The convention center ads a lot of cred, imo. If not possible for this year, it would be worth looking into for next.
That being said, there is a large backlog of booked events.
Eye to the future…this could turn into something big.
Yes plus the convention center is REAL close to many great hotels and restaurants for the out fo towners! I like the room they use for Gaming at Sakura-con but that may be too small, maybe one of those halls they used for registration at Sakura-con and concerts at PAX?
Forgot she also mentioned: this is a buyer’s market right now, these venues need our business, so by all means use that to your advantage. Also for the hotel venues, need to make sure they do not force you to get catering as well (where a lot of venues make their money) or if it’s something you are looking for, make sure it is affordable.
That is one of the reasons why I think it should be held in a legitimate place. Even if it costs a few thousand dollars, that can be handled and we can find ways to pay for it.
Northwest Majors '09 as held in the gym of the local middle school, which smells like sweaty pre-teens and has their 6th grade class art on the walls doesn’t do as much to promote the idea that what is happening is something important. I wouldn’t travel for that. I don’t even think I would show up for it. 
I think it comes down to taking ourselves seriously. I think we do and we should, so we shouldn’t limit ourselves.
Good point.
Organizing something the caliber of the last NW Majors was not easy. The way you took charge, set shit up, followed through and delivered has not been lost by me.
You, sir Brento, are a talented and dedicated individual. I cannot speak for everyone here but I am sure we all hold you in the utmost regard…not just for the NWM event but for the simple fact that you are a top-tier human being. We need to hang out more (no homo).
Organizing events is one hell of a resume builder. Not sure you want to deal with the stress the rest of your life but take that for what it is worth. You have skill, dedication and charisma.
I look forward to volunteering in some manner for Northwest Majors 2: The Capcomining.
…
Sponsors!
I’ll tell the Guilty Players to be on the look-out for venues I guess. I’ll call you or post here if they know/find anything.
Updated Second Post. I will continue to update with all the suggestions people have made when I call around. I have to go shopping while I still can for now though.
Fischer Pavilion is booked through June and July, but there was talk of Pride Fest canceling there June 27 and 28th reservation, which would be perfect. So I am waiting to see on that. I may contact them if I don’t hear anything for awhile. We could look into August, but then we start competing with PAX and EVO, so the timing would be tricky.
The Sheraton Hotel is $43,000 to rent for a day (yes, thats correct), so thats a no go.
McCaw Hall is unavailable on the weekend all summer, so thats out to.
- Moved from 2nd post because I hate having that giant irrelevant list as under the info.
Here is a list of places I’ve looked at so far. I put the ones I think could work at the top and the ones that probably won’t work on the bottom.
So as a reference, the place we were at last year cost 563 dollars. Without the discount through the club and the reduction of operator fees, it would have been 1,300 for 10 hours + taxaround 1,450.
So this year, we need a room that we can have for 2 days, and that can hold around 300 people.
What we need-
Capacity - 300-500 people
Reservation- 2 days, 12 hours
Date- Some weekend in June or July
Best Seattle Venue Search Site- http://www.banquetevent.com/event/category.asp?viewall=1&r=1&c=22
This site is really incredible. The majority of venues listed are in Seattle, although some are a few miles out in nearby cities.
Places That Could Work
- **Seattle Center, Fischer Pavilion **
? Nice space, great size, good looking building, easy to find (in the center of Seattle Center). Might be a little pricey.
Availability- June 27, 28th if Pride Fest cancels (possibility)
Cost? $3,000 per day
Space ? 62? x 178?
Floor Plan ? Downloads as a PDF- http://www.seattlecenter.com/images/plans/fisher.pdf
Table rentals- 14.50 each (We may want to rent from an outside source)
Admission Guard ? May be mandatory (possibly not)
One wired Microphone included with room cost
Information Page- http://www.seattlecenter.com/booking/detail.asp?VE_VenueNum=575
Outside View ?
Image 1
Image 2
- Westin Hotel, Grand Ballroom
? Might work if the price is right but it could be expensive. Size is great, and will likely have adequate electrical outlets. The setting is great too.
Cost ? Don?t know. Will call to find out.
Space ? 92? x 80? up to 92? x 195? (Room size can change)
Inside -
Image 1
Room Specs Page? We can choose a different configuration/different size depending on what we need.
