VENUE REPORT

The fireplace in the grand foyer of the Whistler Convention Centre is a Rumford design.

FIRESIDE CHATS

Gather ‘round these Northwest fireplaces with your group. BY TERESA KENNEY

ONE OF THE BEST THINGS ABOUT THE CHILL OF WINTER IS THE WARMTH OF A ROARING FIRE. Northwest venues are particularly adept at creating spaces where guests can gather and collaborate around a stunning fireplace that is as much a work of art as it is a necessity. Here are some of our favorites.

HEATHMAN HOTEL

Portland, Oregon

The historic Heathman Hotel in Portland boasts one of the city’s most luxurious fireplaces. But what else would you expect from a highend, historic hotel built in the 1920s? Located in the library, the dramatic fireplace is original to the hotel and is clad in white handcrafted artisan tile and underscored by herringbone wood flooring and comfortable seating.

In addition to serving as an inviting space to relax and read, the 1,060-square-foot library functions as a gathering place of inspiration, knowledge and celebration. It was designed in a warm palette with a sophisticated residential feel inspired by the city itself and the way residents live today. The space features more than 3,000 books, each signed by their authors, who include Nobel Prize and Pulitzer Prize winners, U.S. Poet Laureates and a former U.S. president.

The 151-room Heathman Hotel has 3,800 square feet of meeting space and can accommodate up to 200 guests for meetings, conferences and social gatherings.

WHISTLER CONVENTION CENTRE

Whistler, British Columbia The Whistler Convention Centre’s fireplace draws your eye as soon as you walk through the door. Located in the center’s grand foyer, the fireplace stands 40-feet tall and is a Rumford design: shallow and angled to radiate heat more efficiently. It’s perfect for winter meetings in this mountain town. The rocks surrounding the fireplace are all locally sourced from the region. The design is a perfect fit for the ski-chalet feel of the 6,500-square-foot room, which also boasts large wood beams and ample natural light. The foyer can accommodate 800 people for a standing reception.

The Whistler Conference Centre is undergoing a renovation this winter and will reopen mid-March. The redesign will include upgrades to lighting, acoustical treatments, floor and wall coverings, furnishings and artwork.

The conference center offers more than 40,000 square feet of versatile meeting space with the ability to host a wide variety of conferences and events.

SKAMANIA LODGE

Stevenson, Washington

Skamania Lodge’s 85-foot tall, 500,000-pound river-rock fireplace greets visitors as they enter the lodge. Made from rock sourced from a local tributary, it’s a fitting tribute to the 175 acres of wilderness the lodge is set on. The blacksmith work on the piece was done by Darryl Nelson from Fire Mountain Forge. If sitting around the fire inside is too “tame” for you, the lodge has several outdoor fire pits for guests to gather around and enjoy s’mores or a glass of wine.

Overlooking the Columbia River Gorge

Heathman Hotel’s elegant fireplace is in its 1,000-plus-square-foot library.

Skamania Lodge’s main fireplace is 85 feet tall and weights approximately 500,000 pounds. National Scenic Area, the 258-room lodge’s décor features wood tones and stony textures, giving it an upscale feel without being stuffy. Lounging areas offer floor-to-ceiling windows, and throughout the lodge is a collection of original works by Native American and regional artists.

Skamania Lodge has 22,000 square feet of conference space including 23 meeting rooms, exhibit space and banquet facilities. Its Riverview Pavilion offers 2,500 square feet of covered outdoor space.

SAWTOOTH CLUB

Sun Valley, Idaho

Imagine warming yourself around the same fireplace that author Ernest Hemingway used to relax by to converse with local residents. That’s exactly the experience to be had at Sun Valley’s Sawtooth Club. Fellow author Hunter S. Thompson once wrote of the venue, “[Hemingway] could sit in The Sawtooth Club and talk with men who felt the same way he did about life, even if they were not so articulate. In this congenial atmosphere he felt he could get away from the pressures of a world gone mad and ‘write truly’ about life as he had in the past.”

Many of the dishes at the historic and popular bar and café are cooked over a mesquite wood fire, and the bar menu includes a selection of handcrafted cocktails and approximately 20 wine and 10 craft beer options. The venue offers a number of spaces for private parties, including the second-floor outdoor terrace, an upstairs dining room and a mezzanine. Or the entire dining room can be reserved for up to 150 people.

