Labels: holidays, Local Events

This past April Seattle held the annual Seattle Dog Show. It is rumored Seattle has more dogs than children, so we felt we should provide all of the animal lovers and more especially the dog lovers a look at some of the nicely coif-'furred' entrants this Spring.

This is a great event to attend and if you have a dog, are even considering getting a dog, or even need to educate yourself about particular breeds, this is a show you should jot down on your calendar. Recently in the news we have had so many negative images of these incredible friends of ours, we wanted to persuade everyone to see the positive in our "best friends."

You can also watch many of these amazing creatures do field trials and actually some of them, a newer event, dance with their owners. Pet supplies abound, and so does an entire floor of various breeds animal rescue groups.

We indulged ourselves with a couple of our favorite breeds - one of which is the Scottish Terrier. In honor of one of the best friends we knew, who recently passed away, we bring this glimpse into the well-groomed world of the show dog. Aggie this is for you and we hope you are enjoying it. Aggie was a loving Scottish Terrier owned by our company President, Marion Clifton.

Photographs by "Leave Your Mark Photography"

Labels: Inspiration Corner, Local Events

Labels: Local Events, Real Events

In another look at our series of great things to do locally, try a little variety to perk things up. Everybody loves the incredible water we find ourselves surrounded by in the area. From Pierce to Snohomish County, we have it all and Argosy Cruises knows how to take you to just about every part of it. They say getting there is half the fun and if you add It's A Mystery to the Cruise or An Esp Experience, it takes on a whole new life of it's own. There is another option for you as you head out to the Puget Sound and that is Waterways Cruises. They offer several key cruise options so be sure and check them out for a customize cruise to fit exactly what your timeframe needs. Need to create a meeting environment offering some presentation options, then look no further than the Lincoln Cinemas in Bellevue. Don't forget to ask for the popcorn and candy concessions before the meeting starts!

Labels: Local Events

As we continue our weekly feature on the local hotspots in the Seattle area we simply adore, we move slightly south to the area of Tacoma, Washington. Often an overlooked city in the shadow of its northern neighbor, Tacoma sits on the shores of the Puget Sound just 30 minutes south of Seattle. This is a city going through a renaissance. It is an exciting place to be with new restaurants and new hotels coming in to the area. Tacoma is actually the city with the perfect view of Mount Rainier, just ask anyone who has stayed or lived there. Here are a couple of fabulous places to stay and or have your meeting. We cannot speak of Tacoma without mentioning the Tacoma Dome, a major concert venue in this area, in addition to many many more fine restaurants such as the Pacific Grill. Be sure and stop in at the BITE Restaurant right at the Hotel Murano.




Hotel Murano
Best Western Tacoma Dome

Click here for more Tacoma, Olympia, South Puget Sound options for all event planning needs

Labels: Local Events

For our Seattle based event planners, we will be starting a new weekly feature to help you get to know your city better. Check back every Thursday for more local ideas, tips, and advice. Just look for the "We Love _____" icon on each weekly post for local guides and resources.

Budgets may be a little tighter these days, but everyone needs a vacation right? If you are like us and are craving a little R&R these days, consider some hotel and resort options just around the corner. Staycations are a great way to take advantage of the utterly fantastic hotels and resorts in your neighborhood. After all, people come from afar to stay at some of the area's hottest and luxury hotels, and because you live within driving distance, you'll take enjoy the ritz and glam of a four star hotel, but without the cost of airfare, rental cars, and other travel expenses. So this winter and spring, do what we do, and plan your very own staycation. Here are some of our favorite hotspots you should check out.


Alexis Hotel
Hotel Monaco
Arctic Club Hotel
Mayflower Park Hotel
Hilton Seattle

Click here for more Seattle, Tacoma, and Bellevue hotels and resorts >>

Labels: Activities, Local Events

Labels: Industry Alerts, Local Events, Real Events

Looking for a fun activity this weekend? Head over to the Parlor in Bellevue, WA for some comedy and laughs with Mark Curry from "Hanging With Mr. Cooper." Plus mark your calendars for more activities coming up including comedy shows, dualing piano shows, and even a Super Bowl Party this weekend.


The Parlor is also great for large groups. The Parlor Collection provides the right space for any event. Whether you’re looking for a fun spot to host an after-work gathering, a corporate team building event, a celebratory product launch, or a private party, The Parlor Collection has what you’re looking for. Private executive suites, semi-private ultra lounges, or select sections of billiards tables are available. From casual to elegant catering and exceptional first-class service, your guests will enjoy an environment like no other.

Labels: Activities, Industry Alerts, Local Events

Labels: Activities, Industry Alerts, Local Events

Today, history is made.

Labels: Local Events, Real Events

Like Fred and Ginger, Franklin and Eleanor, even Kermit and Miss Piggy, Meeting Planners and Speakers have a classic relationship but frequently “Just don’t get it!” when working together. Like many a romance, we often fail to ask important questions at the beginning and assume we know each others’ needs, often resulting in a Ricky and Lucy explosion on Event Day:

Meeting Planner: "Speaker! You got some splainin’ to do.”
Speaker: " Waaaaaaah!”

And vice-versa. Truthfully, both Meeting Planners and Speakers want the same thing: a successful event with raves from audience members and clients requesting encores. Here’s how we’ll get it every time!

Within three hours, we’ll address the essentials of this partnership, and explode the myths on both sides of the speaker hiring question. This is an opportunity for professionals on both sides of the contract to get instant clarity and an edge over their competitors. In both panel and town hall formats we’ll address such burning issues as:

Meeting Planners:
What are your responsibilities as a meeting planner?
Where does a speaker rank in the hierarchy of venue, food, etc?
What makes an ideal speaker?

Speakers:
Which information is vital to get from the planner?
Why floor plan, seating arrangements and food service affects your presentation.
How other activities and topics in the schedule affect your program.

In addition to our discussions, we’ll have the opportunity for a few speakers to do a mini-showcase and get immediate feedback from people with the power to hire. Both Mars and Venus will leave with immediately applicable tools as the planets spin once again in sync—-and accomplish their shared goal of a memorable and compelling meeting for every audience, every time. That’s amore!

Members $30
Affiliates $45
First Time $40
Guests $75
Meeting Planners $20

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Contact: Info@nsanorthwest.org for more information.

Labels: Activities, Local Events

Looking for some REAL holiday inspiration for yourself, your family or even your staff? Look no further - here are some GREAT ideas and places to go - don't worry - all you need to do is call, reserve your space, or show and the inspiration will be there waiting for you! Here are a few festive ideas! Have fun!

OPTION 1: Make a splash in your scrapbook with a family vacation at Great Wolf Lodge, conveniently located in Centralia, Washington between Seattle and Portland. And their Conference Center is also available for corporate and social functions for groups from 8 to 800.


OPTION 2: Get your tickets now for a Seattle tradition. The ACT's 33rd Annual production of A Christmas Carol is playing now. Calll the ticket office at (206) 292-7676. Special group prices for parties of 20 or more are available. Save up to 25%. Call (253) 839-4204 to book now!

OPTION 3: The Argosy Christmas Ship™ festival is a holiday celebration that has been a Northwest tradition for 59 years. Its main purpose is to bring communities together to celebrate the holiday season. Click here to watch a video.

OPTION 4: Book a table for fun, laughs and jaw-dropping acrobatics at Teatro Zinzanni. If this is your first time visiting, you are in for a real treat!

Labels: Activities, Inspiration Corner, Local Events

The Seattle Hotel Association's (SHA) 59-member hotels is proud to announce that H.S. Wright III and Kate Janeway are the honorees of its 12th annual fundraising dinner and gala auction, the "Evening of Hope." The highly anticipated gala will once again raise funds for Plymouth Housing Group, which provides supportive housing for more than 1000 individuals who would otherwise be homeless in downtown Seattle. The event will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2009 at The Fairmont Olympic Hotel.

Learn more about this great cause and you can attend by clicking here.

Labels: Activities, Local Events

Local chefs and food connoisseurs have worked their magic to create exquisite tastes, seasonings and culinary delights that make excellent gifts this holiday. Here are two of our local favorites...

From Volterra in Ballard comes their signature fennel salt and porcini salt, sure to add that extra flair and pizazz to your dishes. Volterra Fennel Salt was launched at the 2006 Winter Fancy Food Show and became an overnight success. After making its red carpet debut in the celebrity gift bags at the Oscars “Night of 100 Stars” gala, it has become wildly popular with celebrities and was even been featured on the set of the “Desperate Housewives”. The boldly flavored Fennel Salt was inspired by Chef Don Curtiss’ travels through Italy. It’s made with freshly toasted, organic fennel seed, organic orange peel, and other traditional flavors of the Italian peninsula. Chef Curtiss personally makes every batch of Fennel Salt to ensure the highest quality. Recreate Volterra’s bread service using Volterra Extra Virgin Olive oil sprinkled with Fennel Salt. It’s a great all purpose seasoning and is particularly delicious in meat and seafood dishes, potatoes and eggs.