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/property/meetings/room_map_chart.html?propertyID=1055&buildingKey=279889&floorKey=4&roomKey=202385&uniqueRoomId=202385
- Seattle Center, San Juan Room
? Works space wise and cost wise, but not the best setting. Just sort of a large tucked away room in a non-descript building.
Cost ? $1,050 - $1,290 per day depending on package/set-up
Space ? 131? x 51?
Information Page with Pictures of Inside ?
http://www.seattlecenter.com/events/location/detail.asp?VE_VenueNum=553
Specs Sheet ? http://www.seattlecenter.com/booking/production_guide/nwrooms.pdf
Places That Probably Won’t Work
- Seattle Center, Exhibition Hall
? Probably too big, not the best building or setting, pillars cut the space up. $500 more than the Fisher Pavilion which is better.
Cost- $3,500 per day
Space- 160?x220? (27 support columns spaced around the floor)
Floor Plan- Will download as a PDF- http://www.seattlecenter.com/images/plans/exhibitionhall.pdf
Information Page - http://www.seattlecenter.com/booking/detail.asp?VE_VenueNum=510#floor
Outside View ? Pretty normal building in Seattle Center. A little hard to find.
Places That Won’t Work
- Key Arena
- Looked into it. Too big and too expensive.
Cost ? $10,000 per day
-
Sheraton Hotel, Grand Ballroom
-
Way to Expensive. $43,000 a day. I asked twice and he confirmed that it was indeed this much.
? Might work if the price is right but it could be expensive. Size is great, and will likely have adequate electrical outlets. The setting is great too.
Cost ? $43,000 per day (This is not a mistake)
Space ? I think it?s the same situation as the Westin.
42? x 100?
84? x 100?
126? x 100?
183? x 100?
Floorplan - http://www.starwoodhotels.com/Media/Graphics/Brands/Sheraton/Properties/460/images/SI_460_flr_b2.gif
- Seattle Center, McCaw Hall Grand Lobby
Not Available- Used all weekends in summer for plays.
? I may just be dreaming on this one, but I can see it working. I just really like the room and the building. It reminds me of the Season?s Beatings Venue, so I would like to look into it. Power might be an issue with only 3 60A plugs, but we can see about accommodations.
Cost- 3,950 per day- includes admission guards
Space- 6200 square feet
Information Page ? http://www.seattlecenter.com/booking/venue_detail.asp?VE_VenueNum=522
Outside View ?
Image 1
Image 2
Image 3 (This one might be doctored. Looks to cool)
Inside ?
Image 1 - First Pic on Page (as of 12/19/08)
Image 2 Entry Way
3D Tour Available on info Page
The Jerry M. Brockey Center, South Seattle Community College- Looks really nice from the small photos.
http://www.banquetevent.com/event/resume.asp?c=22&r=1&resumeID=250
The EdgeWater Hotel- Room is amazing. Might as well call.
http://www.edgewaterhotel.com/edgewater_photosMeetings.aspx
The Hilton, Seattle- Has a dance floor for up to 350 people.
http://www.banquetevent.com/event/resume.asp?c=22&r=1&resumeID=772
Gameworks- Apparently they move a lot of their stuff out for events. I have no idea where?
http://www.banquetevent.com/event/resume.asp?c=22&r=1&resumeID=573
Grand Hyatt, Seattle-
http://www.banquetevent.com/event/resume.asp?c=22&r=1&resumeID=698
King Oscar Hotel and Convention Center- In Tacoma but not sure where. http://www.banquetevent.com/event/resume.asp?c=22&r=1&resumeID=301
Waterfront Marriot Hotel- Seems like they are more focused on banquets but I don’t think they would turn down business.
http://www.banquetevent.com/event/resume.asp?c=22&r=1&resumeID=328
Mercer View Community Center- This place looks amazing. I would assume relatively cheap with Community Center, but having worked at one, I know they can be assholes.
http://www.banquetevent.com/event/resume.asp?c=22&r=1&resumeID=393
Palace Ballroom- Looks feasible enough to check.
http://www.banquetevent.com/event/resume.asp?c=22&r=1&resumeID=264
Sodo Park by Urban Feast- Space looks great, and they provide special rates for non-profits. I have a feeling that we don’t technically fit that description, but no one is looking to make a profit off this as of right now, so we may as well ask.
http://www.banquetevent.com/event/resume.asp?c=22&r=1&resumeID=721
Price- 5,500 sat
- 2,300 sun
Availability- not availability
Spirit of Washington Event Center- Holy Crap. This place looks amazing. This could be an incredible venue.
http://www.banquetevent.com/event/resume.asp?c=22&r=1&resumeID=170
Tacoma’s Landmark Convention Center- I’ve been to a number of events here, and its an amazing venue. I think they may have gone out of business just recently however?
