Here are some of our favs...
Friday, February 29, 2008
Put Your Stamp On It
Here are some of our favs...
How Hotels Are Going Green
According to GreenHotels.com, hotels are making a conscious effort to initiate eco-friendly methods of service.
The next time you are planning a stay at a hotel or a meeting in one of their banquet halls, ask your hotel if they are doing their part to save the earth.
Here is a sample of what's going on around the world according to GreenHotels.com...
1. Meeting and banquet facilities are using pourers for sugar, pitchers for cream and small serving dishes for butter and jellies.
2. A Toronto hotel is recycling stained tablecloths into napkins, chef's aprons and neckties.
3. Bicycles are being loaned or rented to guests.
4. Coins or chips are being used for car parking and coat checking instead of paper tickets.
5. Hotels are making cloth laundry bags from retired sheets.
6. Mowed landscaping is being replaced by ground cover. Lawnmowers are used less, so air pollution and noise are reduced.
7. A Florida hotel bought a mulcher to chop up their garden clippings and create their own mulch. The mulcher paid for itself in three months.
8. A Wisconsin B&B has installed beautiful blue floor tile made from recycled automobile windshields.
9. Chief engineers have found that toilet tank fill diverters in older toilets save about 3/4 of a gallon of water per flush.
10. A Pennsylvania property has a 400' garden and produces organically-grown vegetables for its restaurant.
11. Restaurants and bars in hotels are using daylight exclusively for as much of each day as possible.
12. Solar energy is lighting signage and heating water for hotels in tropical areas.
The next time you are planning a stay at a hotel or a meeting in one of their banquet halls, ask your hotel if they are doing their part to save the earth.
Here is a sample of what's going on around the world according to GreenHotels.com...
1. Meeting and banquet facilities are using pourers for sugar, pitchers for cream and small serving dishes for butter and jellies.
2. A Toronto hotel is recycling stained tablecloths into napkins, chef's aprons and neckties.
3. Bicycles are being loaned or rented to guests.
4. Coins or chips are being used for car parking and coat checking instead of paper tickets.
5. Hotels are making cloth laundry bags from retired sheets.
6. Mowed landscaping is being replaced by ground cover. Lawnmowers are used less, so air pollution and noise are reduced.
7. A Florida hotel bought a mulcher to chop up their garden clippings and create their own mulch. The mulcher paid for itself in three months.
8. A Wisconsin B&B has installed beautiful blue floor tile made from recycled automobile windshields.
9. Chief engineers have found that toilet tank fill diverters in older toilets save about 3/4 of a gallon of water per flush.
10. A Pennsylvania property has a 400' garden and produces organically-grown vegetables for its restaurant.
11. Restaurants and bars in hotels are using daylight exclusively for as much of each day as possible.
12. Solar energy is lighting signage and heating water for hotels in tropical areas.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Great Buy Alert!
Everything at Wishingfish.com is now 50% off. Wishing Fish is moving its warehouse so all you need to do to save is enter MOVING50 at checkout.
Here are some great buys we found...

Wine Tasting Party Kit
What WishingFish says: If "Sideways" got you in the mood to sample some Pinot Noir and sip some Chardonnay, but you're nowhere near Napa, no worries! All you need is "The Wine Tasting Party Kit -- Everything You Need to Host a Fun & Easy Wine Tasting Party at Home."
Regular Price: $24.95; Sale Price: $12.50

Animal Rubber Bands
What WishingFish says: Bring the fun back into your home or office with our clever Animal Rubber Bands! Made from brightly-colored silicone, they look and behave like normal (albeit colorful) rubber bands when stretched.
Regular Price: $7.95; Sale Price: $3.98

