About Seattle
Seattle is a bustling metropolis known for its tech industry, coffee culture, grunge music scene, and an array of world-class attractions, including the Space Needle and Pike Place Market. It is bounded by Puget Sound to the west and Lake Washington to the east, making it an ideal destination for sightseeing cruises and water activities.
Also called Emerald City, Seattle is filled with greenery and scenic beauty. It is also the headquarter of many globally recognized companies, including Microsoft Corporation, Amazon, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, and more. With its strong base of well-established industry sectors, it’s no wonder Seattle is a favored spot for meetings and conferences.
Besides the usual conference centers and banquet halls, you’ll find an outstanding range of unusual conference venues in Seattle. From converted warehouses to boutique hotels, the city has something to offer all kinds of groups. Each location provides an unparalleled experience for event organizers and attendees.
Unusual events, such as interactive dinners and themed nights, can also be organized at these unique venues. With so many options available, it’s easy to create a memorable event in Seattle that will make your guests never forget their visit!
Unusual Conference Options in Seattle
- Technology
Although not every conference requires a heavy tech focus, it still pays more to have the right technology for your meeting. Apart from the usual AV equipment and supplies, you might need digital whiteboards, projectors, camera and video conferencing software, etc. Instead of buying new ones, you can always contact a rental company in Seattle to provide high-end technology and supplies at a fraction of the cost.
- Cleaning
Maximize the potential of your extraordinary conference space by enlisting the help of a professional cleaning company in Seattle. With their top-notch services at affordable rates, you can ensure that your event starts and ends in pristine condition!
- Balloons
Bring your corporate functions to life with creative decorations like balloons! Seattle balloon companies can assist you in transforming your event into a memorable one. They offer an array of different balloon shapes, sizes, designs, and colors so that every theme or occasion will be flawlessly accentuated.
- Entertainment
Having a local musician or band perform during breaks or after the conference is the best way to end the day. Seattle is known for its music scene, so there are plenty of options to choose from, no matter your favorite genre or style.
Unusual Conference Vendors in Seattle
- SmartSource
SmartSource Rentals in Seattle prides itself on combining the highest level services with cutting-edge technology. They can fulfill your short-term meeting or office equipment needs and provide technology solutions and AV equipment rentals for events and professional meetings. Whether you need servers or top-of-the-line desktops and laptops, SmartSource has it all.
- The Afterparty
With The Afterparty, you're not just getting a band with great chemistry and experience, but you're also getting responsive, dedicated customer service along the way. Jeff and Tristin are co-owners of the band and full-time performing members, so any inquiries or requests will be dealt with promptly. They understand the importance of a successful event and use their expertise to keep everything running smoothly.
- B Dazed
Whether you need custom balloon decorations or help with bartending services, B Dazed can provide it all with ease. Their range of services ensures that no matter what type of gathering you're hosting, it will be truly memorable. From corporate get-togethers to baby showers, they can provide organic balloon displays and other decorative touches to make your event stand out.
Pros and Cons of Unusual Conferences in Seattle
Unusual conference events in Seattle are becoming increasingly popular among meeting and event planners. There are numerous advantages and disadvantages to hosting an unusual event in Seattle, so be sure to weigh your options before making a final decision.
Advantages
- Unusual conference events in Seattle create a unique atmosphere that can spark creativity and collaboration between participants.
- Seattle has hundreds of venues, restaurants, hotels, attractions, and more throughout the city, so it’s easy to find an ideal location for your event.
- With its myriad of outdoor recreation options as well as cultural experiences ranging from jazz to theater performances, there’s something for everyone in Seattle.
- Whether you need help planning the perfect itinerary or need advice on how to get the best value for your budget, local businesses and organizations in Emerald City can be incredibly supportive.
Disadvantages
- Because of its popularity as a destination for events, prices for services such as catering or venue rental can be quite expensive in Seattle.
- The rain can make certain outdoor activities difficult or impossible during certain times of the year.
- With its vibrant culture and potential for exciting experiences, there are lots of competition when it comes to booking venues outside the traditional hotel ballroom setup.
- Certain parts of town may not have enough variety when compared with other cities like New York or Chicago; this could limit the kind of events you plan depending on location.
Tips on How to Organize Unusual Conferences in Seattle
Seattle is a great place to host a conference. There are plenty of hotels, restaurants, and attractions to keep your attendees busy. But what if you want to add a little something extra to your conference? Here are some tips on how to organize unusual conference events in Seattle:
- Start with a bang: Match your unusual conference venue with something unique and exciting. Consider organizing a flash mob or electric light parade to get your conference off to a memorable start.
- Get outdoors: Take advantage of Seattle's beautiful setting by organizing hikes, kayaking trips, or other outdoor activities. Organize outdoor adventures that your participants will love and allow them to see more of the city's offerings.
- Make it interactive: Create an interactive experience for your attendees with escape rooms, mystery dinners, or treasure hunts. Alternatively, you can get more creative by hosting an art show, fashion show, or photography contest featuring local artists and businesses.
- Have fun: A conference does not have to be all serious and dull. Find opportunities to enjoy and relax!
Famous Locations in Seattle
- Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park is one of Seattle's best-kept secrets, a hidden gem tucked away in the northwest corner of the city. It provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, where visitors can take a stroll along winding paths or just relax in serene meadows. From the park, there are breathtaking views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Ob clear days, you might even catch a glimpse of Mount Rainier! The park has plenty to offer, with lush vegetation and abundant wildlife teeming in its picturesque setting.
- Center of the Universe Sign
The Center of the Universe Sign in Seattle, Washington, is a hilarious way to mark what some Fremont residents consider the center of the universe. While we can't absolutely prove that it isn't the center of the universe, Fremont is as good a place as any other. The sign was put up in 1991 by a group of scientists who reasoned that if no one could prove otherwise, then Fremont should be considered the center. The sign is North Fremont Avenue and North 35th Street intersection on a traffic island. The Metropolitan King County Council made it official in 1994 with a proclamation that was quite poetic. If you're ever in Seattle, be sure to check out this funny sign for yourself!
- The Ballard Locks and Fish Ladder
The Ballard Locks and Fish Ladder are an iconic part of Seattle. Built in 1917, the locks bridge the gap between Puget Sound and Lake Union - two bodies of water that are separated by a difference in heights. Not only is it a necessary passage for boats, but it's also a popular attraction where visitors can watch salmon swim upstream to spawn. It's estimated that over 1 million fish use the ladder each year. If you're ever in Seattle, it's worth checking out these remarkable locks!