Drive-To Meetings
CONSIDER KEEPING YOUR MEETING CLOSE TO HOME FOR CONVENIENCE AND PRODUCTIVITY
While there are many opportunities available to host meetings and events in the region’s largest cities, there may be times when your group wants to get out of the city. However, getting away from the daily routine can be impractical when it requires groups to travel long distances. A solution to this dilemma can be conducting a drive-to meeting.
Drive-to locations are far enough away from the busy downtown core of the larger cities to offer a variety of advantages while, at the same time, they are close enough to be less than an hour away by car. Your attendees can attend a meeting without having to add a hotel stay to their itinerary, saving both time and money.
Taking your meeting or event away from the center of the large cities offers several advantages. Parking is usually cheaper and more abundant than in the downtown core. Many venues in these areas provide free parking for meeting and event attendees. The convenient location also makes it easier for groups to take advantage of carpooling. Most groups will find that their budgets will go much further, while they are still able to experience modern facilities and high-quality service.
Drive-to meeting locations offer a variety of flexible options that may not be available for meetings in more remote locations. It is often possible to schedule activities on a weekend so that the work week is not disrupted. These locations make it possible to include the attendees’ families in some or all of the group’s activities.
Below, we describe a selection of localities that are near the major cities of the Northwest. You may want to consider one of these areas as you plan your next meeting or event.
REDMOND AND WOODINVILLE, WASHINGTON
Redmond and Woodinville lie at the eastern edge of the Seattle metropolitan area, located less than 30 minutes from downtown. These cities are easily accessible from anywhere in the region, and they offer a full range of options for meetings and events. In addition to fine meeting facilities, Redmond’s Marymoor Park and nearby Lake Sammamish are two of the region’s best outdoor recreation areas. A morning meeting followed by an afternoon team-building activity can be the recipe for a successful corporate retreat.
While it is renowned for being the location of Microsoft and other important technology companies, Redmond provides a less hectic ambience than its busy neighbors. Parks and open spaces abound offering groups a variety of options for a conference, retreat or team-building getaway. Nearby Woodinville is one of Washington’s most famous wine regions, making it an attractive destination for visitors. A tour of the wine country can be an enchanting addition to any gathering.
For a small corporate meeting or training session, the Hyatt House Seattle/Redmond is an inviting venue. The Hyatt House can accommodate as many as 170 conference attendees. Larger groups will find the Seattle Marriott Redmond has a newly-upgraded conference space featuring state-of-the-art technology and support. With eight meeting rooms and a variety of breakout options, the hotel can accommodate groups of 10 for a corporate board session to more than 500 for a conference.
Downtown Redmond is home to the Redmond Inn. Close to the city’s parks and trails, it provides a fashionable space for small group retreats. The venue provides complimentary shuttle service making it easy for groups to include an offsite element to the meeting.
For an exhilarating team-building session or an entertaining corporate party, Redmond’s K1 Speed Indoor Go Kart offers an unforgettable
experience. The friendly competition of go kart racing fosters comradery and morale.
Tucked into the wine country of Woodinville, Washington, the Willows Lodge is a gathering place for meetings, corporate retreats and unique events. Works of art by skilled Northwest Coast Native American artists adorn the gardens and public spaces of the lodge. The lodge features more than 5,200 square feet of meeting space that can accommodate 180 for a meeting or reception.
With a contemporary design and distinctive landscaping, the Novelty Hill-Januik Winery in Woodinville offers a variety of rooms to accommodate groups up to 120. The modern Northwest accents include stunning Douglas Fir and Western Red Cedar tables and a Terrace Room that opens onto the manicured landscape.
The essence of Chateau Ste. Michelle is reflected in the historic mansion reminiscent of a French chateau. Old-world architecture set
on 105 wooded acres makes a visit to the winery a classical experience. Chateau Ste. Michelle has consistently been recognized as one of the top wineries in the country. Chateau Ste. Michelle can accommodate meetings and events of all types in a variety of sophisticated venues.
VANCOUVER, WASHINGTON
Just across the Columbia River from Portland, Oregon, Vancouver, Washington, is readily accessible from anywhere in the Portland metropolitan area. A revitalized downtown core and an abundance of scenic beauty make Vancouver an easy getaway.
Just ten minutes from downtown Portland, Oregon, the city is developing a growing urban nightlife and culinary reputation of its own. A vibrant and quirky art scene and easy access to the region’s wide range of recreational activities make Vancouver an attractive site for a conference or event.
Boasting that it is the first hotel in the world to attain both LEED and Green Seal Certification, the Hilton Vancouver Hotel and the connecting Vancouver Convention Center can accommodate groups of all sizes in comfortable meeting spaces. The modern facility offers 30,000 square feet of meeting and event space in a convenient downtown Vancouver location. The flexible arrangements of the rooms offer a wide variety of possibilities for informal discussions, breakout sessions, smaller meetings and banquets.
