Meetings in the Evergreen State
Room for foodies, artists and outdoor adventurers alike
By Sara Robertson
If you’re lucky enough to be planning a meeting in the state of Washington, you’ll find boundless ways to make that event shine. The state is home to vibrant cities and towns rich with art and culture. Nearly anywhere you go, you’re certain to have access to mind-blowing adventure activities and truly sublime natural surroundings. And every time you sit down for a meal, you’ll find a rich culinary experience. From Seattle’s space needle to the state’s abundance of crystal-clear alpine lakes, Washington State is one for the books.
Insider Tip
“Groups are sure to enjoy Seattle’s ever-increasing hotel inventory—including 7,000 rooms within a six-block radius of Seattle Convention Center. Attendees can stroll from either Center building to Seattle’s iconic Pike Place Market and Waterfront. A two-minute monorail ride brings visitors to attractions such as the Space Needle, Climate Pledge Arena and MoPOP. For those looking to extend their stay, explore the area’s renowned forests, waterways and national parks—three of which are close by and make for life-affirming day trips.”
– Kelly Saling, Senior Vice President and Chief Sales Officer, Visit Seattle
5 Reasons Meeting Profs Love It
Washington Athletic Club is a 21-story Art Deco-style private and athletic club in the heart of downtown Seattle, founded in 1930. Individuals flock to the scene for family and social events, fitness, networking and more. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has won 11 consecutive 5-star Platinum Club of America awards.
For an extraordinary close-up look at the sea life that inhabits Puget Sound, visit the Marine and Science Technology (MaST) Center in Des Moines. Across 2,500 sq. ft. of public, classroom, laboratory and research space, you can visit 15 tanks, including two touch tanks, all for free. Together, they house over 250 local Puget Sound marine species.
Read More: Washington: Sustainability in Air, on Land and by Sea
A visit to the Evergreen State simply can’t be marked complete without taking in its glorious natural surroundings. The state boasts a number of national parks, including Mount Rainier, Olympic and North Cascades National Parks. Visit lush rainforests, wild beaches, alpine lakes and snowy peaks. Every park has an endless list of hikes ranging from short and easy strolls to challenging treks.
If you find yourself meeting in Seattle between the months of May and October, don’t miss out on the opportunity to take your group whale watching. Southern Orcas travel through the San Juan Islands during this time of year and can be spotted by tours on boats, kayaks and seaplanes.
Seattle may be best known for its top-notch coffee, but it’s also an up-and-coming foodie hotspot. Visit Seattle’s website provides a comprehensive list of local food tours, including a chef-guided tour through the famous Pike Place Market and an Underground Donut Tour. On the same page, you can learn about brewery and wine-tasting tours as well as culinary classes perfect for groups seeking the flavor of the destination.
5 Places to Meet
Hyatt Regency Lake Washington is a lakeside hotel conveniently located near Sea-Tac International Airport, downtown Seattle and Bellevue and Mount Rainier National Park. This pet-friendly hotel is committed to sustainability and houses restaurants with stunning views of Lake Washington.
Over 60,000 sq. ft. of meeting, event and venue space, 347 guest rooms.
Tulalip Resort Casino is a stylish stay owned and operated by the Tulalip Tribes. It was voted Best Casino in the Seattle Times 2023 Best of the Pacific Northwest contest. Beyond a classic casino, the Draftkings Sportsbook allows guests to wager on sporting events, and their 14,000 square-foot T Spa relaxes mind and body.
30,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space, 370 guest rooms.
Seattle Convention Center only a year ago constructed Summit, doubling the city’s meeting capacity. Between Summit and Arch, only a block and a half apart from one another, an integrated downtown meeting campus allows for several groups to meet concurrently.
1,008,758 total sq. ft. of meeting, event and convention space, 132 meeting rooms, seven ballrooms.
Lotte Hotel Seattle occupies a striking glass skyscraper almost totally joined to the historic, Beaux Arts-style church, The Sanctuary, setting standards as a hotel that unites history and modernity. Signature twists, like windows above bathroom sinks and arched full-length mirrors, make for a distinct hotel experience.
23,350 sq. ft. meeting and event space, 15 meeting and event rooms, 189 guest rooms.
Suncadia Resort is a Destination by Hyatt located in Cle Elum, among the stunning Cascade Mountains. It offers three distinct properties: The Inn at Suncadia, The Lodge at Suncadia and Cle Elum Vacation Rental Homes. Across 6,000 acres of forested mountain and bright meadows, guests enjoy over 200 days of annual sunshine and numerous wellness and adventure activities.
15,000 indoor and outdoor meeting and event space and 254 guest rooms at The Lodge, 14 guest rooms and four suites at The Inn.
This article appears in the December 2023 issue. You can subscribe to the magazine here.