The Twelve Rubs of Christmas from Tom Douglas is also on our list this year. What’s more welcome, more delicious, and more exciting than a partridge in a pear tree? A handsome gift box of Tom Douglas Rub with Love Spice Rubs will delight everyone on your holiday list! All 12 of our spice rubs are included in this spectacular gift, from the brown sugar and sweet paprika notes of our best selling Salmon Rub to the smoky chiles, toasted sesame, and dried seaweed tang of Spicy Tokyo Rub to the ultimate BBQ flavors of cumin, coriander, and a touch of cayenne in our Pork Rub. Just pat these spice rubs on salmon, shrimp, steak, burgers, Portobello mushrooms, or baby back ribs- in fact, just about any meat, fish or vegetable you can think of. Sprinkle the rubs into stews, soups, and stir fries, mix up a quick sour cream dipping sauce, or toss some into your scrambled eggs. Spice up the holiday season for yourself, your family and friends.

Labels: Food and Beverage, Local Events

Why not kick off the Holiday Season with a parade, star lighting, tree lighting and a carousel? All of these are a Seattle Tradition. This will be the 51st year for the lighting of the Macy's Star. The festivities begin with the Macy's Holiday Parade Friday, November 28th at 8:45 am in Downtown Seattle. The parade begins on 7th Avenue, heads west down Pine Street, turns south onto Fifth Avenue to University Street, west to 4th Avenue and north on 4th to Macy's doorstep! Presented by The Seattle Times & KING 5 TV; co-sponsored by STAR 101.5. If you can't be at the parade, watch the live broadcast on KING 5 TV at 9:00 am.

The Macy's Holiday Star Lighting is at 5:00 pm, followed by a spectacular fireworks display off the top of the Macy's building in downtown Seattle. Gather at Westlake Park for the best view. The annual lighting of the Seattle Christmas Tree will also be taking place as well as the lighting of the Westlake park Holiday Carousel.

Labels: Local Events, Mark's Corner

The Plot: In her new town of Forks, Washington, misfit teenager Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) falls for her alluring and mysterious classmate, Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson). As it turns out, Edward belongs to a lineage of vampires, although he doesn't fit the typical vampire mold. As their passion reaches dizzying heights, can Edward resist his natural urges, and will he be able to defend Bella from his family members who have come for her? Our Pick!

Watch the trailer...




The Plot: A comedy about a married couple (Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn) from two divorced families who are tasked with attending four Christmas Day celebrations.


The Plot: Set in northern Australia before World War II, an English aristocrat (Nicole Kidman) who inherits a sprawling ranch reluctantly pacts with a stock-man (Hugh Jackman) in order to protect her new property from a takeover plot. As the pair drive 2,000 head of cattle over unforgiving landscape, they experience the bombing of Darwin, Australia, by Japanese forces firsthand. Our Pick!

Watch the trailer...



The Plot: Aliens land on Earth with an important message for its citizens. A remake of the classic 1951 sci-fi film directed by Robert Wise.


The Plot: A professional man (Will Smith) who is close to suicide for his role in an auto accident that claimed the lives of seven people finds a reason to live, and to atone, when he falls for a woman (Rosario Dawson) who wants to help him deal with his grief. Our Pick!

Watch the trailer...




The Plot: What happens when you agree with everyone and say "yes" to everything? Carl (Jim Carrey) is about to find out when he chooses to become overly agreeable for an entire year. Our Pick!

Watch the trailer...




The Plot: A young couple (Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio) raising a family in a Connecticut suburb during the mid-1950s look to break free from their frustratingly mediocre lives.


The Plot: Near the end of WWII, Claus von Stauffenberg (Tom Cruise) leads to group of fellow German army colonels in an attempt to assassinate Adolf Hitler; the event would later be called the July 20 Plot of 1944.


The Plot: An impossibly cute, but impossible-to-live-with yellow Labrador retriever named Marley teaches his newlywed owners (Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson) a thing or two about patience and parenthood.


The Plot: During a weekend in which Harvey Shine (Dustin Hoffman) travels to London for his daughter's wedding, her first learns that he's lost his job back in New York, then he discovers he won't be the man giving away the bride at the ceremony. The one good thing that happens -- his meeting Kate (Emma Thompson), a prickly but nevertheless enchanting Londoner -- might be the beginning of some much-needed change in Harvey's life. Our Pick!

Watch the trailer...




The Plot: Benjamin Button (Brad Pitt) was born under unusual circumstances. As everyone around him grew older, he aged backwards, making the challenges of life such as creating friendships, finding a job and falling in love all the more difficult and heartbreaking. Our Pick!

Watch the trailer...

Labels: Activities, Industry Alerts, Local Events

Rainier Brewing Company (1884 - 1999) was a Seattle, Washington, company that brewed Rainier Beer, a popular brand in the Pacific Northwest. Although Rainier was founded in 1884, the Seattle site had been brewing beer since 1878. While the beer enjoys near iconic status, it is no longer brewed in Seattle, nor is the company owned locally. In the late 1990s, the company was sold to Stroh's, then to Pabst, though Miller contract brews most of Pabst's beers. The brewery was closed by Pabst in 1999 and sold.

Although beer is no longer brewed there, the brewery itself is still a fixture in the south end of town, adjacent to I-5 just north of the Spokane Street Viaduct. In fact, as our business sits in the heart of West Seattle, we pass by the building each morning. The plant is now used by Tully's Coffee to roast beans. The trademark red neon R that sat atop the building has been replaced with a green T for the new occupant. But if you are ever feeling a little nostalgic, the neon R is now in the collection of Seattle's Museum of History and Industry.

Labels: Local Events

Fabulous home-cooked feasts are a traditional part of Thanksgiving. They can also be a lot of work and a lot of stress. If you'd rather devote your energy to quality time with friends and family, dining out on Thanksgiving Day is a perfectly fine alternative. Since this has become a popular option, reservations are usually required. These resources will help you find out which Puget Sound area restaurants will be serving dinner on Thanksgiving.

• Open Table - this online restaurant reservation services has a special section devoted to restaurants that are open on Thanksgiving
• The Seattle Times - lists menu items, restaurant hours, and price range
• CitySearch Seattle - in addition to listing open restaurants, this site lists Thanksgiving catering and takeout options
• Gayot.com - this restaurant review web site provides a list of Thanksgiving dining options as well as links for reservations

Local Restaurants Serving Thanksgiving Dinner...

0/8 Seafood Grill & Twisted Cork Wine Bar
Bellevue, WA
Chef Dan is offering a Thanksgiving buffet of traditional fare as well as fresh local seafood.
Cost: $38.95/adult, $16.95/child 5-12, free for children under 5 w/ an adult
Time: Noon to 7 p.m.
Reservations highly recommended

Andaluca
Seattle in the Mayflower Park Hotel
Offering the regular menu.
Time: 3-9 p.m.
Reservation recommended.

Brasserie Margaux
Belltown
A Thanksgiving Day buffet.
Time: 1-8 p.m.
Cost: $39/adult, $14.95/child under 12). Included validated parking.

Chandler's Crabhouse
Lake Union
Offering a 4-course dinner including traditional roast turkey, herb roasted prime rib, or fresh seafood delicacies.
Cost: $44.95
Reservations Recommended

Clinkerdagger
Spokane, WA
Offering our regular dinner menu along with a featured Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner.
Time: 3:30-8 p.m.
Reservations Recommended

Cutter's Bayhouse
Seattle, WA
Offering a large variety of our most popular items as well as traditional Thanksgiving Day dinners.
Time: Noon - 8 p.m.
Reservations Recommended

Daniel's Broiler
Lake Union, Bellevue Place and Leschi Marina
Offer a delicious, 4-course dinner including traditional roast turkey or USDA Prime beef.
Cost: $49.95

Maggiano's Little Italy
Bellevue
Celebrate Thanksgiving with your family & friends! Their special menu includes roast turkey, country style ham, garlic mashed potatoes, pumpkin praline cheesecake, & more!
Cost: $34.95 per person (adults) and $16.95 per child.
Carry out and home delivery also available.

McCormick & Schmick's
Offering a limited menu, incl. a traditional turkey dinner, prime rib, salmon, crab, and lamb chops.
Reservations Recommended

Ponti Seafood Grill
Seattle, WA
Join us for a traditional 3-course menu featuring grilled salmon, prime rib, and turkey.
Cost: $39/adult, $15/child
Time: 1-8 p.m.

