Have you recently purchased a new iPhone 3G? Have you downloaded some of the available applications? Why not use your iPhone to help save you money when filling up your car? Try downloading the iGas Application.

The iGas Application only costs $2.99 for one year. It gives you access to the world's most accurate repository of U.S. retail gas and diesel prices. Whenever you launch the iGas App, the 10 cheapest U.S. stations closest to your location will appear with fuel prices displayed in lowest to highest price order. You can also enter in a zip code to access the 10 cheapest stations in that area.

iGas gives you the ability to:

• Sort by regular unleaded, premium or diesel.


• Access prices from Oil Price Information Service (OPIS) - the same ones used by MapQuest, AAA, Garmin and Sirius Satellite.


• View gasoline brands, station addresses and up-to-date prices.


• View interactive maps and directions to over 110,000 stations.

So when you're downloading all those cool applications from the iPhone AppStore, be sure to download the iGas App. It will help you save time and money when hunting down the cheapest gas prices in your area.

Labels: Mark's Corner

Check out more new additions to banquetevent.com!

Pan Pacific Hotel

Pan Pacific Hotel Seattle exudes an East meets West modernity delivering the new standard of personalized service in the heart of South Lake Union.






Best Western Tacoma Dome Hotel

A jewel in the heart of Tacoma’s Dome District, The Best Western Tacoma Dome Hotel offers Banquet and Meeting Space which can accommodate 10 to 150 guests.





Group Imaging

Group Imaging is a manufacturer, printer, and fabricator of various display solutions. Use us to help make your next event really stand out!








Lincoln Square Cinemas

Located in downtown Bellevue, Lincoln Square Cinemas is the Northwest’s premier cinema experience, offering first-run films with first-rate presentation and service for your own private screening or group event.







Troupe Hipnotica

Troupe Hipnotica Tribal Belly Dance can transform any event into a festive and mysterious jouney with their unique fusion of entrancing dances set to global music.




You didn't think that was it did you? Check back later this week for more newbies at banquetevent.com!

Labels: Industry Alerts, Something New

At banquetevent.com we are continually adding new businesses and services to our site to assure that it is the most comprehensive event planning tool around. Here are just a few of the new businesses we've just added. Just click on the business name to learn more.

Colorific Kids
Face Painting, Airbrush Tattoos, Hawaiian Shaved Ice, and make your own Sandy Candy Wands. Get one or all for your next event! See us at brecky.com.







Warrlight Engraving
We specialize in custom etched, hand painted wine bottles for anniversaries, birthdays, corporate events and awards, weddings or any other special occasion you would like to remember.






Bottom Line Duo
Take a break from hi-tech, pummel your senses modernity by giving your event a world class, organic, and old meets new world atmosphere.











Vince Van Vandervander
The improvisational comedy stylings of Vince Van Vandervander come to life as audience members attempt to win prizes, glory, and fame.











Stella Color
For years Stella Color in Seattle has been printing and producing large format digital projects for a variety of clients.












CHECK BACK MONDAY for more!

Labels: Industry Alerts, Something New

Check out this upcoming event at Castle Bridge Winery, a boutique winery in Kent , WA. Come for music, wine, chocolate and fun!





Wine, Chocolate and Live Music
September 27, 2008
Time: 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Location: Castle Bridge Winery
7645 South 180th Street
Kent WA 98032
Contact: Linda
Phone: 425-251-0983
Email: cbwinery@earthlink.net
RSVP required

Tickets: $10.00 per person/$18.00 couple At the door: 15.00 per person/25.00 couple Relax and Indulge Live music by Suzanne Brewer

Labels: Activities, Food and Beverage, Local Events, Real Events

Thank you to all of those that attended the 2008 Northwest Event Show. It was a HUGE success and we are already planning ahead for next year's show. Check back tomorrow as we get back to work, bringing you more great event and business planning tips, ideas and inspirations.

Labels: Activities, Local Events, Real Events

Labels: Mark's Corner

That's right, just by attending the 2008 Northwest Event Show tomorrow at the Washington State Convention & Trade Center, you'll receive the 2009 Event Resource Guide as our complimentary gift ($14.95 value). The Event Resource Guide is jam-packed with tools and resources for the event planner in the Pacific Northwest. From caterers to venues to entertainers and speakers, the Event Resource Guide has it all.

