Northwest Meetings + Events Fall 2019

Grapes Galore Willamette Valley wineries please planners and palates {30}

MEETINGSMAGS.COM

//

FALL

2019

Best of 2019 41 categories including

BEST CONVENTION/CONFERENCE VENUE, ENTERTAINMENT PROVIDER, HOTEL WITH MEETING/EVENT SPACE, WINERY/ BREWERY/DISTILLERY and more in our 5 areas of coverage

PLUS! Meet the 3 industry veterans in this year’s Hall of Influencers {49}

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Port Ludlow

THE RESORT AT

What an amazing retreat - we all enjoyed ourselves so much. It was exactly what we envisioned. The rooms were lovely, the food scrumptious, and your staff attentive. We especially appreciated having the Andrews Suite meeting room- it was perfect for our meeting and team building activities. Thank you for rolling out the red carpet! We all left saying “oh yeah - we’ll be back”!! ~ Seattle based Accounting Firm

CORPORATE RETREATS • BOARD MEETINGS • CONFERENCES

Enjoy one of the Northwest’s most spectacular settings for your next off-site meeting, retreat, or conference.

Our meeting rooms feature large windows for outstanding views of Ludlow Bay and the Olympic Mountains.

Savor farm-to-table meals at The Fireside, play a round of golf at the 18-hole championship golf course, or get out on the water in a kayak or stand-up paddle board and enjoy all Port Ludlow has to offer. · First floor meeting spaces perfect for groups up to 50 · Complimentary WiFi · 80” touch screen Sharp Interactive Smartboard · 30 miles of hiking trails · Customized team building opportunities · 37 room boutique waterfront Inn · Rooms equipped with cozy gas fireplace and jetted soaking tub · Less than 2 hours from Seattle or 15 minutes by float plane · Visit website to see 3D views of our meeting spaces.

PORT LUDLOW WASHINGTON

www.PortLudlowResort.com/Groups | 1.888.510.7201 | groupsales@portludlowresort.com

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Congratulations to the Best of 2019 Award finalists.

206-694-5060 or sales@wscc.com www.wscc.com

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/WashingtonStateConventionCenter

@WAConvention

9/19/2019 3:19:28 PM

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Fall 2019

I a s s a T O m m S s f t

NORTHWEST MEETINGS + EVENTS MAGAZINE: IN THIS ISSUE

SALISH LODGE & SPA FEATURES

37

F O 1 a b y

Best of 2019

Here’s to the best of 2019—and to your next event! By Sheila Mickool

49

C F c a

Hall of Influencers This year’s three inductees into our annual Hall of Influencers are the brains behind our region’s most spectacular events and joyful celebrations. By Teresa Kenney

DEPARTMENTS 8 EDITOR’S LETTER 26 TABLESCAPE PJ Hummel brings travel to the table. By Julie Scagell

64 PEOPLE PROFILE Hyatt Regency Seattle’s Danielle Boyles finds herself at home in Seattle. By Teresa Kenney

P H O T O : S A L I S H L O D G E & S PA

30 DESTINATION From wineries to extraordinary venues, Willamette Valley is the ultimate meeting and event destination. By Julie Kendrick

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Inviting you to come enjoy the views at Deschutes Expo Center and stay to play in the heart of Central Oregon! Our 320-acre site features spaces for events of all sizes and sunny views of seven mountain peaks—promising an unforgettable event atmosphere!

Three Sisters Conference Center Our three main halls are named after the three beautiful mountains in our panorama. With 114,000 square feet of meeting space surrounded by 10 breakout rooms, our Three Sisters Conference Center can accommodate a wide range and size of events and banquets, while providing customized functionality. Each hall features built-in audiovisual and Wi-Fi to make these spaces transformable to your designs.

First Interstate Bank Event Center Our flexible 80,000 square foot indoor venue offers over 10,000 seat capacity and room for 280 booth spaces. The arena and stages are equipped with audiovisual and broadcast features, all presenting a space easily tailored to your specifications.

200,000 sq. ft.

 Meeting space: 114,000 sq. ft., with

10 breakout rooms

 Banquet & reception capacity: 25-2,000  Highly rated in-house Catering &

Concessions

 Region-wide lodging inventory:

7,555 rooms

 On-site full service Expo RV Park  Neighboring the regional airport  Non-profit & Government discounts

Located in the Heart of Central Oregon!

EXPO.DESCHUTES.ORG 541-548-2711 REDMOND, OREGON

P H O T O : S A L I S H L O D G E & S PA

Catering & Concessions From Garden to Table: our on-site catering and concessions are dedicated to providing exceptional quality for all events. Customize your menu with us!

 Indoor multipurpose event space:

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Fall

2019 MEETING NOTES 15 MEET SMART Three wearable gadgets designed to elevate attendee engagement. By Kassidy Tarala 16 SIGNATURE DRINK Shore Lodge introduces the fresh and refreshing Huckletini.

18

16 20

16 CVB SPOTLIGHT Get to Know Salem, Oregon 17 TEAM-BUILDING One Boise hotel has perfected the art of the meeting.

18 CSR Charity begins in the cellar.

20 HOTELS Keeping Portland weird at Woodlark & The Heathman Hotel 22 FAM RECAP Hyatt Regency Seattle makes room for more events and meetings in downtown Seattle.

54 INFOGRAPHIC “Room Block of the Future” reveals booking trends of large-scale, urban convention attendees. Research courtesy of Kalibri Labs and Prism Advisory Group; funded by PCMA Foundation, NYC & Company and Hilton

56 REGIONAL NEWS What’s happening in the local community. Compiled by

Grapes Galore Willamette Valley wineries please planners and palates {30}

ON THE COVER

MEETINGSMAGS.COM

//

Willamette Valley Vineyards at dusk.

FALL

2019

Teresa Kenney

Photo by Andrea Johnson

Best of 2019 41 categories including

BEST CONVENTION/CONFERENCE VENUE, ENTERTAINMENT PROVIDER, HOTEL WITH MEETING/EVENT SPACE, WINERY/ BREWERY/DISTILLERY and more in our 5 areas of coverage

PLUS! Meet the 3 industry veterans in this year’s Hall of Influencers {49}

A former car showroom now showcases spectacular events. pg 19

62 SNAPSHOTS Greater Seattle NACE Rocks the Block

P H OTO S : D E L L A C H E N P H OTO ; S H O R E LO D G E ; P R OV E N A N C E H OT E L S ; R I C H A R D S S T U D I O

INDUSTRY UPDATE

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COME FOR BUSINESS, STAY FOR THE REWARDS

P H OTO S : D E L L A C H E N P H OTO ; S H O R E LO D G E ; P R OV E N A N C E H OT E L S ; R I C H A R D S S T U D I O

“It’s easy to see why the Spokane Convention Center is a finalist in the ‘Best Convention and Meeting Spaces’ category. Visit the website below to learn how to earn big rewards when booking your next event at the Spokane Convention Center.”

Ben, The Marmot

Go to SpokaneItsAboutTime.com for more information

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EDITOR'S LETTER

It’s an Honor IT’S A REFRAIN HEARD OFTEN AROUND AWARDS SEASON: “It’s an honor just to be

Teresa Kenney, editor TERESA.KENNEY@TIGEROAK.COM

nominated.” Some may find it cliché, but when it comes to Northwest Meetings + Events Best of 2019 readers’ choice awards, it actually is an honor to be nominated. It means that your colleagues and clients have taken the time to express their gratitude for your work on their behalf.

This is our 10th year of celebrating the best of our region’s vendors, planners and venues. The original list has been tweaked a few times—some of the original categories have been replaced with others. That’s only because of limited page space, not desire. If we had our way, we would honor every segment of our industry. The work you do for your clients and the community is invaluable. Regardless of whether you’re designing the décor, providing the event space, planning the program or documenting the occasion, you all do your part to help people connect, create and communicate. For this year’s winners and runners-up, flip to page 37 for contributing writer Sheila Mickool’s annual rundown.

While we may have been celebrating our readers’ choice for a decade, last year was the first year we honored our Hall of Influencers. This year’s three additions are the brains—and more often than not—the brawn behind some of the Pacific Northwest’s most iconic festivals. I say “brawn,” because these three individuals are not above rolling up their sleeves and helping to get the nittygritty of an event’s to-do list done. Check out this year’s inductees on page 49.

Also be sure to read our Destination article on Willamette Valley. Oregon’s wine country has plenty of wineries to choose from as event settings, but the area also has a number of extraordinary and out-of-the-ordinary venues, as well. Writer Julie Kendrick breaks it down for you on page 30.

This past year has seen some exciting and dramatic changes in the hospitality industry in Seattle. The Pacific Northwest’s largest hotel—Hyatt Regency Seattle—opened last December. I was lucky enough to score a stay at the hotel, and I share my experience on page 22. I also met the hotel’s director of sales and marketing, Danielle Boyles. I profile her journey in our industry on page 64. While checking out the new Hyatt, I was able to take a hard-hat tour of the construction site of the Summit—the much-anticipated expansion of the Washington State Convention Center.

Suffice it to say, when it comes to growing its meetings and events opportunities, Seattle is just getting started.

Your spending a little of your valuable time with Northwest Meetings + Events is truly an honor for me. Please feel free to reach out to me with any story ideas, company news or just to say hello.

You can email me at Teresa.Kenney@tigeroak.com.

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• Largest convention center east of the Cascades, with room for groups with up to 1,600 guests • Variety of room sizes to fit every need • Silver LEED Certified convention center • 41,000 square feet of flexible indoor space • Ideal Central Oregon location overlooking the Deschutes River • Combines the dramatic natural beauty of Bend with the Northwest contemporary style

CALL NOW FOR A PROMOTIONAL OFFER* 855.798.5811 | RIVERHOUSE.com *For new business booked and consumed in 2019 only. Subject to availability.

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T

FALL 2019

OUR E-NEWSLETTER

AT your FINGERTIPS. CALENDAR EVENTS -----------LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS -----------PEOPLE NEWS

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Tap dancing.

I think it could really spruce up my interviewing process.

EDITOR

Public speaking

Teresa Kenney

To speak fluent Morgan Halaska Italian Megan Gosch Kassidy Tarala Julianna Fazio Julie Kendrick, Sheila Mickool, Julie Scagell Megan Ekstrand, Sophie Jonsson

MANAGING EDITOR SENIOR EDITOR ASSOCIATE EDITOR DIGITAL CONTENT EDITOR CONTRIBUTING WRITERS EDITORIAL INTERNS

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Stuart Butler, Butler Seattle • Lisa Dupar, Dupar & Company • Audrey Fan, eVenues Dennis Galloway, Semiahmoo Resort, Golf and Spa • Jennifer Giansante, Bridgewood Event Rentals Melissa Jurcan, CSEP, Seafair • Michael Noesen, pointb • Dwayne Thomas, Greenlight Creative Shelly Tolo, Tolo Events • Sheri Harbour de Vos, Ron Tonkin Gran Tarismo

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10 NWM+E | FALL 2019

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TULALIP SUCCESS IS BUSINESS MIXED

WITH PLEASURE Indulge in Washington’s premier AAA Four-Diamond resort with eight restaurants, a luxurious spa and world-class shopping.

3 3 M I L E S N O R T H O F S E AT T L E

888.272.1111 | T U L A L I P CAS I N O.CO M

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meet in seattle’s

backyard

HOST AN UNFORGETTABLE EVENT AT THE DES MOINES BEACH PARK IN DES MOINES, WA.

Make your next meeting a great one, here in Seattle Southside. Just south of downtown Seattle, our area offers fantastic convenience and value. Your attendees will be close to the airport and an easy light rail ride to the city. Plus, you’ll find a wide range of facilities and all the amenities you want, for more affordable prices.

To make sure your event is a success, we provide complimentary, personalized, concierge-style service. Download our free Events Guide at MeetInSeattleSouthside.com

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Business Meetings • Conferences • Social Events • Destination Management • Retreats • Board Meetings •

E L E VAT E Y O U R N E X T E V E N T Viva! Events specializes in custom one-of-a-kind experiences

www.viva-consult.com Celebrating 13 years as a successful, woman-owned, Oregon-based business!

PORTLAND | EUGENE | BEND | MT. HOOD | WILLAMETTE VALLEY | COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE WBE/ESB & ADMEI Certified

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COME FOR THE MEETING

STAY FOR THE AURORA Learn more at VisitAnchorage.net/meetings

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PRODUCTS, PLACES & INSPIRATION

Meeting Notes SIGNATURE DRINK 16

CVB SPOTLIGHT 16

FLASHBACK 19

HOTEL SPOTLIGHT 22

klik badge

MEET SMART

P H O T O S : AV E N T R I , E X P E R I E N T, C R Y S TA L I N T E R A C T I V E

Try these wearable gadgets to elevate attendee engagement.