Toscano
Bellevue Offering a delicious Thanksgiving buffet with over 100 items!
Cost:$39/adult, $20/child 6-12

Labels: Food and Beverage, Local Events, Real Events, Smart Solutions

Get ready for a day of turkey day gorging with the annual Turkey Trot fun walk. Proceeds from the Turkey Trot held November 16, will not only benefit your waistline, but also the Hopelink organization that provides emergency services for low-income families in east and north King County during the winter months when they faces added pressures such as higher home heating costs and additional food needs. Hopelink anticipates an increase by 20% of those visiting food banks this year, and the money raised through the Turkey Trot will go toward providing those in need with the resources they need.

Registration for the fun walk begins at Noon on the 16th at Carillon Point in Kirkland. The walk starts at 1 pm. You may also pre-register to receive a $5 discount.

Click here for more information about the Turkey Trot.

Labels: Activities, Local Events, Real Events

Last week we blogged about the sales of political Halloween masks and how their sales can often predict the winner of the presidential election. Now comes another, so-called "predictor" from 7-11 convenience stores. Let us introduce you to the 2008 7-Election, where 7-11 coffee drinkers show their support for one candidate over another by drinking from their respective choice's coffee cup.

Now you may be like us and wonder if any of these "predictors" are really accurate. Well, according to 7-11, during the 2000 7-Election, the George W. Bush cups outsold the Al Gore cups by just 1%...and we all remember how that election turned out. 7-11 also states that during the 2004 7-Election, the results tracked identically with published national election results: 51% George W. Bush and 49% for John Kerry (within a few percentage points of actual poll results in many states!).

So where does the 7-Election stand today? According to the national results tallied thus far, Barack Obama leads John McCain 60% to 40%. In Washington State, Obama also leads McCain 68% to 38%.

Can this all be true? Time will tell. Click here to track the results yourself.

Labels: Activities, Local Events, Real Events

Hey all you voters? Want to spread the word that you will be voting come this November? Send in your "I Will Vote" photo to the Secretary of State website. Check out some of the great photos we've found of local voters pledging to vote.

Labels: Activities, Local Events

If you have children in grades K-12 and want to teach them about the importance of the upcoming election, encourage them to vote in the Washington State Mock Election. Voting starts at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, October 27 and the polls close at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, October 31. Results are posted after 5:00 p.m.

When voting begins, students participating in the Mock Election must "register to vote" by submitting their name and school. They will immediately receive a unique voter ID number, a printable voter registration card, and their ballot. Ballots are cast online. Election results will be available after 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 31.

Students will vote on all the same issues facing adults and will also vote to elect the next President and Vice President of the United States as well as local Governor.

Click here to learn more about the Mock Election.

Labels: Activities, Local Events

Pumpkin Prowl

Museum of Fright

Labels: Local Events, Mark's Corner

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

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 "Must See" event is this Saturday October 4th. Mark your calendars and be sure to attend.

Open House Event at Acalia
301 Queen Anne Avenue N
Seattle, Washington 98109
October 4th, 2008
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Come experience some of the many fun ways Foodz Catering is serving up Seattle!

RSVP to: Shelby@foodzcatering.com or call (206) 297- 9634

Also coming up:

Foodz Catering is proud to be sponsoring FareStart as a part of their Guest Chefs program on October 9th. This is a chance for us to give back to the community and help make the lives of some homeless a little better. Join us for a 3 course dinner for only $ 24.95. Call (206) 267 - 6210 or try reservations@farestart.org. Chef Shelby, Chef Anne and Chef Sarah will spend the day working with the people in the program to create and serve your meal. All proceeds go back to FareStart to help support this wonderful effort.

Labels: Food and Beverage, Local Events, Real Events

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

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

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

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

Have you ever noticed that the city you live in is the one city you hardly know? In other words, when you go on a vacation to another place you find out what the main attractions are and plan sightseeing tours or trips to go see them. But in the own city you live in you often get caught up in your day-to-day agenda and neglect its own attractions and so-called "touristy" activities.

With a three-day weekend coming up, here's your chance to get re-acquainted with your city. For those of you who live in the Seattle area, here are the top six tourist attractions according to About.com to get out there and explore!

1. An afternoon on Broadway in Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill is the most densely and diversely populated neighborhood in Seattle. Broadway, the main thoroughfare, has the most active sidewalk scene, day or night, in the city. It is a bustling area that is home to the entire cross-section of Seattle’s population. A trip down Broadway will basically introduce you to everyone you share the city with. It also has many diverse shops and restaurants worth visiting. Spend an afternoon shopping on Broadway and grab an inexpensive lunch.

2. Starbucks at the Space Needle
When is the last time you took the 41-second ride to the top of the Space Needle? Do you even remember how beautiful Mt. Rainier looks from there? If not, its time to pull out the $17 (yeah its still a little pricey) and make the trip up the Seattle icon. Once you're at the top, make sure to enjoy a local favorite Starbuck's cup-a-joe.

3. Washington State Ferries (WSF)
WSF offers an inexpensive way to see Seattle from the water. You can catch the ferry to Bremerton at Pier 52 for $6.50 round-trip as a passenger. It will cost an extra $7.60 each way to take your car. The ride is 60 minutes each way with a 20-minute stop in Bremerton. It offers excellent views of Blake Island, the naval shipyard in Bremerton, and downtown Seattle from the water upon your return. Pack a lunch and enjoy a better time than you would have had on an expensive Elliott Bay Cruise. If you live in the northend, you could also try the Edmonds Ferry or the Mukilteo/Clinton Ferry. The rides are much shorter, but offer the same beautiful sights and fun places to explore on the other side.

4. Pike Place Public Market
You know we had to add it to the list. Pike Place Market is still one of the most famous Seattle hot-spots and for good reason. Adults love it. Kids love it. Dogs love it. What is not to love. Pick up a local bouquet of fresh flowers. Watch fish flying through the air. Shop around the local craft stands. Sit and people watch. The Pike Place Market is rite of passage for any true Seattle native or adoptee and is truly the place that defines the city.

5. Pioneer Square and Underground Tour
In 1853, Seattle was founded in the area now known as Pioneer Square. An area of about ten square blocks serves as both the center of Seattle's nightlife and history. You can see and learn a lot without covering much ground by taking a Walking Tour of Pioneer Square. Go on Bill Speidel's Underground Tour first. The 90-minute, $11 guided-tour will help you get your bearings and allow you to experience things in chronological order. It is the best activity in Seattle that nobody knows about.

6. Bumbershoot
Bumbershoot is of course not a permanent fixture in Seattle, but it is certainly one of the main attractions during Labor Day weekend. Venture to Seattle Center, the 74-acre park located in the heart of the Pacific Northwest to find a festival that has it all. Bumbershoot, as the name implies, umbrellas a number of artists from different genres representing the best in music, film, comedy, theater, spoken word, dance, visual, performance and literary arts.

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

We were recently informed of this great idea for an upcoming event in Seattle by one of our clients, Foodz Catering. If you love to cook and think you have what it takes to join the chefs of Foodz Catering in a friendly cooking competition, join the "Iron Chef Acalia" competition. Just like the Food Network show, Iron Chef, a secret ingredient will be revealed and the two teams lead by Chef Shelby and Chef Sarah will decide what dishes to prepare on the spot.

After all the items have been created the food will be presented to the panel of judges including Seattle's Kathy Casey. Sign up online at www.foodzcatering.com or call (206) 297 - 9634 to learn more. Entrance fee is $ 75.00

Foodz Catering will also be on hand at the 2008 Northwest Event Show. Come check out their booth to see what is new for 2008 in catering like their newest outdoor concept: "The Satay Bar."

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

Football season is just around the corner and you know what that means...Tailgating! If you are the king (or queen) of tailgating, we have just the thing for you.

Tailgating Innovations was born of necessity. People are tired of spending their time preparing and cleaning up at sporting events rather than enjoying themselves with friends and family. Tailgating Innovations went to work researching just what makes a great tailgating experience... the ultimate tailgating experience - now you can have that too!

Tailgating Innovations trailers are decked to the nines with a tongue mounted grill with a pivot arm, satellite dish, rear and side doors for easy internal access, rubberized coin flooring, cabinets for storage, electrical outlets, internal e-tracks for secure hauling, internal lighting, smooth aluminum exterior and wheels. The trailer also comes with a 1080p (FHDTV) flatscreen and a high-tech sound system to wow the socks right off your friends.

Prices start at $12,500 as everything is fully customizable.

