The Convention Industry Council released a new study earlier this year that showed that the U.S. meetings industry directly supports 1.7 million jobs. The study, titled “The Economic Significance of Meetings to the U.S. Economy,” also showed the industry contributes $106 billion to the GDP and $11.3 billion in state and local tax revenue.

The study, conducted by PwC US assisted by a team of industry researchers, spanned more than a year in research and analysis and is the first?ever study of the size and scope of its kind, according to the Council. The research quantifies the economic contributions made by the 1.8 million meetings, trade shows, conventions, congresses, incentive events and other meetings that take place across the country. read more »

The latest statistics showed an encouraging upswing in the tourism industry: In 2010, spending by visitors increased both nationwide (8.5 percent over 2009, not adjusted for inflation) and in Washington state (7.4 percent). But just like in all other areas, the economy is forcing travelers to rethink their habits and become more frugal in their spending. read more »

Bremerton’s Boardwalk and the Harborside Fountain Park have been popular places to tie the knot for couple from the Kitsap Peninsula and beyond — thanks to the full-service event amenities offered by Kitsap Conference Center at Bremerton Harborside. But the facility, which turned seven years old this July, is also popular with community groups read more »

Hiring an event planner may not be practical for a small event, but for a more extensive event that involves a large crowd or multiple activities, a professional can help save not only time but also money. Some venues also offer in-house services, but make sure to check what is included.

For every event that flows smoothly on the surface, there is a concerted effort behind the scenes to make it so. For organizations that are often stretched thin when it comes to employees, hiring a planner offers many advantages. read more »

This is the new 2011 Banquet & Meeting Facilities information for Kitsap County and surrounding vacinities. The information below may not be complete, as the information is constantly changing. We do our best to keep it up to date and to have every resource in the list. If you own or know of a meeting facility that is not included in this list, please feel free to contact us to submit a business to be added into our list. read more »

To the visitors and locals looking to “get away,” Clearwater Casino Resort is a place where they can escape from the world for a few hours or days. To Kitsap County, it is part of the economic base — Port Madison Enterprises, which operates the casino and hotel as the business arm of the Suquamish Tribe, is the county’s third-largest private employer, behind only Harrison Medical Center and Walmart (based on 2010 numbers from the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance). But to the Suquamish Tribe, Clearwater is not only a way to be sustainable, it is also one of the avenues that help provide programs for tribe members.

“The goal is to make a profit but also to help provide for the needs of the tribe and create jobs — as well as diversify,” said Port Madison Enterprises CEO Russell Steele. read more »

On October 21 from 5-8 p.m. Gig Harbor area residents and business leaders are invited to “Meet in Gig Harbor” at a special event designed to open communication about the meeting and convention opportunities available in Gig Harbor. “Given that our local residents and business community are our greatest promoters, this event is designed to educate about how meetings and conventions bring a positive economic impact to Gig Harbor” said Laureen Lund, City Marketing director. read more »

Selah Inn, located on the Hood Canal in Belfair, is frequently the place of choice for nonprofit organizations’ board meetings, business planning and even large-scale job interviews. The inn, with its quiet atmosphere and beach access, is also a popular getaway for visitors and a small-wedding venue.

The inn’s bedrooms are all upstairs, and the first read more »

For a small business organizing an event like a staff retreat, it’s not always practical to hire an event planner. But if you’re looking for an involved affair with large crowds, entertainment or multiple speakers, hiring the right professional may actually translate into savings. Some local venues also offer full in-house, complementary planning services — just do your homework, as you would with anything else. read more »