The moment a meeting attendee walks through the door, they should feel engaged.

Whether they’re looking for educational sessions to attend, in search of networking opportunities or just want more information about others in the industry, attendees need to be equipped to make the most of the meeting.

From badges to buttons, here are some wearable technology products to make your next event as smart as your attendees.

AV E N T R I S M A R T TA G

Dubbed the “attendee’s digital business card,” the Aventri Smart Tag allows attendees to connect with others via Bluetooth technology. Meeting attendees can virtually exchange contact information, share marketing materials, and record connections they make, sessions they attend and exhibitors they visit.

EVENTBIT

To personalize large events, show organizers can record data to understand what attendees are and are not engaging with on the show floor. When attendees wear eventBit technology, exhibit sales staff can record traffic flow, marketers can understand attendee engagement and personalize messaging, and educators can gauge what sessions are popular with what types of attendees.

KLIK

With a badge, wristband and button, klik has something for everyone’s event experience.

Once an attendee has chosen one of klik’s wearables, they can begin exchanging digital contact information and engaging with digitized event materials, such as exhibitor infor-

mation or presentation slides. For planners, klik streamlines event registration, programming, networking, location services, attendee tracking and gamification on one event engagement platform. —Kassidy Tarala

Get Connected AVENTRI SMART TAG aventri.com/products/smart-tag EVENTBIT eventbit.experient-inc.com KLIK crystalinteractive.net/event-technology/ smart-wearables

NW.MEETINGSMAGS.COM

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PRODUCTS, PLACES & INSPIRATION

SIGNATURE DRINK»

Taylor Nissen, Shore Lodge’s sommelier and beverage program assistant manager, suggests using fresh huckleberries macerated in a little sugar when making the hotel’s famed Huckletini. “This tends to ripen the berries and juice them a bit, perfect for making drinks. When it gets a little warmer, you can find them all around Payette Lake [in McCall, Idaho]. Everyone has their little spots.

Ponderosa Park is great for this, too,” says Nissen. shorelodge.com INGREDIENTS —2 oz. 44 North Huckleberry Vodka —½ oz. Cointreau —1 teaspoon huckleberry juice —1 teaspoon huckleberries —¼ oz. lime juice —dash of simple syrup INSTRUCTIONS In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine vodka, Cointreau, huckleberries and lime juice. Cover and shake vigorously for 15 seconds.

Strain into a martini glass and garnish with a lime wheel and a scoop of huckleberries.

Riverfront Carousel

Bentley’s Grill

CVB SPOTLIGHT»

Get to Know Salem, Oregon

O

riginally from Oregon’s Rogue River Valley, Debbie McCune, director of sales for Travel Salem, relocated to her new hometown when her son was young. In fact, the city’s kid-friendliness is one of the things that attracted her.

“I love that Salem is a family-friendly place to raise your kids, and there are a ton of things to do. Some of my favorite kid-friendly spots are the Gilbert House Children’s Museum, Salem’s Riverfront Carousel, The Kroc Center, Enchanted Forest and The Oregon Garden,” says McCune. “Not to mention we have the Willamette River, which runs straight through our city. With Wallace Marine Park Sports Complex on one side of the river, Riverfront Park on the other (blending into the Minto-Brown Island Park) and walking bridges unifying the two sides, there’s an abundance of beautiful public space.”

One of her favorite things to do in the city is to explore its dining options. “There is something for anyone’s taste, from the collective of food trucks at The Yard Food Park to the Northwest-inspired cuisine at Bentley’s Grill or an extravagant dessert

from Sweet Smith, Salem’s list of great eateries is always growing,” notes McCune.

All the better to sate the appetites of delegates, hungry after a day of meetings spent in some of the city’s 450,000 square feet of meeting space, which includes the 30,000-square-foot award-winning, EarthWISE-certified Salem Oregon Convention Center. Salem also offers 2,140 hotel rooms, with another 1,000 within 30 minutes of the city.

Here are McCune’s top three things meeting and event planners should know about Salem: » Salem is centrally located in the beautiful Willamette Valley in the heart of wine country. In 2016, Wine Enthusiast magazine named Willamette Valley its “Wine Region of the Year.” » Oregon has no sales tax (shopping spree, anyone?). » Parking at the Salem Convention Center is free.

Get Connected TRAVEL SALEM | travelsalem.com

P H OTO S : S H O R E LO D G E ; I S TO C K .CO M / @ G A RYS F R P ; R O N CO O P E R ; T H E G R A N D H OT E L ; ( O P P O S I T E ) A B B E Y R O A D FA R M

Huckletini

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P H OTO S : S H O R E LO D G E ; I S TO C K .CO M / @ G A RYS F R P ; R O N CO O P E R ; T H E G R A N D H OT E L ; ( O P P O S I T E ) A B B E Y R O A D FA R M

RENOVATION»

SADDLE UP TO A NEW EVENTS VENUE Abbey Road Farm has transformed its former horse arena into a rustically chic 860-square-foot tasting room. The space includes a standing bar bedecked in turquoise siding reclaimed from the horse arena, comfortable velvet and leather upholstered sofas, and three sets of French doors that open onto a patio overlooking the property.

Located in Carlton, Oregon, Abbey Road can accommodate groups of up to 200 for a private indoor event. The property features five guest suites located in refurbished grain silos, a three-bedroom guest ranch house, a meeting and conference venue, a winery and tasting room, and a working farm, complete with donkeys, chickens, goats, ducks, llamas and alpacas. abbeyroadfarm.com

ROAD TRIP ADVENTURES

W E S U P P LY T H E J O U R N E Y, T H E D EST I N AT I O N & T H E B O N D I N G ACT I VI T Y

TEAM-BUILDING»

ARTFUL GATHERINGS INN AT 500 CAPITOL OFFERS BUILT-IN CREATIVITY FOR YOUR NEXT MEETING OR EVENT. Boise, Idaho’s Inn at 500 Capitol is connecting its guests to local artists. The hotel has transformed its lobby into an evolving gallery of artwork where artists can display and sell their work, commission-free. The exhibitions are created, launched and marketed by curator interns from Boise State University.

The art has generated so much interest that the hotel is including “now on display” materials in the guest rooms to introduce the artists’ backgrounds and visions.

Currently, Inn at 500 Capitol has more than 500 pieces of local art displayed throughout the property. For small group team-building or post-meeting activities, the hotel can arrange private tours and painting workshops at the studios of Boise artists Jany Rae Seda or Karen Eastman. innat500.com

YO U COME BACK AS A TEAM

B U T L E R S E AT T L E . C O M 206.233.9233 TRANSPORTATION • VALET • WINE TOURS • EVENTS • NW EVENT SHOW

NW.MEETINGSMAGS.COM

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PRODUCTS, PLACES & INSPIRATION

CSR»

CHIPPY CATERING

Serve something your guests will yam. (OK, we’re all out of British slang for now.)

Bainbridge Island, Washington’s Proper Fish restaurant can now host and cater your next event. The establishment, which opened earlier this year, sources fish straight from the boat, using nothing but wild, sustainable, hook-and-line, organic Pacific cod. Chef and owner Harvey Wolff hails from London, and his restaurant is a more rooted version of his former Nosh Food Truck, which was once named Seattle’s “Best Fish and Chips.” The restaurant can be reserved for private events and can accommodate 60 seated. properfish.com

TINTE CELLARS SUPPORTS LOCAL NONPROFITS THROUGH DONATIONS, VOLUNTEERING AND MORE.

In 2018, co-owners and husband-and-wife team Tim Gamble and Teresa Spellman Gamble purchased Woodinville’s William Church and Cuillin Hills wineries, forming the umbrella brand Tinte Cellars. They also developed a unique giving program that supports four nonprofit organizations.

Through the program, 5 percent of all Tinte Cellars nonclub retail sales and 10 percent of all wine club sales are split equally between Mary’s Place, ArtsFund, Northwest Harvest and Child Mind Institute. For the first six months of 2019, Tinte Cellars’ donations totaled more than $35,400. The impact was immediately felt: Mary’s Place’s portion helped to move six homeless families into permanent housing.

In addition to donations from sales, Tinte Cellars is supporting the community through a broad array of programs and initiatives, such as in-kind donations and sponsorships, an employee-matching program, and an employee volunteer program. The brand also makes an annual donation (valued at $150 each) to wine club members’ charities of their choosing and sells works and goods from local artists, artisans and business partners in their tasting rooms, with a portion (10 percent) of every sale being donated to a nonprofit.

Tinte Cellars’ plans include a Seattle-area tasting room and event space for businesses and nonprofits. tintecellars.com

TOURS»

HOP ON, HOP OFF

Landsea Tours & Adventures introduces a new service product.

Vancouver, British Columbia’s Landsea Tours & Adventures now offers a new Hop On, Hop Off City Tour. The tour focuses on downtown Vancouver and Stanley Park and showcases the city’s distinct neighborhoods, including Gastown, Chinatown, Canada Place, The West End, Yaletown and Davie Street. Step-on guides provide commentaries throughout the journey with fun facts and trivia. vancouvertours.com

P H OTO S : P R O P E R F I S H ; T I N T E C E L L A R S ; L A N D S E A TO U R S & A DV E N T U R E S ; ( O P P O S I T E ) S U L L I VA N & S U L L I VA N S T U D I O S ; R I C H A R D S S T U D I O

TASTE»

Charity Begins in the Cellar

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P H OTO S : P R O P E R F I S H ; T I N T E C E L L A R S ; L A N D S E A TO U R S & A DV E N T U R E S ; ( O P P O S I T E ) S U L L I VA N & S U L L I VA N S T U D I O S ; R I C H A R D S S T U D I O

There’s a whole new look to meetings in Ketchum-Sun Valley!

FLASHBACK»

A Newer Model

A new modern twist to our historic mountain community

FORMER TACOMA CAR SHOWROOM WAS REIMAGINED INTO A STRIKING EVENT VENUE. At 1625 S. Tacoma Way, there is no more haggling, and tire kicking and looking under the hood are things of the past. The one-time address of a car showroom is now the home of a stunning event space: Historic 1625 Tacoma Place. The building was originally built in the late ’40s as a Dodge truck dealership, and over the years, other dealerships called it home, including Osborne McCann Cadillac. In 2005, the property was purchased by the current owners of Historic 1625 and transformed into an event venue.

Where the service bays once were, you’ll now find the Collector Car Showroom, a world-class collection of high-powered American cars. The collection can be a nice cocktail hour add-on for an event. The former showroom is now the 6,000-squarefoot event space and boasts brick walls and exposed beam ceilings. French doors dating back to the 1940s offer a grand entrance into the space, which can accommodate up to 350 guests. Additional amenities include free parking, tables and chairs for 200, banquet and bar tables, and rooms that can be used for coat checks, childcare or VIP pre-event lounges. historic1625tacomaplace.com

Luxury Hotel & Conference Facilities • Perfect for groups up to 120 Complimentary Breakfast Daily • Daily Happy Hour Specials Airport & Local Shuttle Services 151 S Main Street, Ketchum, ID 83333 | limelighthotels/ketchum | (208) 726-0888

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PRODUCTS, PLACES & INSPIRATION

Woodlark

The Heathman Hotel

PORTLAND HOTELS»

KEEPING PORTLAND WEIRD AT WOODLARK & THE HEATHMAN HOTEL Thoughtful touches and a focus on local goods and services make these two hotels distinctly Portland. B Y J U L I A N N A F A Z I O

In a city that prides itself on originality, meeting and event venues in Portland need to follow suit. Woodlark and The Heathman Hotel, two of Provenance Hotel’s six properties in the city, do not disappoint, providing a dramatic yet minimalistic vibe that is helping to usher in a new crop of visitors. ¶ “We’re seeing a shift to a more millennial, grown-up version of the city,” says Dana McMacken, director of sales. “People want a more fresh and

Woodlark Through its upscale guest rooms, versatile meeting spaces and curated amenities, Woodlark embodies everything there is to love about Portland.

Guests are greeted in the lobby with the city’s signature Good Coffee, complete with a coworking space for both hotel guests and locals looking for a communal coffee shop setting. The hotel has also partnered with Colibri, a collaboration between Beast’s Naomi Pomeroy and Expatriate’s Kyle Linden Webster, to bring in fresh flowers daily— which guests can take to their room or give as a gift. Custom arrangements can be created for meetings and events.