B&E has published the Event Resource Guide for over a decade, but the 2009 edition is our first to be printed in full color. And we don't mean to brag or anything, but it's our best guide EVER!

Those that don't attend the Northwest Event Guide will have to wait for their copy, so come to the show and get yours hot of the press.

Resister now at nweventshow.com!

Labels: Activities, Industry Alerts, Local Events, Real Events, Something New

When you want to transform a room, decorate for a theme or style, or just create that one magical focal point for your ceremony or reception, call Robinson Design & Events!

Robinson Designs & Events, artists, designers, fabricators...long respected members of the Pacific Northwest event community, offers full-service décor for all kinds of social and corporate events. Our goal is to surprise and delight their clients and their guests.

Each year at the Northwest Event Show, Robinson Designs & Events creates new themed environments that simple amaze us. We can't wait to see what they come up with this year.

Can you?

Register here for the 2008 Northwest Event Show.

Labels: Activities, Industry Alerts, Inspiration Corner, Local Events, Real Events

Don't you just love options? One of the greatest parts about the 2008 Northwest Event Show is that it presents you with so many qualified businesses and services that will meet your needs. Two of our sponsors, Hollywood Lighting Inc. and PNTA, for example, can take your event to new levels with regards to event production, lighting, sound, staging, and design. Just come to the Northwest Event Show, this upcoming Tuesday, for just a taste of what these two incredible companies can do.

A little more about them:

Hollywood Lighting has been a staple of the Northwest Event Show for many years, and each year they continue to amaze with their creativity and knowledgeable staff. Talk to anyone in the business and you'll learn that Hollywood Lighting will exceed your expectations. In 1994, they opened a Seattle office to service rentals and sales for the area. Today, they have a 9200 square foot showroom and warehouse between Safeco Field and Boeing Field. The showroom will make more supplies, expendables and equipment available for rental and sales to the theater, church and event community of Puget Sound. In 2002 they opened a Production Lighting Department in Seattle and now provide those services to the theater and corporate world.

PNTA may be new to the Northwest Event Show this year, but they are certainly not new to the world of event production. From their humble beginning in 1975 as the local, Seattle-area supplier of theatrical equipment and consumables, PNTA has expanded our staff and capabilities over the years to provide a wealth of services for customers across the country. While they still sell supplies and equipment for the theatrical and entertainment industries, now they do it both online and at their spacious new warehouse location at 615 S. Alaska Street. They also rent and repair equipment. PNTA's technical service people are experts at integrating and retrofitting system components to keep lighting control, sound and special effects equipment up and running. They also provide theatrical drapes and soft goods. Corporate, non-profit and private clients alike choose PNTA’s Event Services to help them host memorable events with a flair for the dramatic and a watchful eye to the details.

Come see these two incredible companies at the Northwest Event Show, September 23 at the Washington State Convention & Trade Center. Register NOW!

Labels: Activities, Industry Alerts, Local Events, Real Events, Something New

MTM Luxury Lodging manages the Puget Sound's most unique, boutique hotels. Each of their properties are designed and shaped to blend with its natural surroundings. Some of their properties sit in the center of city, while others are surrounded by vineyards or water. No matter the property, each MTM Luxury Lodging venue will match the match the vision for your next event perfectly. And lucky for us, they have gathered together as a sponsor for the 2008 Northwest Event Show, giving you the opportunity to learn more about their offerings.

Meet the Group:


Nestled on the scenic shores of Hood Canal just two hours from Seattle, Washington, Alderbrook Resort & Spa is a world away from the everyday. Our newly renovated resort offers a variety of luxurious accommodations, state-of-the-art conference and event facilities, a full service spa, and a first-class restaurant. And it's all in one convenient - not to mention breath taking - location. It's no wonder Alderbrook has become the Northwest's premier destination for both leisure travelers and conference retreat planners.

