When schedules are tight, it can be difficult to coordinate business meetings across multiple cities. Airport venues- and those close-by- provide time-crunched planners a bit of relief and usually at a more budget-friendly price than in-city alternatives.
VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Richmond, British Columbia
A hub for travel between Asia, Oceania and North America, Richmond-based YVR has come a long way since 1927, when famed aviator Charles Lindbergh reportedly refused to stop on the unsuitable grass landing strip during his North American tour. Since then, YVR has frequently been named one of the top airports in North America, even being ranked one of the top 10 airports in the world in 2013, by SkyTrax, an online airport review site.
Richmond co-hosted the 2010 Olympic Winter Games alongside Vancouver and has multiple world class meeting venues for groups both grand and intimate, including the Richmond Olympic Oval, the site of the Olympics’ speed skating competitions. The venue can accommodate as few as 12 up to 1,000 for a conference. Sports concierges can help organize various team-building activities (tennis matches, ice skating or a couple hours on the novice-to-advanced climbing wall), providing some good-natured competition in between business talks.
Richmond’s Terra Nova Sharing Farm offers another unique event opportunity where attendees harvest and cook their own meals with the help of former Four Seasons Hotel chef Ian Lai. Proving that, contrary to conventional wisdom, too many cooks don’t actually spoil the broth, this farm-to-table experience is best for groups of 36 or less, but there is space for approximately 100 in the garden.
Within the airport itself, the elegant Fairmont Vancouver Airport hotel offers exceptional accommodations along with 8,800 square feet of event space. The Canvasback room, a smaller space overlooking the airport concourse, can host a leadership meeting for up to 30 guests. The much larger Mallard room is pure luxury: floor-to-ceiling windows, chandeliers and wood-paneled walls for up to 150 guests, reception-style.
As the only airport hotel on Condé Nast Traveler’s Top 100 Gold List of 2013, Fairmont’s reputation for gourmet cuisine and exceptional banquet service does not go unnoticed. “From the first meeting and site inspection through to the final details,” recalls planner Kahlil Yeates, “the staff was friendly, attentive to detail and worked well within our guidelines and budget. We had a very positive experience working with the staff at the Fairmont Vancouver Airport.”
The Fairmont planning staff can also help host events at one of the airport’s fifth floor meeting rooms, which overlook the airport runway and natural backdrop. At approximately 500 square feet each, these rooms fit up to 35 attendees.
SEA-TAC INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
SeaTac, Washington
In 2012, SEA served more than 33 million passengers, making it the 16th busiest airport in the country. Nestled halfway between Seattle and Tacoma, events near SEA are equal parts affordability and accessibility, allowing guests to arrive by train, plane or automobile.
Seattle Southside Visitor Services help event planners get to know the various options for hosting parties and conferences, at no cost to you. “Seattle Southside is a real gem,” says Doug Wear, who once found himself planning an event for a nonprofit in an area he thought he knew better than he did. “I relied on them for their knowledge base, contacts, communication network and efficiency. If you’re stuck, they can help.”
Just a five-minute shuttle drive away from SEA is Expedia’s 2011 Insiders Select No. 1 hotel in the world: Cedarbrook Lodge. Located on 18 lush acres of restored wetlands, Cedarbrook truly feels like an escape, a perfect backdrop to inspire those “aha” moments at your next company retreat. In addition to a strong sense of sustainability, Cedarbrook also believes in luxury. Take, for example, the Summit Auditorium, a state-of-the-art auditorium complete with Herman Miller Aeron chairs and digital surround sound with seating for more than 100. In total, there are 16 meeting spaces, more than 5,500 square feet of outdoor event space (including a terrace and lawn) and the Seattle-magazine-recognized sustainable cuisine from Cedarbrook’s Copperleaf Restaurant & Bar.
If you prefer to be a little further out, but still minutes to the airport, free shuttle service is available to transport meeting guests from the baggage claim to the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Seattle Airport – Southcenter. The hotel offers more than 12,000 square feet of customizable gathering space, including the Grand Ballroom, which is a favorite for military and school reunions, business banquets and even larger-than-normal church services, such as Seattle Central Assembly’s Easter Convention. “Our time at the DoubleTree was refreshing in all senses,” says Professor Robert Baah. “Spiritual, environmental, relational and-of course-gastronomical.”
Indulgently delicious and beautiful meals are prepared by executive chef Jonathan Gilbertson, using local ingredients for hors d’oeuvre receptions, buffet lunches or three-course dinner banquets. “Our chef loves to create special menus for all occasions,” says Tracy Harms, director of sales. “Menus are simply the starting point.”
If time is truly an issue, you don’t even have to leave the confines of the airport. The Conference Center at Sea-Tac has seven state-of-the-art meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 200 in a central, recognizable location, with complimentary parking for guests driving in. “Innovate Washington pulls together people from around the state. The Conference Center at Sea-Tac is a convenient
location for our meeting attendees,” says Geralyn Garberg, executive assistant with Innovate Washington. The Conference Center has hosted Alaska Airlines, The Boeing
Company and many more, including Jenniffer L. Brown, Ph.D. from Sound Mental Health, who has used the Conference Center for six different seminars this year alone. “I have been thoroughly impressed by not only the facility, but also the attentive staff,” she says. “I will continue to use this excellent facility.”
PORTLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Portland, Oregon
PDX has been recognized as one of the top airports for business travel in the United States by Condé Nast Traveler in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2010, so it’s a safe bet that the Embassy Suites Portland – Airport knows how to make traveling executives happy, as well. Surround your guests with business amenities galore (BusinessLink Business Center with complimentary print and copy machines, high-speed Internet access, et al.), and all just a mere three-minute drive from the arrivals concourse. For events, the Grand Ballroom can host 500-1,000 guests in more than 8,400 square feet of meeting space, which can also be configured for smaller events.
PDX prides itself on its environmental sustainability: from solar energy panels to compost and recycling waste options to an award-winning light rail that can whisk your guests downtown. Networking events and business gatherings will also be greener when held at the Conference Center at PDX, keeping attendees from additional travel into town. Seven meeting rooms- some with views of the runway- offer functional and urban-inspired space with rates starting at just $40 an hour. Now, that’s a hard deal to pass up.