The meeting spaces are a breath of fresh air for planners. The four rooms offer a total of 2,160 square feet of versatile event space and feature a private entrance to bypass the hotel

lobby, Chromecast and catering provided by Bullard—the on-site restaurant where “Texas Meats Oregon.”

Abigail Hall, the recently renovated hotel bar, and some suites can also be used as meeting space. With 415 square feet of space with 15-foot ceilings, a lofted open bedroom, spiral staircase and elegant seating area below, the Loft Suites are ideal for small gatherings.

Custom matcha tea kits from Portland’s Smith Teamaker come in the rooms. And while the hotel can provide wine and snacks, groups have the option to bring in their own.

The Heathman Hotel Booklovers already love Portland for Powell’s Books, the world’s largest independent bookstore. With a brand-new library that holds a collection of 3,000 signed books and a partnership with Powell’s to provide a book with its

turndown service, The Heathman Hotel is a bookworm’s dream hotel.

Boasting 3,800 square feet of flexible meeting space on the mezzanine level, The Heathman Hotel can accommodate up to 200 guests for meetings, conferences and social gatherings. Double-glass windows keep the spaces—all named for Portland bridges— exceptionally quiet while displaying views of the bustling downtown.

The lobby pays a decorative homage to the Portland Penny, a Russian tea service complete with vodka flights and exclusive musical “pop up” performances available exclusively to hotel patrons. Furthermore, a rotation of local art, secret entrance to the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, catering by Headwaters and access to pints of the city’s famous Salt & Straw ice cream, help make The Heathman Hotel a true representation of Portland.

P H OTO S : P R OV E N A N C E H OT E L S

sophisticated destination—not Portlandia.”

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WIDE OPEN HOSPITALITY IN PENDLETON, OREGON ORGANIZING A CORPORATE RETREAT OR OFFSITE MEETING? Pendleton, Oregon is the idyllic location offering history, culture and hospitality aplenty. What this small town lacks in size, it makes up for in charm. Cozy rather than commercial, Pendleton’s Old West vibe offers a trip back in time—when life moved a bit more slowly and there was simplicity to daily living.

P H OTO S CO U R T E SY O F : P E N D L E TO N CO N V E N T I O N C E N T E R

P H OTO S : P R OV E N A N C E H OT E L S

SPONSORED CONTENT

Pendleton exudes a splendor and peacefulness all its own. Along with the beauty of nature’s handywork, the people here have a style and attitude that are quietly conducive to escaping big city life—be it for a weekend or longer. Pendleton beckons city dwellers and suburbanites eager to escape the hustle and bustle of daily living. Providing visitors with the chance to work and play, Pendleton exudes a sense of hospitality that is simply palpable— thanks to its residents who are eager to welcome visitors with open arms.

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Less than four hours from the region’s largest cities, Pendleton is adept at serving groups of all sizes thanks to its 1,200 lodging rooms, 50 restaurants, an array of unique shops and wealth of activities.

From the premier Pendleton RoundUp rodeo to Pendleton Bike Week to Pendleton Whisky Music Fest, the “safest town in Oregon” offers a unique, yet memorable getaway experience.

And while Pendleton has become a beacon of sorts for leisure travelers from around the region, more and more business travelers are turning their attention to this charming gem of a town—thanks in part to the Pendleton Convention Center.

Intimate and welcoming, the Pendleton Convention Center boasts a main hall of 12,000-square-feet and nine breakout rooms—offering the ideal space for everything from small meetings, to trade shows, to conferences of all sizes. In addition, the conference center’s team works closely with meeting and event planners to ensure all aspects of their event are a success.

As a year-round community of artisans and craftsmen, Pendleton also offers a wealth of opportunities for visitors to

Voted Safest City in Oregon by the Association of Police Chiefs.

enjoy many of the region’s handmade and heirloom quality products including woolen goods, handmade leather books, hats and jewelry.

Quite simply, Pendleton is where western tradition and history come alive, and where the classic rendezvous of cowboys and Indians lives on in the minds and hearts of locals and visitors alike. website: meetinpendleton.com phone number: 800-863-9358

BY THE NUMBERS 3 hours

4 hours

FROM SPOKANE, PORTLAND & BOISE

FROM SEATTLE & BEND

17,000 NUMBER OF HOTEL ROOMS: 1,200 NUMBER OF RESTAURANTS: 50 POPULATION:

12,000 sq. ft. 1,500 meals SIZE OF CONVENTION CENTER’S MAIN HALL

MAX SERVED IN THE CONVENTION CENTER

YEAR RODEO BEGAN:

1910

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HOTEL SPOTLIGHT»

MAKE ROOM

Seattle’s reputation as a meeting and event destination was further solidified with the opening of Hyatt Regency Seattle. B Y T E R E S A K E N N E Y I HAD BEEN CORRESPONDING with Danielle Boyles (see profile on page 64) for two years before I actually got a chance to meet her. In fact, the director of sales and marketing for Hyatt Regency Seattle had just come on board with the hotel when we first exchanged emails. At that time, the hotel was still a set of blueprints. Late last year, the much-anticipated property opened for business, and this past summer I finally had the pleasure of meeting Boyles face to face. I also was able to check out Hyatt Regency Seattle’s hospitality for myself. It did not disappoint.

Smack in the middle of all things downtown Seattle at 8th Avenue and Howell Street, the 45-story hotel is the largest in the Pacific Northwest with 1,260 guest rooms

and 103,000 square feet of meeting and event space. Despite these large numbers, the hotel feels quite intimate in its service and amenities. When I checked in, everyone from the

front desk to the valets to the concierge were warm and welcoming.

I was lucky enough to stay in one of the penthouses. The suite would have been the envy of downtown condominium owners, with views of the water and Space Needle and more than enough room to host a small group for a brainstorming session or evening predinner gathering.

That first afternoon, I had a meeting in the Deschutes Executive Boardroom which can seat up to 24. The space is spectacular and features an expansive outdoor deck. It wasn’t hard to imagine a post-meeting VIP reception overlooking the city from that perch.

Hyatt Regency Seattle’s meeting space encompasses three levels and includes two ballrooms with 19,000-plus square feet of space each, as well as two junior ballrooms.

Add to that eight pre-function spaces and 46 meeting rooms ranging in size from 600 to 1,900 square feet. The hotel also has three dining options: Seattle icon Daniel’s Broiler, the fast-casual Italian-style Andare and The Market, a 24-hour grab-and-go café. (Don’t let the grab-and-go descriptor fool you. The Market’s menu is from the chef at Andare and is equally delicious.)

While I was a guest at the hotel, the team at Hyatt Regency Seattle—Boyles, Kendra Anderson and Eric Pezley—set up a walking tour of another much-anticipated project: the Summit. The $1.8 billion expansion of the Washington State Convention Center is scheduled to open for business in 2022 and is across the street from the Hyatt. Our group donned hard hats and vests and joined Jeffrey Blosser, president and CEO of the convention center, on a look at construction activity. Once complete, the Summit will add 250,000 square feet of exhibition space, meeting rooms totaling 125,000 square feet and 60,000 square feet of ballroom space to downtown Seattle.

Big things are happening in Seattle—and thanks to the 1,260-room Hyatt Regency Seattle, the city has plenty of room.

Get Connected HYATT REGENCY SEATTLE hyatt.com | 206.973.1234

P H O T O S : TA G G A R T C O J A N S O R E N S E N

PRODUCTS, PLACES & INSPIRATION

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INTRODUCING A MEETINGS DESTINATION LIKE NOTHING ELSE. A brand new, state-of-the-art convention center featuring: 22,000 square-foot Cowlitz Ballroom.

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Located just steps away from the area’s premier gaming, dining and entertainment destination.

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P H O T O S : TA G G A R T C O J A N S O R E N S E N

Let’s Strategize

1 COWLITZ WAY, RIDGEFIELD, WA 98642

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We adore Events florally yours,

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Every meeting deserves memorable moments, and at Shore Lodge, our luxurious setting in the wilds of Western Idaho ensures the opportunities for key takeaways are plentiful.

Especially once you break out of the boardroom.

Spirited Meetings

Signature Moments

14 expertly-appointed venues afford you the perfect space for your needs. Host intimate meetings in a private dining room, deliver stunning presentations in a state-of-the-art theater with seating for 43, or hold more formal affairs in the scenic Upper and Lower Pavilions, with a capacity of 300.

Treat your team with a host of unparalleled Corporate Breaks that create unique opportunities for networking and socializing.

Enjoy a Whiskey Tasting Break, unwind with a Spa Wellness Break, have some fun with a Pub Trivia Game Night and more.

Book your next corporate meeting or event at Shore Lodge and strike the perfect balance between inspiration and aspiration.

Call 208.630.0231 or visit ShoreLodge.com/meetings

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P H OTO S :

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TABLESCAPE PARTS UNKNOWN

EQUAL PARTS ADVENTURE AND WHIMSY

PJ Hummel turns a local occasion into a national award-winning event.

BY JULIE SCAGELL PHOTOS BY R ACHELLE ER ICKSON

T

in Can Alley, a repurposed 100-year-old former tin can factory in Tacoma, Washington, offered the perfect backdrop for a “Parts Unknown”–themed event. The affair was honored with the prestigious “Meeting of the Year” award at the national NACE convention.

The building is also the world headquarters of PJ Hummel & Co. Owner PJ Hummel prides herself on creative brainstorming, exceptional product delivery and world-class execution for every event she hosts.

For those held in Tin Can Alley, a venue dedicated to “human connectivity,” planners have unlimited access to her collection of vintage design elements—not to mention her design magic.

The layout was designed to help attendees view the stage without having to turn around during the keynote speech. Designers left the front of the tables empty for unobstructed sightlines. Centerpieces—a mix of tapestries, Old World globes and travel books—were placed on vintage textile table runners with antique lamps lining the aisles.

The “Parts Unknown” menu showcased delicious global fare, including Thai vegetable curry and fresh shrimp spring rolls, all wrapped in a simple linen napkin tied with cotton cords. This innovative tablescape also would lend itself to a travel-, wanderlust- or culturalthemed event.

Get Connected Tables & Chairs: TIN CAN ALLEY | tincanalleytacoma.com | 253.272.6605

P H OTO S :

Flatware & Napkins: ACT 3 CATERING | act3catering.com | 425.251.9102 Candles & LED, Place Cards, Table Linens & Textile Runners: PJ HUMMEL & CO | info@pjhummel.com | 253.272.6605

NW.MEETINGSMAGS.COM

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DESTINATION WILLAMETTE VALLEY

WONDERS OF WILLAMETTE

Spectacular views, exceptional event spaces and world-class wines—what’s not to love?

BY JULIE KENDRICK

WITH MORE THAN 300 WINERIES, Oregon’s Willamette Valley has become a draw for oenophiles from all over the world. On the same latitude as Burgundy, France, the area is best known for pinot noir wines that are pro-

Willamette Valley Vineyards was founded in 1983.

Scott Ota, general manager and beverage director for San Antonio’s High Street Wine, recently brought a group to the area for touring and tasting. He notes, “It’s an amazing place with loads of potential. Oregon is perfectly situated to grow cooler-climate grape varieties. The influence of the Pacific and access to water, along with its northern lati-

tude, gives it a leg up on California. And with more reasonably priced land, Oregon offers better value for the dollar.”

Many of the region’s wineries have responded to the influx of visitors by creating event spaces and hiring dedicated events coordinators to attract and support meeting planners’ business. Looking for a more

traditional venue for your event? Willamette Valley has plenty of those as well. Consider the sustainably gorgeous and award-winning Salem Convention Center, for example, which offers 30,000 square feet of eco-friendly event space (for more on Salem, see page 16). Here’s a quick look at some of the area’s other top picks for events.

P H OTO : © A N D R E A J O H N S O N P H OTO G R A P H Y

duced with an eye to value and accessibility, and, in pure Oregon fashion, a decidedly down-to-earth vibe.

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BREAK FOR MINDFULNESS

Pushing pause during meetings recharges attendees

BY THE WATER

NEWBIES NO MORE

P H OTO : © A N D R E A J O H N S O N P H OTO G R A P H Y

G FORMER UP-AND-COMIN CATCH UP WITH (38) HALL OF FAME HONOREES

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ACTIVITIES BRING NONTRADITIONAL TOGETHER (45) PEOPLE CLOSER

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» trend reports on F&B, décor, team-building activities and technology » new venue spotlights » people profiles

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DESTINATION WILLAMETTE VALLEY

do tastings, events, meetings, team-building and client-focused hospitality here.” While the facility can hold quite a few participants, the winery also hosts more intimate events for just five to 10 guests. This fall, the winery is opening a wine bar in the nearby town of Coburg.