Poised 900 feet above the Columbia River, Cave B Inn at SageCliffe is surrounded by estate vineyards, fragrant orchards and thought-provoking beauty. Intimate in nature, experiential by design, Cave B was created to celebrate those things which elevate and refresh us, providing an enriching environment where guests can experience firsthand the power of the land. Comprised of 30 guestrooms, including 15 finely appointed Cliffehouses, and our new swimming pool, accommodations offer breathtaking views of sky, water, canyon and vineyard.

The epitome of Seattle’s high-tech reputation, Hotel 1000 quickly established itself as the premier luxury hotel in downtown Seattle. Intimate and customized service joined with modern convenience is equally appealing to both leisure and business travelers setting the foundation for the hotels growing customer loyalty. Having celebrated just one year of operation at summer’s end 2007, Hotel 1000 now leads the market in rate and RevPAR. Discover the many distinctive qualities that differentiate Hotel 1000: from fully integrated, wired-to-serve technology to intimate, soothing, residential design to delightful surprises — a bathtub that fills from the ceiling and artwork that meets your personal preference.

Gracing downtown with its breathtaking Italianate architecture for a century, the Sorrento is an oasis of luxury, and one of Seattle’s most recognized and cherished landmarks. Overlooking the downtown city skyline, the Sorrento is a most unique upscale hotel offering an intimate setting of 76 guestrooms and suites as well as 6 banquet, meeting, and event rooms. As the longest running luxury hotel in Seattle, and recognized as the “grand dame” of Seattle, the Sorrento is defined by legendary hospitality, living up to its reputation as one of the finest hotel destinations in Seattle.

With its massive fireplace, Northwest ambiance, luxurious beds and five acres of magical gardens, Willows Lodge is a celebration of the senses where guests feel pampered and revived. Just a 20 minute drive from Seattle and a short stroll from award winning wineries, the 84-room rustic retreat offers a host of civilized comforts, including a full-service spa and two of the most highly-rated restaurants in the Northwest — The Herbfarm Restaurant and the Barking Frog. The unique ambiance of the Lodge adds an extra dimension of charm to all occasions, while our five acres of gardens lend themselves to truly unforgettable events.

The Woodmark Hotel, Yacht Club & Spa is a luxury lakeside hotel located in Kirkland WA, just minutes away from Seattle, WA. As the only hotel on the shores of Lake Washington, this east of Seattle hotel showcases shoreline views of the Seattle skyline and Olympic Mountains. The Woodmark Hotel and world class Spa embraces travelers with the charm of a private residence combining intimacy and elegance. Prominently set within the Carillon Point waterfront community east of Seattle, the Woodmark Hotel is near shopping, galleries, and tourist destinations; and minutes from major corporate offices including Microsoft, Google, T-Mobile and AT&T. Downtown Seattle is just a 15 minute drive with easy freeway access.

Labels: Industry Alerts, Local Events, Real Events

• Disposable plastic bottles can leach a chemical known as Bisphenol A into the water, the environment, and our own bloodstreams. In fact, evidence of BPA, which is known to disrupt the hormone system of humans, can now be found in approximately 95% of Americans!
  
• U.S. plastic bottle production requires more than 1.5 million barrels of oil, enough to fuel 100,000 cars.
  
• Contributing to global warming by transporting bottled water over great distances.
  
• The Food and Drug Administration regulates only the 30 to 40 percent of bottled water sold across state lines - meaning most of the product you are drinking has not been inspected.

There is an organization that challenges Americans to go Back To The Tap....For A Healthier Planet! Back To The Tap sells a unique sports bottle that conveniently filters the water as you drink. Just one Back To The Tap portable filtered sports bottle provides a convenient and great tasting water sorce for just pennies a day!

Labels: Mark's Corner

MEETING THE CHALLENGE Gaining... Networking... Sharing 7th Annual Meetings Industry Summit

For the first time in the show's history, the Northwest Event Show will be held in conjunction with the 7th Annual Meetings Industry Summit, hosted by MPI and PCMA.

One day. Two spectacular events!