Labels: Activities, Food and Beverage, Local Events, Smart Solutions, Something New

It is our pleasure to announce Tillicum Village’s participation in the Native American Honor Days 2008. Tillicum Village is offering a special sailing today, the 20th of August at 4:30 p.m. and the 24th of August at 11:30 a.m. to help celebrate this special occasion. Along with the traditional Tillicum Village salmon feast and dance ceremony, they are delighted to offer an Honor Circle Ceremony and the opportunity to sign a petition to make Native American Honor Day a national holiday. On these special days, there is an extraordinary rate offered of $59.00 per adult.

Tonight, there is a special performance by the TwoBirdz Singers drum group, and on the 24th Native American Flute Player Michelle Grace will be featured. In addition, there will be a special art exhibit for viewing on the island. Tillicum asks that you pass on this information to your friends, family, and coworkers; or anyone you know as we would love to have them celebrate this event with us. Please call ahead and make reservations as spots are filling up fast.

Contact Information: Tillicum Village & Tours Inc
2992 SW Avalon Way
Seattle, WA 98198
(206) 933-8600, (800) 426-1205
Fax: (206) 933-9377
www.tillicumvillage.com

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

In three years the Boeing Classic has established itself as one of the top stops on the Tour for sponsor/spectator attendance, player experiences and charitable dollars raised, raising over $2.4 million for Greater Seattle charities including The Heart Institute at Virginia Mason Medical Center, The First Tee of Greater Seattle, and the Nutrition and Fitness for Life Program.

The Boeing Classic made history in it’s third year, with a 7 man play off on Sunday afternoon- naming Denis Watson the 2007 Champion. No other PGA Tour, Champions Tour or Nationwide Tour has had more than a 5 man play off.

The tour returns to the TPC Snoqualmie Ridge August 18 - 24, 2008, with the field vying for $1.6 million purse.

Ticket Prices:
Daily Grounds Pass: $20
Tournament Pass: $40
Weekly Pass: $60

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

Kimpton Hotels has given their "Pick Your Perks" program a makeover and have made the commitment to be environmentally and socially responsible with their newly implemented Great Meetings Great Causes Program. By booking a meeting at one of the Kimpton Hotel facilities, you will reap the benefits of eco-minded rewards that you and the planet will appreciate.

Book your next meeting and pick TWO of the following:

• A $100 donation to one of Kimpton Hotels' national corporate social responsibility partners (Trust for Public Land, Red Ribbon Campaign or Dress for Success) OR to the corporate social responsibility partner of your choice
• A complimentary meeting upgrade with one of the following:

- Eco Signature Meeting
- Full breakfast
- Complimentary organic morning or afternoon break

• One complimentary night at any eco-friendly Kimpton Hotel
• A $50 gift certificate to Kimpton Style
• A Greensender.com box to help anyone get started or continue incorporating green practices into their daily lives.
• A $105 donation to environmental organizations to offset carbon use.
• You name the best way you think we can work together to best serve the community and the planet. Our hotels and restaurants will do their very best to accommodate your request.

Click below for more information on one of Seattle's Kimpton Hotels.

Labels: Going Green, Industry Alerts, Local Events, Real Events

After four years, the summer Olympics have returned in all their glory. Tonight marks the occasion of the Opening Ceremonies, and as usual, we are certain they won't disappoint. So what does this all mean for those watching with anticipation from our livings room? It's time to throw a party!

Gather your friends and invite them over for a day of rooting for the US of A. To complete your festivities, head to your local Cost Plus World Market store for global delicacies and decorations to complete your theme.


Below are some important links to help you follow the Olympic Games from the start:
Olympic TV Schedule
NBC Olympics Website
Official Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics website

Which sport is your favorite? Be sure to check out some amazing photos of past Olympic Games at nbcolympics.com

Labels: Activities, Local Events, Real Events

Social Media Conference NW 2008 - The New Word of Mouth Marketing
Date: Sept 10 & 11, 2008
Location: Whatcom Community College 237 Kellogg Road
Bellingham WA 98225
Contact: Tami Eastwood, 360-733-4014, ext. 111 or Tami.Eastwood@wwu.edu
URL: www.socialmediaconferencenw.com

Whatcom Community College, Bellingham, WA 'Word-of-Mouth Marketing has expanded from the town square to the digital village. The "buzz" about your business is now online, measurable, search able, and permanent. Come to learn why you must and how you can participate in the conversations that are your market. Explore how your business or organization can benefit from this marketing opportunity and take it to the next level. Hear from leading social media marketing pioneers and practitioners. Walk away with practical plans and resources. This conference organized by Western Washington University's Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the Technology Alliance Group (TAG), and Whatcom Community College has been designed for small-to-medium businesses and organizations interested in learning how to use social media to generate revenue. The conference, held at the Whatcom Community College campus in Bellingham WA, will feature six plenary sessions and 21 breakout sessions featuring presentations, discussions and hands-on labs. A few of these include: bottom-line reasons for businesses to blog; social-media research and marketing strategies; podcasting, vodcasting, and crosscasting; bulletproofing your organization for social media; the risks of ignoring social media; Google adwords; building online communities that matter most to your business; and ways to determine return-on-investment for social-media efforts. Early registration is $198 until Aug. 27, and $275 after that. To register for the conference or to learn more go to http://www.socialmediaconferencenw.com/ or contact Tami Eastwood at the Small Business Development Center at (360) 733-4014, ext. 111. Tickets are limited. Sign up early to secure a seat!

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

As you may have heard us mention, once or twice, the 2008 Northwest Event Show is going green! In honor of our Emerald City, the Northwest Event Show will showcase green event planning methods, decor, tips and trends to make your own green event planning ever the more simple and easy-to-do. To start off, the 2008 Northwest Event Show will be held in one of the greenest event venues in the city, the Washington State Convention & Trade Center. Located in the center of one of the most environmentally progressive cities in the nation, the Washington State Convention & Trade Center (Center) has long been an industry leader in energy conservation and recycling.


Here is the short list on how the WSCTC stays green...

• 1. They continue to invest our resources into renovation projects to make the facility even more efficient
• 2. The Center’s lighting systems to replace older equipment with more efficient fixtures, resulting in savings of over 3,000,000 kWh per year
• 3. New touchless faucets and self-flushing toilets are being installed throughout the facility to reduce water consumption
• 4. Tons of food scraps, food soiled paper and disposable service items are separated from
• trash and recyclable materials and sent for composting instead of to local landfills
• 5. The new meeting facility at 800 Pike will achieve LEED Silver Certification following completion of renovations in 2010

The Washington State Convention & Trade Center is doing their part to preserve the city and world we live in. To read even more about what the WSCTC is doing, click below for their "GREEN NEWSLETTER."

Labels: Activities, Going Green, Inspiration Corner, Local Events, Smart Solutions, Something New

LeMay – America’s Car Museum® will hold the 31st Annual LeMay Museum Car Show & Auction, presented by AAA Washington, at the Marymount Academy and the LeMay grounds in Tacoma, WA on Saturday, August 30, 2008 from 9am to 5pm. Visitors will be able to see over 1,000 vintage, classic and specialty automobiles, trucks, and motorcycles from the LeMay Collection, plus hundreds of unique, local collector cars and other vehicles. In addition to the cars, there will be many interesting vendor displays, including our ever-popular "Flintmobile" photo car which makes for a memorable snapshot to take home! There will also be a classic car auction hosted on-site by Mathers Inc. Auctioneers. Entry donations are $10 for adults, $20 for a family of 4, $5 for children under 12, and $5 for active-duty military. Free parking will be available offsite with free shuttle bus transportation between the parking lots, the Marymount Academy and the LeMay grounds. For more information call (253) 536-2885.

Date & Time:
August 30, 2008
9 am. to 5 p.m.

Location:
LeMay's America's Car Museum
325 152nd St. E, Tacoma WA 98445
Contact Info:
Phone: 253-779-8179
Contact Person: Trudy Cofchin
Email: trudy@lemaymuseum.org
Website: lemaymuseum.org

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

In June, the City of Seattle launched a new program called Bike Smart Seattle, a campaign designed to encourage more Seattleites to ditch their cars for their two-wheeled rider. This summer Bike Smart Seattle will bring neighborhoods an exciting program of group rides, repair clinics, and special bike-oriented events to help Seattle residents overcome hesitations about cycling and promote it as a transportation option.

At its onset, Bike Smart will start in the northwest and central east sections of Seattle, but will eventually be implemented citywide. If you live in these areas, you may have already received a postcard that can be returned for a free bicycle kit containing a calendar of events, citywide bike map, safety information and other helpful materials.

