies and Water activities range from energetic to leisurely. walking tour, visiting a farmers market, and in the occasional live music at the historic Lincoln Theater Visitors can run the rapids of the Skagit River in the spring, everyone enjoys a visit to the brightly colored in Mount Vernon. summer, take a scenic float in winter, spot whales fields of daffodils and tulips. 604 Patterson Lake Road, Winthrop, WA 98862 | 800.572.0493 | sunmountainlodge.com

32 » October / November ‘17 meetingnewsnw.com Meeting News Northwest October / November ‘17 » 33 Venue Spotlight

McGavick Conference Center Consider Corvallis! WARM AND CONTEMPORARY FACILITY CONVENIENTLY LOCATED BETWEEN SEATTLE AND OLYMPIA Situated on the campus of Clover Park Technical College in Lakewood, Washington, the McGavick Conference Center is a modern and versatile building that can accommodate © Dane Gregory Meyer © Dane Gregory events of all sizes. The floor-to-ceiling windows of the atrium and lobby, with views of Mount Rainier, provide a bright entrance to this modern, reasonably-priced facility. As a part of the campus of this forward-looking technical school, the Conference For your next meeting or event, consider Center provides the service and amenities that can make any gathering successful. The Corvallis, Oregon. In the heart of multi-purpose venue is ideal for conferences, business meetings, seminars, banquets Oregon’s Wine Country, you’ll fi nd easy and special events. access, great venues, great food, great The Conference Center features six event spaces of varying sizes. The shopping, and of course, great wines. 10,709-square-foot Ballroom holds up to 1,200 in a theater-style arrangement or 600 e Vue • Downtown Corvallis for a banquet. The room can be divided into smaller sections offering a variety of e Vue • Downtown Corvallis layouts. In addition to the expansive indoor spaces, groups can utilize the large terrace for an outdoor reception when the weather permits. The atrium and lobby areas provide a welcoming space that is ideal for registration and check-in or for a post-conference reception. They can also accommodate a meeting or seminar with theater seating for up to 300. A classroom that accommodates up to 60 and a small Boardroom complete the lineup. Groups of any size from 10 to more than a thousand will find a space to suit their needs. Groups are free to utilize a caterer of their choosing. However, they may want to consider using the college’s culinary arts program to cater refreshments or meals. The experienced instructors and talented students in the award winning program can create a memorable cuisine experience for your group. The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art multimedia equipment including a four- screen projection system. Complimentary WiFi is available throughout the venue, and parking in the large lot adjacent to the building is free. The McGavick Conference Center is located in the center of Lakewood, only a few minutes from I-5. It is an easy 20-minute drive from Tacoma and 40 minutes from

Olympia. Groups coming from out of the area will find a wide variety of restaurants and Center © McGavick Conference www.visitcorvallis.com hotels within a few miles of the venue. CONNECT Cal Erwin-Svoboda, director of McGavick Conference Center 253-589-5644 [email protected] mcgavickconferencecenter.com