Location: Washington State Convention & Trade Center
Schedule: 7:30am - 8:00am: Check-In & Networking
8:00am - 11:30am: Breakfast and Program
11:00am - 5:00pm: Tour the Northwest Event Show Floor and enjoy all the delicious samples
Cost: $75 for Summit, Pre-registration is required, Free to attend the Northwest Event Show
For a student discount, please email Jessica@apulent.com

Come network with Industry leaders and experts and participate in interactive discussions on the hottest industry trends.

Keynote Speaker: Enabling Change with George Myers, Partner Effectiveness Institute

Also Featuring:
Tom Norwalk, President and CEO of Seattle's Convention & Visitors Bureau presents "State of the Industry"

Panel of Industry Experts include:
Moderator: Michael McQuade, Director of Sales & Marketing, Washington State Convention
and Trade Center
Panelists:
Richard Moore, Co-Founder TPN Events
Jeanne Berry, Principal, RealTime Productions
Debra Vasseur, Travel and Meetings Manager, Starbucks Coffee Company
Rachel Hall, Operations Manager, Hollywood Lighting Services

Thank You to the Summit's Presenting Sponsors:
Aramark
Blue Danube
Hollywood Lighting
PJ Hummel & Company, Inc
The Extreme Group
The Production Network
Washington State Convention & Trade Center
WestCoast Drape

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE SUMMIT>>

Labels: Activities, Industry Alerts, Local Events, Real Events

The wonderful part about living in the Northwest is that true getaway destinations are just a short drive away. And fortunately for us, we have three of the finest destination resorts around exhibiting at the Northwest Event Show. And fortunately for you, just by attending the show, you'll have the chance to win a trip for two to each of these fabulous destinations.

Skamania Lodge, a magnificent mountain resort nestled on 175 wooded acres, is located in the spectacular Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. The rustic yet elegant, grand mountain Lodge is located just 45 miles east of Portland, Oregon, on the Washington side of the Columbia River.

"Skamania" is the Chinook Indian word for "swift water". The resort, which overlooks the Columbia River is aptly named, as there are also over 70 waterfalls nearby, including the famous Multnomah Falls, which, at 620 feet, is the fifth highest waterfall in the United States.

Surrounded by Cascade peaks and set alongside the Cle Elum River, Suncadia offers the ultimate luxury mountain resort experience, combining year round outdoor recreation and luxurious accommodations and amenities. From championship golf, spectacular hiking, fly fishing, downhill and cross-country skiing, to spa treatments, and fine dining, Suncadia is a place for friends and family to relax and reconnect.

Suncadia's luxury lodging can accommodate groups of any size. The Inn at Suncadia is an intimate, elegant lodge in a mountain setting with golf course views and stunning Northwest-style design. The Lodge at Suncadia is a lodge in the grandest Northwest tradition, featuring majestic architecture, panoramic river and mountain views, and all the amenities of a full-service luxury hotel and conference center. A collection of custom, Cle Elum vacation rental homes is also available at Suncadia.

Sunriver Resort, located 15 miles south of Bend, Oregon on the dry side of the Cascade Mountains, is a AAA Four-Diamond award winning property. With a unique blend of full-service resort amenities, personalized service, year-round world-class recreation, natural beauty, and the Pacific Northwest ambiance, Sunriver Resort is the Northwest’s premier destination resort.

For a memorable golf outing, quality family vacation, that important corporate meeting, or a rejuvenating spa getaway, discover why Sunriver Resort is the Heart & Soul of the Great Northwest®

Labels: Activities, Local Events, Real Events

We'd like to introduce you to another newbie at the Northwest Event Show this year, Stella Color. At Stella Color, it's all about making big ideas come to life, and doing it with eco-friendly techniques.

Stella Color has been a leader in the digital large format print industry since 1988, and
is now helping to lead the way in exploring eco-friendly green printing processes in the
large format digital printing world.

They offer a broad variety of digitally printed products and services. They print and produce
convention and trade show displays, exhibit displays, indoor and outdoor signage,
custom wall coverings for business and home, poster printing, advertising graphics,
custom window displays, retail wall displays, vinyl vehicle graphics, and much more!

All of the signage at the 2008 Northwest Event Show will be printed by Stella Color, so we urge you to pay special attention to their quality and start thinking about the ways you can utilize Stella's services for own events or business needs.