“With the high price of gas and climate change concerns, bicycling should be a transportation option for local trips,” said Grace Crunican, director of SDOT. “Bike Smart Seattle will help create excitement about using bicycles to get around - whether going to the library, meeting a friend for coffee, or picking up groceries at a farmer’s market. As regular riders already understand, bicycling is a fun and healthy way to experience your neighborhood.”

For more information about Bike Smart Seattle, contact Serena Lehman at 206-957-4439.

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

Calling all outdoor enthusiasts, TrailsFest 2008 is the event for you! This outdoor extravaganza features clinics on everything from wilderness first aid to hiking with kids to backcountry cooking. Take a guided hike, tie a fly on, or climb a rock wall.

Event Details:
Saturday July 19, 9am - 4pm at Rattlesnake Lake near North Bend

TrailsFest is a hands-on event for all ages, providing families and other adventurers with a fun and safe environment to explore the outdoors. Been wanting to explore the North Cascades? Attend a clinic with Craig Romano, author of Day Hiking – North Cascades published by Mountaineers Books. Learn how to whip up a tasty backcountry meal in no time from the author of Freezer Bag Cooking. Want to be a responsible hiker with your dog? Check out the clinic on hiking with dogs and trail etiquette. Wanting to try backpacking? Go to Hilleberg the Tentmaker’s clinic on smart packing and learn how to take less, still be comfortable and safe, and have lots more fun!

Brought to you by the Washington Trails Association

Get more FAQ's about TrailsFest by clicking here.

Directions to TrailsFest:
To get to TrailsFest, take I-90 to exit 32, then turn right on 436th Ave SE. Follow this road 2.7 miles to Rattlesnake Lake.

Labels: Activities, Going Green, Local Events, Real Events

Weekend excursions are a must during the summer months. And the best part about living in Washington State, is you don't have to go far to feel like you've left the hustle and bustle of the city for a little R&R. One of our favorite places to visit and only about 2 hours north of Seattle is Skagit Valley. With its rolling hills, lush landscapes, seafront shores and fresh markets, Skagit Valley brings a sense of quiet peace to us city dwellers.

If you haven't visited Skagit Valley lately, here are a few of the highlights we recommend you check out.

For Food:

BreadFarm
Breadfarm is a hand-formed, artisan bakery located in the small village of Edison, Washington. Just off of Chuckanut Drive, you can find them nestled at the bottom of Blanchard Mountain in Skagit Valley. Each loaf is hand formed and carefully tended through each stage of the baking process. Breadfarm delivers fresh baked bread to their customers daily.




The Oyster Bar On Chuckanut Drive
For fresh seafood, there is nothing better than the Oyster Bar On Chuckanut Drive. The Oyster Bar on Chuckanut Drive had it's earliest beginnings in the 1920's when E. N. Steele and J.C. Barnes formed the Rockpoint Oyster Company on Samish Bay. Their slogan coined in 1946 still rings true today: "The oysters that we serve today slept last night in Samish Bay."

Rhododendron Cafe
Stop by the Rhody Cafe for the best brunch in town. Taste the Smoked Salmon Benedict or the Wild Mushroom, Spinach & Provolone Scramble served with Homemade Crepes paired with Fresh Berries and Orange-Almond Syrup. The Rhody Cafe blends Northwest recipes with extra ethnic flairs.

For Scenery:

Visit the oyster shell-encrusted lighthouse (left) at Taylor Shellfish Farms. Located on the Samish Bay, the lighthouse can be found just outside the store where you can also pick up fresh Dungeness crab, mussels, clams and Pacific oysters.

Places to Stay:

Benson Farmstead B&B
Benson Farmstead B&B is a 1914 Scandinavian farmhouse that was restored in 1981 and has been operated as a B&B by Jerry & Sharon Benson since 1991. The 3 acres of grounds include a granary now used as a family cottage, a well house which is used as a guest suite, a water garden, farm machinary garden, orchard, playground and many flowers.

Katy's Inn
Katy's Inn is one of the oldest homes in La Conner, and when opened in 1984 was the first bed-and-breakfast in town. The Inn sits high on a hill only two blocks from the beautiful artistic town of La Conner with easy access to sightseeing, shopping and dining.

Queen of the Valley & Spa
Located just 1/2 mile from the beautiful waterfront hamlet of La Conner, with four luxurious rooms with en-suite baths, as well as a huge two-bedroom suite perfect for families, girlfriend getaways, or couples traveling together, the Queen offers all the amenities of a luxury hotel along with the personal attention and care of a bed and breakfast.

Interested in hosting an event in Skagit Valley? Check out the following wonderful event facilities.

LaConner Channel Lodge
LaConner Country Inn

Labels: Activities, Food and Beverage, Local Events

The 2008 Northwest Event Show postcard invitations have been mailed and we want to make sure you received yours! If you didn't get your copy of the invitation, that means you are not on our list, which quite frankly, is a crying shame!

Join our network automatically by registering to attend the 2008 Northwest Event Show. You'll be added to our mailing list to receive all banquetevent.com updates and industry alerts. Be in the know from the very start!

You can also join our network by signing up to receive the 2008 Event Resource Guide. If you don't already have your copy, order yours soon, before the 2008 edition completely runs out, making way for the 2009 Event Resource Guide, which debuts September 23 at the Northwest Event Show. And stay tuned for a sneak peak at the cover of the 2009 Event Resource Guide...coming soon!

Click here to register.

Labels: Activities, Industry Alerts, Local Events

Labels: Activities, Local Events, Real Events

Still undecided as to where you will spend the 4th of July. See what's happening in your neighborhood.

SEATTLE

WaMu Family 4th at Lake Union
What: Daytime and evening activities include a spectacular fireworks show
Location: Gas Works Park - 2101 N. Northlake Way, Seattle
Cost: Free
Website: familyfourth.org
Time: Noon - 11 p.m.

Fourth of Jul-Ivar's
What: Fireworks show
Location: Elliott Bay - Myrtle Edwards Park, 3130 Alaskan Way W., Seattle
Cost: Free
Website: ivars.net
Time: 10 p.m.

Museum of Flight's 27 Flags Show
What: Aircraft fly-ins, children's activities, Wings of Freedom Bomber exhibit and picnic.
When: July 1-5
Location: Museum of Flight, 9404 E. Marginal Way S., Seattle
Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: $7.50-$13
Website: www.museumofflight.org

Fourth of July bash
What: Picnic buffet, dancing, karaoke, games, indoor and outdoor view of the Lake Union fireworks
Time: 6:30 pm
Location: Swedish Cultural Center - 1920 Dexter Ave. N., Seattle
Cost: $33 adults, $12 ages 9 & younger
RSVP: 206-523-9570

EASTSIDE

Bellevue Family 4th
What: Family fun and fireworks
Time: 10 pm for fireworks
Location: Bellevue Downtown Park, 10201 N.E. Fourth St., Bellevue
Cost: Free
Parking: Free parking at Bellevue Square after 6 pm
Website: www.bellevuedowntown.com

Kirkland 4th of July Festivities
What: Fireworks
Location: Juanita Marina Beach Park - 25 Lake Shore Plaza, Kirkland
Time: 10 p.m.
Website: www.ci.kirkland.wa.us

Fourth on the Plateau
What: Fireworks Show
Location: Sammamish Commons Park, 801 228th Ave. S.E., Sammamish
Time: 10:15 p.m.
Website: www.ci.sammamish.wa.us/4thjuly.aspx
Carnation Celebration
What: Fireworks Show
Location: Tolt-MacDonald Park - Carnation
Time: Dusk
Website: www.carnation4th.org/

SOUTHEND

Fireworks Over Des Moines
What: Fireworks Display
Location: Des Moines Marina, 22307 Dock St., Des Moines
Time: 10 p.m.
Website: www.desmoineswa.gov

4th of July in Renton
What: Fireworks display over Lake Washington
Location: Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, 1201 Lake Washington Blvd., Renton
Time: 10 p.m.
Website: rentonwa.gov

Fourth of July Splash
What: Fireworks display accompanied by Rainier Symphony
Location: Lake Meridian Park, 14800 S.E. 272nd St., Kent
Time: 10 p.m.
Website: www.ci.kent.wa.us/arts

Red, White and Blues Festival
What: Old-fashioned games, soccer, flag football, volleyball, preschoolers' play area, entertainment on two stages, food vendors, dance, fireworks display
Location: Celebration Park, 1095 S. 324th St., Federal Way
Time: 6-10:30 p.m.
Website: www.cityoffederalway.com

Tacoma Freedom Fair and Air Show
What: Outdoor market, international food fair, Lost Boys Pirate Cove children's activities, Camp Patriot to honor community heroes, car show, entertainment, fireworks display
Location: Waterfront Park, Tacoma
Time: 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Website: www.freedomfair.com

NORTHEND
Family 4th of July
What: Music, children's activities, food vendors, fireworks show at dusk
Time: 7 - 10:30 p.m.
Location: Evergreen Playfields, 22400 56th Ave. W., Mountlake Terrace
Website: mltrec.com
An Edmonds Kind of Fourth
What: Fireworks show
Location: Edmonds Civic Stadium and Playfield, Sixth Avenue North and Bell Street, Edmonds
Time: 10 p.m.
Website: www.edmondswa.com

Fourth of July Fireworks
What: Parade with dancers, drill teams and musicians who represent world cultures; all-day festival with food, children's activities and music, fireworks show over Port Gardner Bay
Time: 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Location: Legion Memorial Park, 145 Alverson Blvd. at Marine View Drive, Everett
Website: www.everettwa.org

Looking for more? Click here.