Message Bean: Holidays - PLAN AHEAD!
What WishingFish says: How do they do it? Believe it or not, each magical Message Bean grows with an actual word lasered onto one side and an image on the other.
Regular Price: $9.99; Sale Price: $4.99
Here are some great buys we found...
Wine Tasting Party Kit
What WishingFish says: If "Sideways" got you in the mood to sample some Pinot Noir and sip some Chardonnay, but you're nowhere near Napa, no worries! All you need is "The Wine Tasting Party Kit -- Everything You Need to Host a Fun & Easy Wine Tasting Party at Home."
Regular Price: $24.95; Sale Price: $12.50
Animal Rubber Bands
What WishingFish says: Bring the fun back into your home or office with our clever Animal Rubber Bands! Made from brightly-colored silicone, they look and behave like normal (albeit colorful) rubber bands when stretched.
Regular Price: $7.95; Sale Price: $3.98
Message Bean: Holidays - PLAN AHEAD!
What WishingFish says: How do they do it? Believe it or not, each magical Message Bean grows with an actual word lasered onto one side and an image on the other.
Regular Price: $9.99; Sale Price: $4.99
We Think You'll Love...
Price: $29.95
Price: $3.50
Taste Washington Event Announcement
Taste Washington
Washington State is gaining world-wide recognition as a premium wine region
— this is your chance to see what the buzz is all about!
SEATTLE
April 5th at Bell Harbor International Conference Center & April 6th at Qwest Field Event Center
Enjoy a grand tour of Washington's best vineyards at the grand tasting event. Guests are invited to indulge in the coffee and dessert bar and listen to the sweet rhythms of live jazz. Grand Tasting gives flavor to the weekend! — The Grand Tasting on April 6th will begin with a two-hour VIP wine event from 2-4pm, followed by four hours of general tasting from 4-8pm
Seminars: Tickets on sale at ticketmaster
General Admission Tasting: $85 available at ticketmaster
VIP Tickets: $125
To avoid service charges tickets can be purchase at the Qwest Box office at Qwest Field
You can also purchase tickets at the following retailers:
Arista Wine Cellars, 320 5th S. Suite A., Edmonds WA 98020 aristawines.com
Corky Cellars, 22511 Marine View Drive, Des Moines WA 98198 corkycellars.com
McCarthy & Schiering Queen Anne, 2401 B Queen Anne Ave. N, Seattle WA 98109 mccarthyandschiering.com
Purchase your's today!
SPOKANE
June 8th at the Davenport Hotel
On June 8th, 2008 from 5 to 8:30 p.m., Taste Washington Spokane, at the elegant Davenport Hotel in Spokane, offers an enjoyable and educational way to spend an early Sunday evening.
Tickets: $85 available at ticketweb.com (Coming Soon)
TasteWashington.org
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Top 10 Movie Cities...Seattle Makes the Cut
MovieMaker magazine and website have announced their top 10 cities to live, eat, work and make movies in and Seattle has made the cut.
How did MovieMaker reach this list? "...quality and quantity both carried a lot of weight in terms of the local talent pool, production facilities, educational opportunities, networking events, film festivals and other screening venues."
Here is the full ranking results...
1) Austin, TX
2) Albuquerque, NM
3) Shreveport, LA
4) New York, NY
5) Philadelphia, PA
6) Wilmington, NC
7) Seattle, WA (yeah!)
8) Portland, OR
9) Baltimore, MD
10) Memphis, TN
Read the full article here.
Congratulations, Seattle! We think you're a pretty great place to work and live in too!
Monday, February 25, 2008
Backdrop Mania
Recently we featured event ideas from a local sales conference. As their main decor the event planners used backdrops to create emphasis on their overall theme, which was centered around a masquerade ball. Backdrops are excellent decor items to feature in your event design. They bring color, originality and scale to your design and truly help set the tone for your event. Backdrops can be rented or purchased in several sizes from 10'x10' to 20'x40' -- and we say, the larger the better. They are generally fairly easy to assemble and can be delivered right to your doorstep. Backdrops are also ideal because they help transform a dull room into a whole new world of excitement and creativity. We recommend using a backdrop for your next banquet, auction, fashion show stage, or game night.
To hang the backdrop you will need piping and lighting for the full effect. We recommend speaking to your local decor and design company. They can often order the backdrops for you, handle the delivery/return and setup, and also work with you to carry your theme out through the rest of your event decor. You may also be able to save money in the end, because they can order the items for you at a discounted vendor rate.
Here are a few backdrops we found and love.