Silverstone Amenity Center MODERN MEETING VENUE IN THE HEART OF BOISE VALLEY A sleek, modern building in Meridian, Idaho, is home to the Silverstone Amenity Center. a reception. Two additional rooms, each with a capacity of 40, can accommodate Meetings by The convenient location and full-service support make the facility a good choice for breakout sessions or business meetings. Additionally, two smaller boardrooms are ideal a business meeting, corporate retreat, conference or banquet. The versatile meeting for an intimate board meeting or executive retreat. rooms are clean and well-appointed. The facility features the integration of high-tech audiovisual equipment, WiFi and video the Bay Five meeting and event rooms offer more than 4,500 square feet of space teleconferencing in all the meeting rooms. The commercial catering station is ready for the A distinctive and a variety of options for planners. The 2,400-square-foot Banquet Room can caterer of your choice. Free parking is available in the large lot adjacent to the Center. accommodate as many as 175 guests in a theater-style arrangement or up to 200 for The on-site concierge is available to handle all your meeting needs. Whether it is arranging for catering, helping with hotel and dinner reservations, scheduling a round of golf for your group or arranging airport transportation, the concierge will take care Newly-remodeled meeting canvas for of the details while you focus on your meeting. spaces for up to 50 guests Situated one block from I-84, the facility is easy to get to from all directions. Several hotels and restaurants are located within a few minutes of the Center. Located just ten your next event AV equipment included minutes from the Boise Airport, the venue is handy for meetings with participants from out of the area. Located in the heart of South Lake Union, FREE Wifi For after-conference fun and relaxation, downtown Boise is only ten minutes away. 415 Westlake is perfect for celebrations, Amenity Center © Silverstone The city center offers an abundance of shopping, dining and entertainment. Your meetings, product showcases, and more. group may want to catch an Idaho Steelheads hockey game at CenturyLink Arena or FREE Parking Wow guests at your next gathering! explore one of Boise’s fine museums. Groups looking for active recreation, will find an abundance of possibilities at one of the local golf courses or in the mountains and • Stunning industrial architecture rivers of the Boise area. • Built-in audiovisual package • Space for 100–300 people CONNECT • Central location Dani VanHorssen 208-850-3401 th 415westlake.com 804 10 St Bellingham WA 360.392.5558 thechrysalisinn.com [email protected] silverstoneamenitycenter.com

34 » October / November ‘17 meetingnewsnw.com Meeting News Northwest October / November ‘17 » 35 Stay Local Stay Local

