Exclusive limited time Bravo offer! Receive up to $1,000 additional savings on your first event when you mention Bravo!

Companies and organizations are discovering the savings and advantages of luxurious private venues from meetingsandretreats.com. Our venues feature exclusive private properties that are within driving distance from the client’s location, eliminating expensive airfare and resort expenditures while accomplishing all of the intended goals of the event. Meetings and Retreats luxurious, private all-inclusive events may include lodging, meeting space, personal chefs, snacks and beverages starting at $79/day per person.

Although inexpensive compared to traditional venues, the experience usually exceeds that found at resorts. As the exclusive guest of the property, there are no strangers to share your hot tub, restrictive hours, reservations or waiting in line. The exclusive event allows guests to indulge in whatever they choose 24 hours a day with locations that include beach front, mountains, Sunriver and others. Your group will enjoy amenities such as theater, sauna, espresso bar, billiards and more that never close as well as snacks and beverages that never end without incidental charges. Your group will have plenty of time to interact with cohesive activities yet have ample room to spend private time whenever desired away from the group. Your group will return refreshed and longing to return.

Learn more by calling 360-909-5805, emailing tim@meetingsandretreats.com or visit us at www.meetingsandretreats.com

Admirals Beach Retreat

Admirals Beach Retreat View

Media Room

Budget Cuts That Won’t Cheapen Your Event By Portland PartyWorks

Smart Planning Is Key To Negotiating Upfront Discounts & Extras
Following are 16 tips to help you eliminate waste and hidden costs in your catering budget

THE GOOD NEWS: The boss grudgingly gave the okay for a Company Event

THE BAD NEWS: The budget is going to require EXTREME CREATIVE THINKING

Don’t panic, you have plenty of time to put together an event with guaranteed smiles from bosses and employees alike. Everyone is stretching dollars these days and creative financing is more the standard than the embarrassing. The most important tool in your arsenal is PRE-PLANNING. After all, asking for reduced corkage fees will be a lot more attainable before the bottles are corked. Following are 16 tips to help ease your budget crunch and free up some dollars for the entertainment. Some of the tips might sound nagging (see 3), but in today’s environmentally conscious society, waste is not only burning cash it’s wasteful.

1. 1. Try to limit your coffee breaks. Coffee breaks are the most wasteful type of Food & Beverage Selections. If you have ordered a coffee break, give instructions that at the end of the break, dirty cups, and dishes are to be removed and that coffee, tea, and decaf are to be consolidated and left in place until lunch or until breakouts begin again. that way a few thirsty people can still have their thirst quenched, and you will have used your money’s worth. Always pay “by consumption’ instead of ‘per person.” treat continental breakfasts the same. Consolidate everything for later use.
2. 2. Have large breakfast rolls (Danishes) cut in half when serving continental breakfast. They are easier to eat and discourage heavy consumption.
3. 3. Have food stations attended by a waiter to discourage over-indulgence. People tend to eat less if they see an attendant.
4. 4. Know the history of all of your events. Track them carefully so you can give accurate guarantees.
5. 5. Use drink tickets at all bars. The bars hosted and you pay only on the number of tickets taken in.
6. 6. Limit drink tickets to two. And have attendees pay cash after using the two tickets. 
7. 7. Buy liquor by the bottle. If you expect 300 or more guests to be in attendance at your party, and if the duration of the event is two hours or more. Estimate three drinks for each guest, per two-hour period. If your estimate reaches 900 drinks or more, you should purchase liquor by the bottle.
8. 8. Insist on a measured pour for each drink. The number of drinks each bottle can yield is determined strictly by the size of the shot that is poured from each bottle.
9. 9. Do not order shrimp unless it is in a “passed” hors d’oeuvre. When it is gone, don’t reorder.
10. 10. Avoid salty snacks. They simply make your attendees thirsty and make them drink more.
11. 11. Utilize leftovers. If you order a cheese display and it is relatively undamaged after the cocktail hour, have the cheeses sent to the presidential suite.
12. 12. Explore food options. In some cities, you can actually have a sit-down dinner for less money than a reception. (as long as you have a cash bar)
13. 13. Think about hosting only wine, beer, and soda. Provide other alcoholic drinks at a cash bar-especially today when everyone is trying to discourage chemical and alcohol dependency.
14. 14. Shop Around. If you have a particularly expensive event, place it on a bid basis with three hotels who could handle the numbers.
15. 15. Don’t over serve.
16. 16. Price compare using an Event Planner to help you. Often times they have already negotiated discounts for you.

Portland PartyWorks, Inc. has been the West Coast leader in providing quality entertainment and interactive fun for the special event industry since 1988! We pride ourselves in carrying one of the largest selections of interactive inflatable’s and games in the Northwest!

When you are looking for first-rate entertainment for your next event, PartyWorks offers you a sound option for all your entertainment needs. Our professional team of event planners and managers will ensure that you are getting a great experience every time you book an event with Portland PartyWorks.

