Pacific Northwest

Destination Management in Seattle

CONNECTION

Decades-long relationships with local providers allow us to deliver authentic, exclusive experiences.

LOCAL

Our boots-on-the-ground team members are walking Pacific Northwest encyclopedias, eager to share their expertise with you.

CREATIVITY

Want something new and different? We produce bespoke experiences that inspire, entertain, and leave a lasting impression.

LOVE

We take great pride in sharing the beauty (and the quirks) of the Pacific Northwest with visitors from across the globe.

BEST IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST

Full-Service Destination Management

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.

LET'S CONNECT

Tours & Activities

Custom designed tours and adventures highlighting the very best of the NW.

VIP & Partner Programs

Exclusive venues and experiences that wow even the most refined, well- traveled attendee.

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Artwork Copyright 2021 Chihuly Studio.

Custom Events

Exceptionally designed to deliver the experience that exudes your brand essence and service standards.

Transportation Logistics

From airport service to event shuttles, SHW has over 4 decades of experience to ensure your guests arrive safely, on time and in comfort.

HUGE thanks to the SHW team for a fabulous experience from beginning to end. You are the GOLD STANDARD in how working with DMCs should be. You decreased our stress every step of the way. Thank you for being the amazing professionals you are.

Leigha SchatzmanExecutive Director, Association for High Technology Distribution

I can’t imagine a more professional, attentive, responsive, creative DMC! SHW is the cream of the crop. These are times of extreme budgeting, but we still wanted to present wonderful events for our members. It was not an easy task, however your team was so creative. They stood up to the task of getting us exactly what we wanted (sometimes more than we expected) at exactly the right price.

Carmen Oritz-McGheeWorld Airline Entertainment Association

The team at SHW is exceptional - the depth and breadth of their abilities are unmatched. Whether it’s the largest local software company’s annual CEO Summit or a global association’s Seattle convention, this team behind the scenes makes things happen. Hands down one of the best event and destination management teams anywhere.

Tom NorwalkFormer President & CEO, Visit Seattle

You and your team were such a delight to work with. The ground transportation ran so smoothly and the dine arounds went great! And, as our National Sales Director said, ‘The Space Needle event was a home-run!!’ Thank you so much for making me look good.

Jennifer OakleyMeeting Manager, Bayer Healthcare

Thank you for your amazing efforts which contributed to the success of the National Governor’s Association Annual Meeting. It was a phenomenal experience. The visiting governors, their families and other meeting attendees were extremely impressed. It was a wonderful opportunity to showcase Seattle, the beauty of Washington State and the warmth and hospitality of our people. We couldn’t have done it without you.

Gary LockeFormer Governor of the State of Washington

Destination Management

SEATTLE INSIDER

“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!”

Korrin Bizek, VP of Destination Management & Incentives

“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.”

Mark Penaroza, Director of Client Accounts & Programs

Destination Management

PORTLAND INSIDER

“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.”

Heather Huey Poulos, CMP, Senior Program & Event Manager 

 

 

Portland Photo Credits

  1. Portland Old Town Neon Sign / Credit: Travel Portland
  2. Redd Salmon Event / Credit: Nick Mendez
  3. East Burnside / Credit: Travel Portland
  4. Sprit of 77  / Credit: Aaron Lee
  5. Tom McCall Waterfront Park  / Credit: Celeste Noche
  6. Eem Chef / Credit: Justin Katigbak
  7. Rose Garden / Credit: Travel Portland
  8. Ankeny Alley / Credit: Travel Portland
  9. Coopers Hall Event Bar / Credit: Isaac Lane Koval
  10. Tram View Mount Hood / Credit: NASHCO
  11. Wine Collective / Credit: Travel Portland
  12. Powells Browsing / Credit: Travel Portland
  13. Waterfront Park / Credit: Travel Portland
  14. Portland Art Museum Event / Credit: Portland Art Museum
  15. Oregon Convention Center / Credit: Oregon Convntion Center
  16. Lan Su Garden / Credit: Travel Portland
  17. Alloro / Credit: Travel Portland
  18. Wayfinder / Credit: Aaron Lee
  19. Freeland Spirits / Credit: Ashley Anderson
  20. Multnomah Whiskey Library / Credit: NASHCO
  21. Farmers Market / Credit: Aubrie Legault
  22. Enoteca Nostrana  / Credit: NASHCO
  23. Timbers  / Credit: Travel Portland
  24. Hayley Hendrickx Pickathon / Credit: Tojo Andrianarivo
  25. Voodoo Doughnut Selection / Credit: Travel Portland
  26. Portland Art Museum / Credit: Travel Portland
  27. Paramount Hotel / Credit: Paramount Hotel
  28. Cityscape Sunset Mount Hood South Portland / Credit: Diego Diaz