Available at: Backdrops Fantastic

Available at DreamWorld Backdrops

Available at Backdrops.us
Backdrops In Action:
Available at DreamWorld Backdrops
To hang the backdrop you will need piping and lighting for the full effect. We recommend speaking to your local decor and design company. They can often order the backdrops for you, handle the delivery/return and setup, and also work with you to carry your theme out through the rest of your event decor. You may also be able to save money in the end, because they can order the items for you at a discounted vendor rate.
Here are a few backdrops we found and love.
Available at: Backdrops Fantastic
Available at DreamWorld Backdrops
Available at Backdrops.us
Backdrops In Action:
Available at DreamWorld Backdrops
Now Playing...
Looking for an event in Seattle to take a client to? Here's what's happening right now in the city...
As You Like It
Playing Now through March 1
Location: Seattle's Taproot Theater
204 North 85th St. Seattle, WA 98103
Wednesdays & Thursdays -- 7:30 p.m.
Fridays & Saturdays -- 8:00 p.m.
Saturday Matinees -- 2:00 p.m.
Website: taproottheatre.org

Mame
Playing Now through March 2
Location: 5th Avenue Theatre
1308 5th Avenue Seattle, WA 98101
Tues - Wed -- 7:30 p.m.
Thurs - Fri -- 8:00 p.m.
Sat -- 2:00 & 8:00 p.m.
Sun -- 1:30 & 7:00 p.m.
Website: 5thavenue.org
Hearts on Fire
Playing Now
Location: Teatro Zinzanni
222 Mercer Street, Seattle, WA 98109
Evenings at 5:30 or 6:30 depending on day
Website: teatrozinzanni.com
Playing Now through March 1
Location: Seattle's Taproot Theater
204 North 85th St. Seattle, WA 98103
Wednesdays & Thursdays -- 7:30 p.m.
Fridays & Saturdays -- 8:00 p.m.
Saturday Matinees -- 2:00 p.m.
Website: taproottheatre.org
Mame
Playing Now through March 2
Location: 5th Avenue Theatre
1308 5th Avenue Seattle, WA 98101
Tues - Wed -- 7:30 p.m.
Thurs - Fri -- 8:00 p.m.
Sat -- 2:00 & 8:00 p.m.
Sun -- 1:30 & 7:00 p.m.
Website: 5thavenue.org
Playing Now
Location: Teatro Zinzanni
222 Mercer Street, Seattle, WA 98109
Evenings at 5:30 or 6:30 depending on day
Website: teatrozinzanni.com
Friday, February 22, 2008
Real Event
Gain inspiration for your next event by hearing what other companies are doing in your area...
Type of Event: Noetix Sales Meeting
Noetix sales people know how to have a good time. During their latest sales meeting, the group got together at several Seattle locations for conferences and dining over the period of a jam-packed four days.