Portland PartyWorks | 503-723-8300 | kristina@portlandpartyworks.com

Craft Beer Brought to City Residents Like Fresh Milk by Old Town Brewing Company

Old Town Brewing Company announced its craft beers will soon be delivered via pedal power.  The City of Portland has been named by many publications as the beer and biking capital of America. Now Old Town Brewing Company will offer the two together for the first time.

Old Town Brewing Company was recently launched by its sister company, Old Town Pizza. The famous Portland Pizzeria has already been delivering pizza throughout the city by bike for nearly eight years.

“Portland has already shown a passion for beer and biking. We’re excited to bring the spirit of Portland to local residents, businesses, and hotel guests,” said owner Adam Milne.

Available for delivery will be the brewery’s Pale Ale, IPA, Stout, Irish Red, Winter Ale, Porter, and Pilsner along with Old Town’s well-known pies.

Established in 1974 with the opening of its original landmark location in Old Town’s Merchant Hotel building, Old Town Pizza is a Portland legend known for its incredible pizza, cozy atmosphere and bustling happy hours. With two locations and a new brewery, Old Town Brewing Company, the Portland Business has garnered attention from shows like Rachael Ray’s Tasty Travels, The Tonight Show, and The Travel Channel. “An icon, a must, something to check off your To Experience Before You Die list”, says Portland Picks.

Book Now for Last Year’s Group Rates at Skibowl! Book Your Group Event Before May 15th for 2011 Rates.

Less than an hour from Portland, with over 1000 acres of adventure park and Mt. Hood as a beautiful backdrop, Mt. Hood Skibowl provides the perfect setting for your summer group event. The Adventure Park features over 20 attractions from the northwest’s only ½ mile dual alpine slide, kiddy jeeps, scenic sky chair, bungee jumping, plus over 40 miles of lift-assisted downhill mountain biking and hiking trails. We have something for everyone!

Combined with our unparalleled catering services, we’ll design a package to meet your needs as well as budget. Best of all… we do all the work so you don’t have to. MORE FUN THAN YOU CAN HAVE IN A DAY!

Contact Skibowl For a Custom Package For Your Group!

LODGING: Stay at the Chalets or the Grand Lodges with heated pools, hot tubs and additional resort amenities or opt for the Alpine Haus for large groups to stay in one lodge. Visit http://www.CollinsLakeResort.com for details.

CATERING: From gourmet salmon dinners to on-the-go box lunches, our chef and catering services can customize meals for any group while working with your budget.

MORE ADVENTURE: Entertain your group while getting out into the Mt. Hood National Forest. Choose from kayaking, paddle boarding, canoeing, rock climbing, scavenger hunts, trail runs, geo-caching, hiking, rafting, fishing & more. Or let us customize your own unique adventure for your group.

EVENT COORDINATOR: Whether you need transportation, entertainment, AV equipment or any custom requests, we are here to handle the details so you don’t have to.

Team Casino now has Open Air Photo Booths for your next corporate, private event, or wedding!  They are a fun addition to any party, and provide a great, affordable giveaway for your guests!   To go with your Photo Booth, we provide many other kinds of entertainment, including:

• Casino Nights & Poker Tournaments
• Sports Lounge & Arcade Games
• Video Horseracing
• DJ’s & Auto-tune Karaoke

Easy and Fun to Work With
Working with Team Casino is a cinch. You work with the same experienced planner from start to finish. Our on-site event staff are extraordinary, and they’re hand-picked for your party! Their job is to make sure you and your guests have a blast, no matter what!

We Party Wherever You Are
Team Casino Parties are Perfect for any occasion – corporate, private, fundraising, you name it! We cover the entire Northwest – whether you’re holding an event in Portland, Medford, Seattle or Boise, you’ll get the same great quality for each event!

Casino Night - Photo by Holland Studios

DreamCapture Media is a creative agency specializing in graphic design, video production, and photography.  They have been serving Portland and Vancouver businesses and organizations for many years and pride themselves on providing fast, friendly and affordable services.

For a limited time, DreamCapture is offering Bravo clients 15% off video production services for your next corporate event.  For details and to discuss your project, contact James at 360.921.9718 or james@dreamcapturemedia.com.

More information and samples of their work can be found on DreamCapture’s website at www.dreamcapturemedia.com.  Also, don’t forget to “like” their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/dreamcapturemedia.

The Resort at The Mountain near Mt. Hood, is celebrating Wine Month in May with special promotions and packages for wine enthusiasts to enjoy.

In May, wine goes with everything at The Resort at The Mountain.  “Gov. John Kitzhaber has signed a proclamation designating May 2012 as Oregon Wine Month, and we’re happy to do our part to celebrate,” said Frank Casarez, general manager of The Resort at The Mountain.  “From overnight wine tasting adventures to golf and vino-therapy at The Spa, every guest will revel in wine.”

