Impressive Views – Meetings + Events

Providing attendees with spectacular views may seem like an optional, non-critical extra. But Jack Haupert, co-founder of the Transforming Tourism Council and Institute in Seattle, Washington, points out that seeing a beautiful lake or snow-capped peaks is likely to trigger emotions in guests.

He said: “In our research, the power of awe; wonder; wild, remote places can essentially change our minds, open our hearts, and even make us feel alive. Digging a little deeper, we find out what happens when humans feel In awe and wonder, they release oxytocin, a feel-good hormone. In the context of travel and events, through transformative experience design, we can help people connect with themselves, each other, nature and systems, and even change behavior, he says, taking care of the things they enjoy, “making ours.” Events and our industry serve as amazing catalysts for change in our lives and our world.”

From a perspective, changing lives and connecting people is a big ask. But if any view can do that, the Northwest Territories view will do it. The area is blessed with sites showcasing mountains, rivers, the Pacific Ocean and vast expanses of lush green forests. The city centers that dot the landscape offer vast and dramatic skylines that are also likely to mesmerize attendees. Read on to learn about some special places to host transformative and productive meetings.

Members of the Cody, Wyoming, West Chapter of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) saw some special perspective at a recent conference held near their hometown. The travel industry group enjoyed a cowboy dinner of steak, baked beans and pie at the K3 Guest Ranch Bed & Breakfast while admiring nearby Carter Mountain in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The mountain is famous for bighorn sheep, elk, and pronghorn antelope. K3 is 44 miles from downtown Cody, and organizers can charter vintage Cody trolleys for transportation. Tom Mesereau, co-owner of Mesereau Tourism Public Relations and SATW conference organizer, enjoys working with rancher Jerry Kincaid and his two sons. “One member described Jerry as the embodiment of Cody’s warm and cowboy personality,” Mesereau said. “Another said the picnics and ranches really set the stage for the Western experience, and the mountains complete it.”

For wilderness views, consider holding your meeting at Alyeska Resort in northern Girdwood, Alaska, 40 minutes from Anchorage. Its Columbia Ballroom features floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the surrounding mountains and can accommodate 75 to 300 people, depending on the room setting and event type. “Alaska is often a veritable bucket list destination for those traveling from out of state,” said Arab Ginnett, the resort’s director of special events and partnerships. “Even locals find attending conferences here a special experience. The feedback we receive from groups consistently highlights how these perspectives can add a unique and inspiring touch to any event.”

Make your meeting even more memorable by taking the tram to Seven Glaciers Restaurant at the top of the resort. “This is a favorite for clients who want to book the entire venue for exclusive dinner events,” says Ginnett. “For those who want to indulge in incredible food, an exquisite wine list and stunning views of the seven hanging glaciers, Seven Glaciers is the place to go.” Open year-round, Alyeska also offers Nordic spas, Ski and e-bike tours. During the summer, participants can team-build across Alaska’s skybridges, which sway 2,500 feet above the valley floor.

Back on Lower 48, one of the most beautiful sights in the country is the Columbia River cutting a deep blue canyon along the border of Washington and Oregon. There are several venues dotted along the riverbank, including The Griffin House in Hood River, Oregon. It sits 300 feet above the Columbia River and can accommodate events for up to 175 guests. “The sentiment is soulful and profound,” said CEO Marlowe Griffin-Lyddon.

“It stops you in your tracks and never gets old, no matter how many times you stand there and look outside. It changes with the time and the seasons, but it always gets the heart racing.” Wind Mountain Ranch is located Across the river in Stevenson, Washington, overlooking the river, you can see stunning views of nearby forests, mountains, and rolling meadows from every angle. The ranch can host events for up to 200 people and accommodate 35 people overnight.

In the Northwest, groups that really want to leave can take a ferry from Seattle, Washington, and meet in Lakedale on San Juan Island. “When groups come here, they can occupy all 10 rooms in the hotel and are free to do whatever activities they choose within the hotel,” said Lakedale General Manager Karl Bruno. The lodge is located in the forest, just steps away from Lake Neva, a great place to spot waterfowl and other wildlife. “The tranquility here is perfect for relaxing and enjoying nature at its best,” Bruno said. Designated meeting spaces include indoor and outdoor options, with an extended cabana deck that can accommodate up to 150 event attendees. Available activities include yoga, karaoke, bocce ball and sitting in Adirondack chairs around the fire pit.