The Who, What & Where
The conference meetings and day time meals were held at the W Hotel – Seattle. For the meeting rooms Noetix event planner, Charlene Seim rented a back drop for each room. The largest fabulous backdrop was 20’ X 40' and filled one whole wall. Sunday night the team had a reception at Kell’s Irish Pub where they enjoyed a private area upstairs above the main bar. Monday was the Masquerade Ball at The Palace Ballroom with catering by Tom Douglas. Various entertainment providers were also on-site as an added bonus including, Lou Medina (caricatures) and Jacqueline Brulotte (Palm Reading, Henna Tattoos, Face Painting). Fabulous, yet very inexpensive feather masks were purchased for the event from Accessory Wholesale Inc. Tuesday the sales team experienced a very nice dinner at the Pink Door, while the consultants had a private area at the Wild Ginger. Wednesday the consultants concluded the week with dinner at Troiani’s Ristorante Italiano.
Special thanks to Susan Welton (photographer of above images) and Charlene Seim and Mark Verner for sharing their event with us.
Type of Event: Noetix Sales Meeting
Noetix sales people know how to have a good time. During their latest sales meeting, the group got together at several Seattle locations for conferences and dining over the period of a jam-packed four days.
The Who, What & Where
The conference meetings and day time meals were held at the W Hotel – Seattle. For the meeting rooms Noetix event planner, Charlene Seim rented a back drop for each room. The largest fabulous backdrop was 20’ X 40' and filled one whole wall. Sunday night the team had a reception at Kell’s Irish Pub where they enjoyed a private area upstairs above the main bar. Monday was the Masquerade Ball at The Palace Ballroom with catering by Tom Douglas. Various entertainment providers were also on-site as an added bonus including, Lou Medina (caricatures) and Jacqueline Brulotte (Palm Reading, Henna Tattoos, Face Painting). Fabulous, yet very inexpensive feather masks were purchased for the event from Accessory Wholesale Inc. Tuesday the sales team experienced a very nice dinner at the Pink Door, while the consultants had a private area at the Wild Ginger. Wednesday the consultants concluded the week with dinner at Troiani’s Ristorante Italiano.
Special thanks to Susan Welton (photographer of above images) and Charlene Seim and Mark Verner for sharing their event with us.
"Buy" The Book (or chapter)
According to the books website, "Made to Stick is an indispensable guide for anyone who wants to effectively communicate their ideas. In each stand-alone chapter, the authors offer valuable lessons on the key principles that make messages stick. You can choose the chapter that's right for you and download it for just $2.99. The introduction and index are available for free with the purchase of any chapter. And don't miss the information-packed Epilogue filled with great tips for crafting sticky messages."
Imagine being able to download just the chapters that pertain to your needs? Now you can. This book is an excellent guide for anyone preparing for a business meeting, speech, course instruction or other circumstance where communication is key.
Start downloading chapters here.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Once In A Blue Moon
Appetizer of the Month
With the Oscars coming up this week, we expect many Oscar-watching parties throughout the city. Here is a simple recipe for a delicious appetizer that will wow the crowd.

1/2 cup Italian-style dried bread crumbs
1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano
2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint leaves
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
28 large (2 1/2-inch-diameter) white mushrooms, stemmed
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Stir the bread crumbs, Pecorino Romano, garlic, parsley, mint, salt and pepper, to taste, and 2 tablespoons olive oil in a medium bowl to blend.
Drizzle a heavy large baking sheet with about 1 tablespoon olive oil, to coat. Spoon the filling into the mushroom cavities and arrange on the baking sheet, cavity side up. Drizzle remaining oil over the filling in each mushroom. Bake until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is heated through and golden on top, about 25 minutes. Serve.
Recipe courtesy of Food Network
1/2 cup Italian-style dried bread crumbs
1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano
2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint leaves
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
28 large (2 1/2-inch-diameter) white mushrooms, stemmed
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Stir the bread crumbs, Pecorino Romano, garlic, parsley, mint, salt and pepper, to taste, and 2 tablespoons olive oil in a medium bowl to blend.
Drizzle a heavy large baking sheet with about 1 tablespoon olive oil, to coat. Spoon the filling into the mushroom cavities and arrange on the baking sheet, cavity side up. Drizzle remaining oil over the filling in each mushroom. Bake until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is heated through and golden on top, about 25 minutes. Serve.
Recipe courtesy of Food Network
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Event Announcement - Oscar Viewing Party
Lincoln Square Cinemas
presents
An Academy Awards®
Viewing Party
See it all on the Big Screen!
Sunday, February 24, 2008
The party will go on! Arrive to the flash of paparazzi on our red carpet at the second annual Academy Awards® Viewing Party to benefit Children's Hospital. Come dressed as your favorite movie star or character and win exciting prizes. Prizes awarded to the best costumes in the following categories - Best Male, Best Female and Best Couple. Fun S.W.A.G. bags presented to each guest upon arrival. The party gets started at 3:30 p.m.
Includes appetizers from Parlor Billiards & Spirits
Black-tie optional
Silent Auction & Raffle
presents
An Academy Awards®
Viewing Party
See it all on the Big Screen!
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Includes appetizers from Parlor Billiards & Spirits
Black-tie optional
Silent Auction & Raffle
What's Hot Now In Corporate Gift Giving
Personalization, Personalization, Personalization! The one rule of thumb in gift-giving is to be thoughtful in choosing the right gift. It doesn't matter how much money is spent, but the creativity behind it matters. That's why personalization is becoming a popular theme in gift gifting. It shows your client or employee that you cared enough to take the time and effort to have a gift created just for them.
Here are some wonderful examples of personalized gifts...
1. Personalized Paperweights available at finestationary.com

