How to Plan an Unforgettable Company Event in Oregon Wine Country
You have a task at hand—to create a unique and unforgettable company event that will keep attendees engaged and happy to be there. But you and your company’s leaders are getting tired of the same old thing year after year. The employees have spoken, too. Company surveys tell you that the annual company event has become boring and too predictable. The attendees want more. And you are tasked with making it happen.
You know you want to plan an event in the Pacific Northwest. You want someplace scenic. The location must offer plenty of venues and options for business and fun. And we have a suggestion for you that you might not have thought of—Willamette Valley. In this article, our team at Event Experience, your premier Seattle-based destination management event planning company, will tell you how to make it happen.
Why Willamette Valley is an Excellent Destination for Your Next Company Event
Willamette Valley—aka Oregon’s wine country—is located just four hours south of Seattle. It’s a stunning location with natural beauty, rich culture, and fantastic venues. With over 700 wineries spread across the region, your event can be accompanied by world-class wine-tasting experiences that add a unique touch for your attendees. But Willamette Valley is much more than just wine. The region offers many recreational activities, such as hiking through scenic trails, biking alongside vineyards, and exploring its stunning waterways and waterfalls. Fly fishing, anyone?
In addition to outdoor adventures, Willamette Valley offers several venues perfect for corporate gatherings, from small retreats to large conferences. You can choose from charming vineyard estates for intimate events, or go for modern facilities like the Oregon Convention Center, the Portland Expo Center, or the Salem Convention Center.
Tips for Planning the Best Corporate Event in Oregon Wine Country
Sounds too good to be true, right? We promise, the Oregon wine country is everything you can hope for and so much more. That’s why more and more companies are asking for our event planning assistance in creating memorable events for their company attendees. And, we’ve learned a few things along the way. Here are some of our top tips to help you create a Willamette Valley event to remember.
- Select the Right Venue for Your Event
Choosing the right venue helps set the tone of your event. You’ll want a space that fits the needs of your group—not too big to feel empty and not too small to feel cramped. It’s all about finding the right fit. Willamette Valley offers everything from cozy vineyard estates to larger, modern conference centers, giving you plenty of options to suit your group’s size and event style. Some areas are quaint or a distance from your typical vendors and support network, so that’s also something to consider when choosing the right venue.
- Provide Comfortable Accommodations for Attendees
After a long day of meetings and activities, your attendees will want a comfortable place to rest. Willamette Valley is home to several excellent hotels that offer both comfort and luxury, such as The Allison Inn & Spa, The Setting Inn, Boulder Falls Inn, and Atticus Hotel.
- Strike a Balance Between Business and Fun
The key to any successful corporate event is creating a balance between productive business sessions and engaging, fun activities. To avoid monotony, mix up the agenda with fresh guest speakers and exciting topics that go beyond the usual corporate content. You want attendees to walk away with valuable takeaways while also feeling inspired and entertained. Incorporating unexpected elements will keep everyone looking forward to what’s next.
- Don’t Skimp on the Food
We’ve all been to events where the food is underwhelming, leading attendees to wander off in search of something better. To keep your guests on site, offer a dining experience that takes things to a new level. Work with local caterers or nearby restaurants to provide fresh, delicious meals. Bringing in local cuisine, especially farm-to-table options from the region by local chefs, can create an even more memorable experience and leave your attendees talking about the event for months. We’ve hosted upscale “picnics” with incredible views, where even a boxed lunch felt elevated and memorable with the right touches.
- Give Attendees Time to Explore Wine Country
A trip to Oregon’s wine country wouldn’t be complete without a chance to explore the area. Be sure to schedule free time for attendees to visit local vineyards, participate in wine tastings, or enjoy the surroundings with a bike ride or picnic at one of the beautiful estates. These activities give employees the chance to relax, connect with colleagues, and soak in the natural beauty of Willamette Valley.
Partner with Event Experience to Create a Memorable Event in Oregon Wine Country
Sure, we could have made this our sixth recommendation, but this tip is so important we wanted it to stand alone. If you really want to create an event that will keep employees engaged and happy to be there, you’ll want to pull in help from local event planners. Our Pacific Northwest-based team has planned dozens of events in the Oregon Wine Country. We’re familiar with the area, and have connections with local business owners. This inside knowledge can make sure your event goes off without a hitch.
Ready to get started? Contact us at Event Experience today. We’re your destination event planning experts.
See more in