space, and when it’s not being used for Northwest, and will leave your meeting rooms, eight corner suites and larger performing, the benches are great for attendees feeling rejuvenated and Players Suite. Each sleekly decorated checking emails, making phone calls or inspired. BY PEYTON SCHELLER room is equipped with WiFi, a luxurious just relaxing. Step in further through bathroom and flat screen TV. the hotel lobby, and you will find the CONNECT The hotel’s light and airy first floor Inland Northwest has been brought Ruth Fitzgerald, director of sales meeting room opens onto the courtyard. © Fairmont Olympic Hotel © Fairmont indoors. Lush greenery, rustic decor, 509-777-6310 The 3,000-square-foot room has full swinging hammock chairs and more are [email protected] audio-visual capacity and can seat up to scattered throughout the main floor, hotel-rl.com/park-spokane 100 in a classroom-style arrangement. completely emulating the Northwest » For larger events, the 8.000-square- vibe and allowing you to relax in a casual foot Event Center accommodates up atmosphere. The Point Hotel to 600 attendees. With a stage and full Ample meeting space is available CONTEMPORARY DESIGN IN sound and lighting system, the room throughout the Hotel RL. From large A WOODLAND SETTING has been used for concerts, weddings, ballrooms to intimate meeting rooms, The Point Hotel in Kingston, benefit dinners and large meetings. the hotel offers 30,000 square feet Washington, is the newest economic On and off-site catering is available of meeting space available for up to venture of the Port Gamble S’Klallam through Market Fresh Banquets and 1,300 attendees. An 8,000-square-foot Tribe. Opened in November 2016, the Catering, a joint venture of the hotel and exhibit hall is located on the first floor boutique hotel sits adjacent to the the tribe. of the hotel, and there is also a Skyline tribe’s Casino and Event Center, and is Nearby, the fifteen-acre Heronswood festivities. The long rectangular room is the Ballroom that provides picturesque five minutes from another S’Klallam- Garden can be used by groups as a Centralia Square ideal setting for formal meetings, weddings views of downtown Spokane and » owned event venue, Heronswood stand-alone or complementary venue and other events requiring a spacious and beyond. The meeting space is completely Garden, providing meeting planners with space. The botanical gardens, filled with Grand Ballroom & Hotel open venue. customizable, and delicious catering is multiple options for an event. exotic plants gathered by globe-trotting RENOVATED 1920S VINTAGE On the second floor, the Parkview also available through the hotel. The architecture, interior and horticulturist, Dan Hinkley, has three Terrace wraps around the side and back The Hotel RL brand within Red HOTEL AND BALLROOM landscaping of the four-story Point Hotel distinct outdoor settings available for of the building to overlook the charming Lion Hotels focuses on capturing local Situated across the street from George is infused with Native design that begins ceremonies or receptions. downtown streets of Centralia. This elements and incorporating them into Washington Park in downtown Centralia, at the parking lot entrance with a steel Hinkley’s former home, located outdoor space, boasting iron railings and the hotel. The local feel is definitely Washington, the Centralia Square sculpture of standing paddles, a symbol in the middle of the property, has umbrella tables, sets the stage for garden evident throughout the hotel rooms, as Grand Ballroom & Hotel offers guests signifying welcome in S’Klallam culture. been remodeled for use as a wedding parties reminiscent of a lost era. The there are many wood features, black and comfortable amenities in a vintage event staff will ensure a memorable The building’s low-lying wood and meeting space. The main room, 1,200-square-foot terrace holds 49 people. WASHINGTON white wallpaper and nature photography setting. For the 2014 renovation, the event in the perfect setting with » exterior, surrounded by Northwest overlooking a lushly landscaped garden, The downstairs east and west Hotel RL Spokane that truly bring the outdoors in. Each of owners utilized quality materials to unparalleled service. landscaping, was inspired by the tribe’s can seat 15 to 20 people with additional banquet halls can be joined together to the 400 guest rooms is equipped with RL refurbish the facility. Their goal was The Olympic not only provides an at the Park House of Knowledge, its first longhouse informal seating located throughout the offer a large space of 1,600-square-feet, signature pillow-top beds, complimentary to restore the building’s decor and Fairmont Olympic Hotel exceptional place for its guests to stay, built in the last 100 years. The newly one-story house. It’s a striking setting for accommodating up to 120 people. The CASUAL INLAND NORTHWEST WiFi and extra-large flat screen TVs. architectural details to be reminiscent of STYLISH ELEGANCE IN THE but also offers great fine dining and a completed outdoor Spindle Whorl a board retreat or small meeting. two halls can be used separately with VIBE AND FUN ATMOSPHERE Guests can also take advantage of the 1920s. The Grand Ballroom & Hotel CENTER OF SEATTLE stunning meeting space for numerous Walk into the Hotel RL Spokane at the Courtyard features an expansive terrace The uniquely designed Point Hotel radiates the charm and exuberance each room