Pacific Northwest
From Classic to Cool

by KATIE MORELL

· The Pacific Northwest, namely Oregon and Washington, has an aura of mystery surrounding its history. Unlike the East Coast, where visitors regularly flock to view well-known attractions marking milestones in the country’s past, the West is a bit harder to pin down when it comes to yesteryear. After all, much of the country’s West Coast wasn’t settled until the mid- to late 19th century, so how much history does the area really have? You’d be surprised.

"I think the Northwest has always had the mystique of the unknown," says Keith Backsen, vice president and director of sales for the Spokane Regional CVB.

In particular, the region’s metro areas are steeped in an intriguing past, making their stories deliciously juicy.

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Sponsor

Tulalip Resort Casino

With 370 luxurious guest rooms and suites and more than 30,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, the AAA Four Diamond Tulalip Resort Casino near Seattle is an ideal location for effective meeting experiences. Complimentary amenities include Wi-Fi, high lumen LCD projectors and drop-down screens in each meeting room and a business center. Tulalip’s 192,000-square-foot gaming facility, full service T Spa, five exceptional restaurants and proximity to world-class shopping give guests a wide variety of entertainment and dining options.

For more information, visit www.tulalipresort.com.

Happenin’ Hops

Oregon and Washington have been making beer for more than a century, and today the Pacific Northwest is a well-known brewery capital that is at the forefront of the microbrew movement. The region’s rich beer heritage has left a tasty legacy for everyone to enjoy. Following are 10 premier spots to grab a homebrewed cold one.

· BridgePort Brew Pub + Bakery (503.241.3612; www.bridgeportbrew.com), situated in Portland’s Pearl District, began in 1984 making only 600 barrels per year, but today produces more than 100,000 barrels annually. Groups can meet above the pub, which is wired with full audiovisual equipment.

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Planning in a Tough Economy Webinar

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

In today’s economy you need to plan like your job depends on it, because more than ever, it does! Learn ways to trim your budget without dampening the attendee experience and how to show the savings you gained to the organization you plan for. By employing a few simple cost-cutting strategies from this webinar, you can provide a quality meeting without breaking the bank. In this webinar, Joan Eisenstodt, a premier meetings industry educator and consultant, will let you know how you can make the most with less both for your attendees and the bottom line.
Join Meetings Media for this free webinar Wednesday, Jan. 27, and learn more. There is no fee to register.

Visit MeetingsFocus.com/webinars to register or learn more.

Sponsored by: The Scottsdale Plaza Resort and Glen Cove Mansion Hotel & Conference Center.

Going Green
Resolutions Do Make a Difference

by NANCY J. WILSON

· It is another year and a new decade—seems like a good time for some sustainable New Year’s resolutions. Use the momentum (when you are not dieting and exercising) to save money and the environment.

Here are a few resolutions to get you started. Repeat after me:

I resolve to…

1. Set up a Green Team for my organization’s meetings and events. That is right; I don’t have to do it all alone and I won’t forget to include my favorite vendors.

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