The Resort’s hotel packages include:
·         Oregon Wines and So Much More! – This two-night package for four people includes two guest rooms tucked amidst a forested landscape, a locally-inspired prix fixe dinner (two shared appetizers, one entrée and specially-paired glass of Oregon wine per person) at Altitude, a Sea to Summit Oregon Wine Tour, full breakfast both mornings, plus four 50-minute treatments at The Spa.  Rates from $1429.

·         Wine Tour (and Tasting) for Four – What better way to enjoy Oregon Wine Month than to tour and taste with friends at Oregon wineries? This package includes two guest rooms plus a Sea to Summit Oregon Wine Tour for four adults.  Rates from $469.

·         Oregon Wine Month Celebration – This package includes a prix fixe dinner (shared appetizer, one entrée and specially-paired glass of Oregon wine per person) at Altitude, two 50-minute spa treatments, full breakfast and a guest room.  Rates from $429.

The Resort’s spa specials include:
·         Vino Massage Therapy 50 Minutes – Anti-aging properties of grape-seed oil, Shea butter and white wine blended into Sacred Earth massage lotion. This treatment provides powerful anti-oxidant protection for the entire surface of the body and at the same time penetrates to strengthen and repair connective tissue. A 50-minute treatment for $79 (regularly $100).

·         Champagne Pedicure – Feet are soaked in champagne oil and then exfoliated with a grape peel scrub. Champagne oil is high in antioxidants and helps activate the grape peel scrub, which makes the skin radiate and glow. A 50-minute treatment for $35 (regularly $69).

·         Cabernet Body Scrub – Sea salt, honey, grape seed oil and grape seeds create an invigorating treatment that exfoliates and moisturizes the body. A 50-minute treatment for $79 (regularly $98).

The Resort’s golf promotions include:
·         Nine and Wine – Taking place Friday, May 11 and Friday, May 25, golfers will enjoy nine holes of golf with Oregon wines and delectable appetizers placed on stations for the very best in hole-to-hole sipping and noshing. $39 per golfer, 4:30 p.m. shotgun start, reservations suggested by calling 503-622-3151.

For more information about The Resort at The Mountain, visit http://www.TheResort.com.

April showers bring…reasons to escape to Mt Hood! Here’s what’s happening this month at The Resort at The Mountain:

Easter:
Easter egg hunt on Saturday, April 7 at Noon
Easter Brunch on Sunday, April 8 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Spa:
50-minute Rain-Bar Hydrotherapy Treatment for $89

Golf:
$25 greens fee plus free cart

For more information about The Resort at The Mountain, visit www.TheResort.com.

Host your Grad Night Party at Big Al’s Progress Ridge!

• 6 hour Grad Party 11pm – 5am entire facility rental
• Sunday-Thursday
• Minimum 200 guests
• Includes: Pizza, unlimited sodas, cosmic bowling with show rental,Wii Lounge, billiards, & full-swing golf simulator
• $40 per person
• Add-on unlimited arcade for additional $10 per person
• Decorations included: 4 balloon bouquets in your school colors

Additional Add-ons & upgrades available for additional cost include:

• Menu upgrades
• Cookies & cupcakes
• Hynotiist, henna tatoos, bungee, mechanical bull, prize wheel, lazer tag, magician, tarot card reader, cash cube, sumo wrestling, photo chains and much more.

3 Hour Grad Nights and Closed Door Jr Grad Parties also available. Please contact Jennifer Berry for free lunch & tour and more information at 971.269.8035 or jennifer.berry@ilovebigals.com

Big Al's Progress Ridge Entry

About Big Al’s

Big Al’s, “The Next Generation of Entertainment” is 60,000 square feet of awe-inspiring FUN! Our full-service venue offers premier accommodations, extraordinary atmosphere, and superior customer service. We have 42 state of the art bowling lanes, a 4,000 sq ft arcade, and the largest Sports Bar in the Pacific Northwest equipped with pool, shuffleboard, and an 8ft x 36ft big screen! If you’re looking for an event to remember, mix business with pleasure and come see why so many companies keep coming back to Big Al’s!

It’s time to celebrate! For just 30 days, devour the finest Hama Hama and Hood Canal oysters while enjoying 30% OFF all room rates at Alderbrook Resort & Spa! Here are a few activities included in this limited time offer:

• - Join Alderbrook in the Lounge to tantalize your palate with their traditional Happy Hour menu plus Oyster specials! View the menu HERE.
• - View sea life at night with the help of “People for Puget Sound” naturalists as they shine lights into the water right off of Alderbrook’s dock.
• - During Oyster Hour on Friday nights, Executive Chef Lucas Sautter wil be shucking and preparing oysters. Come see him in action!

• - There is plenty of fun for the whole family! Take a refreshing dip in Alderbrook’s pool while enjoying beautiful views of the Hood Canal.
• - If you enjoy hiking, this area has miles of forest trails lined by old Cedars and towering Evergreens. Click HERE for a trail map!
• - Experience Alderbrook’s unique Game Room which creates an exhilarating, yet family-friendly environment all in the comfort of their special hideaway.

This limited time offer includes much more… Click HERE to see what other activities and amenities are available!