CONNECTION
Decades-long relationships with local providers allow us to deliver authentic, exclusive experiences.
Decades-long relationships with local providers allow us to deliver authentic, exclusive experiences.
Our boots-on-the-ground team members are walking Pacific Northwest encyclopedias, eager to share their expertise with you.
Want something new and different? We produce bespoke experiences that inspire, entertain, and leave a lasting impression.
We take great pride in sharing the beauty (and the quirks) of the Pacific Northwest with visitors from across the globe.
From Seattle to Portland, we are Northwest experts offering exclusive access to some of our region’s most unique and sought-after venues and experiences. Backed by over 48 years of local, destination management expertise, we’d love to show you why so many clients return again and again.
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Artwork Copyright 2021 Chihuly Studio.
“I love playing hostess to our unique and dynamic corner of the world, where natural beauty meets innovation and culture. It never fails—guests are captivated by the breathtaking scenery, warm and welcoming locals, and are delighted by our vibrant food and craft beverage scene. Perhaps my favorite part is watching their surprise when they realize that it doesn’t rain as much as they expect!”
“Seattle’s culinary scene is a vibrant fusion of innovation and tradition, where fresh, locally sourced ingredients meet bold flavors and world-class craftsmanship. Whether it’s savoring fresh-caught seafood, indulging in artisanal coffee, or exploring craft breweries, every bite and sip is a celebration of the city’s rich culinary culture.”
“One of my favorite places to visit is Hawthorn Asylum, a food truck pod located in Southeast Portland. This quirky spot features a vast array of cuisines from vegan to Egyptian – plus a 40-tap beer hall. There are so many options to satisfy even the most discerning palates.”
A Destination Management Company (DMC) focuses specifically on in-market expertise, logistics, and local execution within a destination such as Seattle or Portland. As the Pacific Northwest’s longest running DMC, SHW curates and manages local experiences—from transportation and tours to themed events and offsite dinners—leveraging our in-depth regional knowledge and trusted vendor network to create seamless, memorable programs in the Pacific Northwest.
We offer comprehensive event planning services including:
Seattle and Portland deliver a compelling mix of accessibility, culture, innovation, and natural beauty, making them standout destinations for corporate meetings, incentive travel, and group events.
Seattle combines global connectivity with unmistakable Pacific Northwest energy. Its world-class infrastructure and international airport access make it a seamless choice for conferences, executive summits, and hospitality programs aligned with major citywide events. Highlights include:
Portland offers a creative, community-forward atmosphere rooted in sustainability and local craftsmanship. Ideal for leadership retreats and off-site programs, the city is known for:
Together, Seattle and Portland provide diverse, memorable environments for corporate destination programs across the Pacific Northwest.
While our roots are in the Pacific Northwest, SHW’s reach is national and global. Many clients are so impressed with the success of their Seattle and Portland-based programs that they choose to bring us along to manage events in other cities and countries. Share your goals with us—we’ll collaborate to determine how we can support you wherever your event takes place. Below is a sampling of destinations where SHW has proudly delivered exceptional programs:
We recommend contacting us at least 6 – 9 months in advance, especially for large groups or peak seasons. That said, we’re nimble and can accommodate shorter timelines when needed.
Whether it’s an executive retreat for 10 or a multi-day program for 1,000+ attendees, we scale our services to meet the needs of your event and attendees.
As the Pacific Northwest’s longest operating DMC (closing in on 50 years!), SHW has cultivated extensive, long-standing relationships with the region’s top suppliers including: venues, restaurants, caterers, transportation companies, entertainment, and activity partners. We only engage with trusted, vetted vendors who share our commitment to excellence, safety, and guest experience. Our team manages every detail to ensure flawless execution.
We combine insider access with thoughtful execution. Our deep roots in Seattle and Portland allow us to offer authentic experiences while maintaining the high standards and professionalism our clients expect.
Yes. We specialize in crafting unique, personalized experiences that align with your goals, audience, and brand identity—from tech-forward innovations to sustainability-focused outings.
Absolutely. We specialize in designing experiences that reflect your organization’s values. Whether it’s coordinating local giveback opportunities, implementing sustainable practices, or ensuring inclusive and accessible programming, we thoughtfully integrate CSR, sustainability, and DEI elements into your event in meaningful, measurable ways.
Yes. Our experienced team is on-site to oversee logistics, coordinate vendors, and serve as a seamless extension of your team—ensuring everything runs smoothly and your guests are well cared for.
While both support successful events, a destination management company (DMC) focuses specifically on in-market expertise, logistics, and local execution within a destination such as Seattle or Portland.
An event planner typically oversees the overall event strategy, agenda development, content, and stakeholder coordination. A DMC complements that work by managing the on-the-ground destination services, including:
For many programs, an event planner and DMC work together. In other cases, SHW provides both strategic event management and destination management services as a fully integrated partner.