holding 60. Parking is free in » the mobile express check-in/check-out Seattle’s premier hotel looks to take event possibilities. Featuring a AAA 4 embedded with a concrete design and Heronswood are located ten minutes the large lot behind the hotel. Park in Spokane, Washington, and you’ll service, an exclusive guest app, same-day of the Roaring Twenties paired with classic sophistication into the modern diamond restaurant, The Georgian is an portraying two whales and five story from the Kingston Ferry on scenic Kitsap The hotel with 16 guest rooms sits in a wonder if you are actually in a hotel. As valet laundry service, a coffee bar, indoor modern-day conveniences such as indoor day. Built in 1924, the Fairmont Olympic elegant French restaurant that utilizes poles carved by Northwest tribal artists Peninsula. BY ANN RANDALL quiet section of town. Bathroom facilities you enter through the glass doors and and outdoor pools and custom cruiser electricity, plumbing and WiFi. Hotel in Seattle has offered a level of local ingredients to create delicious Inside, Native art is everywhere from vary between rooms, some having marble step into the lobby, you’ll be face to face bike rentals to check out Spokane’s The formal and sophisticated class and elegance that is rare to come Northwest inspired dishes. Not feeling the red whale carving behind the lobby CONNECT showers, and others having claw-foot with a large wooden bleacher set-up that beautiful downtown. Riverfront Park, 2,800-square-foot grand ballroom across nowadays. Located on University hungry? Stop by the Georgian for some is adorned with funky throw pillows of desk and the nearby tribal archive display Ian R. Hay, director of marketing accommodates up to 300 people. The tubs. TVs are non-existent in rooms, Spokane’s iconic 100-acre park, is steps 360-340-9700 Street in downtown Seattle, the Olympic afternoon tea instead. numerous shapes and sizes. to the photographs and art on the walls high ceilings with antique crown molding giving guests the opportunity to step back away from the Hotel RL as well as a the-point-casino.com is in the heart of the city’s action. Guests The Olympic’s second restaurant, The Living Stage, as the Hotel RL of the 85 king and double queen guest date back to a period of flamboyance and in time and participate in the long-lost will always have fun and entertaining Shuckers continues the hotel’s trend of myriad of local restaurants, unique shops, activities of reading, writing and pursuing calls it, was designed to be a hang-out and hot entertainment venues. adventures while staying at the hotel. providing exceptional dining experiences. and interactive space for hotel guests. the old-fashioned art of conversation. Seattle’s most historic and recognizable One of Seattle’s oldest oyster bars, The Hotel RL Spokane at the Park Berry Fields Cafe serves breakfast Live music, and TED-style talks take provides a unique hotel experience hotel never fails to live up to its illustrious furnished and themed similarly as the place in front of the massive seating and lunch, and The Branch Bar & legacy. With new rooms and corridors, haberdashery it once was, Shuckers that truly captures the heart of the Public Room is open for happy hour as well as an updated gym, the Olympic reminds guests of earlier times. Shuckers’ and dinner. Both restaurants cater, but always looks to offer the premier hotel daily menu features an array of local fish, Hotel © The Point event planners are free to hire any food experience for all of its guests. and seafood, along with serving local services contractor. For large events, look no further artesian microbrews. Shuckers excels at Centralia is centrally located halfway © Hotel RL © Hotel than the Olympic’s meeting and event utilizing the best of what the Northwest between Seattle, Washington, and space. Whether you’re looking to plan a has to offer and includes it all into a Portland, Oregon, offering an eclectic business meeting, a fundraising event or premier dining experience. array of activities both inside and a dream wedding, the 25,000 square feet Whether you’re looking for a place out. Exceptional dining and museum of space can accommodate any event to stay, eat, or hold your company’s next opportunities abound in both cities, while still managing to provide the classy big event, the Fairmont Olympic Hotel and outdoor options include visiting and unique atmosphere that has made provides its guest with exceptionally Mt. Rainier, Mt. St. Helens, and even the the Olympic so well known. unique and classy experiences and has beach, which is only a 90-minute drive The hotel’s 15 meeting and event done so for over 90 years. Take your next away. According to owners Neil and Jodi spaces range from the 5,123-square-foot event to another level and plan it at the White, the Central Square Grand Ballroom Spanish Ballroom, with a capacity of 750, Olympic in Seattle. BY GARRETT JOHNSON & Hotel offers “downtown elegance and to the intimate Cabinet Room that holds small-town prices.” BY TRACY BEARD ten. The variety of rooms allows groups CONNECT maximum flexibility. Victoria Dyson, director of sales and CONNECT The Olympic’s staff aims to please marketing Neil and Jodi White, owners each of its guest’s wants, and that 206-621-1700 360 807-1212 continues with large events. With over [email protected] [email protected] fairmont.com/seattle 90 years of experience, the Olympic’s centraliasquare.com