Room Rental Price Range: $295 to $1,250 That is amazing, so I hope their still open.
http://www.banquetevent.com/event/resume.asp?c=22&r=1&resumeID=7
W Seattle- Right in the heart of Seattle. Probably pretty expensive.
http://www.banquetevent.com/event/resume.asp?c=22&r=1&resumeID=300
World Trade Center, Seattle- Might be a little small, but looks great. Might as well check.
http://www.banquetevent.com/event/resume.asp?c=22&r=1&resumeID=287
Best Western Executive Inn- Likely to Small of Venue
http://www.bestwesternwashington.com/hotels/best-western-executive-inn/
So anyone who wants to call around to anywhere, or knows someone who might be able to help us out, please please do so and see what available.
Here are a few more. Anyone to everyone is welcome to call. Just post up with the info you get when you do so that we don’t have mulitple people calling the same place.
Here are a few more places that seem like they could work. Some may be way out of our price range, but we won’t know till we try.
The Jerry M. Brockey Center, South Seattle Community College- Looks really nice from the small photos.
http://www.banquetevent.com/event/resume.asp?c=22&r=1&resumeID=250
The EdgeWater Hotel- Room is amazing. Might as well call.
http://www.edgewaterhotel.com/edgewater_photosMeetings.aspx
The Hilton, Seattle- Has a dance floor for up to 350 people.
http://www.banquetevent.com/event/resume.asp?c=22&r=1&resumeID=772
Gameworks- Apparently they move a lot of their stuff out for events. I have no idea where?
http://www.banquetevent.com/event/resume.asp?c=22&r=1&resumeID=573
Grand Hyatt, Seattle-
http://www.banquetevent.com/event/resume.asp?c=22&r=1&resumeID=698
King Oscar Hotel and Convention Center- In Tacoma but not sure where. http://www.banquetevent.com/event/resume.asp?c=22&r=1&resumeID=301
Waterfront Marriot Hotel- Seems like they are more focused on banquets but I don’t think they would turn down business.
http://www.banquetevent.com/event/resume.asp?c=22&r=1&resumeID=328
Mercer View Community Center- This place looks amazing. I would assume relatively cheap with Community Center, but having worked at one, I know they can be assholes.
http://www.banquetevent.com/event/resume.asp?c=22&r=1&resumeID=393
Palace Ballroom- Looks feasible enough to check.
http://www.banquetevent.com/event/resume.asp?c=22&r=1&resumeID=264
Sodo Park by Urban Feast- Space looks great, and they provide special rates for non-profits. I have a feeling that we don’t technically fit that description, but no one is looking to make a profit off this as of right now, so we may as well ask.
http://www.banquetevent.com/event/resume.asp?c=22&r=1&resumeID=721
Price- 5,500 sat
- 2,300 sun
Availability- not availability
Spirit of Washington Event Center- Holy Crap. This place looks amazing. This could be an incredible venue.
http://www.banquetevent.com/event/resume.asp?c=22&r=1&resumeID=170
Tacoma’s Landmark Convention Center- I’ve been to a number of events here, and its an amazing venue. I think they may have gone out of business just recently however?
Room Rental Price Range: $295 to $1,250 That is amazing, so I hope their still open.
http://www.banquetevent.com/event/resume.asp?c=22&r=1&resumeID=7
W Seattle- Right in the heart of Seattle. Probably pretty expensive.
http://www.banquetevent.com/event/resume.asp?c=22&r=1&resumeID=300
World Trade Center, Seattle- Might be a little small, but looks great. Might as well check.
http://www.banquetevent.com/event/resume.asp?c=22&r=1&resumeID=287
George town ballroom
I was just looking for info on the HUB auditorium earlier today for an unrelated event. Couldn’t find their rates anywhere. It wasn’t really what I was looking for anyway. But I found that fact frustrating when I was perusing the site.