Above photo by Erika Schultz of the Seattle Times

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

Music plays such a huge role when it comes to planning any get together. Even when it's lightly playing the background, choosing festive songs to match your party theme is a must. And now with music programs like iTunes, you can make your own custom mixes with just the click of a mouse.

Here are some great 4th of July tunes to set tone for your big bash...

• Born in the U.S.A. – Bruce Springsteen
• 1812 Overture - Tchaikovsky
• Proud to be an American – Lee Greenwood
• America – Neil Diamond
• America the Beautiful – Ray Charles version
• Ballad of the Green Berets – Barry North
• Color Me Red, White and Blue – Dolly Parton
• God Bless America – Kate Smith or Celine Dion (our favorite Canadian!)
• Living in America – James Brown
• My Baby is American Made – Oakridge Boys
• Peaceful World – John Mellencamp
• Some Gave All – Billy Ray Cyrus
• Star Spangled Banner – Jimmy Hendrix, Whitney Houston and a host of others
• This Ain’t No Rag – It’s a Flag – Charlie Daniels Band
• This Land is Your Land – Bob Dylan and Joan Baez, Peter, Paul and Mary
• Travelin’ Soldier – Dixie Chicks
• Undivided – Bon Jovi
• Rodeo – Aaron Copland
  
• Stars and Stripes Forever – John Philip Sousa

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

Can you believe the 4th of July is only a few weeks away? There is not time like the present to start gathering ideas and making plans for America's favorite holiday. Here are a few simple tips to get your creativity and patriotism flowing...

It Don’t Mean a Thing if it Ain’t got a Theme!
The best part about the 4th of July is that the color scheme and entertainment are already in place. You know you'll be decorating with red, white and blue, and of course you'll be watching fireworks, so a lot of the pressure of planning the details are relieved. All you have to do is get the decorations ready and plan the ultimate summer menu. When it comes to the 4th, you can't go overboard, so we say bring out the stripes and stars and go flag and streamer crazy.

Plan the Menu
Did you know that on the 4th of July, 74 million families will barbecue their meal? You will probably contribute to that number so planning the ultimate BBQ meal is key. Prepare one or two meat offerings like southern-style sliced brisket, slabs of meaty baby back ribs or smoky-sweet chicken. Delicious sides like potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans and of course, corn-on-the-cob are traditional favorites. We also suggest making red and blue tinted cocktails for the adults and non-alcoholic kool-aid drinks for the kids. Head over to the Food Network and search under 4th of July for hundreds of recipes that you can easily prepare for groups large and small.

Take a Picnic to the Park
These days many people live in townhouses and condos so throwing a backyard bbq is out of the question. But just because you don't have a backyard, doesn't mean you should spend the day indoors. Head outside and pack up a blanket, food, and decorations and head to a local park. Start the partying early in the day and organize a group softball, volleyball, or bocce ball game and then stay for the public fireworks. It will be a lot easier to find parking if you head out early.

Go Coastal with a Beach Potluck
Fresh air, cool water and the sand in your toes! Call your friends, organize a potluck menu and gather together your beach gear. Everyone should bring their favorite dish along with their bathing suits, towels, blankets, frisbees, beach balls and – of course - the sunscreen. Grill hotdogs and burgers or have a traditional clambake! Finger foods work best here – like chips and fresh fruits as well as canned sodas and beer. Build a campfire (if your beach allows them) and roast marshmallows or make s’mores for a fun dessert treat. Don’t forget a trash bag! You definitely want to leave the beach as clean as you found it! If you live in Seattle, head to Alki Beach. For those willing to travel, head to Lake Chelan in Central Washington. Our pick...Wapato Point.

Above Photos from Pier 1

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

We're sitting here looking out the window and wondering, "will the sun ever come out?" It is June 11th after all. If you too are feeling our pain, here is a little humor to lighten the load.

Labels: Local Events

Businesses and corporations now have a simple way to contribute to a greener planet through a unique philanthropy opportunity. 1% For The Planet, a non-profit organization, acts as a conduit for action by working with companies willing to donate just 1% of their profits to various causes created to preserving the planet. In return, this growing alliance of companies is given the opportunity not only to see their self-worth rise, but their net worth climb as well.

Learn more about this organization at onepercentfortheplanet.org

One Percent for the Planet has also teamed up with Jack Johnson on his 2008 World Tour and All At Once, a new social action network connecting nonprofits with people who want to become active in their local and world community. All At Once comes to life online at www.AllAtOnce.org and at every Jack Johnson concert in the Village Green, a collection of interactive booths where you can get educated, get inspired, and connect face-to-face with us and other local, national, and international non-profits.


All At Once from coreindustries on Vimeo.

Labels: Going Green, Industry Alerts, Inspiration Corner, Local Events, Real Events, Smart Solutions

We'd like to take this time to say thank you to the troops serving or who have served our country. For those who are missing their loved ones, we send out a special prayer for you today too.

"Although no sculptured marble should rise to their memory, nor engraved stone bear record of their deeds, yet will their remembrance be as lasting as the land they honored."
~Daniel Webster

Labels: Local Events

Walk the red carpet with the stars at the premiere of “Battle in Seattle” at the 34th Seattle International Film Festival opening, May 22 at Seattle Center.

For 25 days, the film festival presents more than 400 feature, documentary and short films as well as discussions, forums and special events throughout local theaters. The festival kicks off with the “Battle in Seattle” premiere and gala party. The film’s star, Charlize Theron, director Stuart Townsend and other actors from this ensemble dramatization of the 1999 protests of the World Trade Organization are expected to attend. Tickets for film festival showings, May 22- June 15, as well as the SIFF Opening Night Gala at Marion Oliver McCaw Hall are now on sale.

Also happening this weekend at Seattle Center:



Play, sing, taste, dance, learn and participate at the Northwest Folklife Festival, May 23 – 26 at Seattle Center.

This annual celebration of the rich fabric of Northwest cultures and communities is one of the nation’s largest community arts festivals. Hundreds of performances and interactive events are held throughout Memorial Day weekend for the expected 250,000 guests at this quintessential Seattle event. Highlights this year include a Friday night square dance with local favorites “The Tallboys” and a Brass Band Showcase. Admission is FREE 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. each day. Donations are suggested to continue this Seattle tradition.

Labels: Activities, Local Events

Who doesn't like a great summer flick? And, even though they are a dying breed, drive-in theaters are still a great summer past time, especially when you can gather a group of friends or family, pack snacks and blankets and watch a great double-feature. If you like the nostalgia of the drive-in theater, you may also be the type to venture to your local park for evening showings on inflatable screens. (Check out Marymoor Park's summer lineup or the Comcast Outdoor Cinema brought to you by Epic Events).

Now you can bring the drive-in experience to your own backyard. With The Backyard Drive-in you can purchase your very own collapsible projector screen. Available in two sizes, the projector screen is easy to transport and set up. It makes a great addition to any summer party, event or wedding. You can even use it for other business projects, tradeshows, meetings and more.


See samples of the two available sizes below.


If you like the idea of hosting outdoor summer movies, but feel the need to purchase your own screens, you can rent them from Epic Events or Easterday Promotions.

