Destination Services NW owes its success to the many partners, friends and clients we have served over the years. Below are a few examples of some of our proudest successes.
PCMA Post Conference Pacific Northwest Tour
In January, 2008 Seattle was awarded the honor of hosting the annual PCMA (Professional Convention Management Association) conference and the results exceeded all expectations. Attendance reached record numbers as meeting planners from all over the world explored our city and attended workshops on dynamic topics such as how best to host a “green meeting” and tips on “going global”. The events, networking opportunities, and small and large learning sessions were well planned and superbly executed.
Destination Services NW was pleased to partner with the Victoria Clipper to plan and host the PCMA Post Conference “FAM” Tour of Vancouver, Victoria and Whistler, BC. More than 35 meeting planners and their spouses attended the tour to learn more about the majestic Pacific Northwest. Some of the highlights of this amazing trip included the following:
- Famed Chef Ramussen of the Vancouver Convention and Event Center led a group on a grocery tour through Grandville Island before preparing the purchased ingredients in an intimate cooking lesson.
- “Breakfast with the Belugas” at Vancouver’s Aquarium in Stanly Park was a beautiful, unique and delightful way to start the day before heading off to Victoria and Whistler, BC.
- A wine and culinary tour through Victoria’s Harbor was a favorite for many as the group was led through secret spots and well known eateries to taste their way through Victoria.
- Tea at the Empress is a must when visiting the charming town of Victoria, BC. The meeting planners were thrilled to relax in the beautiful Tea Room noshing on delicious scones with clotted cream and tea sandwiches while sipping the “best tea in the world” (according to our British Director of Sales).
- While in Whistler, the group took a majestic gondola trip up the mountain before embarking on a three hour snow shoe tour with outdoor adventures.
- After working up an appetite the group was treated to a pre-meal a sleigh ride along Nicholas North Golf Course followed by a delicious fondue dinner.
Washington DECA's Western Region Impact Leadership Conference
DECA's Western Region Impact Leadership Conference is an important annual opportunity for the Western organizations to provide a fun, educational, and enriching experience for its member students. When Washington was chosen as the host organization it was essential to illustrate the fantastic industry and opportunity Seattle has to offer.
Destination Services NW provided shuttle services for the over 2,500 student and teacher attendees to various businesses around the Puget Sound area as part of the conference program. Destination Services NW successfully devised a schedule that allowed the students to move through the Washington State Convention Center in a morning group and an afternoon group, with little time between each shuttle. Our friendly and professional staff was onsite to provide check-in and facilitate the transfers ensuring that all groups successfully reached their destination.
Destination Services NW was also able to provide exciting and unique Seattle experiences to the students outside the scope of the conference program. Working with our partners we offered a special Underground Tour event, a walking and tasting tour of the Pike Place Market, a Harbor Cruise and a special closing night dinner event at Gameworks where the students were able to burn off energy and reconnect with friends they met during the conference program.
".. I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate all of the time you spent with the event. I couldn't have asked for a better team to help us."
-Emily Meisenzahl - Washington DECA
Aglow International Conference
Aglow International's Annual US Conference is a widely anticipated event for the 200,000 plus members of this women's organization. Working closely with the staff at Aglow, Destination Services NW was able to provide the 9,000 Seattle attendees a selection of unique and engaging excursions and activities for the diverse, international group. The attendees were thrilled with the selection - from an all day excursion to Victoria to half day Seattle tours to a dinner event only found in the Pacific Northwest.
Destination Services NW also provided a three day shuttle service to the organization's headquarters in Edmonds, Washington. Working with the Washington State Convention and Trade Center, our team transported members on an hourly basis from the Convention Center to Edmonds and back. Due to an increase in interest on-site, we were able to arrange for extra shuttles to accommodate the eager guests.
The attendees were thrilled with the service and selection. For several months after the event we were fielding calls from happy participants.