36 » October / November ‘17 meetingnewsnw.com Meeting News Northwest October / November ‘17 » 37 Stay Local Stay Local » says Holt. The hotel provides the latest event location whether your group is Additional rooms include the Royal Mark Spencer Hotel in basic audiovisual equipment. If your looking for energetic recreational action Oak Room, accommodating up to 250 group has more extensive technological or prefers a more relaxed activity. The and The Lake View Room with space for CULTURED STYLE AND needs, the hotel’s staff can arrange for Hilton Garden Inn Boise Spectrum puts up to 225. These rooms, along with the MODERN DÉCOR ATTRACTS local suppliers to bring in the necessary you in easy reach of a range of outdoor intimate Executive Boardroom, offer MEETINGS AND EVENTS equipment. Complimentary WiFi is activities including golf, rafting, skiing and the flexibility to host a large conference © Neuman Hotel Group © Neuman Hotel Recent renovations have transformed available throughout the facility. biking. Downtown Boise’s arts, cultural and with breakout sessions or serve smaller Portland, Oregon’s, Mark Spencer Hotel The Mark Spencer’s 101 newly entertainment options are also close by. groups. All conference rooms have into a contemporary masterpiece. refurbished guest rooms are stylish The hotel is situated along I-84 complete audiovisual capabilities and Luxurious modern amenities compliment and comfortable. Artwork by local offering easy access to anywhere in the complimentary WiFi is available. the architecture of one of the city’s artists graces the common areas and region. Boise Airport is a five-minute drive With 59 guest rooms and suites, the historic hotels. guest rooms giving each room a unique away and the hotel provides a 24-hour hotel can serve as the headquarters “The Mark Spencer Hotel is proud of ambience. Many rooms feature kitchens shuttle service for guests traveling by air. hotel for a conference, or accommodate © Best Western Plus Burley Inn & Convention Center Plus Burley Inn & Convention © Best Western being known as Portland’s hotel to the and are ideal for longer stays. meeting attendees who wish to spend arts. We are the home away from home The Mark Spencer is located only a CONNECT a few extra days exploring the region. for many members of the entertainment block from Powell’s Books, Portland’s Carrie Massey, director of sales Larger groups will find several additional community,” says Charles Holt, general landmark book store, and it is only a 208-376-1000 lodging options in the vicinity. Guests manager. The convenient location, short walk to the city’s vibrant Pearl [email protected] at the hotel can take advantage of the hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com close to Portland’s cultural district and District. Steps away from Portland’s complimentary hot breakfast, and the within walking distance of some of the MAX light rail and the Portland Streetcar, on-site restaurant, Hub 406 Bistro, is city’s best shopping and dining, makes the hotel provides easy access to all of convenient for dinner. including the Executive Stardust Suite this an attractive venue for a corporate Portland’s cultural, entertainment, dining allowing groups to select a dining The 6,965 square feet of meeting and Kalispell and the Flathead Valley OREGON that features a sunken bar, offer premier MONTANA meeting, training session, conference or and recreation attractions. atmosphere to match their mood. event space includes six flexible function offer an abundance of activities for accommodations for executives and are social function. The hotel’s 124 guest rooms offer areas. The Garden Room, at 2,924 square team building or post-conference well-suited for an intimate retreat or post- Ashland Hills The Mark Spencer offers 3,500 CONNECT all the modern amenities and provide feet, is the largest room. This room has Best Western Plus action. Flathead Lake is the center of conference reception. The venue offers square feet of function space. The activity for water-based fun, and nearby Becca Jones, sales manager a convenient home base for meeting a capacity of up to 300 in a theater-style » Hotel & Suites a continental breakfast for hotel guests, Nortonia Ballroom is the largest meeting Flathead Lake Inn » 503-265-4397 and event attendees coming from out setup or 220 for a reception. The room rivers offer excellent whitewater rafting complimentary WiFi and free parking. RETRO-MODERN HOTEL and event space. It can accommodate [email protected] of the area. Hotel guests can enjoy a can be divided into two sections for opportunities. Whether it is hiking in Home of the world-famous Oregon and Suites up to 220 guests in a theater-style markspencer.com complimentary hot breakfast. Located smaller groups or breakout sessions. the Bob Marshall Wilderness, a round IN SOUTHERN OREGON’S Shakespeare Festival, Ashland’s NEWLY RENOVATED HOTEL arrangement. The Nortonia can be onsite, a full-service restaurant and a The Les Bois Room, with a capacity of golf on one of the nearby courses or CULTURAL PARADISE picturesque park-like setting and divided into two sections to provide for cocktail lounge offer convenient dining of 50 theater-style and the Executive WITH CLASSIC MONTANA an afternoon of shopping in one of the With a 1970s retro-modern design, the walkable downtown make it easy and LODGE AMBIENCE Ashland Hills Hotel & Suites is the largest breakout sessions or to accommodate IDAHO possibilities, or visitors can sample the Boardroom that holds 20 in a classroom- region’s quaint towns, there are activities fun to explore. A night taking in one With the peaks of Glacier National hotel conference venue in Ashland, smaller groups. Floor-to-ceiling windows cuisine at one of the interesting nearby style arrangement are additional room for everyone. A day-trip excursion to of the many theatrical performances Park rising in the distance, Kalispell lies Oregon. Located in a peaceful, meadow- and stylish furnishings grace the spacious restaurants. options. The pre-function Foyer can Glacier National Park, only 45 minutes at the Shakespeare Festival will make at the heart of northwest Montana’s