Lumos Wine Co. lumoswine.com

THE WINERIES

Chara Vineyard charavineyard.com

The Greek word for “joy” is “chara,” which is how this vineyard got its name. “Our view is that having a glass of wine is a joy,” says owner Ted Karr, who established the vineyard in 2017.

Located in Sherwood, Oregon, the vineyard sits at the gateway to the Willamette wine region, Karr says. “We’re an easy access point to the Portland area.” The event space, which can serve groups up to 80, includes an outdoor grill and a full indoor kitchen. The 1,500 square feet of patio space is partially covered and includes two gas fire pits for cozy evening events.

Eola Hills Wine Cellars eolahillswinery.com

As one of Oregon’s largest wineries, Eola Hills Wine Cellars produces more than 80,000 cases

of wine each year on 325 acres of locally owned and operated land in the Eola-Amity Hills American Viticultural Region (AVA).

The winery manages two event venues: Legacy Estate Vineyard in Salem, with a 500-person capacity and the Winery Barrel Room in Rickreall, with capacity for 200. “At Eola Hills, we love nothing more than sharing excellent wine with good friends in a beautiful setting, paired with a delicious menu,” says special events manager Cat Keller.

Hayworth Estate Winery hayworthestatewines.com

Seven miles north of Eugene, owner Russ Hayworth’s winery has an ideal outdoor setting for events: a 1-acre lawn in the center of the vineyard operation. “We can tent the outdoor space and seat 500 or accommodate 100 seated in our event barn,” he says. “We

Saffron Fields Vineyard saffronfields.com

“We’re a crossroads of great wine, art, architecture and a beautiful landscape,” says manager Andrea Feero. Featuring a Japanese-themed garden, a modern tasting room and art from the owners’ private collection, it’s an ideal setting for intimate events and meetings. The winery can accommodate 20 people in the tasting room or 40 at round tables for after-hours

NON -WINERIES

If you’re looking to meet outside of the vineyards, you’re in luck. Willamette Valley has plenty of options. The luxury Atticus Hotel (atticushotel.com) in McMinnville offers 36 rooms, and no two are alike. The property also has space for a board meeting of 10 or private dining for 14, or you can make use of the neighboring The Bindery Event Space for groups of up to 100.

McMenamins Grand Lodge has 15 event spaces to choose from.

The 90-room, artsy McMenamins Grand Lodge (mcmenamins.com) in Forest Grove is only 30 minutes to downtown Portland and has 15 event spaces to choose from indoors or out, as well as a full-service spa. For larger groups, consider The Allison Inn & Spa (theallison. com) with 25,000 square feet of meeting and event space, including the outdoor Chef’s Garden tent and fire pit gathering area. The resort features 77 rooms and eight suites, as well as a restaurant, bar and full-service spa. And the Inn at the 5th (innat5th.com) in Eugene can accommodate up to 80 for events with guest rooms for 69. It also features an on-site tasting room, fine dining restaurant, fitness center and day spa.

P H OTO S : © A N D R E A J O H N S O N P H OTO G R A P H Y; M C M E N A M I N S

Saffron Fields Vineyards’ event space can accommodate up to 40 guests.

A fascinating past and wine-abundant future—that’s the story of this venue. Lumos was a dude ranch in the ’40s and ’50s and now offers private, seated tasting room events for up to 50, with seating for another 30 on its deck. “The barn was built in the late ’30s, and it was the dance hall for the camp,” says owner PK McCoy. “Now we’ve added a modern tasting room to that space, so it combines old and new beautifully.” The views from the expansive deck are tremendous, she says. “The view of Marys Peak, the tallest mountain in the Coast Range, is unrivaled in the valley.” A couple of the original dude ranch guest cabins are even available for rental. “This place is pretty magical,” McCoy says.

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DESTINATION WILLAMETTE VALLEY

events. “We recently had a team from Nike here, and they held a brainstorming session and then did yoga on our patio,” she says. If you’re visiting in season, you can nibble from seven different varieties of blueberries planted among the grapevines. Heartier fare is available with cheese and charcuterie plates from the winery’s full kitchen or from off-site catering.

Willamette Valley Vineyards wvv.com

Yamhill Valley Vineyards yamhill.com

Located on a 150-acre estate in the rolling foothills of Oregon’s Coast Range Mountains, Yamhill Valley Vineyards is an event venue with a beautiful deck that seats up to 50 for private events. “It’s absolutely gorgeous to be sitting on the deck and looking at the beautiful oak trees. It’s stunning in every direction,” says Tasting Room Manager and Events Coordinator Linda Arnold. The tasting room itself is right in the middle of the 105 acres of vines. “It’s very peaceful and quiet here, and we encourage participants to take some quiet time for a walk through the vineyards or to feed the koi in our pond,” she says.

Event spaces at Falls Event Center include a log-style lodge.

NON -WINERIES

The campus of Oregon State University has a variety of spaces including the Hilton Garden Inn (hilton.com) with meeting space for up to 75 guests. Or if you’re more of a Ducks fan, the brand-new Graduate Eugene (graduatehotels.com) on the campus of the University of Oregon can accommodate groups of up to 1,400 (see related article on page 58).

Are you looking for something a little more out-of-the-ordinary as a venue? Check out the Falls Event Center (thefallseventcenter.com) on the campus of the Evergreen Museum in McMinnville. Your guests can gather under the wings of historic aircraft, network in a logstyle lodge, or connect among space and flight artifacts. The venue can accommodate 12-250 people. Another clever option is the Historic Carousel & Museum (albanycarousel. com) in Albany, which can be rented out in its entirety for more than 355 people. Imagine your guests’ faces as they mingle among the playful, vintage carousel animals.

Zenith Vineyards zenithvineyard.com

Owner Kari Ramey says that ambiance is the big selling factor at her 135-acre vineyard and event venue. “This 15,000-square-foot space was purpose-built for events, and we do about 90 events a year right now,” she says. The event venue was created with input from meeting planners and caterers that Ramey brought in during the design phase. The ballroom seats

320, and the covered veranda is an ideal prefunction space for up to 90. “We also have a half-acre event lawn,” Ramey says. “We tent it every May and accommodate 500 for our annual wine auction.” With plenty of contiguous space on site, she says event planners can plan activities, such as breakout sessions on the lawn, early-morning grape harvests, horseback riding and more.

P H OTO : C H E L S E A H E A D R I C K P H OTO G R A P H Y

Founded by Jim Bernau in 1983, Willamette Valley Vineyards in Turner is focused on stewardship of the land. Among its sustainable practices are the use of biodiesel in delivery trucks and tractors, wine corks certified through the Rainforest Alliance to Forest Stewardship Council standards, and biodynamic farming practices. The winery also installed mason bee boxes to support healthy pollinator populations and nesting boxing to encourage a balanced ecosystem by introducing owls and kestrels to the land to control pests. The winery has five indoor and outdoor spaces. The intimate Pinot Room, Orville Roth Barrel Cellar and Mezzanine can accommodate 40, 30 or 75 guests respectively.

For larger groups, the expansive Klaffke Barrel Room & Courtyard and the Lawns can accommodate up to 200. Hospitality Manager Julia Rentz notes that the winery has hosted everything from birthday and graduation parties to business meetings and political events—thanks to its proximity to Salem.

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P H OTO : C H E L S E A H E A D R I C K P H OTO G R A P H Y

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Have an important event coming up? Need a little inspiration? Haven’t yet found the perfect venue? Not sure how to make the event an unforgettable experience? No problem. We have just the thing.

Our readers have chosen the best florists, venues, entertainers—plus everything else you might need. And we’re sharing that list with you. Here’s to the Northwest Meetings + Events Best of 2019 readers’ choice winners and runners-up—and to your next event!

BY SHEILA MICKOOL

NW.MEETINGSMAGS.COM

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WATERFALL RESORT ALASKA

A LY E S K A R E S O R T

Girdwood alyeskaresort.com | 907.754.2111 Runners-up: Ted Ferry Civic Center; Hotel Captain Cook

BEST HOTEL WITH MEETING/EVENT SPACE

H O T E L C A P TA I N C O O K Anchorage captaincook.com | 907.276.6000 Runners-up: Hilton Anchorage; Cape Fox Lodge

BEST MEETING/EVENT VENUE (NO HOTELS OR CONVENTION/ CONFERENCE CENTERS) A L A S K A AV I AT I O N MUSEUM

Anchorage alaskaairmuseum.org | 907.248.5325 Runners-up: Alaska SeaLife Center; Anchorage Museum

BEST RESORT

WAT E R FA L L R E S O R T ALASKA

Ketchikan waterfallresort.com | 800.544.5125 Runners-up: Alyeska Resort; The Lodge at Denali Park Lodge

Easily accessed but wonderfully remote, this year’s winners represent the best in settings that celebrate the natural grandeur that is Alaska. Soaring eagles, snow-covered peaks and majestic glaciers paired with down-home service delivered with impeccable warmth. It’s an unbeatable combination.

Readers’ choice for Best Convention/ Conference Venue is the magnificent Alyeska Resort. This idyllic mountaintop venue, nestled against the Chugach Mountains, is located only 40 miles from Anchorage. The resort’s amenities include more than 24,000 square feet of event space, coupled with luxurious accommodations, fine dining, a spa and on-site shopping. After the event, access to a plethora of uniquely Alaskan wilderness adventures—such as heli-skiing, glacier cruises, fishing charters, flightseeing and guided ice-climbing—enable planners to create an unforgettable experience for inspirational meetings and events, according to Brian Napolitano, director of marketing.

For the Best Hotel with Meeting/Event Space, readers again chose the historic Hotel Captain Cook. This Preferred Hotel branded property, with 14 meeting and conference rooms, is a longtime favorite of locals, business travelers, tourists and celebrities—and with good reason. The staff is legendary for impeccable service and attention to detail. The hotel is located in the center of Anchorage, with easy access to the city’s attractions, shopping and dining. But many guests prefer to stay onsite to sample the hotel’s excellent amenities,

including its famed art collection and the Crow’s Nest, a four-diamond restaurant with spectacular city and mountain views and a cellar containing 10,000 bottles of wine.

This year’s Best Meeting/Event Venue (No Hotels or Convention/Conference Centers) is Alaska Aviation Museum. Located on the world’s largest seaplane base at Lake Hood in Anchorage, the museum celebrates Alaska’s aviation heritage and provides eclectic and unique event space, according to Executive Director Phyllis Kilgore. Rentals include the control tower, the main hangar and a (grounded) 737 jet.

Located on 52 acres on Prince of Wales Island, legendary for sport fishing and accessible only by air or sea, Waterfall Resort Alaska is readers’ choice for Best Resort. Anglers from around the world—newbies as well as the highly experienced—are drawn here to catch wild king, silver salmon and halibut. A 90-minute flight from Seattle means visitors can fly in the morning and be on the water fishing by afternoon. Non-anglers and anglers alike love the resort for its warm hospitality, natural beauty, hearty Alaskan dining and laughter-filled evenings.

( O P P O S I T E ) FA I R M O N T WAT E R F R O N T

BEST CONVENTION/ CONFERENCE VENUE

BEST OF ALASK A

P H O T O S : WAT E R FA L L R E S O R T A L A S K A ;

Alaska Winners

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British Columbia Winners

BEST CONVENTION/ CONFERENCE VENUE FA I R M O N T WAT E R F R O N T

Vancouver fairmont.com/waterfront-vancouver 604.691.1991 Runners-up: Vancouver Convention Centre; Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour

BEST HOTEL WITH MEETING/ EVENT SPACE FA I R M O N T WAT E R F R O N T

Vancouver fairmont.com/waterfront-vancouver 604.691.1991 Runners-up: Oak Bay Beach Hotel; Fairmont Empress

BEST MEETING & EVENT PLANNING COMPANY BC EVENT M A N AG E M E NT

Burnaby bceventmanagement.com 604.696.1234 Runners-up: E=mc2 events; BrandLive Management

FAIRMONT WATERFRONT

BE ST OF BRITISH COLU M BIA Stunning locations, grand venues, refined service and a penchant for creating once-in-a-lifetime experiences are the hallmarks of this year’s readers’ choice award winners for British Columbia.