This 8 ounce, oval crystal paperweight with a unique floral design makes a perfect gift for a family member, co-worker or friend. The design includes hues of brown, pink and white and is preprinted with the letter A.
2. Address Stamp available at finestationary.com

This personalized return address stamp features your family first names and address circled around your last name within a large initial in the center. The font letters are shown below the main image and the layout of the design will come only as shown in the sample. The size of the text is based on the amount of text requested. Each ink cartridge allows approximately 10,000 to 14,000 impressions.
Stamps are limited to 65 characters around the outside and 12 characters in the center of the design.
3. Engraved Items (available at potterybarn.com)

Chill your wine quickly and easily in this easy-to-use cooler: simply fill one side with ice, place the wine bottle in the other side and add water. Slots in the removable divider let the chilled water surround the bottle. Made of brass with silver plating and sealed with a special tarnish-resistant finish. May be monogrammed with a single initial for an additional charge. 10 x 5.5 x 8.5'' h.
4. Monogramed Items (available at potterybarn.com)

Wrapped with sumptuous pebbled leather, our catchall is an attractive way to store items that accumulate on a desk or dresser – from car keys and cell phones to sunglasses and organizers. Detailed with rugged snaps at each corner and lined with matching faux suede. May be monogrammed with up to 3 initials for an additional charge to make a personalized gift. 9 x 9 x 2" h.
Here are some wonderful examples of personalized gifts...
1. Personalized Paperweights available at finestationary.com
This 8 ounce, oval crystal paperweight with a unique floral design makes a perfect gift for a family member, co-worker or friend. The design includes hues of brown, pink and white and is preprinted with the letter A.
2. Address Stamp available at finestationary.com
This personalized return address stamp features your family first names and address circled around your last name within a large initial in the center. The font letters are shown below the main image and the layout of the design will come only as shown in the sample. The size of the text is based on the amount of text requested. Each ink cartridge allows approximately 10,000 to 14,000 impressions.
Stamps are limited to 65 characters around the outside and 12 characters in the center of the design.
3. Engraved Items (available at potterybarn.com)
Chill your wine quickly and easily in this easy-to-use cooler: simply fill one side with ice, place the wine bottle in the other side and add water. Slots in the removable divider let the chilled water surround the bottle. Made of brass with silver plating and sealed with a special tarnish-resistant finish. May be monogrammed with a single initial for an additional charge. 10 x 5.5 x 8.5'' h.
4. Monogramed Items (available at potterybarn.com)
Wrapped with sumptuous pebbled leather, our catchall is an attractive way to store items that accumulate on a desk or dresser – from car keys and cell phones to sunglasses and organizers. Detailed with rugged snaps at each corner and lined with matching faux suede. May be monogrammed with up to 3 initials for an additional charge to make a personalized gift. 9 x 9 x 2" h.
Friday, February 15, 2008
We Think You'll Love...
We think you'll love these great party plates from Plum Party. When planning an event of any kind, do not be afraid to try something different and unique.


Looking for something unique and different for your next place setting right in your own backyard? Try Totally Tabletops.
Looking for something unique and different for your next place setting right in your own backyard? Try Totally Tabletops.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Let There Be Light
Lighting is a huge part of event design and production. The proper lighting, while often times in the background of your overall design, illuminates the room and the atmosphere of your event and often sets the tone for your function. As an event planner, you spend ample time designing and preparing the decor for your event and if the room is not lit properly, the details in your design can go unnoticed and unappreciated. Likewise, if you've hired an important speaker for your event, the appropriate lighting is a must to captivate your audience. We'd like to focus on three types of event lighting and offer you examples of each.
First, to the left is an example of backdrop lighting. Backdrops come on various shapes and sizes and can effectively carry out a theme for your event. Often large in scale, these backdrops are true works of art that need to be light properly to show their incredible detail and design.
In these two examples, the backdrops are lit from the bottom. The first is lit with clear bulbs, while the second is lit with bulbs and colored gels. Our eyes are trained to follow light, and by illuminating these backdrops from the bottom, our eyes naturally focus on them and help us embrace the ambiance of the design.
Second, up-lighting can also be applied to smaller details, such as florals, ice sculptures, decorations and so forth. Any interior designer will vow to the importance of lighting, and as an event planner, you also act as an interior designer for your venue space.
Good lighting design can awake the magic in spaces; the right lighting can change a mood or improve productivity. It can transform flat and unappealing spaces into an entirely new dimensional arena.