like setting, the hotel is only three miles foyer, allowing for an impressive entry Best Western With Burley’s convenient location serve as the welcome and registration away, can be a thrilling group adventure.

a memorable group outing. A thriving wonderland of stunning scenery from Ashland’s historic center. The hotel into the ballroom. on the Snake River, water recreation area, and it can accommodate 60 guests Kalispell is a scenic three-hour drive restaurant scene, award-winning » and exhilarating recreation. The was built in 1973 and has been recently Adjacent to the Nortonia, the Board Plus Burley Inn & opportunities abound. Visitors can enjoy for a reception. The meeting rooms are from Missoula, Montana and a four-hour wineries and artisanal breweries offer area abounds with opportunities for renovated. The timeless design and Room holds up to 30 for a corporate water skiing, windsurfing, boating and equipped with the necessary audiovisual drive from Spokane, Washington. Event post-conference fun for visitors. Groups Convention Center meeting and event planners to offer an comfortable furnishings remain, while meeting or VIP reception. Additionally, a fishing without leaving the city. Farther equipment and the on-site catering attendees will appreciate the easy highway seeking recreation and team-building COUNTRY INN ATMOSPHERE unforgettable event in a special location. the hotel offers modern amenities that large, newly redesigned suite on the first afield, the Pomerelle Mountain Resort department can provide everything from access to the facility via U.S. 93 and the activities will find a variety of options ALONG IDAHO’S SNAKE RIVER With four event spaces comprising guests desire. floor can serve as the hospitality suite and Magic Mountain Ski & Summer a continental breakfast to break-time hotel offers free parking. Both the Missoula from hiking and cycling to water Located in the south central portion nearly 10,000 square feet of space, the The hotel offers more than 15,000 for a conference, and it is ideal for an Resort offer winter skiing and a variety of refreshments to a full banquet. International Airport and the Spokane adventures and winter recreation. of the state, Burley, Idaho, is home Best Western Plus Flathead Lake Inn and square feet of conference facilities intimate board meeting summer activities. With 137 guest rooms, the venue can International Airport offer regular service to the Best Western Plus Burley Inn Suites in Kalispell welcomes groups for that can accommodate groups from a “Groups are free to choose their own Centrally located along I-84, Burley is accommodate a multi-day conference or to a variety of Northwest cities. CONNECT & Convention Center. With a newly conferences, retreats, banquets and social business meeting of 16 to a reception catering services; however, we can help easily accessible from all directions. It is serve as home base for attendees who Gina DuQueene, regional senior sales renovated Convention Center and occasions. The Grand Ballroom, at 5,000 for 650. The 6,600-square-foot Grand them if they prefer. We have relationships just over a two-and-one-half-hour drive want to spend a few extra days exploring CONNECT manager recently refreshed guest rooms, the square feet, is the venue’s largest event Ballroom, with a capacity of 560 guests with some of Portland’s best caterers, so from Boise, Idaho, or Salt Lake City, Utah. the region. Complimentary WiFi is Scott Rieke, owner and general manager 541-488-7389 venue offers a comfortable setting for space. The room can accommodate 550 in a theater-style arrangement, features [email protected] we can connect them with the perfect available throughout the facility and 406-857-2400 any meeting or event. guests in a theater-style arrangement or [email protected] a dramatic vaulted ceiling and can be ashlandhillshotel.com catering service to meet their needs,” CONNECT parking is free. The facility features a variety of 460 in a classroom setup. bestwesternflatheadlake.com divided into three smaller spaces. Diane Newman sales director Boise is an attractive meeting and meeting and event spaces totaling Additional ballrooms, the Cosmos 208-678-3501 more than 10,000 square feet. The and the Galaxy, provide added meeting [email protected] 6,720-square-foot Convention Center burleyinn.com options for groups. The flexibility of the is ideal for a large conference or trade rooms allows a variety of spaces for show. The room can accommodate 600 breakout sessions, meals and receptions.