The Fairmont Waterfront, a five-star venue located on the water, boasts stunning harbor and mountain views and has every imaginable amenity. It’s also renowned for impeccable service, so it’s not surprising that our readers chose the hotel as the winner in two categories: Best Convention/Conference Venue and Best Hotel with Meeting/Event Space. And when it comes to location, the hotel is minutes from Vancouver Convention Centre and Cruise Ship Terminal and a short walk to beautiful Stanley Park.

BC Event Management, readers’ choice for Best Meeting & Event Planning Company, was founded in 1987 by the legendary master of event planning and production (and company president) David Clark. The company has provided services for hundreds of events—from small meetings, conventions and galas to specialized events, such as dinner for 18 heads of government, the visit of HRH Queen Elizabeth II, private events for Bill Gates, the Harley Davidson Canada annual meeting, the 2015 Pan Am Games and the

BEST MEETING/EVENT VENUE (NO HOTELS OR CONVENTION/ CONFERENCE CENTERS) THE BUTCHART GARDENS

Brentwood Bay (Victoria) butchartgardens.com | 250.652.4422 Runners-up: Vancouver Aquarium; The Brew Creek Centre

BEST RESORT

FA I R M O N T C H AT E A U WHISTLER

Whistler fairmont.com/whistler 604.938.8000 Runners-up: Harrison Hot Springs Resort; Wickannish Inn (tie); Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa (tie)

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Idaho Winners

BEST CONVENTION/ CONFERENCE VENUE

T H E C O E U R D ’A L E N E RESORT Coeur d’Alene cdaresort.com | 208.209.5031 Runners-up: Shore Lodge; Sun Valley Resort

BEST HOTEL WITH MEETING/ EVENT SPACE SHORE LODGE

McCall shorelodge.com | 800.657.6464 Runners-up: The Coeur d’Alene Resort; Sun Valley Resort

BEST MEETING/EVENT VENUE (NO HOTELS OR CONVENTION/ CONFERENCE CENTERS)

Eagle chateaueagle.com | 208.947.2844 Runners-up: JUMP; Basque Center

BEST RESORT

SHORE LODGE

McCall shorelodge.com | 800.657.6464 Runners-up: The Coeur d’Alene Resort; Sun Valley Resort

2010 Winter Olympics. Safe to say, whatever you need, they’ve got you covered.

Designated a National Historic Site of Canada, The Butchart Gardens is a B.C. treasure and is the winner for the Best Meeting/Event Venue (No Hotels or Convention/Conference Centers). Situated on 55 acres, the lush gardens, 900 bedding plant varieties and 26 greenhouses are tended by 50 full-time gardeners, who create a picture-perfect setting for visitors. Beautiful during the day, the gardens become magical on summer evenings, when lights illuminate the setting, fireworks set to music celebrate the season and live music on the Concert Lawn Stage delight the audience.

To paraphrase one event planner, “all work and no play makes for a dull day.” The perfect anti-

FAIRMONT CHATEAU WHISTLER

dote to that possibility is a stay at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, readers’ choice for Best Resort. Boasting superb meeting venues, tons of flexible space, intimate meeting rooms, as well as all the expected amenities—including incredible skiing, luxe rooms, a world-class spa, and fabulous food and drink—places

this venue near the top of any list. But it is the unexpected ways the year-round resort showcases its alpine setting that makes the resort transcendent: like an exquisite winter wedding in the rooftop chapel, a four-diamond feast at nearby Lost Lake or a gourmet picnic on a glacier.

B E S T O F I DA H O

From a globally famous lakeside resort convention and conference center, to a quintessential wilderness resort and a venue reminiscent of a European chateau, our readers have chosen three incredible venues for the consideration of meeting and event planners in search of a superb venue in Idaho.

The spectacular Coeur d’Alene Resort is the Northwest’s best golf, spa, ski and meeting destination resort, according to Jamie Cornell, director of marketing, and our readers agree. They have chosen the resort the Best Convention/Conference Venue in Idaho for 2019. Guests rave about their experiences in reviews, and a former Idaho governor described the resort as a “first-rate meeting venue, exceedingly functional and incredibly beautiful.” With lovely rooms, outstanding cuisine, an incredible lakeside setting and

a plethora of activities, The Coeur D’Alene Resort is always a winner.

Shore Lodge is the 2019 readers’ choice winner in two categories: Best Hotel with Meeting/ Event Space and Best Resort. According to the resort’s staff, “Idaho’s best meetings happen here”—and based on guest reviews, that’s not marketing hyperbole. Shore Lodge, situated on the majestic shore of Payette Lake, is an idyllic setting that provides the perfect backdrop for productive, inspirational meetings

P H O T O S : FA I R M O N T C H AT E A U W H I S T L E R ; ( O P P O S I T E ) A L L I S O N I N N A N D S PA

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ALLISON INN AND SPA

and unforgettable weddings. According to general manager Dan Scott, guests have been treated to an authentic and unique Idaho lodge experience here since 1948. Once events are completed, the adventures begin. Guests work hard, but play harder, with access to 500 miles of groomed backcountry trails, golf, biking, hiking and water sports. The lodge’s signature events (like the annual Culinary Festival and Old Haunts of Idaho evenings) and programs at Camp Sharlie, with fun and adventures curated just for children, make this resort truly special.

Since its opening, Chateau des Fleurs, this year’s winner for the Best Meeting/Event Venue (that is not a hotel or convention/conference center), has been the go-to location for perfect, exquisitely beautiful private celebrations with a European ambience. Gardento-table international dining at Roghani’s Restaurant, two elegantly decorated ballrooms, several charming private dining rooms and lovely European gardens are some of the amenities that characterize this special and unique venue.

BEST OF OREGON

From the intimate to the grand, from the historical to the whimsical, this year’s venues are reflective of the natural beauty and grandeur of the Oregon landscape—and those who provide services are independent, fiercely proud and passionate about what they do.

The Best Places New to the “Best of Oregon” list, Wildhorse Resort & Casino is this year’s readers’ choice as Best Casino with Meeting Space. Located at the base of the Blue Mountains near Pendleton, on the Umatilla Reservation in Eastern Oregon, Wildhorse Resort & Casino has more than 17,000 square of feet of space suitable for a range of functions and events.

Additionally, the property features amenities that appeal to group events, including a spectacular John Steidel-designed golf course with lakes, long fairways and deep bunkers; true Vegas-style gaming; a range of dining options; a five-screen Cineplex; and 300 well-appointed guest rooms.

Readers chose the Oregon Convention Center (OCC), as Oregon’s Best Convention/ Conference Venue. It’s a beautiful facility in the heart of Portland with more than 255,000

square feet of contiguous exhibit space, 52 meeting rooms and two grand ballrooms. The OCC is renowned for the expertise of its staff, its passion for sustainability and the ability to pull-off complex, large-scale events with ease.

“We get it done with determination, creativity and teamwork,” says Cindy Wallace, director of sales and marketing.

In the Best Hotel with Meeting/Event Space category, readers selected two standout properties: Sunriver Resort (More than 200 Guest Rooms) and The Allison Inn and Spa (Less than 200 Guest Rooms). Beloved by both guests and event planners, both properties boast a robust list of amenities, including lux accommodations, world-class spas, fine dining, breathtaking settings, excellent meeting/ event options and outstanding overall service.

Sunriver Resort, located near Bend, is a 3,300acre all-season resort and conference center

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WILLAMETTE VALLEY VINEYARDS

located on the Deschutes River, with four golf courses, more than 40 miles of hiking and biking trails on the property and lodging consisting of more than 500 rooms, condos and vacation homes. In contrast, the more intimate Allison Inn & Spa is located in a quaint 35-acre setting in Newberg, with sweeping views of the Willamette Wine Country and surrounding farmland. Its 85 rooms and suites are “quietly luxurious and thoughtfully appointed,” says Director of Sales Nichole Cooper.

Urban Studio takes the top honor in the Best Meeting/Event Venue (that is not a hotel or convention/conference center). This historic venue located in Portland’s Pearl District was once the home of the Denby Motor Truck Company. Now it’s a contemporary space with large windows and a garage door open-

SUNRIVER RESORT

ing to the sidewalk and is perfect for a range of events, from a formal wedding and seated dinner to a networking event.

McMenamins Edgefield, last year’s runnerup, is now the 2019 readers’ choice for Best Resort/Lodge with Meeting/Event Space. Built originally in 1911, the historic property was once the county’s poor farm but is now a whimsical destination resort on 74 acres at the mouth of the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area in Troutdale. It’s a unique property, blending the beauty of the Oregon countryside with original buildings lovingly restored—as well as organic gardens carefully tended, great food and drink, live entertainment, a winery, vintage furnishings, porcelain sinks, an onsite glass blower and potter and Concerts on the Lawn. In a throwback to simpler times,

there are no telephones, televisions or air conditioning in guest rooms.

Willamette Valley Vineyards is readers’ choice for Best Winery/Brewery/Distillery with Event Space. This award-winning winery is now considered one of the leading producers of pinot noir in the country. Discerning guests appreciate the vision and winemaking of founder Jim Bernau—who insists on environmentally sustainable farming and growing the fruit by hand on the winery’s 500 acres.

Guests also take joy in attending events and receptions at the winery, especially on The Lawns, with its sweeping views of the vineyard and the rolling hills of the Willamette Valley.

P H OTO S : A N D R E A J O H N S O N ; S U N R I V E R ; U R B A N S T U D I O ; ( O P P O S I T E ) D AV I D PA PA Z I A N P H O T O G R A P H Y

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VIBRANT TABLE

Oregon Winners

BEST CASINO WITH MEETING SPACE

WILDHORSE RESORT & CASINO

Pendleton wildhorseresort.com | 800.654.9453 Runners-up: Spirit Mountain Casino; Chinook Winds Casino Resort

BEST CONVENTION/ CONFERENCE VENUE

OREGON CONVENTION CENTER

Portland oregoncc.org | 503.235.7575 Runners-up: Riverhouse on the Deschutes; Salem Convention Center

BEST HOTEL WITH MEETING/ EVENT SPACE (MORE THAN 200 GUEST ROOMS) SUNRIVER RESORT

Sunriver destinationhotels.com/sunriver-resort 855.420.8206 Runners-up: The Nines; Hotel Monaco Portland

BEST HOTEL WITH MEETING/ EVENT SPACE (LESS THAN 200 GUEST ROOMS)

T H E A L L I S O N I N N & S PA

The Best Services These experts’ talents and eye for detail will transform your events into unforgettable experiences.

Greenlight Creative is again this year’s choice for Best Audio-Visual/Visual Presentation Provider. Readers appreciate the firm’s expertise and professionalism. “Our goal is to use lighting to create a breathtaking presentation—an unforgettable visual feast,” says Dwayne Thomas, president of the company.

Based on reader feedback, Greenlight delivers.

Readers’ choice for Best Catering Company, as well as Best Event/Floral Décor, is Vibrant Table Catering & Events. It provides a wide range of services, from catering to event management and décor, and pays attention to all the little details. Its culinary style is described

as inventive, and its floral designs are exquisite.

The Party Team (formerly Team Casino) is a first-time winner for Best Entertainment Provider. Owner Travis Fryback established the company in 2000 and says growth is the result of offering the best service before, during and after the party for casino nights, poker tournaments, game show parties and video horse racing parties. “Our No. 1 priority is to make sure everyone has fun,” Fryback says.

“We cater to organizations that require specialized, high-touch event consulting for meetings, conferences and retreats,” says Denise Kerr Waldron, president and CEO of Viva! Events. An event and destination management firm, Viva! was chosen as the Best Meeting & Event Planning Company in 2019.