Nowadays, event decor is synonymous with art. And just as design is art, so is lighting design. Arie Louie, an award winning lighting designer and principal of Arie Lighting Designs says: "Just as the artist fills a canvas with brush strokes of paint, the lighting designer fills a space with light. Using composition, imagination, inspiration, creativity, vision and passion. A lighting designer also knows equipment, technology and science to make the art happen."
Lastly, a stage lighting designer must understand style, composition, balance, esthetics and human emotions. He must also understand the science of light, optics, vision, the psychology of perception and lighting technology. Using these tools the lighting designer must learn to think, feel and create with his heart. If other lighting elements have been properly applied, the result is a specific mood, created by the lighting design.
Is your mood set for your next event? Talk to a lighting specialist and start setting the right mood.
Featured:
Top: Robinsons Designs and PJ Hummel & Co.
Second: Aria Style and Seattle Ice Sculptures
Third: Designs by PJ Hummel & Co.
Last: Hollywood Lighting Services Inc., and Event Experience
In these two examples, the backdrops are lit from the bottom. The first is lit with clear bulbs, while the second is lit with bulbs and colored gels. Our eyes are trained to follow light, and by illuminating these backdrops from the bottom, our eyes naturally focus on them and help us embrace the ambiance of the design.
Good lighting design can awake the magic in spaces; the right lighting can change a mood or improve productivity. It can transform flat and unappealing spaces into an entirely new dimensional arena.
Nowadays, event decor is synonymous with art. And just as design is art, so is lighting design. Arie Louie, an award winning lighting designer and principal of Arie Lighting Designs says: "Just as the artist fills a canvas with brush strokes of paint, the lighting designer fills a space with light. Using composition, imagination, inspiration, creativity, vision and passion. A lighting designer also knows equipment, technology and science to make the art happen."
Is your mood set for your next event? Talk to a lighting specialist and start setting the right mood.
Featured:
Top: Robinsons Designs and PJ Hummel & Co.
Second: Aria Style and Seattle Ice Sculptures
Third: Designs by PJ Hummel & Co.
Last: Hollywood Lighting Services Inc., and Event Experience
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Inspiration From Art
Looking for a unique theme for your next event? Inspiration can come in many forms and we'd like to suggest you start with art. Here are a few pieces we found inspiration from.
The Valentine & Birthday Flapper

Pair this theme with a night of Murder Mystery. Have your guests dress the part and you'll notice the mood of the party completely change.
Chocolate Lovers Dream
Any chocolate lover would love a whole night just devoted to this delicacy. Talk to your caterer about hosting a dessert bar for your next event. Sample dozens of cakes, candies, cupcakes, fudge and more. But just be aware of the sugar rush that may come from your guests by the end of the evening.
You could also consider throwing a chocolate and wine pairing event. Bring in a wine connoisseur to teach your guests about the pairing of wine and chocolate - an education your guests are sure to enjoy.
Little Italy
Invite your guests to a night with the Italian Mafia. Fuh-Geddaboudit! An Interactive Mafia Musical boasts an extremely unique and original script and music. There is no other show in town like it! Loaded with tons of audience participation and interaction, improvisation and music you'll feel like you just left New York's Little Italy district.
The Valentine & Birthday Flapper
Pair this theme with a night of Murder Mystery. Have your guests dress the part and you'll notice the mood of the party completely change.
Any chocolate lover would love a whole night just devoted to this delicacy. Talk to your caterer about hosting a dessert bar for your next event. Sample dozens of cakes, candies, cupcakes, fudge and more. But just be aware of the sugar rush that may come from your guests by the end of the evening.
You could also consider throwing a chocolate and wine pairing event. Bring in a wine connoisseur to teach your guests about the pairing of wine and chocolate - an education your guests are sure to enjoy.
Invite your guests to a night with the Italian Mafia. Fuh-Geddaboudit! An Interactive Mafia Musical boasts an extremely unique and original script and music. There is no other show in town like it! Loaded with tons of audience participation and interaction, improvisation and music you'll feel like you just left New York's Little Italy district.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Tips from RegOnline.com
Hear from RegOnline.com experts on the best ways to utilize online registration for your upcoming event or conference.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Wines of the Northwest
The Northwest, specifically Washington State and Oregon, is home to some of the best wines in the world. With such excellence in your very own backyard why not use some of the area's finest to wow your guests' tastebuds at your next event. Here is a guide to some of our favorites...
The Prestigious Award Goes To...Chateau Ste MIchelle, WA
The Chateau Ste Michelle Winery is one of the oldest and most award winning wineries in Washington State. With its large cellar of reds and whites alike, Chateau Ste Michelle's wines represent the varietal character of the Columbia Valley.

