The Place: The Canal
The Scoop: Located next to the historic Hiram Chittenden Locks on Seattle's canal waterway, the Canal blends rich brown and burgundy interior hues with contemporary nautical touches including metal salmon sculptures, rock-and-tile tables and custom glass lighting fixtures. At 7,500 square feet, the regal space can seat 260 comfortably or host up to 400 reception-style.
The Buzz: While the Canal's tiered architecture, oversize dance floor and wraparound bar delight event planners and guests alike, the site's standout feature is its spectacular view: an as-far-as-the-eye-can-see panorama of Seattle's famed working waterway.
The Quote: “The Canal is a classic Northwest venue with expansive views of the water … boats go by 24 hours a day, and the large deck allows patrons to enjoy the Seattle summer while watching boat traffic through the locks. The Canal features everything you would imagine to characterize a Northwest feeling, including exquisite Northwest cuisine provided by our own Jewel Catering Co.” — Marcia Evans, CEO
The 411: The Canal
5300 34th Ave. N.W.
Seattle, WA 98107
206/524-4918
www.thecanalseattle.com
www.jewelhospitality.com
The Face: Jeanne Beauregard
The Biz: Studio Boum
The Scoop: Self-described “event maven” Beauregard launched venue Studio Boum earlier this year as an experiment in client-supplier matchmaking. A former development specialist who has worked with Starbucks and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the theater arts-educated entrepreneur sees her Seattle-based gathering space as a vital link between clients — often private individuals, along with corporate planners hosting smaller internal events — and the region's best professional vendors.
The Buzz: Now this is vendor selection done right: Amid Studio Boum's boutique-like environs in Seattle's eclectic Fremont neighborhood, member clients lounge on stylish couches while sipping champagne, perusing vendor portfolios and exploring event ideas.
Stellar Suppliers: Lisa DuPar Catering; Rented Elegance; Little q Designs; Willows Lodge
The Quote: “This is a physical space where members have all the resources in one place and at their fingertips. Studio Boum houses vendor portfolios, back issues of magazines for ideas and inspiration, a media station for listening and browsing, and a catalogue of themes and events for reviewing.” — Jeanne Beauregard, founder
The 411: Studio Boum
620 N. 34th St., Suite 102
Seattle, WA 98103
206/331-3709
www.studioboum.com
The Faces: Duane and Pat Smith
The Biz: West Coast Event Productions
The Scoop: Fast approaching its 30-year anniversary, West Coast Event Productions is the brainchild of entertainment industry veteran Duane Smith, who launched the firm in 1980 after a successful music career. Now run by Smith and his wife, Pat, a former department store design and buying guru, full-service WCEP serves big-name corporate clients with everything from event concept design to custom linen to technical support.
The Buzz: Showbiz experience allows WCEP's founders to deliver celebrations that sizzle with professional lighting design, special effects and sensational staging. Clients also enjoy the added advantage of unique custom items created just for their events by product development pro Pat Smith.
The Quote: “We have over 28 years of experience in the industry and four locations servicing the West Coast and beyond — Portland, Ore., Bend, Ore., Seattle and Las Vegas.” — Duane Smith, president
The 411: West Coast Event Productions
1400 N.W. 15th Ave.
Portland, OR 97209
503/294-0412
www.wcep.com
NEW IN TOWN
Lake Stevens, Wash.-based Fortune Products offers cord-free, luscious-looking green and purple grape cluster lights, perfect for wine-tasting events.
800/345-4833
www.fortuneproducts.com
PJ Hummel & Co. of Tacoma, Wash., goes glam with Diamond Drape — 12-foot-long strands of opalescent acrylic beads originally created for the Academy Awards.
253/272-6605
www.pjhummel.com
Portland's The Party Place now carries Riedel's appropriately named Oregon Pinot Glass, a 30-ounce crystal wine-lover's dream.
503/548-4880
www.thepartyplacepdx.com