This Memorial Weekend , check out one of the outdoor movie locations in the Northwest:

PUGET PARK DRIVE-IN: Only 20 minutes north of Seattle is Everett's Puget Park Drive-In, which shows first-run movies while you tune in on your car radio. Ticket prices: $8.50 for adults; $3.50 for children 6 to 11; free for children under 5. First show at dusk. Open through mid-September.
Showing this weekend: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull & Iron Man

VALLEY-6 DRIVE-IN: Located in Auburn at 401 49th St. N.E., Auburn, WA 98002. Ticket prices: Adult $7.50; 12-15 (with parent), Seniors (60+) $4.50; Children 5-11 $1.00; Children under 5 are free.
Showing this weekend: Screen 1- Iron Man and Never Back Down, Screen 2- What Happens In Vegas and Jumper, Screen 3- Speed Racer and 10,000 B.C., Screen 4- Narnia Prince Caspian and National Treasure, Screen 5- Baby Mama and Forgetting Sarah Marshall

BLUE FOX DRIVE-IN: Located in Oak Harbor at 1403 Monroe Landing Rd. Ticket price: Ages 11 and older $6.50, Children 10 & under $2.00.
Showing this weekend: Speed Racer, Made of Honor and What Happens in Vegas

Mark your calendars for the following movies in the park...

June through September: Freemont Outdoor Movies
July through August: West Seattle Sidewalk Cinemas
July 11, 25 and August 8: South Lake Union's Cinema on the Lawn
July through August: Marymoor Park Movies In The Park
September 6, 13, 20, 27: Occidental Park Movies In The Park

Labels: Activities, Local Events

If you knew that Cochabamba is the third-largest conurbation in Bolivia, kudos to you, but if you are like the rest of us and thought Cochabamba was a type of dance featured on Dancing With The Stars, you'll be super impressed with the latest winner of the 20th Annual National Geographic Bee, 11-year old Akshay Rajagopal.

Akshay's correct answer capped a two-day event in which he got every question right. A sixth-grader at Lux Middle School in Lincoln, Neb., he won a $25,000 scholarship.

We thought it might be fun to test your own geographical knowledge. Click the image below to take the National Geographic Quiz.

Labels: Activities, Industry Alerts, Local Events

March 15, 2008: BECU Seafair Ambassador Program
June 29, 2008: VM Team Medicine Seafair Marathon
July 4 - 6: 32nd Annual Lake Union Wooden Boat Festival
July 5, 2008: Allstate Milk Carton Derby at Seafair
July 5, 2008: Seafair Pirate Landing
July 6: Hispanic Seafair Organization
July 10-13: Kent Cornucopia Days
July 12-13: Mercer Island Summer Celebration!
July 12: Redmond Derby Days
July 12-13: Seattle's Chinatown-International District Festival 2008
July 12: Wallingford Seafair Kiddie Parade & Street Fair
July 17-20: Kla Ha Ya Days
July 18-20: 23rd Annual Seafair Indian Days Pow Wow
July 18-20: Kirkland Uncorked
July 19: Roosevelt Bull Moose Festival
July 19-20: Seattle Bon Odori
July 19: The Crown of Queen Anne Fun Run, Walk & Children's Parade
July 19: West Seattle Hi-Yu Parade
July 19-20: White Center Jubilee Days
July 20, 2008: Benaroya Research Institute Triathlon at Seafair
July 20: Chinatown Seafair Parade
July 23: Greenwood Seafair Parade
July 23, 25-27: IKEA Renton River Days
July 24-27: Tour de Terrace
July 25-27: Covington Days Festival
July 25-27: Silverdale Whaling Days
July 26, 2008: Southwest Airlines Torchlight Parade at Seafair
July 26, 2008: Wells Fargo Torchlight Run at Seafair
July 26-27: Ballard SeafoodFest
July 27: 20th Anniversary Snoqualmie Valley Hospital Tour de Peaks
July 27: McDonald's presents Pista Sa Nayon
August 1-3, 2008: Chevrolet Cup at Seafair
August 1-3, 2008: KeyBank Air Show at Seafair presented by Boeing
August 1-2: Magnolia Summer Festival and Art Show
August 16-17: Central Area Community Festival & Parade
December 7, 2008: Seafair & 76 Special People's Holiday Cruise

Labels: Activities, Local Events

May 18, 2008 - Herban Feast Catering Open House
Location: Herban Feast’s SODO Park
A new Urban & Historic venue
Located in the SoDo area just south of downtown Seattle – a great space for social & corporate events.
3200 1st Ave South
Seattle, WA 98134
Sunday, May 18th, 2008
1pm to 5pm

Meet Herban Feast Owner, BJ Duft, Chef Dalis Chea and our Event Management & Culinary teams sample selections from our featured seasonal Menus. Discuss ideas for your upcoming event.

RSVP to Kate at 206.932.4717 or email kate@herbanfeast.com
Space is limited; please let us know how many will be attending.

Driving Directions:
From I-5 south, take the Airport Way exit &
Turn LEFT on Airport Way South
Turn Right on Holgate St
Turn Left on 1st Ave South

Looking for more local events coming up this spring and summer? Check out the new banquetevent.com Western Washington Events Calendar.

Labels: Local Events

April 26 , 2008 - BioLyle's Biodiesel Workshops
(Saturday), 10 AM - 3 PM.
South Seattle Community College
Class Fee: $59
Register by calling 206-764-5339
For more information visit http://biolyle.com/workshops/index.html
Learn to make your own fuel from used restaurant oil! Discover the chemistry and tricks of making quality biodiesel, as well as experimenting with different vegetable oils, catalysts, and pH indicators. Various reactor designs will be presented, with an emphasis on the appleseed reactor (made from an electric water heater) which will be operated in class. Other topics include myths and cacts about biodiesel; quality control, washing, cold weather issues, local availabilty and what's going on nationally and locally.



April 26, 2008 - Crooked Trails Annual Fundraiser
Museum of History & Industry, Seattle
7 PM
Crooked Trails, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting culturally and environmentally responsible travel, will host its annual fundraiser on Saturday, April 26, 2008, at 7 p.m. at the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) in Seattle. The celebration will feature world-fusion appetizers, Chilean wine by PengWine, northwest microbrews, global rhythms and both live and silent auctions.



The theme of this year’s event is “Share Yourself: The World Is Waiting to Meet You” – a reflection of Crooked Trails’ belief that by sharing ourselves we are enriched and inspired. Crooked Trails believes that everyone on the planet has something to share, whether it be time, knowledge, skills, energy, or enthusiasm. Through this sharing we make new connections that help us learn, grow, and change. Crooked Trails’ explores the ways in which we can share ourselves with the world and celebrates the endless possibilities this sharing can hold.

Past Crooked Trails fundraisers have been extremely popular, and a sell-out crowd of 200 guests is expected. All are welcome to join the festivities in order to learn about and support Crooked Trails’ partnerships with communities around the world. Pre-registration is required through the Crooked Trails website, http://www.crookedtrails.com/. The cost of the event is $50 per person.

More About Crooked Trails
Crooked Trails is a non-profit organization whose mission is to improve cultural, ecological, and economic conditions around the world by changing the way people travel. Crooked Trails believes that travel should happen with host communities, not to them. If done properly, and with consent and management from the communities involved, tourism can bring much-needed community development as well as cultural sharing. Crooked Trails programs enrich the lives of both participants and the communities they visit. In addition to tourism activities, every Crooked Trails program includes a community service component. Participants may work on building a school in Kenya with a Maasai warrior, helping to make a documentary film in Peru with a Quechua shaman, digging a community well in the Himalayas with a Nepali farmer, or rebuilding a Thai coastal community destroyed by the tsunami. Crooked Trails also works to promote responsible travel through educational outreach programs in the Seattle area. Co-founders Christine Mackay and Tammy Leland are popular speakers and consultants on responsible travel and community-based tourism.

Labels: Activities, Going Green, Local Events, Real Events

Spring Into Action with the King County Earth Day Expo
April 22 @ Westlake Park: Join King County at Westlake Park (4th & Pine, Seattle) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to celebrate Earth Day and learn more about King County programs that protect and preserve the environment.

Help King County mulch, weed, or pot up trees.
Restoration projects are focused on restoring stream and wetland buffer habitats for fish and wildlife. Potted up plants are grown at the nursery for future projects. Volunteer efforts have been and continue to be critical to the success of our restoration projects.

Meet the Yard Talk duo
Doug Rice and Greg Rabourn, resident gardening gurus of the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks will be on site to answer your garden lawn care questions.

Northwest Natural Yard Days - April 15 - May 15, 2008
Northwest Natural Yard Days is a region-wide promotion of pesticide free and salmon friendly yard care practices. Northwest Natural Yard Days offers discounts of up to 25% off mulch mowing lawn mowers, bagged compost, natural organic fertilizer, less toxic pest and weed control, weed pullers and water conscience garden tools in home improvement centers and garden stores throughout Seattle, King County and Tacoma.

Looking for Earth Day Events in your area? Just check out your local tourism or city website. Cities all over the U.S. today are offering opportunities to get involved.