The Best Wine For Your Buck Award Goes To...Hogue Cellars, WA
Hogue Cellars™ is located in Eastern Washington's Columbia Valley, the premiere grape growing region of the state. The climate and soils of the Columbia Valley produce grapes with intense fruit flavors and high natural acidity. The wines have a liveliness and ripe, zesty fruit flavors that make them ideal complements to a wide range of food. What makes their bottles unique are the screw tops rather than corks.

The Most Surprising It Came From Washington and Not Italy Award Goes To...Tsillan Cellars, WA
Tsillan Cellars (pronounced "Chelan") brings a taste of Tuscany to the Northwest. Their meticulous attention to detail has allowed Tsillan Cellars to establish itself as the premiere, award-winning winery in the valley; with varietals such as the Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah winning gold medals, and the Estate Pinot Grigio, and Estate Gewurztraminer winning double gold and platinum medals in both regional and national wine competitions.

Best Female Winemaker Award Goes To...Penner-Ash Wine Cellars, OR
Oregon’s northern latitude brings long hours of summer sunshine and cool nights to the Penner-Ash vineyard which helps fully ripen the grapes and retain natural acidity. Their unique growing season allows for the development of complex fruit flavors, aromatics and nuances associated with world-class wines.

More Spice and Less Sugar Award Goes To...Panther Creek Cellars
For the connoisseur who likes to spice it up, we recommend Panther Creek Cellars. Known for their Pinot Noirs, Panther Creek's wines almost have a pepper taste in the background which is sure to spice up any dining experience. This wine is not for the faint, with its bold tannins and fragrant aroma, but pairs surprising well with ethnic foods also rich in flavor.
The Prestigious Award Goes To...Chateau Ste MIchelle, WA
The Chateau Ste Michelle Winery is one of the oldest and most award winning wineries in Washington State. With its large cellar of reds and whites alike, Chateau Ste Michelle's wines represent the varietal character of the Columbia Valley.
The Best Wine For Your Buck Award Goes To...Hogue Cellars, WA
Hogue Cellars™ is located in Eastern Washington's Columbia Valley, the premiere grape growing region of the state. The climate and soils of the Columbia Valley produce grapes with intense fruit flavors and high natural acidity. The wines have a liveliness and ripe, zesty fruit flavors that make them ideal complements to a wide range of food. What makes their bottles unique are the screw tops rather than corks.
The Most Surprising It Came From Washington and Not Italy Award Goes To...Tsillan Cellars, WA
Tsillan Cellars (pronounced "Chelan") brings a taste of Tuscany to the Northwest. Their meticulous attention to detail has allowed Tsillan Cellars to establish itself as the premiere, award-winning winery in the valley; with varietals such as the Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah winning gold medals, and the Estate Pinot Grigio, and Estate Gewurztraminer winning double gold and platinum medals in both regional and national wine competitions.
Best Female Winemaker Award Goes To...Penner-Ash Wine Cellars, OR
Oregon’s northern latitude brings long hours of summer sunshine and cool nights to the Penner-Ash vineyard which helps fully ripen the grapes and retain natural acidity. Their unique growing season allows for the development of complex fruit flavors, aromatics and nuances associated with world-class wines.
More Spice and Less Sugar Award Goes To...Panther Creek Cellars
For the connoisseur who likes to spice it up, we recommend Panther Creek Cellars. Known for their Pinot Noirs, Panther Creek's wines almost have a pepper taste in the background which is sure to spice up any dining experience. This wine is not for the faint, with its bold tannins and fragrant aroma, but pairs surprising well with ethnic foods also rich in flavor.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Cash in the bag?
