TRIBUTE

TRIBUTE»

IN MEMORIAM

Paul Allen, 1953-2018. BY TERESA KENNEY

THIS PAST OCTOBER, the world lost a business and philanthropic giant with the passing of Paul Allen. Here in the Northwest, his absence will be deeply felt. Among his many achievements, Allen co-founded Microsoft; founded Vulcan Inc., Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, Allen Institute for Brain Sciences, and Allen Institute for Cell Science; and was owner of the Seattle Seahawks and Portland Trailblazers. There doesn’t seem to be an industry that he hasn’t touched, expanded and improved, including the meetings and events industry, particularly in the Seattle area.

In 1998, Allen rescued Seattle Cinerama from demolition, purchasing it and then embarking on a multimillion-dollar revitalization project. In 2014, the venue underwent another major renovation. In addition to hosting film festivals and showing classic and first-run movies, Cinerama has become a popular destination for private events, such as holiday parties, corporate meetings and teambuilding workshops.

In 2000, Allen opened Experience Music Project—now the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)—literally changing the architectural landscape of the city thanks to its edgy Frank Gehry–designed building. The 140,000-square-foot museum and event venue celebrates popular culture from music and cinema to science fiction and fantasy.

In 2004, he opened the Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum in Arlington, Washington. The museum was later moved to Paine Field in Everett, Washington. Home to more than 60 aircraft, vehicles and artifacts, the museum showcases the rare treasures of military technology.

Allen’s Living Computers Museum + Labs in Seattle’s SoDo neighborhood opened to the public in 2012. The museum and private event space boasts an interactive collection of vintage mainframes and machines.

And in 2015 and 2017, Allen founded the Seattle Art Fair and Upstream Music Fest + Summit, respectively.

His contributions to Seattle, the Pacific Northwest and the world are incalculable; his genius will be dearly missed. For more information on Allen’s legacy visit PaulAllen.com. SWAG»

TREE HUGGERS

Giveaway ideas that will ‘stick’ with your guests

Portland-based Toast is changing the way planners make a lasting impression on attendees and prospects through its stickers crafted of sustainable wood. Customizable with logos and other artwork, the stickers can be attached to water bottles, laptops, notebooks and any other surface you “wood” like your message to adorn.

The company—which runs on 100 percent renewable energy—only uses responsibly grown, rain forest–friendly wood and bamboo, and all products are distributed in Forest Stewardship Council–certified paper packaging. The entire company generates only one garbage can of waste each month. It is also a member of 1% for the Planet, donating 1 percent of its profits to environmental nonprofits, and partners with Trees for the Future, planting one sapling for every product sold. At the time of this writing, that adds up to more than 56,000 saplings. toastmade.com