While many people enjoy escaping to nature, planners should not overlook the urban landscape of some of the Northwest’s best urban meeting spaces. “Urban panoramas can also do wonders,” Haupert said. “The key is that we tap into the feeling of being small (relative to the surrounding landscape), which can reduce stress, increase clarity and calm, and work from potential rather than focusing on problems.”
The Cirrus Ballroom at the Sheraton Grand Seattle can accommodate 300 people and overlooks the Puget Sound from the 35th floor. “Most people get excited when they have this room,” said Marc Jackson, the hotel’s assistant manager of event operations. “This is my favorite place to hold events – it’s the best view we have.”

Also in Seattle, the Hyatt Regency Seattle Southport Lake Washington features floor-to-ceiling windows with views of Lake Washington, the Seattle skyline and the Olympic Mountains, with their snow-capped peaks year-round. “The view from the pier showcases the unique and tranquil location we are in,” said Melissa Woodley, director of sales, events and marketing for Hyatt Regency. “The tranquil water and stunning The backdrop allows attendees to relax, recharge, feel energized, and focus on the activity at hand. “Attendees can relax in blue Adirondack chairs while watching the sunrise or sunset, enjoy a spa treatment, and take a ride on the water. The plane arrives at the pier.

Hyatt Regency Lake Washington also prides itself on its robust wellness program. Aaron Wyche, event coordinator for Casey Family Programs, a Seattle-based nonprofit focused on child welfare, organized a recent event there. “With wellness being the theme of our resort this year, the Hyatt Regency Lake Washington was an absolute hit,” he said. “The hotel’s new Zen Den pairs perfectly with our wellness theme and provides our employees with a tranquil space they haven’t experienced at past events.”

The JW Marriott Vancouver Park Hotel is located in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia and features 60,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor meeting and event space. The iconic rooftop park on the sixth floor is the ideal venue for private events, surrounded by nature and lush greenery. From this level, attendees can enjoy views of False Creek and the Vancouver skyline. “The rooftop park space on the sixth floor, in particular, offers an unparalleled view of the city of Vancouver,” said Laura Breuer, director of event planning for the hotel and its sister hotel, The Douglas, Autograph Collection.

In Oregon, the Ritz-Carlton Portland gives meeting planners a dazzling event backdrop to impress attendees: the pointy, snow-capped Mount Hood. These mountain views are complemented by stunning panoramic views of downtown Portland’s skyline. The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom has large windows with plenty of natural light and can accommodate up to 806 people in a theater-style ballroom. Other spaces include the Eliot Ballroom, Newton Clark Room, Sandy Room, and Palmer Room, among others.

Some views are special for other reasons. Boise State University’s Stuckel Sky Center in Boise, Idaho draws people to the school’s famous Albertsons Stadium blue turf football field. The unusual color choice dates back to 1986, when Boise State athletic director Gene Bleymaier was looking for a way to create a unique look for the team. The center’s most popular event space is the Double R Ranch Room, which directly overlooks the Blue Grill. “Many of our out-of-town guests want to see the blue,” said Allison Hevner, the center’s events director. “The Double R Ranch Room provides the perfect photo opportunity.”

In Anchorage, Alaska, groups can meet at the Alaska Aviation Museum’s Merril Field Tower. The tower can accommodate 48 people and provides a bird’s-eye view of nearby seaplanes taking off and landing.

When you’re considering a meeting location, don’t forget to observe your surroundings. “Conventions, meetings and gatherings are inherently about purpose, innovation and human connection, all of which can be stimulated by creating the fertile conditions necessary to drive such powerful outcomes,” Haupert said. “There’s plenty of data to show that holding meetings and gatherings outdoors expands the mind. But indoors, letting in natural light and providing soothing views can work wonders.”

alaska aviationmuseum.org
alyeskaresort.com
mustang sports network
thegriffinhouse.com
Hyatt website
k3guestranch.com
lakedale website
Marriott website
Ritz-Carlton website
transformative travel
windshanranch.com