Labels: Activities, Going Green, Industry Alerts, Local Events, Real Events, Something New

We are pleased to welcome WestCoast Drape as an exhibitor in the Northwest Event Show for the first time. Drape and fabric has the ability to turn an ordinary room into an extraordinary display of creativity and design. With WestCoast Drape your options are truly limitless.

On New Year’s Day 2006 Wes Walterman, opened WestCoast Drape with an idea of creating a premier drape company. Walterman joined forces with Scott Galloway as VP of Operations and Sales to develop and honor standards of product value, business integrity, and customer service designed to eclipse the competition. From their home base in Portland, Oregon, they began working to set a new standard in pipe and drape rental. Today, WestCoast Drape has seven satellite offices throughout the western United States including Seattle, Phoenix, Portland, Los Angeles, Palm Springs, San Diego, and San Francisco.

WestCost Drape is the official drape provider for the 2008 Northwest Event Show. They will also be on hand to answer your questions and showcase their impressive portfolio and stock fabrics.

Labels: Industry Alerts, Inspiration Corner, Real Events, Something New

Are you still looking for some clever Green Gift ideas? Check out The Green Perspective. This is a new company located in Philadelphia committed to a sustainable future and the green economy. The gifts are designed around common themes and at standard gift basket price points, but with a green twist. The gift pictured above called "Green Essentials" includes a reusable bag, The Green Book, a CFL bulb, natural soaps, and a reusable Travel Mug.

The "Green Your Kitchen" Gift includes a bamboo utensil set, a bamboo bowl, an all natural/all purpose cleaner, a starter set for home-grown herbs, "In Defense of Food" book, a loofa scrubber, and a cotton string grocery bag. This gift makes it easy to get a Green start on your kitchen.

Even newborn babies can go Green! The "Eco-Mom & Green Baby" Gift has all the basics to help the expecting Mom be eco-friendly. This gift includes a reusable bag, all-natural liquid soap, an organic cotton onesie, "Raising Baby Green" book, a New Native Baby Carrier made from 100% organic cotton, stuffed toys made from recycled sweaters and yarn, and an Evenflo glass baby bottle.

The Green Perspective believes that green products will replace their conventional peers to become standard. In fact there is no reason at all they should not because green items are stylish, attractive, useful and better for us and our environment. The Green Perspective wants to make that vision a reality! Check out their website for all of their great earth-friendly gift ideas.

Labels: Mark's Corner

One of the best things about the Northwest Event Show is our amazing sponsor lineup. We have the best of the best in event design, production and execution in the business. And for one day, they all come together to show off their stuff. This week and next, we'll be introducing you to sponsors one by one, so you can get a head start in knowing which exhibitors are the ones you need to look for first.

Today, we'd like to highlight PJ Hummel & Co., one of the best known event decorators in the area today. PJ Hummel & Company, Inc. is an award-winning event décor and production company—creating impressive special events for private and corporate clients. A one-stop shop for your entire event design needs. In today’s world of doing more with less, you need to get maximum return on your event investment. With PJ Hummel, the only limitation you have is your imagination.

PJ Hummel & Company strives to provide the finest event design and décor, delivered with impeccable style and grace. Each event is carefully planned with a purpose to create unforgettable tangible experiences.




PJ Hummel & Company has been collecting authentic props, antiques, and theme décor for over 30 years. The company’s design studio and magical themed warehouse is located in Tacoma, WA on the Middle Waterway. PJ Hummel & Company’s magical themed prop warehouse makes the company unique. An interactive space with over 15,000 square feet, filled with ideas and promises of dreams to be. The Company’s warehouse is open to clients to experience and explore. A total of 10 multi-sensory vignettes are set for clients to view and touch, including lighting and special effects.

Look for PJ's designs the moment you walk into the registration lobby of the Northwest Event Show and also in the center of the show floor as she and her team of professionals create a stunning "rest area" for you to kick back and relax after a day of fun and eating!

But wait, have you registered yet? If not, head over to nweventshow.com and register today. Only those that pre-registered will receive validation for free parking!