Get Connected

HEATHMAN HOTEL | heathmanhotel.com

SAWTOOTH CLUB | sawtoothclub.com

SKAMANIA LODGE | skamania.com

WHISTLER CONVENTION CENTRE whistler.com/meetings

BY THE NUMBERS

200,000 sq. ft. flexible indoor event space

7,500 region lodging inventory

On-site Expo RV Park

Neighboring FlyRDM reginal airport

2,094,500 residents located within a 1 hour drive

A GRANDER SCALE: BENEFITS OF AN ALL-INCLUSIVE VENUE

ALL-INCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE Creating a memorable and enjoyable experience for all attending your event is always a priority for planners and organizations. At Deschutes Fair & Expo Center, you can count on your attendees leaving with unforgettable memories of majestic mountain views, easy transportation, and a chance to “Stay to Play” in the playground of the Northwest!

Deschutes Fair & Expo Center offers a 320-acre site with limitless ways to accommodate event setup and scheduling. Achieve that rare combination of scalable and customizable with our all-inclusive venue that offers both adaptable event halls with breakout rooms and ample lush acreage. This comprehensive selection of spaces offers fluidity throughout your event—from check-in to main sessions, and everything in between. Envision transitioning effortlessly from registration to keynote addresses and breakout sessions, to catered lunch and evening activities. Selecting a venue that can include your event space, catering and bar service, stunning scenery, and proximity to flight and accommodations means your attendees will enjoy your event with the fullest with ease. Minimize stress for you and your participants!

Take advantage of our staff’s expertise who will ensure your vision comes to life throughout your entire experience. Managing the smallest details on the largest scale, we offer a flexible approach to craft events that are tailored to the visions, needs, and budgets ofour valuable clientele. We customize your floor plans including staging and equipment rental, with dedicated staff on-call just for you. Our highly-rated Food & Beverage department satisfies a broad scale, from small gatherings to receptions seating over 2,000. Our full service on-site Expo RV Park can accommodate your visiting guests, supplementing the area’s wide variety of lodging and resorts. Provide your guests the opportunity to prolong their stay and experience all the wonders of Central Oregon! With world-class golf, fishing, hiking, kayaking, entertainment and more; our region has an adventure for everyone. Take advantage of our local partnerships to plan outings for your attendees to enjoy local dining, sightseeing, and adventure experiences. All this and more awaits you at Deschutes Fair & Expo Center! website: expo.deschutes.org phone number: 541-585-7208

Fairbanks

Anchorage

Juneau

Sitka

Ketchikan

Alaska GO WILD INAlWant five good reasons to meet in Alaska? We’ve got ’em: Fairbanks, Anchorage, Juneau, Sitka and Ketchikan.

BY TERESA KENNEY

I’ve

never been very useful when it comes to numbers. I do know that Alaska is roughly the area of 19 other states at 268,597 square miles— much of which is still wild and uninhabited. I’m aware that it is our 49th state, joining the union in January of 1959 (and narrowly coming ahead of Hawaii, our 50th state, which joined the union in August of the same year). And I also know that there are a multitude of reasons that planners would want to hold their destination meeting or event there. But for the sake of space, we are only giving you five reasons to meet in the Last Frontier: Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Ketchikan and Sitka. I’m certain you can add more to the equation.

WHY MEET IN ANCHORAGE

“Anchorage has all the best of what draws people to Alaska: mountains, glaciers, park lands, wildlife. Plus, those alluring things are paired with modern meeting facilities, surprising city comforts and a great dining scene,” says Julie Dodds, Visit Anchorage’s vice president of meeting sales. “Anchorage has the flight connections, convention centers, hotels and restaurants that make meeting planning simple for organizers. The easy access to city trails, parks and outdoor adventures is what really tips the scales and convinces meeting planners to come here.”

TOP THREE(ISH) VENUES IN ANCHORAGE

The Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center, Egan Center, and Alaska Center for the Performing Arts are all located in a fourblock stretch in downtown Anchorage.

Meeting hotels include the Hilton Anchorage, Sheraton, Marriott, Hotel Captain Cook and others. And The Lakefront Anchorage, in Anchorage’s Spenard neighborhood, is another option for meeting venues. At The Lakefront’s backdoor is Lake Hood, the busiest floatplane base in the country, and the hotel’s deck makes a stunning setting for aftermeeting relaxation.

TOP THREE(ISH) GROUP ACTIVITIES IN ANCHORAGE

The Alaska Native Heritage Center is a popular spot for visitors who want to learn about Alaska Native cultures. Guests can enjoy live song and dance performances, as well as artist demonstrations. It is also often used as a location for after-parties and weddings. The center’s campus has six life-sized traditional Native dwellings in a wooded area circling Lake Tiulana.