Newburg theallison.com | 503.554.2525 Runners-up: Columbia Gorge Hotel; Pronghorn Resort

BEST MEETING/EVENT VENUE (NO HOTELS OR CONVENTION/ CONFERENCE CENTERS) URBAN STUDIO

Portland urbanstudiopdx.com | 503.860.0203 Runners-up: Exchange Ballroom; Leftbank Annex

BEST RESORT/LODGE WITH MEETING/EVENT SPACE MCMENAMINS EDGEFIELD

Troutdale mcmenamins.com/edgefield 503.669.8610 Runners-up: Black Butte Ranch; Tetherow

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BEST WINERY/BREWERY/DISTILLERY WITH EVENT SPACE W I L L A M E T T E VA L L E Y V I N E YA R D S

BEST AUDIO-VISUAL/VISUAL PRESENTATION PROVIDER

G R E E N L I G H T C R E AT I V E

Portland greenlight-creative.com | 503.970.0246 Runners-up: Rose City Sound; Allied Video Productions

BEST CATERING COMPANY

V I B R A N T TA B L E C AT E R I N G & E V E N T S

Portland vibranttable.com | 503.297.9635 Runners-up: Wild Pear Restaurant & Catering; Elephants Catering

BEST ENTERTAINMENT PROVIDER T H E PA R T Y T E A M

teamcasino.net | 503.726.2121 Runners-up: Portland Photo Booth; Hit Machine

BEST EVENT/FLORAL DÉCOR VI B R ANT F LOWE R S

Portland vibranttable.com | 503.297.9635 Runners-up: Royce’s Prop Shop; Green Thumb Flower Box

BEST MEETING & EVENT PLANNING COMPANY V I VA ! E V E N T S

Portland viva-consult.com | 971.277.6392 Runners-up: Luxe Event Productions; Cindy Thompson Events

BEST RENTAL SERVICE

A T O Z PA R T Y R E N TA L

Salem atozpartyrental.com | 503.585.7782 Runners-up: Royce’s Prop Shop; The Party Place

BEST TRANSPORTATION PROVIDER/ VALET SERVICES MTR WESTERN

Portland mtrwestern.com | 503.241.3778 Runners-up: NW Navigator; Lucky Limousine

A to Z Party Rental has been providing rental services since 1978, has a knowledgeable staff and is this year’s readers’ choice for Best Rental Service. If you need it, they’ve probably got it—from tents and canopies to BBQ propane, columns and fountains—not to mention chairs, dance floors, jump houses and water slides.

MTR Western offers a broad range of transportation services and was chosen Best Transportation Provider/Valet Services in Oregon. Staff members tailor transportation packages to meet each groups’ specialized needs for events like corporate meetings, convention management and airport meetand-greets—and strive to deliver signature VIP service to every guest, every day.

B E S T O F WA S H I N G T O N

Our readers’ choice winners for 2019 include an extraordinary collection of sophisticated venues and service providers renown for creativity, execution and unparalleled service.

The Best Places Once again, our readers have chosen Tulalip Resort Casino as Best Casino with Meeting Space. Conveniently located in Quil Ceda Village off Interstate 5 and operated by the Tulalip Tribes of Washington, Tulalip Resort Casino has a four-diamond rating and more than 30,000 square feet of flexible event space. Close to Seattle, with plenty of parking, outstanding guest rooms, superior gaming, world-class entertainment, delicious dining options and the upscale Seattle Premium Outlets right next door, Tulalip Resort is one of the leading destination event venues in the Northwest.

The Greater Tacoma Convention Center (GTCC) and the Seattle-based Washington State Convention Center (WSCC) have tied as readers’ choice in 2019 for Best Convention/Conference Venue. Both venues boast outstanding locations, well-appointed meeting and event space, excellent support for event planners, superior service and serious attention to detail. The GTCC staff describe Tacoma as a walkable, artsy and authentic city where visitors can enjoy a true metropolitan Northwest experience— minus the traffic, markup and mayhem of the bigger city to the north. WSCC staff take pride in “doing ordinary things in an extraordinary manner” and look forward to the completion of the Summit Building in 2022, an additional facility one block from the existing facility that will double WSCC’s

current capacity. Both of these centers are superb venues for any event—from large conventions and conferences to weddings, board meetings and executive retreats.

An elegant Italian Renaissance-style landmark built in 1924, the Fairmont Olympic Hotel Seattle is again this year’s readers’ choice for Best Hotel with Meeting/Event Space (More than 200 Rooms). Well-known for ethereal, dreamy and sophisticated weddings, this gloriously beautiful hotel provides an exquisite and productive setting for any event, including power breakfasts, board meetings, charitable balls, Christmas parties and private events. The hotel’s director of celebrations, Andrew Hoge, is a particular favorite of event planners and brides.

The Four Seasons Hotel Seattle wins Best Hotel with Meeting/Event Space (Less than 200 Rooms). The Four Seasons is an intimate and sophisticated urban hotel in an incredible location near the Emerald City’s cultural institutions, fine restaurants and upscale shopping. The Seattle Art Museum is located to the east of the hotel, iconic Pike Place Market to the north, and the waters of Elliott Bay to the west. Luxurious amenities include a rooftop pool with sweeping views of the city and the Sound, and a spa that is an urban oasis of water, basalt rock, glass tile and signature rituals inspired by the rugged natural beauty of the Northwest.

P H O T O S : ( O P P O S I T E ) FA I R M O N T O LY M P I C S E AT T L E ; F O U R S E A S O N S H O T E L S E AT T L E

Turner wvv.com | 503.5889463 Runners-up: Stoller Family Estate; King Estate Winery

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FAIRMONT OLYMPIC HOTEL SEATTLE

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL SEATTLE

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Washington Winners

B EST CASINO WITH MEETING SPACE TULALIP RESORT CASINO

Tulalip tulalipresortcasino.com | 888.272.1111 Runners-up: Swinomish Casino and Lodge; Angel of the Winds

SALISH LODGE & SPA

BEST CONVENTION/ CONFERENCE VENUE

WA S H I N G T O N S TAT E CONVENTION CENTER (TIE) Seattle wscc.com | 206.694.5000 &

G R E AT E R TA C O M A CONVENTION CENTER (TIE)

BEST HOTEL WITH MEETING/EVENT SPACE (MORE THAN 200 ROOMS) FA I R M O N T O LY M P I C H O T E L S E AT T L E

fairmont.com/seattle | 206.621.1700 Runners-up: Northern Quest Resort & Casino; Hyatt Regency Seattle

BEST HOTEL WITH MEETING/EVENT SPACE (LESS THAN 200 ROOMS) FOUR SEASONS H O T E L S E AT T L E

fourseasons.com/seattle | 206.749.7099 Runners-up: Salish Lodge & Spa; The Woodmark Hotel

BEST MEETING/EVENT VENUE (NO HOTELS OR CONVENTION/ CONFERENCE CENTERS) F R E MONT FOU N DRY

Seattle fremontfoundry.com | 206.588.6981 Runners-up: JM Cellars; Woodland Park Zoo

BEST RESORT/LODGE WITH MEETING/EVENT SPACE

S A L I S H L O D G E & S PA

Snoqualmie salishlodge.com | 425.888.2556 Runners-up: Resort at Port Ludlow; Suncadia Resort

FREMONT FOUNDRY; CRIMSON HAZE EVENT LIGHTING

Reader’s choice for 2019 Best Meeting/ Event Venue (that is not a hotel, convention/ conference center) is once again Fremont Foundry. The venue showcases the building’s industrial character, with expansive glass windows, 20-foot skylights and a blend of metals, wood and cement accents.

Views of the Seattle skyline from the rooftop terrace are breathtaking. Rentals include 11,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space on two floors—perfect for distinctive private or business events.

Salish Lodge & Spa, readers’ choice for Best Resort/Lodge with Meeting/Event Space, is just 30 minutes from Seattle, but feels like it’s worlds away. Ranked among the best small resorts in the world, the lodge overlooks the 268-foot Snoqualmie Falls and has 84 idyllic guest rooms. Highlights include flexible event space, extraordinary culinary experiences, exceptional service, and luxurious accommodations.

Historic Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery is this year’s winner for Best Winery/ Brewery/Distillery with Event Space.

“From banquet rooms to intimate dining spaces, we provide versatile, unique venues with access to unparalleled wine

and food—and can turn any occasion into an unforgettable experience,” says Events Manager Shannon Lochrie, whose on-site team assists in the planning of each event.

Guests rave about the impeccable service and elegant surroundings.

The Best Services The event venues may be spectacular, but no event is complete without the expert touch of service providers like these.

Crimson Haze Event Lighting joins the Best of Washington list for the first time in 2019 as readers’ choice for Best AudioVisual/Visual Presentation Provider.

Dynamic lighting, professionalism, outstanding service, state-of-the-art equipment—and always being dressed appropriately for a client’s event—are the hallmarks of their success, according to owners Clayton Hibbert and Clea Hersperger.

Redmond-based chef and author, Lisa Dupar, founder of Lisa Dupar Catering, this year’s readers’ choice for Best Catering Company, is well-known for her brilliant culinary skills and inventive recipes inspired by her Southern roots, international training and life in the Northwest.

P H OTO S : T H O M A S M B A R W I C K ; C R I M S O N H A Z E ; (O P P O S I T E ) C A R R O L H A R O L D P H OTO G R A P H Y

Tacoma tacomaconventioncenter.org 253.830.6601 Runners-up: Meydenbauer Convention Center; Spokane Convention Center

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BEST WINERY/BREWERY/DISTILLERY WITH EVENT SPACE C H AT E A U S T E . M I C H E L L E WI N E RY Woodinville ste-michelle.com | 425.488.1133 Runners-up: JM Cellars; Chateau Lill

BEST AUDIO-VISUAL/VISUAL PRESENTATION PROVIDER

CRIMSON HAZE EVENT LIGHTING

Seattle crimson-haze.com | 425.954.5451 Runners-up: Blue Danube Productions; Audio Visual Management Solutions (AVMS)

BEST CATERING COMPANY

L I S A D U PA R C AT E R I N G

Redmond lisaduparcatering.com | 425.881.3250 Runners-up: Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes Catering; Kaspars Special Events & Catering FENA FLOWERS

According to fans, anything she serves up is a treat for the palate.

Animate Objects Physical Theater is the 2019 readers’ choice for Best Entertainment Provider. This engaging aerial group has performed internationally in more than 50 cities. “We approach each event with unwavering passion and attentiveness and tailor our performances to seamlessly integrate into each client’s event,” says owner and Creative Director Ileigh Reynolds. The group is known for its exquisite and exotic costumes and extraordinary aerial performances, which delight guests of all ages.

Fena Flowers is a repeat winner for Best Event Décor/Floral Décor. Established in 1988, the company’s experienced staff has more than 100 combined years of floraldesign experience. Fena is known for beautiful and artful arrangements, quality service and artists who care. Because of the unique and distinct image that Fena presents with its arrangements, fillers like mums, carnations and baby’s breath are never included.

SHW is our 2019 readers’ choice for Best Meeting & Event Planning Company in Washington. “You’re the expert at your

business, and we know how to make events extraordinary,” says CEO and Chief Strategist Marka Waechter. “Through collaboration, we create high-impact experiences that inspire attendees and give clients a serious return on investment.” SHW’s services include incentive travel, hotel sourcing, sales conference registration, transportation management and event strategy.

CORT Party Rental, readers’ choice for Best Rental Service, is a powerhouse rental company, providing a true one-stop service for event planners. CORT has been the premier event rental company in Washington state for more than 50 years and has everything imaginable for party rentals in two locations, including a design center, says Director of Sales Robin Denny.

Butler Seattle has been chosen Best Transportation Provider/Valet Service again for 2019 and has won this award every year since Best of the Northwest has included this category. Co-founders Stuart and Jeremy Butler take pride in offering top-quality transportation solutions and products at competitive prices to achieve total customer satisfaction. Clients say there is no transportation challenge they can’t handle.

BEST ENTERTAINMENT PROVIDER A N I M AT E O B J E C T S P H Y S I C A L T H E AT E R

Seattle animatemyevent.com | 206.829.9034 Runners-up: Nash Fung; Lighting the Sound

BEST EVENT DÉCOR/FLORAL DÉCOR F E NA F LOWE R S

Kirkland fenaflowers.com | 425.825.8181 Runners-up: Tolo Events; PJ Hummel & Co

BEST MEETING & EVENT PLANNING COMPANY SHW

Seattle shworldwide.com | 206.923.8600 Runners-up: Tolo Events; Solomon Events

BEST RENTAL SERVICE

C O R T PA R T Y R E N TA L

Everett, Fife seattle.cortpartyrental.com | 877.939.73.68 Runners-up: Pedersen’s Rentals; Grand Event Rentals

BEST TRANSPORTATION PROVIDER/ VALET SERVICE B U T L E R S E AT T L E

Seattle butlerseattle.com | 206.233.9233 Runners-up: Starline Luxury Motor Coaches; British Motor Coach

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This year’s three inductees into our annual Hall of Influencers are the brains behind our region’s most spectacular events and joyful celebrations.

BY TERESA KENNEY

NW.MEETINGSMAGS.COM

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BETH K N OX

Principal and Founder

Knox Executive Productions beth@bknoxproductions.com

What’s your background? I grew up in a small town on an 80-acre farm in Michigan. After graduating with a degree in advertising/PR from Grand Valley State University, I followed my older sister to Seattle.

How long have you been in event production? Over 30 years now! When I

went to college, there was no event management or recreation degree, and now special events, celebrations and civic gatherings are an integral part of our culture. The more time we spend in front of screens, the more important it is to have live experiences with a shared human connection.

