Waterways Cruises and Events Open House
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
4-7 p.m.
Where: The Lakeside Event Center
2501 N Northlake Way
Seattle, WA 98103

RSVP by clicking here.


Emerald City Applause Awards
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
at the Columbia Tower Club
701 5th. Ave, 75th. Floor
Seattle, WA 98104

Celebrating the Gems of our Industry

The entries are entered, the judges have judged, and the excitement is building in anticipation of the 4th Annual Emerald City Applause Awards!

Join your colleagues and friends in honoring the best of the best in Washington’s event industry! Your presence is requested to come and savor the excellent work done by some of the top companies in our industry.


NACE AUCTION
October 21st Annual Auction
RSVP by October 16th
5:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 21st, 2008
RSVP by Thursday, October 16th at www.TacomaNACE.net
Sharon McGavick Student & Conference Center
Clover Park Technical College
4500 Steilacoom Blvd. SW Building 23
Lakewood, WA 98499

The Tacoma/South Puget Sound Chapter of the National Association of Catering Executives invites you to our annual auction Cooking up Success! benefiting Clover Park Technical College's Culinary Arts and Floral programs & the NACE education program.

Register Here >>


Murder Mystery aboard the historic Steamship Virginia V
November 1, 2008
7-10 p.m.
Departs from Seattle's Lake Union Park
860 Terry Avenue North
Seattle, WA. 98109
For a cruise around Lake Union and Lake Washington

Join Events on the Edge and the historic Steamship Virginia V for a special Halloween theme murder mystery celebration and adventure aboard the High Seas, with a 3 hour Dinner Cruise around Lake Union and Lake Washington. Halloween costumes are welcome but not required!
Time: Boarding/cocktails 6pm. Mystery & Dinner Cruise 7-10pm
Cost: $85.00 per person plus $2.00 fuel surcharge for Buffet Dinner, Mystery & Cruise (does not incl tax or gratuity)
Tickets: Available online at www.virginiav.org or call 206.624.9119
Parking: Lot & street parking is available at Lake Union Park.


Umbrella Tour
(Familiarization Tour)
Olympia Lacey Tumwater Visitor & Convention Bureau
November 15-17th, 2008

To assist you in planning for 2009, Olympia Lacey Tumwater Visitor & Convention Bureau invite you to participate in the Umbrella Tour. Specifically designed for meeting and event planners, this two-day event is sure to get you acquainted with Thurston County as a meeting and event destination.

RSVP TO:
Heather Antanaitis, Membership & Marketing Development
Olympia Lacey Tumwater Visitior & Convention Bureau
Toll Free: 877.704.7544 Email: marketing@visitolympia.com

Whether you have never been to the area or it is been a while since your last visit, this Familiarization Tour is sure to give you a fresh perspective on what the region has to offer. You will experience our finest attractions, explore restaurants and enjoy two complimentary room nights at the Phoenix Inn & Suites/Red Lion Olympia.

Please join us for the Umbrella Tour November 15-17th. Space is limited, so we ask that you RSVP by November 5th.

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

We think you'll love this local website that helps you connect with local teachers so you can learn just about anything. Meet teachstreet.com where you can search for teachers of a certain craft in the Seattle and Portland area. So if you want to learn to sail, cook, sew, dance, play the piano or just about any other craft you can think of, Teach Street helps you find the skilled professionals in the area that can turn you into a pro yourself.

Once you have found a teacher you can then go onto teachstreet.com and write a review that will help others find a teacher that is right for them. We also like how the site recognizes what craft you want to learn and offers books about the similar trade that are available for you at Amazon.com.

Check out Teach Street and let us know what you think.

Labels: Activities, Industry Alerts, Local Events, Smart Solutions, Something New

Yesterday, this blog was featured in an article by Meetings And Conventions magazine and recognized as one of the top blogs for meeting & event planners. The exact verbiage states: "There's an excess of advice, trend spotting and pontification by and for planners on the web, but the insightful blogs described below consistently are worth reading."

Special thanks to all of our readers. We look forward to bringing you more great business and event planning tips and tricks!

Click here to read the full article and see who else made the list!

Labels: Industry Alerts

Labels: Activities, Industry Alerts, Local Events, Mark's Corner, Real Events

We'd like to share some images taken at this year's Northwest Event Show last Tuesday. Check back tomorrow for more.

Photos by Mark Verner

Labels: Activities, Industry Alerts, Local Events, Mark's Corner, Real Events

The list continues...check out who's new at banquetevent.com!

Olympia Lacey Tumwater Visitor & Convention Bureau

Rich beauty, sumptuous restaurants, monumental views, rich history and culture, a variety of accommodations, stunning outdoor recreation… Washington’s Capital Cities invite you to discover their abundance.





Espresso Elegance

Since 1989, Espresso Elegance has provided Seattle and Portland with the finest espresso catering. Add a touch of class to any occasion by reserving today!







Event Source

We strive to create professional, fun, energy filled, unforgettable events by infusing each celebration with the perfect mixture of the talent, creativity, expertise, interaction, and FUNERGY!




Tacoma Regional Convention & Visitor Bureau

Where art and nature meet. Explore the possibilities of a place where urban sophistication meets outdoor adventure, where cutting edge art meets spectacular mountains and open waters.








Maggiano's Little Italy

Whether it's a business meeting, wedding or any other type of social gathering, your event demands the right ingredients like the right environment, a touch of something special and, of course, spectacular food.

Labels: Industry Alerts, Something New

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

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

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

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

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

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

We read a recent article in the Business Journal featuring an interview with a catering director named Franck Mannechez out of San Antonio, Texas. Frank is also the president of NACE (National Association of Catering Executives) an organization that is very well known here in the Northwest. We found it to be interesting that the same trends happening in a different part of the country also seem to be showing up in the Northwest.

We have included snippets of the interview below.

Q. What is the latest food trend that catering customers are demanding today?

A. No more junk food! Consumers are looking for more locally grown foods and support a healthier environment and a healthier lifestyle. People want food that is convenient, fills them up, tastes good and is not fattening.

Q. For a long time, it was chicken, chicken, chicken. Now it's beef, beef, beef. What's up with that?

A. I think people have finally passed the stage of being afraid of beef. We don't hear anything anymore about Mad Cow.

Q. What is the latest decorating trend in catering today?

A. Lighting! It is amazing what a few spotlights can do to a room. You can match the color of the light either with your centerpieces or your linen, and it will accentuate the color -- making it look even more beautiful. Your room will suddenly have a new dimension.

Q. What is your favorite meal to serve for a business event?

A. Everybody has their own favorite meal that they like to serve at every event because it has a great flavor or it is easy to serve. My personal favorite is a mixed grille of tenderloin of beef medallion with forest mushroom sauce and quartet of gulf shrimp baked in pistachio butter. For a business event, though, it is a little different because you have to consider many factors in order to serve the "right food." Factors range from theme, nutritional preferences, allergies, to event length.

Q. How are caterers dealing with the increased food and transportation costs? Are they raising prices or tweaking other parts of their business?

A. Every catering event is a negotiation and a relationship, and you have to find out what is important to the client first. If cost is not a factor, then it is easy; if it is, we will have to guide the client towards what would be the best for their budget and our costs. Here at the Dominion Country Club we are holding on raising prices. Instead we are trying to negotiate with our fellow NACE (National Association of Catering Executives) members, making deals to help cut some costs and at the same time give them more business. With increased pressure on our nation's food suppliers, though, eventually the rising costs will be passed on to the end user.

Click here for the entire article.

Also click here to visit the local chapter of NACE.

Labels: Food and Beverage, Industry Alerts, Trends