Labels: Industry Alerts, Inspiration Corner, Local Events, Real Events

There are few things we hate more than a tangled weave of computer wires laying on our neat and tidy desks or tripping us up on the floor. That is why we are in love with the new Epson Workforce 40 Wi Fi printer. It never made sense to us why we would have a wireless labtop but have to move into our office every time we wanted to print.

The Epson Workforce 40 is engineered for the small business and home office. Get laser quality output at laser fast speeds for prints that make you look your best.

Better for your business, and your bottom line, the Epson WorkForce 40 printer blazes through critical documents at speeds about two times faster than those of competitive printers.1 Delivering laser quality text and brilliant color photos, it’s the perfect addition to your business team. In fact, with Wi-Fi® and Ethernet networking built in, you can easily share the WorkForce 40 with anyone in your office. And, with its small, compact design, it fits in even the smallest of spaces. Best of all, this budget-conscious performer offers an Extra High-capacity Black ink cartridge for high-volume printing at a price that’s sure to please.

Labels: Smart Solutions, Something New

As you know, the Northwest Event Show is going green this year and we look forward to presenting you with fresh ideas and inspirations to help you think outside the box in event design.

There is nothing more beautiful than nature, so it is no wonder that current trends in event planning design and decor are gathering inspiration from nature's finest elements. A key theme in event design trends for 2009 is to bring the outdoors inside in the form of floral centerpieces and room focal points.

Below we have provided samples from Los Angeles event planner Krislyn Designs. Krislyn Designs successfully uses natural shapes, colors and textures found in nature to create stunning and masterful event decor sensations. We particularly love the use of potted trees and plants as room centerpieces.

Labels: Going Green, Inspiration Corner, Trends

Only three weeks now until the 2008 Northwest Event Show takes place at the Washington State Convention & Trade Center on September 23. Have you registered yet? If not, here are just a few of the reasons why you should...

• It's 100% free to attend. That's right, the Northwest Event Show is free for all qualified meeting and event planners. Heck, even if you only plan one event a year, or have never planned an event before but have a major one coming up, this show is for you!
• Not only is it free, but we'll also give you free stuff! Just for attending the show you'll receive the 2009 B&E Event Resource Guide as our complimentary gift. The guide retails for $14.95 in bookstores, and truly is the most comprehensive planning tool around. The best part is, the 2009 edition will be in FULL COLOR for the first time ever. And you'll be receiving it hot of the press!
• The Northwest Event Show is occurring in conjunction with the 2008 SUMMIT INDUSTRY Meeting, also a first. If you are planning on attending the SUMMIT you'll get two great shows on one day.
• You'll learn the latest Green Event Planning Tips. This year's event is going green and we have the best ideas and inspirations in town so you can plan greener events too.
• Chances to win three weekend getaways to Skamania Lodge, Suncadia Resort, and Sunriver Resort complete with the royal treatment.
  
• The exhibitors are top-notch! With over 250 booths you'll never get another chance like this to meet with the area's top event planning professionals, in one place, on one day. They are the best of the best in design, catering, entertainment, team building and more!
• All the food your belly can take, and then a little more. You'll get to sample the best food Northwest caterers have to offer. It's definitely not a day to wear tight pants!

Have we convinced you yet? If so, head on over to nweventshow.com and register for the 2008 Northwest Event Show! You cannot afford to miss this spectacular event!

Labels: Activities, Food and Beverage, Going Green, Industry Alerts, Inspiration Corner, Local Events, Real Events, Smart Solutions, Something New, Trends

Unfortunately all of the Tesla Roadsters that have been manufactured have been sold out, but Tesla Motors is currently working on a sedan model which will be introduced as a 2010 model. The sedan is being designed as an alternative to cars such as the BMW 5 Series and the Audi A6, with an estimated price of $60,000. Future plans include a more affordable third model to be released in 2012 at a cost of around $30,000.

Tesla Motors is headquartered in San Carlos, California. A new plant has opened in the San Francisco Bay area. If you're looking for a more fuel efficient car, then keep Tesla Motors in mind. You will definitely be hearing more about them in years to come.

Labels: Mark's Corner