Expert Advice

Where to Find Creative Inspiration
05/16/13
We asked Northwest Meetings + Events’ editorial advisory board members where they turn to for inspiration. Here’s what they had to say: PJ Hummel, CMMPresidentPJ Hummel & Company I get my inspiration traveling to different trade shows in Vegas, ...
Help for Yelp
10/18/12
On online review forums like Yelp, one bad review can taint overwhelmingly positive customer feedback. So it’s important to learn what, if anything, can be done to manage your online reviews and build goodwill among current and prospective...
State of the Industry with NW M+E Editorial Advisory Board
10/18/12
With 150-plus years of combined experience, the group gathered around the conference table in Seattle’s Roosevelt Hotel that day represented planners, vendors and venues. They are known not only locally and regionally, but nationally as well,...

Running Your Business

And The Winner Is...YOU!
01/25/12
It's a common scenario: You’re attending an awards ceremony, applauding for the proud winners in various categories. As the presenter at the podium introduces a familiar category—the one you could have competed in—you hear those iconic words “...
Nail The Negotiations
02/9/11
When planning an event, from tiny soirées to large extravaganzas, every element of the production is subject to negotiation. That’s when you dig out all the tools in your arsenal to get the best deal for your client. Here, local meeting and event...

Getting Started

FAM Trip Don'ts
05/9/11
Most participants travel graciously on familiarization (FAM) tours. They’re polite and courteous even when one portion of the trip may not be of interest to them. “Although very rare, we have had our share of bad FAM behavior,” says Sue Price, a guide...

Event Trends/New Ideas

Favorite Products and Trends from the 2011 Special Events Show
05/9/11
This past February, four members of the Seattle chapter of the International Special Events Society attended the 2011 Special Events Show in Phoenix. They shared their favorite products and trends from the show with Northwest Meetings + Events:I was...

Suppliers Speak

Cracking the (QR) Code
05/9/11
Originally created to track vehicle parts in Japan, Quick Response (QR) codes are poised to become the hottest new trend for promoting services, events and products. Essentially a barcode that can be scanned and read by a smartphone like iPhone or...

Open Forum

Top 5 Meeting Planner Movies
05/9/11
(1) Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)—An array of high society social functions are on full display here, and few actresses have ever been as elegant and delightful as Audrey Hepburn’s aloof socialite Holly Golightly. (2) The Party (1968)—Peter Sellers teams...
Tips for Corporate Gift-Giving
05/3/11
Want to know how to maximize your gratitude? Northwest Meetings + Events sat down with Jamie Stone, president and owner of Seattle-based Gifts by Design to find out how other companies are giving thanks. Q. When it comes to client or employee gifts, is...