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is about an hour’s drive south of Anchorage along the scenic Turnagain Arm. There, you can get up close views of bears, moose, musk oxen, reindeer, wolves and other Alaska species. Groups can take a behind-the-scenes tour for the opportunity to feed animals, such as porcupines or moose.

Or hike Flattop—widely regarded as the most climbed mountain in Alaska. It’s the quintessential Anchorage day hike and offers views of the city below and on a clear day the tallest peaks in North America.

TOP THREE(ISH) MUSTSEES IN ANCHORAGE

The Anchorage Museum is the largest in the state and is home to hundreds of indigenous Alaska artifacts on loan from the Smithsonian Institute. Also make sure to spend time exploring one of the 60 glaciers within 50 miles of Anchorage. This can easily be done inside Chugach State Park, the third-largest state park in the nation at nearly half a million acres. It offers everything from trails for hiking and biking, to lakes for kayaking, and glaciers for trekking. It marks its 50th anniversary in 2020.

And take some time to look for wildlife such as moose, eagles and more along the 11-mile Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. The trail offers views of Cook Inlet and Mount Susitna, known as Sleeping Lady to locals.

ANCHORAGE IN SUMMARY

“Alaska is already on everyone’s wish list. The Anchorage meeting is often the one that breaks attendance records for a group. It’s a destination people want to visit already, and many spend extra time before or after the meeting or bring family,” says Dodds.

ANCHORAGE

Explorer Lake kayaking

Hilton Anchorage

Alaska Center for the Performing Arts Glacier trekking

King crab

FAIRBANKS

Top Three(ish) Group Activities in Fairbanks

“Northern lights viewing definitely tops this list during the aurora season, between August 21 and April 21,” says Helen Renfrew, director of meetings and conventions for Explore Fairbanks. “Other activities depend on the season: fishing, hiking, gold panning and riverboat tours in the summer season; dog mushing, ice sculpture viewing and soaking in the hot springs during the winter season.”

Chena Hot Springs

Riverboat Discovery

WHY MEET IN FAIRBANKS?

“We love introducing planners to all there is to see and do in Fairbanks! Fairbanks is the farthest-north city in the United States that is served by road, rail and an international airport,” says Helen Renfrew, director of meetings and conventions for Explore Fairbanks. “At Explore Fairbanks, we want to make it as easy as possible for you to bring a meeting here. The meetings and conventions staff has more than 35 years of combined experience with hotels and conferences. We are your experts on the ground and would welcome the opportunity to show you why you should bring your meeting to Fairbanks.”

Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center

Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center

PHOTOS: EXPLORE FAIRBANKS

TOP THREE(ISH) VENUES IN FAIRBANKS

“There are many venue options in Fairbanks, so it’s impossible to narrow a list down to three. What I can tell you is that we’ve got places in town and ones surrounded by wilderness. There are large banquet and trade show spaces, as well as small, intimate retreat spaces. We have venues with and without accommodations on-site. The three largest, traditional venues (hotels with meeting rooms) are Westmark Fairbanks Hotel & Conference Center, Wedgewood Resort and Pike’s Waterfront Lodge,” says Renfrew.

The 400-room Westmark has 17,000 square feet of meeting and event space. The Wedgewood has 9,300 square feet of event space, as well as the 25,000-square-foot Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum. And Pike’s Waterfront Lodge has 208 rooms and more than 7,300 square feet of meeting space.

TOP THREE(ISH) MUST-SEES IN FAIRBANKS

At the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center, guests can learn about the indigenous peoples of interior Alaska, as well as view exhibits that showcase what it’s like to live in Fairbanks during the fall, winter, spring and summer. Or use Fairbanks as basecamp for excursions to Denali National Park or to view the arctic tundra north of the Arctic Circle.

“Fairbanks offers too many other sights to see—I can’t list just three! The creativity and marvels of our visitor attractions and activities are outshone only by the wilderness and wildlife that surround us,” says Renfrew.

FAIRBANKS IN SUMMARY

“Fairbanks offers all of the venues and amenities expected in an urban location just steps away from the wilderness. Summer brings the midnight sun—it doesn’t get dark for 70 straight days! Winter offers the northern lights—Fairbanks is known as one of the best locations in the world to view this fascinating phenomenon which is on many attendees’ bucket lists,” says Renfrew.