 

 

Custom Events
Transportation & Shuttles
Tours & Activities
Gifting & Swag
Hospitality Staffing
VIP Management

FAQs | Destination Management Services

What is a Destination Management Company (DMC) and how does SHW support clients in Seattle and Portland?

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.

What types of DMC services does SHW provide?

We offer comprehensive event planning services including:

  • Offsite Event Management
  • Custom Tours & Activities
  • Décor & Production Management
  • Entertainment Management
  • Ground Transportation & Shuttle Logistics
  • Onsite Event Staff & Hospitality Desk
  • Teambuilding & CSR Events
  • Dine-Around Management
  • Registration Services
  • Gifting & Swag Production
  • Creative & Design Services
  • Video Production
  • Executive/VIP Management
  • Speaker Management
  • Incentive Travel Programs

What makes Seattle and Portland great destinations for group events?

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:

  • A walkable downtown core anchored by leading hotels and flexible event venues
  • Iconic waterfront settings and skyline views
  • Access to professional sports stadiums and private suite experiences
  • A dynamic culinary scene, from chef-driven dining to Pike Place Market experiences
  • Effortless access to outdoor adventures including sailing, seaplane flightseeing, and mountain excursions

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:

  • Distinct neighborhoods featuring boutique and industrial-chic venues
  • A celebrated culinary and craft beverage culture
  • Eco-conscious event options and green-certified meeting facilities
  • Close proximity to wine country, forests, and dramatic natural landscapes
  • Authentic, design-driven spaces that inspire connection and creativity

Together, Seattle and Portland provide diverse, memorable environments for corporate destination programs across the Pacific Northwest.

Do your destination management services extend beyond Seattle and Portland?

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:

  • Washington State: Seattle, Bellevue, Bellingham, Everett, Kennewick, Olympia, Redmond, San Juan Islands, Spokane, Tacoma, Woodinville, Yakima
  • Domestic: Anaheim, Atlanta, Austin, Bend, Boston, Brooklyn, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, DC, Island of Hawai’i, Hollywood (FL), Las Vegas, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Island of Maui, Napa, Nashville, New Orleans, New York City, Island of O’ahu, Orlando, Palm Springs, Philadelphia, Portland (OR), San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Clara, Savannah, West Palm Beach
  • International: Berlin, Brussels, Costa Rica, Dublin, Fiji, Grand Cayman, London, Montreal, Paris, Playa del Carmen, Rome, Tokyo, Toronto, Vancouver, Whistler

How far in advance should we begin working with SHW for DMC services?

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.

Can SHW manage destination programs for small and large groups?

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.

How does SHW select and manage local vendors for destination events?

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.

What sets SHW apart as a destination management company in Seattle and Portland?

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.

Can SHW design custom destination experiences for our industry, brand, or goals?

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.

Can SHW integrate sustainability, CSR, and inclusive programming into destination events?

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.

Do destination management services include on-site event staff and coordination?

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.

What is the difference between a destination management company (DMC) and an event planner?

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:

  • Venue sourcing and management
  • Transportation and airport transfers
  • Local vendor management
  • Off-site experiences and custom tours
  • Team-building activities and incentive programs
  • On-site staffing and logistics coordination

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.