Stadium with a live ESPN broadcast on ABC. But one of my favorites would have to be producing the 2014 Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl Parade with just two-and-a-half days’ notice. Seeing nearly 1 million people gather in downtown Seattle to cheer on their home team, and experiencing what it’s like when vendors, city leaders, agencies and partners all just say, “Yes, let’s do this,” was a career highlight.

Do you have any “ridiculous” requests that you managed to pull off? One week out from a large and complex donor recognition event, the client said, “We should do a scavenger hunt!”

It seemed ridiculous at first, and it was hard to make sense of its purpose while developing clues in the 11th hour. But when we learned the back story around the idea, suddenly it had real context, which inspired the planning and promotion of it and contributed to its successful execution.

Favorite memory about your work and the impact it has had? I love that my work creates memories for people. I love hearing people recall an iconic music moment at Bumbershoot, like when the finale of the Jimi Hendrix Music Festival occurred, and lightning was striking in the distance, creating a surreal and spiritual experience. Or when someone could swear a Blue Angels pilot flew so close, they could see his eyes, and it made them so proud of our country. Or having someone volunteer for Special Olympics and having such a powerful experience with the athletes, they came back to volunteer even when they weren’t signed up. Events can leave a legacy, and it’s the producer’s responsibilities to ensure it is a positive one with lasting impact.

DAV I D D OX TAT E R Owner

The Workshop workshopevents.com

What is your background? I grew up in Flint, Michigan, and went to the University of Arizona and Evergreen State College.

You’ve been involved in so many of Seattle’s iconic celebrations. Do you have any favorites? I have truly loved

How long have you been in event production? 37 years. Events are the only thing

every one of the celebrations I’ve been part of over my career. Being part of a highly creative, passionate team that brought us Bumbershoot, Summer Nights at the Pier Concert series, and Teatro ZinZanni was a game-changer for me. And I loved producing Seafair because it provides so much personality to our city and allows families and friends to celebrate Seattle’s quintessential summers with pure joy. We took things to a national level with the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games in Seattle, and it was momentous for my team and me to produce the opening ceremony in Husky

You have been involved in so many of Seattle’s most iconic celebrations. Do you have any favorites? It’s hard to pick

I’ve ever done professionally.

one over the other. I was part of the original Bumbershoot team in the ’80s and helped to build it into one of the world’s great arts and music festivals at the time. I created the Fourth of July Fireworks show on Lake Union and the Summer Nights Concert Series on Pier 62/63. I was on the organizing committee for the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) meetings in Seattle—that was a very interesting look behind the scenes at an international, legendary experience.

I produced WOMAD USA Festival for Peter Gabriel and the All-Star Games stadium ceremony for Major League Baseball and the Seattle Mariners. And I’ve produced the New Year’s Eve fireworks show at the Space Needle since its inception.

I designed and managed the grand openings for the 520 Bridge, SR99 Tunnel and the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, as well as the Sound Transit System launch and Capitol Hill and University

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of Washington station grand openings (plus many others).

Do you have any “ridiculous” requests from clients that you managed to pull off?

Grand openings are always difficult because you’re fighting against construction schedule deadlines, untested building and system operations, unknown audience flow and attendance interest, and very nervous clients who need the event to be a positive promotion and not create any negative press.

For the EMP grand opening, our team oversaw the festival at the Seattle Center, the concerts in the stadium and the audience entry experience into the museum. We kept having to add staff, systems and resources week after week leading up to the event because the plan was so massive.

Peter Gabriel insisted on helicoptering onto the WOMAD festival site during the event. This was nearly impossible.

For the WTO opening reception, we were virtually cordoned off by local and federal police while surrounded by protesters who pledged to stop the event. The Ministerial Dinner was the same situation, and the closing reception was canceled the day before because of safety concerns. And my entire team was tear-gassed as we arrived for a President Clinton foreign trade meeting.

Favorite memory from your years in production? The best thing about producing large

live experiences is when the celebration evolves into community joy. The grand opening for the SR99 Tunnel and closure of the Viaduct is a good example of this: a very harmonious celebration that opened up the inner workings of these large construction projects for public engagement.

The Benaroya Hall grand opening festival day was planned for 10,000 people and over 30,000 attended. We adapted, and everything went smoothly, although our lines to get in wound through downtown Seattle over a six-block area.

But we adapted to accommodate.

Favorite quote? One year when I was working on the Pike Place Market Street Fair, a transient man walked up to me at night while I was measuring the site and said, “You know, you can’t measure the world.” He was right, and I never forgot the wisdom, although it hasn’t stopped me from trying.

JEFF CURTIS Chief Executive Officer

Portland Rose Festival Foundation rosefestival.org

What’s your background? I was born and raised in Spokane, Washington, and attended the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California.

How long have you been in event production? My professional career

started in the sports industry, with my early years working in minor league baseball and then with the Seattle Mariners. I ended up in Portland, Oregon, as a direct result of the Portland Rose Festival. I accepted a position with the Rose Festival as sponsorship manager back in 1998 and have not looked back since, rising to the role as CEO, where I have led the organization for 15 years.

What is your favorite part of the Portland Rose Festival? My favorite part of the festival is walking the streets of Portland prior to the start of each of the three parades. There is something special about the electric atmosphere prior to the beginning of Rose Festival parades where thousands gather for the event, and the streets are filled with people. I have such an overwhelming feeling of pride knowing that the Portland Rose Festival Foundation gives the gift of celebration to our community in the form of world-class parades.

What’s the craziest thing that has happened at the festival? Producing three full weeks of high-profile, large-scale outdoor events under constantly changing variables like weather can be defined as crazy. Financially, most of our entire year’s efforts are laid on the line in a business plan that you are hoping works based on great decisions, good planning and a little bit of luck. That in some people’s minds is crazy. We at the Rose Festival call it just another normal and exciting year at the Portland Rose Festival Foundation.

Do you have a favorite memory from your years with the festival? My favorite memory of this year’s Portland Rose Festival was in the middle weekend of the festival known as “Starlight Weekend” because the Starlight Parade is sandwiched in the middle on Saturday night. This memory is filled with a sense of huge achievement as we managed our most ambitious week of special event activity in years. Within our control, we produced three RoZone concerts, including our most popular Countryfest show, a morning charity walk, a 5K run (the Starlight Run) and one of our most popular events, Starlight Parade.

Especially memorable was the fact that we produced the Starlight Parade, Starlight Run and a RoZone Concert at the exact time the Portland Timbers had their home opener featuring their debut of the renovated Providence Park. Downtown Portland was busting at the seams with people but in a good way. It was a celebratory atmosphere all over the downtown core.

Favorite quote? “Every setback has a major comeback.” I can’t recall who gets credit for that quote, but I have it written on a small note pad on my desk as a reminder for when things get tough.

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Industry Update NOW OPEN 56

PEOPLE NEWS 60

SNAPSHOTS 62

13

BOOKING B E H AV I O R

in

“Room Block of the Future” reveals booking trends of large-scale, urban convention attendees.

Research courtesy of Kalibri Labs and Prism Advisory Group; funded by PCMA Foundation, NYC & Company and Hilton IN 2018, there were an estimated 500,000

PEOPLE PROFILE 64

business travelers attend citywide conventions

conventions in the U.S. with over 40 million attendees. Conventiongoers have many options when it comes to accommodations, and a positive hotel booking experience plays a part in their overall attendee experience. The purpose of “Room Block of the Future” is to better understand attendees’ room booking behavior and determine the influences and motivations that played a part in their decision.

The findings could change how cities, hospitality organizations and business event professionals organize meetings and conferences. “The results of ‘Room Block of the Future’ reflect a shift in the industry that CVBs must adapt to,” says Jerry Cito, executive vice president, convention development at NYC & Company. “The findings will help NYC & Company educate planners and suppliers on the need for flexibility, pricing transparency and potential development of a cross-loyalty program.”

Download the full report at pcma.co/roomblockresearch

25% 50% 25%

book in hotels designated as part of the room block, but not through the conference room reservation system

of citywide convention attendees book through the conference organizer’s room reservation system

book in hotels that are not in the room block or in alternate accommodations

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INFOGRAPHIC

REASONS WHY

Cost

A common attendee misperception—affecting booking patterns across different sizes and types of conferences—is that hotel rooms within the block are more expensive. However, the research proves that in most cases (66 percent), rooms within the block are more affordable.

Loyalty

An inability to enter in a loyalty program number was among the top reasons attendees booked in hotels that are part of the room block, but not through the conference organizer’s reservation system.

“One of the more surprising findings from the research was the fact that almost 25 percent of attendees at large citywide conventions actually booked their accommodations at the hotels specified in the room block but did not go through the traditional room reservation process resulting in them not being recognized in the room block.

Clearly, this segment of attendees’ room booking priorities were not being met by the existing process.”

—MARK LOMANNO, PARTNER AT KALIBRI LABS

Room Choice

Room variety, or lack thereof, is another factor affecting booking patterns.

Among many business travelers, a perceived rigidness and the inability to choose a preferred room type played a role.

Age

Overall, younger attendees (59 percent) are more likely to use alternative accommodations like Airbnb.

“It was very unexpected to learn from the survey of citywide attendees just how much it bothers them to lose control of their hotel booking process—being generally unable to do the things they normally do in hotel bookings, such as accessing their loyalty benefits. It’s this desire for control that creates frustration and prompts a quarter of them to make transient bookings in convention hotels to get what they want.”

—ELAINE HENDRICKS, PARTNER AT PRISM ADVISORY GROUP

Kalibri Labs and Prism Advisory Group analyzed more than 2 million anonymous hotel and Airbnb guest records from conventions held in Houston, New York City and San Diego between 2015 and 2018 in addition to surveying a sample of U.S. business travelers who have attended a citywide convention.

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REGIONAL NEWS

Highlights from the 2019 annual report include: » 5,130 people work in the tourism industry in Seattle Southside. » The Seattle Southside tourism industry generates $79.2 million in local and state taxes. » The Seattle Southside Regional Tourism Authority’s efforts directly generated $291 million in visitor spending. » The Seattle Southside Regional Tourism Authority’s sales team generated 11,329 hotel rooms booked for group, convention and conference business in 2018.

Hotel Indigo

Now Open

Windstar heads “Down Under”

Everett, Washington, has welcomed the 142-room Hotel Indigo Everett. The new hotel is part of the 65-acre Waterfront Place development in Fisherman’s Harbor on Port Gardener Bay. An InterContinental Hotels Group property, it is managed and operated by Seattle-based Columbia Hospitality and features the on-site restaurant Jetty Bar & Grille, a large indoor saline swimming pool, a fitness facility, the retail shop The Marketplace, and nearly 8,000 square feet of indoor meeting and event space and over 5,000 square feet of outdoor event space. The hotel also offers a 79-foot private yacht named Aqua Villa for groups of up to 55 looking for a unique event setting. indigoeverett.com

Seattle Southside Releases Annual Report Seattle Southside Regional Tourism Authority (seattlesouthside.com) released its 2019 annual report this past summer. The destination

Construction has begun on a 30-unit, ski-in/ ski-out boutique hotel directly adjacent to Selkirk Lodge at Schweitzer Mountain Resort.

Portland-based firm Skylab Architecture designed the building. It will be a state-of-theart facility, featuring heavy-timber construction, incorporating reused materials, such as chairlift cables.

The as-yet-unnamed hotel will offer views of Lake Pend Oreille, a 50-seat restaurant, and a bar and outdoor patio with a fire pit.

Plans also include a small co-working space, exercise area, communal “living room” and an outdoor spa.

The hotel is scheduled to open in the fall of 2020. schweitzer.com

marketing organization for Seattle Southside (including the cities of SeaTac, Tukwila and Des Moines) reported that in 2018, tourists spent $771 million in the region—an increase of 6.4 percent over 2017.

Boutique cruise line Windstar Cruises is heading to Australia and New Zealand for the 2020/2021 winter/spring season. The series of sailings will take place on what will be the newly renovated Star Breeze, an all-suite ship with balcony and ocean views, carrying just 312 guests.

