July 26th, 2010
So, you’ve thrown a fish at Pike Place Market, braved the elevator ride to the top of the Space Needle and checked out the glass-blowing studios in Pioneer Square, all while sipping your Starbucks half-caf nonfat soy vanila vente latte. It was a blast, but now you’re ready for a new adventure, and you’re itching to try out that Prius the rental company gave you. Below is a look at some of the places we Seattlelites like to go to sightsee in our own Emerald City!
- Ballard
- Fremont
- Queen Anne
- West Seattle
Ballard's Witness Trees/ Image © Monique Lada
Written by Monique Lada and Tarena Ruehle
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May 11th, 2010
Seattle, along with over 30 cities across the nation, participated in US Travel Rally Day to highlight National Travel & Tourism Week. SH Worldwide team members joined the Seattle’s Convention & Visitors Bureau, hotels, meeting and event facilities, restaurants, tour providers, transportation companies and other local businesses at the “Why Tourism Matters” rally in Westlake Park.
To learn more about this important topic, check out the following links.
Why Tourism Matters
U.S. Travel Association
Seattle’s Convention & Visitors Bureau
Photo Courtesy of Lindsay Thome, Seattle’s Convention & Visitors Bureau
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May 4th, 2010
Still haven’t decided on how to celebrate your mom this Mother’s Day? Well, if a heart-shaped “Mom” tattoo is a little too permanent for your taste, here are a few happenings around Seattle to express your gratitude.
Brunch and Dinner Specials
From tea at The Georgian to scrambled eggs and caviar at Rover’s, the area’s best restaurants will roll out the red carpet for your mom.
A Day at the Races
Emerald Downs is offering free on-site massages, prize drawings and a special Mother’s Day buffet.
Love, Chaos & Brunch
Featuring a condensed show and four sumptuous courses at a special price, Teatro ZinZanni is the place to be.
Escape to Woodinville Wine Country
Sip and savor at wineries like Novelty Hill | Januik, Silver Lake and Hollywood Hill Vineyards, all offering special tasting opportunities this Mother’s Day.
Welcome Spring
Stroll along historic Azalea Way and see the spectacular azaleas, rhododendrons and dogwoods in full bloom at the Washington Park Arboretum. Guided tours and special activities are available.
Moms Golf Free
Moms enjoy a free round of golf at all Oki Golf properties. Following a day on the greens, The Golf Club at Newcastle is offering their annual Mother’s Day Brunch.
In Search of Amelia Earhart Exhibit
Learn more about the remarkable life and times of famous American aviatrix, Amelia Earhart at the Museum of Flight. Hurry! This temporary exhibit is closing on May 16th.
Brunch and Dinner Cruise Excursions
Argosy Cruises and Waterways Cruises are both offering quintessential Northwest cruising experiences to celebrate Mother’s Day.
Tags: Argosy Cruises, Brunch, Emerald Downs, Golf Club at Newcastle, Hollywood Hill Vineyards, Januik, Mother's Day, Museum of Flight, Novelty Hill, Oki Golf, Seattle, SH Worldwide, Silver Lake, Teatro ZinZanni, Washington Park Arboretum, Waterways Cruises, What to do for Mother's Day in Seattle
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April 9th, 2010
It’s starting to warm up out there, which means ski rack off, bike rack on! If you’re in town for a conference or event or if you’re a local looking to get away from the urban jungle, keep in mind that the great outdoors is incredibly accessible from Seattle.
Mountains, lakes, waterfalls, islands, really big trees – the Pacific Northwest is a nature lover’s wonderland. Conference attendees often choose to extend their stays here to explore the natural beauty of our area. If you’ve brought along the family and have a few extra days to rent a vehicle, here are a few of the places we recommend for a taste of what the Northwest offers:
In and Around Seattle:
- Discovery Park: The best in urban hiking, with a loop trail that winds through forests, meadows and sandy bluffs with sweeping views of Puget Sound.
- Green Lake: A 2.8-mile loop around a lovely lake teeming with fish and home to an array of birds – sometimes even bald eagles. It’s also a showcase of tree species and a magnet for dog owners, walkers, runners and inline skaters.
- Lincoln Park: One of Seattle’s oldest parks, it boasts a mile-long stretch of beach rife with sea life and marine birds and littered with driftwood.
- Alki: With its sweeping unobstructed view of Seattle’s skyline, it’s the only place in the city where you can really go to the beach. In summer, expect to see plenty of volleyball, skating and cycling.
Day Trips:
- Twin Falls Hike: A short, easy hike along the South Fork Snoqualmie River, the path climbs gently to a stunning view of these beautiful falls.