WHY MEET IN JUNEAU

“Why not meet in the morning and go whale watching in the afternoon? Meetings in Juneau mean Alaskan adventures are just minutes away,” says Vicki Logan, Travel Juneau’s convention sales manager.

TOP THREE(ISH) VENUES IN JUNEAU

With 17,000 square feet of meeting space, Centennial Hall Convention Center is a favorite for larger groups looking for options. The Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall is newly renovated and has 6,000 square feet of space and can host more than 1,100 people. The Baranof Hotel by Best Western is ideal for smaller groups wanting the ease of lodging and gathering in the same venue. It offers 5,000 square feet of meeting and event space and 215 rooms. All are conveniently located in downtown Juneau with access to an amazing year-round dining scene and local artists and shopping.

TOP THREE(ISH) THINGS TO SEE IN JUNEAU

A glacier, by land, by air or by water. A whale, by big boat, small boat, long trip or short. Or a vista, by trail, tram or air.

“You could even do all in one afternoon if you plan right,” says Logan.

TOP THREE(ISH) GROUP ACTIVITIES IN JUNEAU

In the winter, Eaglecrest Ski Area is perfect for those wanting to downhill or cross-country ski, snowboard or simply take in the breathtaking scenery. An added bonus is Eaglecrest has smaller crowds and better deals than most other winter destinations. In the summer, whale watching is a must as many companies can accommodate large groups. Seeing orcas is a treat for all, and Juneau is one of the few places on earth one can witness humpback whales bubble net feeding.

Any time of year, visiting the Mendenhall Glacier is a fabulous outing for groups and meeting attendees. Because it is just 15 minutes from downtown, the glacier is the most accessible in the state and offers wildlife viewing, a waterfall to walk to and access to several trails.

And exploring downtown Juneau is an activity in itself. Visitors can enjoy culinary tours that highlight award-winning chefs and craft beverage producers, city and state museums, a Native Alaskan heritage center, an aerial tramway, an escape room and more.

JUNEAU IN SUMMARY

“Alaska is on everyone’s bucket list so hosting a meeting in Juneau adds an incredible Alaskan experience to your event,” says Logan. “Being a small city in a large wilderness allows meeting attendees an Alaskan experience in less time. The adventures are in Juneau’s backyard!”

Moore Charters

Downtown Juneau

JUNEAU KETCHIKAN

PHOTOS: TRAVEL JUNEAU; ALABASTRO PHOTOGRAPHY Alaska Canopy Adventures

WHY MEET IN KETCHIKAN

“Everyone is always surprised by the natural beauty of the area, and I always enjoy meeting the delegates who come to Ketchikan. When it comes to assisting planners, it’s always a pleasure to find something they didn’t know they wanted or needed and having it turn out to be the highlight of their visit. On a more practical note, I’m always close by: Missing the cord you need for your laptop? We are minutes away,” says Deb Anderson, meetings, events and groups manager at Ketchikan Visitors Bureau.

“I enjoy the creative aspect. Ketchikan has so much to offer, and we provide each and every group we work with, with an individualized approach. I enjoy digging deeper into the goals and interests a group has and then sharing resources for the perfect lunch speaker, field trip or social activity,” adds Patti Mackey, president and CEO of the CVB.

TOP THREE(ISH) VENUES IN KETCHIKAN

The multipurpose Ted Ferry Civic Center has a 4,500-square-foot ballroom with a 1,500-square-foot stage. Smaller meeting rooms are created via sound-insulated partitions. The 80-room and 27-suite Landing Hotel includes the 5,000-square-foot Sunny Point Conference Center. And the 69-room Cape Fox Lodge can accommodate up to 200 guests for events.

SITKA

TOP THREE(ISH) GROUP ACTIVITIES IN KETCHIKAN

“Groups coming in the summer can take advantage of all there is to see and do in and around the community. There are dozens of tour and activity options that work perfectly for groups, from zip lining to snorkeling. If cultural pursuits are more in line with a group’s interests, Ketchikan is home to three Alaskan Native tribal groups. Dance performances, storytelling, visiting one of our totem parks and speaking to an artist or seeing some of the oldest totem poles known to exist are all activities groups can program into their time here. Fall, winter and spring provide more intimate experiences and plenty of options for groups to explore,” says Mackey.

She recommends enjoying the daily competitions at the Great Alaska Lumberjack Show, taking a marine cruise of the harbors and Misty Fjords National Monument, and paying a visit to George Inlet Cannery, the site of a 1940s cannery situated in a beautiful cove. The cannery is full of local flavor and is an option for hosting receptions.