The Australia and New Zealand cruises will be the second region in which Windstar launches its Signature Expeditions. The program delivers intimate, expedition-style adventures and active enrichment, with kayaks and Zodiacs launched from the ship in remote bays and hidden harbors. A team of expedition leaders sail on the cruise, sharing an academic understanding of the destination while guiding optional shore excursions. windstarcruises.com

P H O T O S : P O R T O F E V E R E T T ; H O T E L I N D I G O S E AT T L E E V E R E T T WAT E R F R O N T

Ski-in/Ski-out on Schweitzer

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P H O T O S : P O R T O F E V E R E T T ; H O T E L I N D I G O S E AT T L E E V E R E T T WAT E R F R O N T

Flowers Infused With Artistry, Passion, and Inspiration...an Event to Remember

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REGIONAL NEWS

The 275-room Graduate Eugene has opened in Eugene, Oregon, adjacent to the Hult Center and near the University of Oregon. The hotel offers 30,000 square feet of event space, including the 12th-floor Vistas Ballroom with private rooftop event space and expansive views of the University of Oregon and Willamette River.

As a nod to the city’s connection to sport-

ing-goods retailer giant, Nike, the front desk doubles as a display case for a 43-shoe Nike collection curated by avid Nike fan Ben Weprin, Graduate Hotels CEO and founder. The collection features a range of models designed by the Eugene-founded company between inception and 1980. Guests can expect to see everything from vintage hiking boots and track spikes to bowling shoes and roller skates.

The hotel also features two unique food and beverage offerings: The Fir—which serves comfort-food staples—and Poindexter, a lobby café serving up coffee roasted from Coffee Manufactory and bread from local partner Reality Kitchen. Adjacent to the café is a Topgolf Swing Suite experience with simulator bays and a variety of virtual games. graduatehotels.com/eugene

Sea-Tac Expands

Olympic Mountains and downtown Seattle.

The North Satellite project is seeking Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) Silver level certification. Its sustainable construction practices and building operations include the use of 100 percent LED lighting, an efficient heating and cooling system and the capture of rainwater runoff to supply restrooms. portseattle.org

facing suites, and a lobby bar. Other public amenities of the district include a re-creation of the historic Machine Shop structure, a 12,000-square-foot seasonal public skating area and a 20,000-square-foot event space. seasidehotelvancouver.com

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport completed the first phase of its $658.3 million North Satellite Modernization Project. The Port of Seattle and Alaska Airlines unveiled eight new gates, and new and expanded dining and retail options. Travelers now have access to new restaurants and services, including Bambuza Vietnam Kitchen, Skillet, Caffe D’Arte and travel retailer The News Stand. A brand-new nursing suite is also now available on the upper-level mezzanine. It features three curtained alcoves for privacy, a lounge with comfortable seating, restroom, stroller storage and charging stations.

Alaska Air also opened the doors to its new flagship lounge in the North Satellite, the airline’s third at Sea-Tac. At 15,800 square feet, the lounge is three times the size of its average lounge and features views of the airfield,

North Vancouver redevelops Shipyards District The City of North Vancouver (British Columbia) celebrated the official grand opening of the redevelopment of Lower Lonsdale’s Shipyards District. The district includes a seasonal water park, merchants and The Seaside Hotel, which is scheduled to open later this year. The venue will be a high-end, boutique hotel with 72 rooms, spa with ocean-

What’s for Dinner?

Vancouver Food Tour has introduced its new Vegan Food Tour, a walking tour of Vancouver, British Columbia’s best vegan menus. The five-stop, culinary caper starts in Gastown and finishes off in Chinatown, and guests can have two alcoholic beverage pairings. A foodie guide will lead your group to some of the city’s best restaurants for a taste of healthy, such as vegan pizza, veggie bowls, kombucha and nondairy ice cream. The tour is sure to have even the most adamant carnivores finishing all of their vegetables. vancouverfoodtour.com

P H O T O : G R A D U AT E E U G E N E

Graduate Eugene Opens

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A Global S T R E E T

{

The first 100 guests will receive an event passport to fill out for a chance to win a free Block 41 rental!

FA I R

ANNUAL PARTY SHOWCASE | NOVEMBER 6, 2019 4PM-8PM

}

Join Block 41 and over 20 of Seattle’s grooviest catering and event vendors for the party showcase of the year! Sample delectable creations and beverages, immerse yourself in inspiring beats and music, ooh and aah at enchanting entertainment and visuals, and luxuriate in curated lounge areas. If you are planning a party or even thinking about planning a party, you don’t want to miss this showcase.

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P H O T O : G R A D U AT E E U G E N E

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REGIONAL NEWS

PEOPLE NEWS»

LYNNWOODCC.com

425-778-7155

NORTHWEST MEETINGS + EVENTS HAS

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The Benson Hotel has hired Stephanie Wood as group sales manager. Wood has previously held sales management positions at The Oregon Golf Club, Portland City Grill and the Arizona Snowbowl Ski Resort in Flagstaff, Arizona.

The Benson Hotel has appointed Tracy Ann St. Martin conference services manager. St. Martin brings over 12 years of sales, event planning and catering experience to her new role. Most recently, St. Martin served as the catering sales manager at Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Washington Square.

Pan Pacific Seattle has appointed Rebecca Carr director of sales and marketing. Previously she worked for 11 years at Starwood Hotels and Resorts in management, sales and marketing roles.

Peter DiOrio has joined

Kimpton Palladian Hotel as general manager. DiOrio started with the company in 2009 upon graduating from Penn State. He worked his way up through the sales, operations and housekeeping departments, most recently serving as the assistant general manager in Philadelphia at Hotel Monaco and Hotel Palomar.

The Marcus Whitman Hotel & Conference Center is Southeast Washington’s premier meeting and event venue. Imagine the possibilities with over 13,000 square feet of meeting & event space, 133 luxurious guest rooms, and a full catering and kitchen staff. For more information, please email our Director of Sales & Marketing at dosm@mwhcc.com - or call (509) 524-5107.

6 WEST ROSE STREET, WALLA WALLA, WA 99362 | 509.524.5107 marcuswhitmanhotel.com

Coast Wenatchee Center Hotel has appointed Brian Butler director of sales.

Butler brings 15 years of hospitality experience to the role, having worked for Hilton Hotels as director of marketing and sales and national sales in multiple cities throughout the country. During his tenure, he founded a new

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PLAN

EXHIBIT

ATTEND

brand, Hilton Direct, which addressed the small to mid-size meetings market for all Hilton hotels.

Samara Phelps is the new

executive director of Clackamas County Tourism & Cultural Affairs. Phelps has more than a dozen years of experience in the tourism industry. She got her start managing the visitor services program at Travel Lane County, where she later served as community & stakeholders relations manager. She made the transition to Clackamas County in 2015, where she took over as destination development lead.

Visit Seattle has appointed Cameron Hart national account director. Hart will sell the Washington State Convention Center, Seattle and area hotels to corporations, associations, and other large groups on the West Coast. Most recently, he was senior sales executive for The Westin Seattle.

Visit Seattle has promoted Troy Anderson to director of sales. Previously he was national account director for the organization.

Boise’s Best. At its Centre.

Centrally located in the heart of vibrant downtown Boise, the newly expanded Boise Centre has a variety of customizable meeting spaces, modern amenities, exceptional culinary services and a friendly and dedicated staff ready to make your next event an unforgettable experience. Explore Idaho’s premier convention center

for yourself.

• Centralized, downtown location • Only seven minutes from Boise airport • Over 20 direct flights from major U.S. cities • Surrounded by more than 100 restaurants and breweries • Over 1,200 hotel rooms within walking distance • Close to outdoor recreation, including the Boise Greenbelt

LEARN MORE: boisecentre.com

Blake Island Events

Seattle’s quintessential venue is a boat ride away

ANNIVERSARY»

Happy Anniversary On May 31, hundreds of Hilton hotels worldwide marked the brand’s 100th anniversary by extending Hilton hospitality beyond their doors and taking “Random Acts of Hospitality” into their communities. In Portland, some 60 team members from the nine Hilton hotels in Greater Portland gathered at East End Beach for a full afternoon of trail, beach and water’s edge clean-up as part of the community service project. hilton.com

› Indoor and outdoor event spaces › Beach-combing and forest trails › Onsite catering, beverage packages, and AV amenities

Tell us about your event at ArgosyCruises.com

NW.MEETINGSMAGS.COM

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SNAPSHOTS ROCK THE BLOCK GALA

1

3

2

Rock the Block!

On April 18, Greater Seattle NACE converged on Block 41 to celebrate its Rock the Block gala to benefit Birthday Dreams! Sponsors included Perfect Storm Moments, Table 47, Lobban Photography Inc., Megan Swann Photography, The SnapBar, CORT Party Rental, The Great Surprisal, Love’s Events, Fena Flowers, Capri Floral & Event Design, Creative Coverings, PJ Hummel & Co, Perfect Press, LightSmiths, Rock Bot, Adam’s DJ Service, Exquisite Duo, Creative Ice, CircusWerks, National Event Pros, Food Services of America, Sam Day, Warrior Paint & Ink, Tito’s Vodka & Heritage Distilling and Silver City Brewery.

5

4

7 6

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1. Featured cocktails included Guns N’ Rosé, Rock N’ Rye and Purple Rain (pictured). 2. Seattle NACE chapter President Amy Rathbone and Vice President Aaron Shook. 3. Karli Zimmerman and Nems Scarim. 4. Cathy Roberts and Hana Gala. 5. Dessert Dash display. 6. Krista Larrison. 7. Lisa Burke, Julia Lemon and Kevin Aguas. 8. Monica Newby and Jerry DeLay. 9. Nicola Alevizos and Sanja Tonning. —Photos by Megan Swann Photography

SUBMIT YOUR EVENT PHOTOS To have your meeting or event photos featured here, contact the editor at teresa.kenney@tigeroak.com.

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PEOPLE PROFILE DANIELLE BOYLES

Rewarding Career Hyatt Regency Seattle’s director of sales and marketing finds herself at home in Seattle.

BY TERESA KENNEY

Get Connected HYATT REGENCY SEATTLE | hyatt.com | 206.859.6361

I L L U S T R AT I O N : T R A C I Z E L L M A N N

D

anielle Boyles’ first job in hospitality was at the front desk of the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in her hometown of Toronto, Ontario. “I lived and worked in Asia for four years and learned to speak Japanese while I was there. The Royal York hired me on the spot to work at the front desk and with the Japanese tour groups. I never looked back,” she says.

While with Fairmont, she moved around the U.S. and Canada before switching to the event planning side of the industry, working on partnership programs for HelmsBriscoe, a third-party meeting procurement firm headquartered in Arizona. In 2017, she joined the still-under-construction Hyatt Regency Seattle as its director of sales and marketing. That’s where you will find her today. “[At HelmsBriscoe] I got to know the Hyatt brand and team better and really liked what they stood for,” she says.

Regardless of whether she is on the venue or planning side of the industry, one thing stays true for Boyles: the people. “This industry seems to draw people who genuinely care about other people and want others to be happy and comfortable. [It’s] a great group of people to hang with,” she says.

For someone interested in a career in hospitality, Boyles recommends networking as much as possible. “Get as much experience as you can and make connections [with people] who can introduce you to new opportunities. Take advantage of the travel perks that most hospitality companies, and the nature of the job, offer. Get out and see the world.

Don’t be afraid to pick up and start over in a brandnew city or country, you’ll learn so much, and the rewards will be tremendous.”

She speaks from experience—her new address has plenty of rewards. “I love being able to see water and mountains every single day. Everyone is so active and takes advantage of the beautiful place we live in: hiking, biking, kayaking. It’s a very dog-friendly place; it seems like everyone has a dog—I rescue and have two,” she says. “And it’s also a very well-educated, progressive city. So many corporate headquarters are based here, which makes for great conversations at dinner parties!”

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I L L U S T R AT I O N : T R A C I Z E L L M A N N

MEET ROYALLY AT CANADA’S CASTLE ON THE COAST Since 1908, Fairmont Empress, in Victoria, British Columbia, has been the city’s top destination for meetings and events.

Nestled in the heart of a world-class capital city, just 75 miles from Seattle, Fairmont Empress boasts meeting facilities that are supported by an array of services. With meeting planners on hand to provide top-tier expertise and ensure success, your next meeting belongs at Canada’s castle on the coast, Fairmont Empress.

FLEXIBLE MEETING SPACES

464 LUXURIOUS GUEST ROOMS

Victoria is one of the world’s top meetings destinations, and our facilities are the best in the city.

From small meetings to gatherings of 2,000, Fairmont Empress and the adjoining convention center are perfect for your next function.

Fully restored and air conditioned, all accommodations offer sophisticated and timeless design and architecture.

Elegant details pay tribute to the history of the hotel, while also providing a contemporary luxury experience.

Gateway to your perfect Victoria meeting fairmont.com/empress T: 250-384-8111 rfp-emp@fairmont.com

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