- Swauk Forest Discovery Trail: An easy 3-mile hike showcasing the geology and changing landscape of the central Cascades. This region is blessed with ample sunshine and offers excellent views all the way to Mount Rainier.
- San Juan Islands: With views that stretch all the way to Canada, these islands are rich in natural beauty; many also support thriving artist communities.
- Leavenworth: The drive alone is worth the trip, but don’t miss out on the bratwurst and boutique shopping in this cute Bavarian-themed town nestled in the Cascade Mountains.
- Olympic Peninsula: Otherworldly rainforests, sweeping mountain views, stark expanses of beach, vast natural preserves and some of the biggest trees you’ll ever see. What more could you ask for?
- Mount Rainier: This crown jewel of the Cascades is best viewed in summer, when the clouds have parted and the mountain is carpeted with wildflowers. The grandeur of Washington’s tallest peak will have you singing the theme from ‘The Sound of Music’ at the top of your lungs.
For more ideas, check out the Washington Hiking Advisor.
- Mount Rainier / Image © Monique Lada
Written by Monique Lada and Elizabeth Corgatelli
Tags: Seattle, SH Worldwide
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March 12th, 2010
Members of the SH Worldwide team recently helped raise $936,990.36 for Seattle Children’s Hospital by volunteering at Jackie and Bender’s 9th Annual One Big KISS for Seattle Children’s Hospital Radiothon. It was an amazing experience and we are so proud to be a part of such a wonderful cause. An immense thank you to all of the donors.
Click here to learn more about the One Big KISS Radiothon, or to donate to the Seattle Children’s Hospital.
Tags: One Big KISS Radiothon, Seattle, Seattle Children's Hospital, SH Worldwide
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February 26th, 2010
In January I attended the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Annual Meeting held in Dallas, Texas. This was my 9th annual meeting and the Dallas Convention Center, Dallas CVB and eight hotels rolled out the red carpet to over 3,200 national and international meeting planners, event planners, suppliers and hoteliers.
Kicking off the meeting was a community service project held at the North Texas Food Bank. Our team of 100 volunteers spent the day producing enough meals to benefit over 69,000 Texans in need. It was a very rewarding experience and a donation of $5,500 was also collected to help fight hunger in Texas.
The educational portion of the Annual Meeting is always spectacular. This year, three influential keynote speakers were asked to present. Founder and CEO of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Ambassador Nancy Brinker’s “The Power of One” Session was truly inspirational and a tear jerker to say the least. Dr. Kjell Nordstrom spoke on the future of our economy and global capitalism and Malcolm Gladwell, named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People, closed with a session on interpreting new ideas in social sciences and how they apply to business. In addition, over 40 amazing breakout sessions offered more food for thought.
The two evening events were over the top, full of yummy regional food stations, specialty cocktails, wine tasting and hands-on activities. The grand finale entertainment was rocker and former General Hospital star, Rick Springfield. Wowie, that man can still rock and roll even at 61 years old!
Next year’s annual meeting will be the second week in January at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. I am already planning and looking forward to that for sure. Aces!
Carol Riddle
SHW National Account Executive
Tags: Carol Riddle, Dallas, Dallas Convention Center, Dallas CVB, Destination Management, Dr. Kjell Nordstrom, Event Planning, Malcolm Gladwell, Nancy Brinker, North Texas Food Bank, PCMA, Race for the Cure, Rick Springfield, Seattle, SH Worldwide, Susan G. Komen
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February 12th, 2010
Important things to know before you cross the border!
When traveling between Canada and the United States, it will be necessary to pass through Customs at the border. The professionals who work at Customs are highly trained and this process is generally very simple. They’ll ask to see your ID, ask about your citizenship and ask you to produce proof of citizenship. Millions of people cross the border every year with ease, but some are refused due to lack of sufficient documentation. If you want to have a successful border crossing, it is important to know everything you’ll need before you get there.
Identification Is Required!
Identification is necessary for travel between the United States and Canada. Due to heightened security all travelers are encouraged to travel with a passport if available. Beginning January 31, 2008, U.S. and Canadian citizens 19 years and older who enter the U.S. at land and sea ports will need to present government issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license as proof of identity, along with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate, or a passport. Children age 18 and under will be able to enter with proof of citizenship, no photo ID required. If you are not a United States or Canadian born citizen you will be required to have a passport and possibly a Visa. Airlines will require a passport for all travelers.
What is an Enhanced Driver License?
Starting in January 2008, U.S. citizens who are Washington State residents will be eligible to purchase an Enhanced Driver License for $15.00 more than a regular driver license. This EDL will meet the requirements for proof of citizenship to re-enter the U.S. from Canada and Mexico by land or sea. Many other states will soon have EDL available for their residents, check with your local DOL for more information.