TOP THREE(ISH) MUSTSEES IN KETCHIKAN

The rain forest surrounds Ketchikan and can be accessed easily via trails and recreation areas. It is the largest temperate rainforest in the U.S. Planners should also make sure to get their delegates out on the water with a group cruise, mini fishing derby or kayaking expedition. And be sure to explore Alaska’s Inside Passage, which runs through the 2,000-island Alexander Archipelago.

KETCHIKAN IN SUMMARY

“Alaska is so close! Just 90 minutes by air from SeaTac means it’s easier and quicker to reach us than many top Northwest destinations (think Seattle to Vancouver B.C., or Portland). Small towns create an opportunity for camaraderie, and everything is easily accessible. And then there is the seafood,” says Mackey.

Sitka National Historical Park and Totem Park

Cape Fox Lodge George Inlet Cannery

WHY MEET IN SITKA

“Sitka is a community that welcomes visitors for a genuine small-town Alaska experience. Our locally owned downtown is walkable from all conference venues and major hotel properties. And we have a vibrant culinary scene where chefs use the local bounty of the sea to create unforgettable food experiences,” says Laurie Booyse, director of Visit Sitka.

TOP THREE(ISH) VENUES IN SITKA

The oceanfront Harrigan Centennial Hall offers 32,000 square feet of meeting and event space and is located downtown near accommodations, restaurants and shopping. The Sitka Fine Arts Camp on Historic Sheldon Jackson College Campus can accommodate groups of up to 300 and includes classrooms and the Odess Theater. Larger groups of up to 600 can take advantage of the space at the camp’s Sitka Performing Arts Center. And the 105-room Westmark Sitka Hotel is within walking distance of some of the city’s most popular attractions. It offers five meeting rooms that total 2,759 square feet.

“The perfect retreat-style environment, Sitka has ample accommodation options and is easily accessible from Seattle and Anchorage. Sitka is particularly suited to small executive events, team retreats, mid-sized group trainings and multiday meetings,” says Booyse.

TOP THREE(ISH) GROUP ACTIVITIES

Great saltwater or freshwater fishing from a charter boat or kayak can be had just minutes from downtown Sitka. Be sure to book time before or after your meetings to spend a few days in a world-class remote fishing lodge, such as Talon Lodge or Dove Island Lodge.

By boat is also a fantastic way to view wildlife. “Enjoy the scenic and wildlife wonders of Sitka Sound by boat, kayak or ocean raft. You will have the opportunity to view whales, sea otters, sea lions, harbor seals, eagles and more,” says Booyse. Join a pre-scheduled tour or charter a boat especially for your guests.

Or your group can attend one of many cultural and historical activities in the area, including Sitka National Historical Park and Totem Park. The park’s museum focuses on Tlingit history, featuring an extensive collection of Southeast Alaskan totem poles. Your group can meet carvers and other artists and walk trails through an old-growth forest to visit the site of the 1804 Battle of Sitka, fought between the Tlingit and Russian forces. Other options include exploring Sheldon Jackson Museum, which has the state’s largest collection of Alaska Native artifacts. It is housed in Alaska’s first concrete building, which was erected in 1897. And the Naa Kahidi Native Dance Show—performed in Sheet’ka Kwaan Naa Kahidi Community House—lets your group experience the songs of tradition handed down by generations.

TOP THREE(ISH) MUST-SEES IN SITKA

The prominent onion-shaped domes of St. Michael’s Orthodox Cathedral, a National Historic Landmark, have graced the Sitka skyline for nearly two centuries. Your group can venture inside the Russian Orthodox church to see a remarkable collection of religious art, with pieces believed to date back to the 17th century. Sitka National Historical Park is a must-see for nature lovers, as is Fortress of the Bear, a bear rescue center where magnificent bears roam in a naturalized setting. The three-quarter acre habitat houses brown and black bears. Experienced naturalists share their love and knowledge of this often feared, yet most revered creature of the forest.

SITKA IN SUMMARY

“Sitka is a unique venue for gatherings of up to 400 attendees, with modern meeting spaces and amenities located in an outstanding natural, low-distraction setting. The Visit Sitka team is ready to help you throughout the planning process from information gathering to RFP process, pre-meeting logistics and on-the-ground support during your event. Ask us. We are happy to help,” says Booyse.

Get Connected

ANCHORAGE anchorage.net

FAIRBANKS explorefairbanks.com

JUNEAU traveljuneau.com

KETCHIKAN visit-ketchikan.com

SITKA visitsitka.org