While it was built in 1997, the Heathman Lodge in Vancouver has the ambience of a historic mountain retreat. The lodge is locally owned by a family with a lumber background, the lumber was hand-hewn using timber from the owner’s property. The lodge is a perfect venue for small to mid-size conferences, retreats and events. It can accommodate up to 375 guests.
Bring the group to the Pearson Air Museum to connect with the history of aviation while conducting your meeting or activity. The museum has several indoor and outdoor event spaces including the Historic Hangar that can accommodate up to 400 meetings, conferences or
commemorative events.
Just north of the city, the Clark County Event Center at the Fairgrounds offers a wide variety of modern meeting venues. The diversity of facilities provides flexible spaces for any gathering from a large trade show to an intimate company meeting. For a touch of elegance in the center of Vancouver, the Brickstone Ballroom offers an elegant ambience in a historic building. Whether it is a corporate meeting, a business seminar or a training session, the Ballroom adds a special charm to any occasion.
BEAVERTON, TIGARD AND WASHINGTON COUNTY, OREGON
Situated west of Portland, less than 30 minutes from the city’s downtown core, Washington County offers a refreshing
respite from the urban frenzy of its nearby neighbor. Home of Nike Corporation’s world headquarters, the city of Beaverton offers attractive sites for meetings and events. The area provides close-in opportunities for recreation, sight-seeing and family activities that attract groups of all types.
The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel – Portland Beaverton is nestled in the center of Washington County’s Silicon Forest, the heart of Oregon’s high-tech industry. The hotel can accommodate as many as 110 attendees for a small conference or corporate function. The complimentary local area shuttle providesopportunities to include an offsite element to the gathering.
Natural light flooding the spacious foyer of the Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Washington Square reflects the bright, friendly atmosphere that pervades the venue. Whether it is a large conference with breakout sessions, a private corporate retreat or a celebration banquet, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Washington Square is an attractive option. The only large conference facility west of downtown Portland, the venue can accommodate groups as large as 800 in a theater-style arrangement or for a reception.
The sophisticated ambience of the Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club, with sweeping views over the golf course and nearby countryside, will provide the setting for a productive conference or retreat. A variety of indoor and outdoor spaces are available at one of Oregon’s most acclaimed golf facilities.
For groups that want to get down to business in a no-nonsense educational setting, the Portland Community College Rock Creek Event Center has a variety of modern conference spaces that include the latest technology and full-service meeting support.
An 1850s-era farmstead is the home of McMenamins Cornelius Pass Roadhouse. Imbued with the McMenamins’ quirky décor, the facility is a colorful oasis that provides a distinctive setting for any group activity from an intimate retreat to a large celebration.
NAMPA AND CALDWELL, IDAHO
A short drive from Boise’s central downtown core, the cities of Nampa and Caldwell are easy escapes from the busy city atmosphere. The cities retain a small-town ambience while offering big-city amenities. They are often overlooked as destinations for meetings and events. The gateway to recreation and the area’s budding wine industry, the cities are easily accessible from anywhere in southwestern Idaho making them ideal options for drive-to meetings and events.
The Nampa Civic Center is a modern full-service event venue conveniently located in the heart of the city. With more than 28,000 square feet of meeting and event space, the Civic Center can accommodate from 6 to 600 for a conference or retreat. Groups will enjoy the pleasant décor and professional amenities.
Located only steps from the Civic Center, the Best Western Plus Peppertree Nampa Civic Center Inn is a modern facility that can coordinate your Civic Center activity. Also nearby, the Hampton Inn and Suites Nampa Boise offers additional meeting spaces in a modern facility.
Conducting a meeting or event at the Warhawk Air Museum offers your group the opportunity to connect with American military history for a memorable event. The museum offers a variety of meeting and event spaces for groups up to 500.
The natural beauty of Idaho’s countryside can make Stillwater Hollow the setting for a distinctive gathering. The skillfully-crafted Barn Hall and the charming outdoor Country Village will make any gathering a special occasion.