Further information is available online at the Department of Licensing website (http://www.dol.wa.gov/about/news/priorities/edl.html).
Children and Infants Require More Proof
Parents traveling with children ages 18 and under and infants are required to provide identification and proof of citizenship for each child. If both birth parents are not traveling you must have written authorization from the parent(s) or proof of custody. Failure to provide such evidence may make you inadmissable to Canada.
“Felons” Beware
Persons with a felony may be denied entrance into Canada. If you have been convicted of a crime in the United States it may be considered a felony in Canada. A Driving While Intoxicated conviction (D.W.I.) is considered a felony in Canada.
Need More Information?
For further information on crossing the US/Canadian Border, please visit the US Customs and Immigration website (http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/temp/temp_1305.html) where you’ll find information on crossing the border and duties you may have to pay on goods you bring back to the US. You can also check out the Canada Border Services Agency website (http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/faq/visit/index.asp) for more Canadian border-crossing information.
Tags: Crossing the border, Destination Management, DMC, Events, Olympics, Seattle, SH Worldwide, Traveling to Canada, US Customs and Immigration, Vancouver
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February 12th, 2010
Love is in the air and Seattle is no exception! With the 14th just around the corner, keep these Valentine’s Day ideas in mind to surprise your significant other. But don’t wait too long to reserve your spot or cupid might take it!
1. Enjoy the view from the water with a dinner or brunch cruise on the Royal Argosy or the Emerald Star, or take the afternoon to head to Blake Island. Perhaps the view from the top of the Space Needle is more your style?
2. If you prefer to stay on the ground, check out the returning favorite ‘Sinatra at the Sands’ at the Triple Door or pop in to the Musicquarium next door for a (no cover!) night of salsa.
3. Looks like the mist might hold off for Lover’s Weekend! So weather permitting, an outdoor picnic at Olympic Sculpture Park, Gas Works Park or Kerry Park all provide stunning sunset views of Seattle.
4. Staying in on the 14th? Netflix and some microwave popcorn never steer you wrong.
5. Celebrating Singles Awareness (aka SAD)? Spend the night drowning in laughter at David Crowe’s Laugh Lovers Ball at The Moore Theatre or License to Kiss, the newest show at Teatro ZinZanni.
6. Interested in a culinary adventure? There are still slots available for singles and couples cooking classes through Parties That Cook . . . a great way to bond with your sweetie or to meet fellow foodies.
7. Looking for a staycation? Check out the Valentine package at the Hotel Max in downtown Seattle. From rose petals to red velvet cupcakes, it has everything you could possibly need for a romantic evening. Rates start at $219.
8. A night out at the ballet is incredibly romantic. Visit the Pacific Northwest Ballet’s performance of The Sleeping Beauty.
9. For the chocoholic in you, head over to Theo Chocolate in Fremont to grab a last minute gift (we love the Theo Kiss) or take a tour of the factory. We especially love that the goodies are organic and free-trade specialties.
10. What? Valentine’s Day? Already?! It’s not too late to make your dinner reservation. Seattle Metropolitan Magazine’s Nosh Pit News shares some exclusive spots that are still available. Hurry, they’re filling up quickly!
Tags: Argosy Cruises, Blake Island, Emerald Star, Gas Works Park, Hotel Max, Kerry Park, License to Kiss, Nosh Pit News, Olympic Sculpture Park, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Parties That Cook, Royal Argosy, Seattle, Seattle Metropolitan Magazine, SH Worldwide, Space Needle, Teatro ZinZanni, The Moore Theatre, The Triple Door, Theo Chocolate, Things to do, Valentine's Day, Waterways Cruises
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February 10th, 2010
SH Worldwide’s Program & Event Manager, Libby Opsahl welcomed a baby girl on February 9, 2010. Kendall Elizabeth weighed in at 6 pounds, 1 ounce and is doing well.
Our family just keeps growing. That makes three girls in 2010!
Congratulations Libby!
Tags: SH Worldwide
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January 26th, 2010
At a local MPI meeting on January 26th, SH Worldwide’s Event Coordinator Andi Saunders won an award for her commitment to our industry and for her service to the Washington State Chapter. This award is only given to four chapter members per year and is viewed as an award to recognize ”up and comers” within our industry.
Way to go Andi! We are so thankful to have you on the SH Worldwide team.
Meeting Professionals International (MPI) is a professional membership organization for corporate, association and independent meeting planners. Learn more at: http://www.mpiwsc.org/
Tags: Destination Management, Event Management, Hospitality, MPI Washington State Chapter, Online Registration, Seattle, SH Worldwide, Site Research
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