With United Airlines announcing that they will now begin charging economy class fliers $25 for a second bag and a $125 for three bags, the question arises, will other airlines be following suit? This charge is said to offset rising fuel charges, but didn't airlines raise their ticket prices already to cover this increase? As a meeting planner, planning destination events, how will this affect you? We'd like to hear from you. Weigh in below!
Learn more about this increase here.
Learn more about this increase here.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
iMenu
When you go to a restaurant and order an item off the menu, do you sometimes find yourself looking at your neighbors food and then ordering what they had just based on what you saw? It is true, our eyes certainly do a lot of the thinking for us and often we want what we see.
Well say hello to iMenus and Digital Dining Table Service!
About iMenus: Based out of New York, MenuLogic has developed the iMENU® platform solution to improve hospitality operations and create brand awareness. The iMenu is a a digital tabletop interactive menu solution for the hospitality industry which increases impulse sales and decreases labor costs at restaurants and hotels, enables customers to order and pay for food, beverages and other guest services, and serves as a powerful point-of-purchase medium for brand marketers and retailers alike. The iMenu is designed to provide convenient self-service access to food and drink ordering, display pictures of menu items to help customers decide what to order, provide pay at the table functions, and enhance guest experience by providing entertaining content such as weather, sports scores and flight information provided at the table. iMenus are installed directly at the dining table.
Do you like this idea? Or do think it will take away from the customer service of the wait-staff?
Well say hello to iMenus and Digital Dining Table Service!
Do you like this idea? Or do think it will take away from the customer service of the wait-staff?
Monday, February 4, 2008
Feed Others, Feed Your Soul
Register now for "The Falls Come to Life" at Salish Lodge & Spa
This second annual celebrity chef dinner and auction to help raise funds for Food Lifeline - one of the largest hunger relief organizations in western Washington – will be proudly hosted again at the Salish Lodge & Spa. Mingle with local celebrities as you participate in this exclusive auction for an incredible cause. Give to others while delighting in your own dining experience – a multi-course, wine-paired menu prepared by Seattle's most celebrated chefs.
Featured image: Crush
Enjoy cuisine from the following local Chefs...
Chef Armandino Batali, Salumi
Chef Holly Smith, Cafe Juanita
Chef Jason Wilson, Crush
Chef Roy Breiman, Salish Lodge & Spa
Chef Johnathan Sundstrom, Lark
Chef Matt Costello, The Inn at Langley
Featured image: Cafe Juanita
Details
Friday, March 28, 2008
Reception at 6 p.m.
Dinner at 7:30 p.m.
The Dining Room at Salish Lodge & Spa
$195 per person
*125 people maximum*
Live Auction
Festivities will include a limited-item live auction with all proceeds going to Food Lifeline.
Reservations
Advance reservations are required and may be made by phone (425) 831-6554
This second annual celebrity chef dinner and auction to help raise funds for Food Lifeline - one of the largest hunger relief organizations in western Washington – will be proudly hosted again at the Salish Lodge & Spa. Mingle with local celebrities as you participate in this exclusive auction for an incredible cause. Give to others while delighting in your own dining experience – a multi-course, wine-paired menu prepared by Seattle's most celebrated chefs.
Enjoy cuisine from the following local Chefs...
Chef Armandino Batali, Salumi
Chef Holly Smith, Cafe Juanita
Chef Jason Wilson, Crush
Chef Roy Breiman, Salish Lodge & Spa
Chef Johnathan Sundstrom, Lark
Chef Matt Costello, The Inn at Langley
Details
Friday, March 28, 2008
Reception at 6 p.m.
Dinner at 7:30 p.m.
The Dining Room at Salish Lodge & Spa
$195 per person
*125 people maximum*
Live Auction
Festivities will include a limited-item live auction with all proceeds going to Food Lifeline.
Reservations
Advance reservations are required and may be made by phone (425) 831-6554
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