CONNECT:
REDMOND/WOODINVILLE, WA
Hyatt House Seattle/Redmond
• 149 guest rooms
• Five meeting and event rooms
• 170 seated capacity in largest room
• 2,830 square feet of meeting and event space
Cassandra Lieberman, director of sales
425-497-2000 ext 107
cassandra.lieberman@hyatt.com
hyatt.com
Seattle Marriott Redmond
• 265 guest rooms and suites
• Eight meeting rooms
• 10,000 square feet of meeting space
• 590 seated capacity in largest room
Meghan Horne, sales executive
425-503-8816
megan.horne@marriott.com
marriott.com
Redmond Inn
• 1,300 square feet of meeting space
• Two meeting rooms
• 60 seated capacity in largest room
Lisa Pasin, director of sales
425-883-4900 ext. 101
sales@redmondinn.com
redmondinn.com
K1 Speed Indoor Go Kart
• 110 maximum capacity
425-455-9999
k1speed.com/seattle-location.html
Willows Lodge
• 84 guest rooms
• 5,000 square feet of meeting and event space
• Seven meeting rooms
• 180 seated capacity in largest room
Janene Varden, director of sales and marketing
425-424-3900
janene.varden@willowslodge.com
willowslodge.com
Novelty Hill-Januik Winery Woodinville
• Four meeting and event rooms
• 120 seated capacity in largest room
Andrea Slichter, director of sales
360-632-2135
andrea@noveltyhilljanuik.com
noveltyhilljanuik.com
Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery
• Five meeting and event rooms
• 200 seated capacity in largest room
Shannon Lochrie, events manager
425-488-1133
shannon.lochrie@ste-michelle.com
ste-michelle.com
VANCOUVER, WASHINGTON
Hilton Vancouver
• 226 guest rooms
• 30,000 square feet of meeting space
• 40 meeting and event rooms
• 1,200 seated capacity in largest room
Christie Rust, CMP, director of sales and marketing
360-828-4310
christie.rust@hilton.com
vancouverwashington.hilton.com
Heathman Lodge
• 180 guest rooms
• 10,000 square feet of meeting and event space
• 14 meeting rooms
• 370 seated capacity in largest room
360-254-3100
info@heathmanlodge.com
heathmanlodge.com
Pearson Air Museum
• Two indoor rooms and a variety of outdoor spaces
• 400 seated capacity in largest meeting room
Eva Dodd, park guide
360-816-6241
nps.gov/fova
Clark County Event Center at the Fairgrounds
• 97,200 square feet of meeting and event space
• 10 meeting rooms
• 10,894 seated capacity on largest room
Tawnia Linde, director of marketing and sponsorship
360-397-2089
tawnial@cceventcenter.org
clarkcoeventcenter.com
Brickstone Ballroom
• 2,700 square feet of meeting and event
space
• 170 seated capacity in largest room
Melodi Ramquest, booking and site manager
360-852-0813
reserve@brickstoneballroom.com
brickstoneballroom.com
BEAVERTON, AND WASHINGTON COUNTY OREGON
DoubleTree by Hilton Portland Beaverton
• 98 guest rooms
• 2,220 square feet of meeting and event space
• Two meeting and event spaces
• 110 seated capacity in largest room
Katie McCauley, general manager
503-614-8100
katie.mccauley@hilton.com
hilton.com
Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Washington Square
• 356 guest rooms
• 24,000 square feet of meeting and event space
• 10 meeting rooms
• 800 seated capacity in largest room
John M. Derosa, director of sales and marketing
503-644-4000
john.derosa@hilton.com
portlandembassysuites.com
The Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club
• A variety of indoor and outdoor spaces
• 100 seated capacity in largest room
Randy Mulford, event sales & operations manager
503-848-4856
randy.mulford@reservegolf.com
reservegolf.com
PCC Rock Creek Event Center
• 4,000 square feet of meeting and event space
• Three meeting rooms
• 425 seated capacity in largest room
Jeff Wilson, coordinator
971-722-7267
jeff.wilson3@pcc.edu
pcc.edu
McMenamins Cornelius Pass Roadhouse
• Two indoor and several outdoor areas
• 112 seated capacity in largest room
Renee Rank Ignacio, marketing director
503-640-6174
reneer@mcmenamins.com
mcmenamins.com
NAMPA. ID AND CALDWELL
Nampa Civic Center
• 28,000 square feet of meeting and event space
• 14 meeting rooms
• 600 seated capacity in largest room
Roseanna Marcum, sales and marketing manager
208-468-5565
nampaciviccenter.com
Best Western Plus Peppertree Nampa Civic Center Inn
• 82 guest rooms
Khara Nixon
208-936-2222
khara@peppertreeinns.com
bestwesternnampa.com
Hamton Inn and Suites Nampa Boise
• 101 guest rooms
• 3,834 square feet of meeting space
• Five meeting and event spaces
• 250 seated capacity in largest room
Erica Hernandez, general manager
208-442-0036
namid_hampton_suites@hilton.com
hamptoninn3.hilton.com
Warhawk Air Museum
• 40,000 square feet of exhibit space and
meeting rooms
• 500 seated capacity in largest room
• Pat Kilroy, executive director
208-465-6446
patkilroy@warhawkairmuseum.org
warhawkairmuseum.org
Stillwater Hollow
• Two indoor meeting and event spaces
plus additional outdoor venues
• 150 seated capacity in largest room
Brianne and Tyler Gray, owners
208-914-0757
stillwaterhollow.com