Labels: Going Green, Local Events

Be sure to check out banquetevent.com's brand spankin' new home page. And in case you haven't noticed, the entire banquetevent.com website has recently seen some changes. Check us out!

Labels: Local Events

The weather forecasters on almost all local news stations have called for pretty warm temperatures coming up. And with warm weather so few in and between these days, we need to make the most of it by getting out of the house and into the sunshine.

What better way to enjoy the warmer weather than a trip to the Spring Fair at the Puyallup Fairgrounds? This year's fair features many family-friendly activities like a reptile show, pig races, a trout fishing pond, and a science fair. You'll also find such fair favorites as carnival rides, a petting farm, FFA exhibits, commercial booths, and wonderful food. The 2008 Puyallup Spring Fair takes place from April 17 - 20.


Address:
Puyallup Fair & Events Center
110 9th Ave SW
Puyallup, WA 98371

Purchase Tickets Here

Labels: Local Events

Seattle's new Major League Soccer club officially has a name. Last week, over 14,000 Seattleites registered their vote naming the new soccer club Seattle Sounders FC. The name Sounders has been identified with soccer in this community since 1974. The name is locally-oriented, historic, and reflects the community. Also reveled is the team logo and colors.

For more information about the team visit SoundersFC.com

Labels: Local Events

Come celebrate the grand opening of Waterways Cruises Kirkland location at Carillon Point. Waterways Kirkland now offers regularly scheduled dining and sightseeing cruises as well as private events departing from Carillon Point. Waterways brings its expertise and service to the Eastside.

When: Wednesday, April 30
Time: 5-8 p.m.
Where: Pier-side at Carillon Point
RSVP HERE

Labels: Local Events, Something New

The meeting & event planners' show, The Northwest Event Show is now open for registration.

The Northwest Event Show was designed for event planners, by event planners. This once a year event, blends entertainment, food, decor and networking to create an incredible and interactive display of innovation and design.

This year marks the 13th Anniversary of the Northwest Event Show. This year's theme for the show is GLOBALLY GETTING GREEN. In today's highly interactive and fast paced world, nuances in both design and interaction are infused in the event planning world to utilize eco-friendly tools in the planning of incredible events.

Come to the Northwest Event Show to gain insight into the ever-evolving world of event planning. The Northwest Event Show is always one step ahead of the curve in presenting the latest trends and newest services available to you. But don't take our word for it, come and see for yourself.

Show Details:
Date: September 23, 2008
Location: Washington State Convention & Trade Center
Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Free for meeting & event planners

REGISTER HERE

Labels: Activities, Going Green, Local Events, Real Events

Is there anything better than springtime in the Northwest? The days are longer, the temperatures are rising and the flowers are in bloom. One of our favorite springtime activities is to visit the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival each year. This year marks the 25th Annual Tulip Festival and even after 25 years, the flowers still seem to amaze us each year. If you haven't been to the Tulip Festival before, make the effort to see them this year. You'll be surprised at just how marvelous they are. It's worth the travel time and we promise you won't be disappointed.

Event Details:
April 1-30th
The Skagit Valley is 60 miles north of Seattle, Washington, 60 miles south of Vancouver, British Columbia.
Tours available.
Get Directions.

While you're there, stop by Pacioni's Pizzeria on 1st Street in Mount Vernon. This quaint Italian eatery has the best gourmet pizza ever! (We're getting hungry just thinking about it). Pacioni's doesn't look like much from the outside, but this family owned restaurant is a local favorite.



Photos by Dawn-Marie Hanrahan

Labels: Local Events

This Easter weekend we suggest hopping from one place to the next just like the Easter bunny. We've found some excellent Easter activities happening throughout the city to keep your kids (or the kid in your heart) busy all weekend long...

FRIDAY

Easter Skate at Castle Ice
When: 11am - 5 pm
Come skate with the Easter Bunny all day long.








SATURDAY

Bunny Bounce at Woodland Park Zoo
When: Sat, April 7, 9:30am-2:00pm. Egg hunts for ages 3+ start every hour on the hour 10am-2pm.
Cost: Free with zoo admission
Where: North Meadow at Woodland Park Zoo
Woodland Park Zoo’s Bunny Bounce will feature fun and interactive activities for the whole family. Children 1-8 will have the opportunity to participate in one of many egg hunts on the zoo’s North Meadow. Each egg hunt is based on a first come, first served basis. Back by popular demand is the self-serve egg hunt in the Butterfly Forest for toddlers ages 3 and under.

SUNDAY

Easter Cruise with Waterways Cruises
Boarding Time: 11:00am
Cruise Time: 11:30am - 2:00pm
Celebrate Easter with a family brunch cruise aboard the luxurious Emerald Star! Enjoy a champagne or mimosa toast upon boarding, a sumptuous brunch buffet, and a narrated tour of Seattle’s beautiful lakes.


Easter Brunch Cruise with Argosy Cruises
Cruise Time: 12pm-2pm
Location: Royal Argosy, Pier 56, Seattle Waterfront
Enjoy Easter Brunch with the family this March on the beautiful Royal Argosy. Guests will have fabulous views of the Seattle skyline during their cruise, a delicious brunch buffet and live music on some decks. Plus a special "kids area" (unsupervised) with arts and crafts, as well as an on-board Easter Egg Hunt for small children! There will also be an Easter bunny for photos.

Easter Brunch at Kaspar's
Time: 9am to 2:30pm
Since its origins, Easter has been a time of celebration and feasting. For many, it marks the beginning of Spring - a time to welcome back the tulips, crocuses and daffodils. Kaspar has created a sumputous feast for you to enjoy so bring your family and friends and join us for our Easter Brunch Buffet!

Labels: Local Events

Banquetevent.com would like to wish you a very happy St. Patrick's Day in advance!

We'll be celebrating this weekend at...

St. Patrick's Day Parade
Starting from 4th Ave to Jefferson in downtown Seattle
Saturday, March 15
12:30 p.m.
The Parade travels north on 4th Ave to the Reviewing Stand at Westlake Park.
The parade officially ends at the Seattle Center with Closing Ceremonies at 2 PM.
Use the FREE Monorail (Noon-3 PM) to travel from Westlake Park to the
Seattle Center for the 2008 Irish Festival (also taking place on March 17).

Marching as a group? Be sure to fill out the application form.

Labels: Local Events

March 25, 2008 - As You Like It Catering Open House
The Swedish Cultural Center
1920 Dexter Ave. N
Seattle, WA 98109
(206) 523-9570
5:00pm – 7:00pm

Come visit one of Seattle’s most spectacular 180 degree views overlooking Lake Union and downtown. Step out onto our covered balconies and watch the sunset, tour our event rooms, sample our savories, and sip libations. Partners in the event include: Aria Style, Abbey Party Rents, Choice Linens, Jilly Eddy Lipsology, Illustrations in Ice, Wavelink Music, Espresso Elegance, and Redfish Bluefish Photography.

Plenty of reserved free parking! Driving Directions available at www.cateringasyoulikeit.com. Please RSVP by March 24th to cynthia@cateringasyoulikeit.com.

Labels: Local Events

A new coffee shop called Voxx Coffee recently opened on Eastlake Ave in Seattle. Yes, we realize this may not sound like new news in our coffee obsessed city, but this particular java shop has an unexpected twist. Voxx Coffee also serves wine. This funky shop has our vote for a hot new spot! Check it out.

Address: 2245 Eastlake Ave. E.

Labels: Activities, Local Events

On March 27, witness professionals rock out at the "Wine Rocks Seattle" event held at the Gibson Guitar Showroom in Pioneer Square.

Here is what the site says: A new event featuring noted Washington wine personalities as the evening's ROCK STARS! Not only do they make excellent wine that you can taste throughout the show, they sing, play guitar, sax, drums and more! Taking place at the very urban, hip, Gibson Guitar Showroom in Pioneer Square where every wannabe rock star wants to be. Sample gourmet fare provided by Beecher's Cheese, Salumi Artisan Cured Meats and Theo Chocolates.

Tickets: $35 each set (limited to 100 people), must be 21+ to attend, ID checked at door

Early Set: 6 – 8pm | Late Set: 9 – 11pm

Performances and Wine Tasting:
Jamie Brown, Waters Winery (Guitar)
Rob Newsom, Boudreaux Cellars (Guitar)
Rusty Figgins, Clos Sainte Rose (Drums)
Doug McCrea, McCrea Cellars (Saxophone)
Bill Herzog, DiStefano Winery (Bass)
Gordy Rawson, Chatter Creek (Bass)
Paul Gregutt, Seattle Times Columnist/Author of Washington Wines & Wineries,
The Essential Guide (Guitar)

Purchase Tickets at: winerocksseattle.com

Labels: Local Events