Next week, more than 100 event professionals will arrive in Anchorage, Alaska, for the latest installment of Northstar's Small & Boutique Meetings series. First launched in 2023, this event series was specifically designed to spotlight hidden-gem destinations that are well suited to hosting smaller-sized gatherings. Previous host cities include Burlington, Vt; Knoxville, Tenn; and Park City, Utah.
Now, Alaska's largest city will have its chance to shine. The three-day event, held May 28-30 at the Marriott Anchorage Downtown, will include a mix of education, networking and scheduled appointments.
The featured speaker is Martin Buser, a four-time champion of Alaska's annual Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Buser will share stories and lessons learned from the 1,000-mile race, in which he has competed 39 times. His team was the first to complete the race in under nine days. Buser has been inducted into the Alaska Sports Hall of Fame, as well as the Iditarod Hall of Fame.
In his keynote session, Buser will discuss the history and legacy of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, which has become one of Alaska's most iconic events. He'll also share broader takeaways that event professionals can apply to their own work, such as how to overcome obstacles, stay motivated under pressure and build high-performing teams.
Other highlights on the agenda include a tram ride to the top of Mt. Alyeska, a visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and a dinner cruise on Prince William Sound. In addition to exploring the destination, planners and suppliers will have the chance to connect and discuss future business opportunities in one-on-one appointments.
For more details, visit the Small & Boutique Meetings — Alaska event page. Northstar's full calendar of upcoming live events is available online. Industry professionals can also take advantage of the robust catalog of webinars.