© Darius Kuzmickas guests in a theater-style arrangement and Two boardrooms, located on the upper Hilton Garden Inn 440 for a banquet. level, provide a private setting for a small Smaller rooms such as the Minidoka Boise Spectrum corporate meeting or board retreat. I and II rooms that each hold up to 100 MODERN VENUE IN A Featuring a starlit bar, fireplace seating offer the flexibility to conduct breakout CONVENIENT LOCATION and access to a spacious deck, the Stardust sessions. The Cassia I and II Rooms, Located in the heart of Boise’s Lounge is the hotel’s newest event space. each with a capacity of 80, fit the bill for entertainment district, the Hilton Garden The Lounge can accommodate up to corporate training session or seminar. Inn Boise Spectrum provides a handy 150 guests and is ideal for a banquet Additional rooms and a large foyer location for a meeting or event in the Inn and Suites Plus Flathead Lake © Best Western or reception. The full-service catering provide the flexibility for any meeting or Idaho capital city. The facility offers department can provide everything from event setup. an abundance of nearby shopping, break-time refreshments to a full dinner The hotel offers a business center, dining and entertainment options, and service. The latest in audiovisual equipment audiovisual support for groups, it is an easy 10-minute drive to the and support is available. complimentary WiFi and free parking, center of Boise. Whether it is a small The hotel’s 148 modern and spacious making it easy for planners to conduct conference, a training session, a seminar guest rooms are located in a separate a successful meeting or event. A variety or special banquet, the flexible space can wing of the hotel from the conference of off-site catering options are available, accommodate your group. facilities. Several specialty suites,

38 » October / November ‘17 meetingnewsnw.com Meeting News Northwest October / November ‘17 » 39 FOCUS ON SUPPLIERS Starline Luxury Coaches Providing Transportation Solutions for Meeting and Event Planners

Whether it is a large conference or a small board meeting, there are a multitude of details that planners must keep within their range of vision. Among the many logistical issues that must be considered is transportation. How will attendees get to the venue? Are portions of the event located off-site? One answer to these questions is to hire a transportation company. Photos © Starline Luxury Coaches Photos Since 1998, Seattle-based Starline Luxury Coaches has been providing a variety of transportation services for meetings and events. Whether you are taking 15 to a luncheon or 350 for a team-building excursion, Starline has fully-equipped coaches to meet your needs. For corporate groups, the meeting attendees can spend their time relaxing and preparing for the event rather than fighting traffic to get to the venue. Many coaches are equipped with 110-volt a/c power, WiFi and audiovisual equipment, so the group can get down to business in comfort as they travel to their destination. You can bring food and drink on the buses, and the larger vehicles are equipped with restrooms. Team bonding activities can begin on the bus. There is no need to wait until everyone has arrived at the venue. For a conference that includes off-site excursions, providing group transportation means participants will get to the corrrect location at the same time. Conference shuttles that bring attendees from off-site parking lots or hotels to the event site make the planners’ and attendees’ lives much easier. Starline’s coaches range in size from a 16-passenger mini-coach to a 56-passenger luxury coach, giving planners the ability to match the size of the coach to the size of the group. Starlight offers a variety of special group excursions in addition to the traditional transportation services. Wine tours can take groups to a selection of more than 50 vineyards throughout the Seattle area, including the celebrated wineries in Woodinville, and on Bainbridge and Vashon Islands. Winter ski shuttles make getting your group to the slopes an easy affair. The company also offers specialized sightseeing tours that are tailored to your group’s interests. “We take pride in providing safe, reliable transportation for our customers,” says Shelly Hilt, director of sales. Starline provides transportation services for meeting and event planners, serving a variety of Washington cities, including Seattle, Yakima, Wenatchee, Tri-Cities, Spokane and Pullman.

CONNECT Shelly Hilt, director of sales 206-763-5817 [email protected] discoverstarline.com

40 » October / November ‘17 meetingnewsnw.com TULALIPIS MIXING BUSINESS WITH PLEASURE.

Transform your meeting into an unforgettable event. Discover unrivaled luxury and flexible meeting spaces with state-of-the-art facilities - This is My Tulalip.

30 MINUTES NORTH OF SEATTLE 888.272.1111 | TULALIPCASINO.COM