Yeah, for some reason a lot of places don’t like to put there rates on websites. They have a brochure with all the rates on them if you go to the info desk on the second floor.
I was thinking, what about the Final Round set up? Don’t they do a holiday inn or some ish? Maybe that is the route to take? Some of these places are not cheap, and we are not Evo size…yet.
I understand that for large convention centers with thousands of rooms and fluctuating seasonal rates. Obviously it’s better to simply list contact info rather than have a huge chart or have to update your property site every 3 months. Even a hotel ballroom that offers a ton of room dividers or optional services, that’s understandable. But I was just looking to rent out the auditorium for 2 days.
Like I said, not a biggie since it doesn’t seem to be able to accommodate the needs of the people that I’m looking to serve.
As for hotel conference centers and ballrooms, the price isn’t necessarily cheap when it comes to those places either. They can run from between $800 to $20,000 for a two day event. Those rates will probably also require that you also get their crappy catering, and/or sell out a block of reserved rooms. However, you’re far more likely to find openings in their schedule with such short notice. I would go as far as to call booking events less than a year ahead of time short notice, as far as convention centers are concerned.
Yeah, I was hoping to get on this sooner. I still think we can find a good place. I can’t believe the $43,000 one day price tag for the Sheraton, but I guess they are pretty fucking huge. Still, that seems like some serious cash for what looked like a normal fucking ballroom. For that kind of money, I would want my event to be exempt from laws, like in international waters or something. Hookers and cockfights are legal inside the room as long as I’m paying.
Bumping this thread up because Mr.Wizard replied to the Evo NW proposal thread asking about Seattle venues.
http://forums.shoryuken.com/showpost.php?p=5936835&postcount=12
Let’s get this shit crackin mang, what’s up with some updates on venues? Or is it on the first post (too lazy to read right now =p)
I’m a bit biased but what about the HUB Ballroom @ UW? I’ve seen a couple shows there before with what seemed like a couple hundred people standing there. I’ll look more into it.
Yeah, cancel that. For non-campus events you need a sponsorship from a dean or director of a department :-/
I just sent this info to Mr. Wizard in a PM. I have looked at a lot of places around Seattle and the surrounding area, and this is by far the most promising and one of the best venues I’ve seen.
Tacoma’s Landmark Convention Center-
I have looked at a lot of places around Seattle and the surrounding area, and this is by far one of the best and most promising venues I’ve seen. I would like to use the Temple Theater Ballroom, but the Grand Ballroom is also good and would work just as well. I am going down on Tuesday at 10 (unemployed) to look at it both and get more information. If anyone wants to come with me to check it out, I can meet you in Federal Way and we can head down.
Website- http://www.tacomaslandmark.com/
Temple Theater Ballroom - http://www.tacomaslandmark.com/Gallery/Theatre/theatre.html
Grand Ballroom - http://www.tacomaslandmark.com/Gallery/pgb/pgb.html
The cost of rental is 2,000 per day without catering, and from what I understand, that would give us access for most if not all of the day. Catering cheapens the cost of the room but is an extra 22.50 per attendant, which would get very expensive very fast.
There is a parking lot across the street, but it could fill fast, so I will check on parking when I go down there.
The availability for the Temple Theater Ballroom is
- Saturday and Sunday- June 13 and 14th
- Saturday and Sunday- July 25th, 26th (I have tentatively reserved these dates, because they seem like they would work the best, but June could work also.)
The Grand Ballroom is available
- Saturday and Sunday- June 6th and 7th
So this is probably the best one I have seen so far. What does everyone think?
I still have to find out issues around mandatory event attendants, electrical use/availabliity, noise level, equipment loading, tables and set-up and the extra cost that comes with it, but 2000 is a great price for that space.
2gs sounds pretty good. The ballroom is nice, and it has a stage for the talent show.
I think you should reply in that Evo NW thread as well just to be safe.
DEEZO IMPRESSIONS EDIT:
I think that place is great, and 2000 bucks makes it even better. The only thing I can think of that could be a problem for some people is the location. With it being in Tacoma I can see some people taking issue with that, especially if NWM were to become a two day event. I can see apprehension among most sane people to spend the night in Tacoma. And there would be a definite dropoff I think in attendants depending on what games are held on what day. Other than that, that place is cool.