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NMG Takes Over Seattle: Exploring the Emerald City

Northstar Meetings Group finds out what makes Seattle a great meetings destination.
by Jessi Minneci
March 29, 2019

Northstar Meetings Group paired up with Visit Seattle to learn more about the location dubbed the "Emerald City." Our team left the East Coast coop to head west, and a member of our editorial team experienced first-hand all that this city has to offer.

"Seattle inspires collaborations that change the way people experience things," says the city's DMO. "Unlike traditional event-hub cities -- with their scattered and siloed industries -- here in Seattle, restaurants start their own record labels, radio stations become community hubs, health care and technology feed each other and old brands discover ways to become new again."

Scroll through to follow along with everything NMG has learned about this Washington State meetings destination:

The Seattle Meeting Experience




From wandering the halls of the Nordic Museum to catching a Seahawks game and reveling in the magic of the Seattle Symphony at Benaroya Hall, Visit Seattle says there’s always something to do. Meeting planners and attendees can explore the diverse neighborhoods like a local, and enjoy nature—all without ever having to cross city limits. No matter what you’re looking for, the perfect adventure awaits in Seattle.

A Peek at the Properties



"From your room, admire stunning views through floor-to-ceiling windows. To enjoy sweeping views of the Seattle cityscape from our club-level patio, opt for a Regency Club room." -The Hyatt Regency Seattle"


Checked out the @ThompsonSeattle today with @VisitSeattle. 25% of its inventory has water views. #NMGSocialFam #NMGVisitsSEATTLE #HowSeattleMeets #eventprofs #meetingprofs pic.twitter.com/Ih9YOa6yP6

— Successful Meetings (@SuccessfulMtgs) March 29, 2019

Fun facts about properties in the area:


  • During summer 2018, the Washington State Convention Center broke ground the new Summit building;

  • The new facility will add 248,450 square feet of exhibit space, 102,040 square feet of breakout rooms and a 58,000-square-foot ballroom;

  • Seattle’s hotel inventory is growing by 20 percent in the next year; and

  • Eight new properties will bring the downtown room count to 14,343.


    • Need a morning pick-me-up? You won't have to look far if you're staying in the Sheraton Seattle, with a Starbucks Coffee conveniently located in the newly renovated hotel lobby.




    Per Visit Seattle: "Seattle and Pacific Northwest venues offer a spectrum of meeting, conference and convention facilities and services. From unique requests to budget-conscious or luxury-minded groups, Seattle hotels and conference spaces will surpass your expectations.

    "Private dining rooms at award-winning restaurants (think fresh seafood, organic produce, world-class wines). Luxury or budget meeting rooms at hotels of all sizes. Large venues as unique as the Northwest (think museums, Space Needle, sports stadiums, wineries). Conference facilities that satisfy every meeting attendee."

    The Summit will offer even more meeting space and convention capacity in downtown Seattle with its 59 meeting rooms and 570,290 sq. ft. of event space. Learn more here: https://t.co/rT82WZHnCu @WAConvention #NMGVisitsSEATTLE #NMGSocialFam #HowSeattleMeets pic.twitter.com/QgSCQdkp1M

    — Successful Meetings (@SuccessfulMtgs) April 1, 2019

    Also coming soon to the @ThompsonSeattle is the renovated in-house restaurant: Scout. #NMGSocialFam #NMGVisitsSEATTLE #HowSeattleMeets

    — Successful Meetings (@SuccessfulMtgs) March 29, 2019

    The first @Westin was in Seattle. Our first stop with @VisitSeattle is @WestinSeattle: 891 hotel rooms and 29 meeting spaces including ballrooms and breakout spaces. #NMGSocialFam #NMGVisitsSEATTLE #HowSeattleMeets pic.twitter.com/gJWvJI2JCM

    — M&C (@mcmagtweet) March 28, 2019

    The Arch features 205,700 sq ft of exhibit space, 57K sq ft of divisible carpeted meeting space, and 45K sq ft if divisible carpeted ballroom space. #NMGSocialFam #NMGVisitsSEATTLE #HowSeattleMeets @VisitSeattle @WAConvention pic.twitter.com/SR40ukHeYj

    — M&C (@mcmagtweet) April 1, 2019

    Savory Sights


    Washington state is the second largest producer of wine in North America. Night 1 of @TasteWashington’s event showcased the vast options of wine available in the region. #NMGSocialFam #NMGVisitsSEATTLE #HowSeattleMeets pic.twitter.com/kfoLwGn84M

    — Successful Meetings (@SuccessfulMtgs) March 29, 2019

    "It’s hard to beat the Pacific Northwest when it comes to fresh ingredients, forward-thinking chefs, and an unparalleled dedication to all things local," says Visit Seattle.

    Pike Place is currently undergoing a $74M expansion. Already open to the public is a new plaza, a viewing deck with panoramic views of mountains, and the “Grand Staircase” featuring colorful mosaic murals. #NMGSocialFam #NMGVisitsSEATTLE #HowSeattleMeets @VisitSeattle @pike_place pic.twitter.com/GfccsKoeKV

    — M&C (@mcmagtweet) April 2, 2019

    .@TasteWashington’s Grand Tasting event this weekend drove home an important point: if you want to make your meeting experience local to Seattle, there’s no shortage of food and drink options. #NMGSocialFam #NMGVisitsSEATTLE #HowSeattleMeets @VisitSeattle #TasteWA pic.twitter.com/FgzObPXYD5

    — Successful Meetings (@SuccessfulMtgs) April 2, 2019

    "Whether you want to dine on flavor-packed dishes or sip small-batch spirits, Seattle is the place to taste your heart out. Local celebrity chefs infuse the city with their creative flavors, while a number of Washington wineries, breweries, coffee roasters, cideries, soda makers and distilleries make it easy to always drink like a local. Sink your teeth into juicy burgers, get a sugar fix at a beloved Seattle bakery or relax at an indie coffee shop. The options are endlessly delicious."

    #EventProfs / #MeetingProfs: Woodinville, Washington is just a half hour away from Seattle and it boasts picturesque wineries that offer tours and tasting rooms. A terrific option for group entertainment or events. #NMGSocialFam #NMGVisitsSEATTLE #HowSeattleMeets https://t.co/WLjLnUblHw

    — M&C (@mcmagtweet) March 29, 2019

    Area Attractions

    Seattle’s Freeway Park is connected to the @WAConvention and is on top of a highway. It’s a great, earthy space that is currently being improved through a benefits package from the WSCC. #NMGSocialFam #NMGVisitsSEATTLE #HowSeattleMeets @VisitSeattle pic.twitter.com/lmTGxKOcBR

    — Successful Meetings (@SuccessfulMtgs) April 2, 2019



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    Walkable from the Washington State Convention Center is @pikeplacepublicmarket: home to bubblegum alley, markets, restaurants and some unique venues for groups. It’s also expanding to include a promenade, waterfront bike lane and more. #NMGSocialFam #NMGVisitsSEATTLE #HowSeattleMeets

    A post shared by Successful Meetings Magazine (@successfulmeetings) on

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