The Northwest Event Show 2025: A Showcase of Innovation, Sustainability & Connection

Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the 2025 Northwest Event Show (NWES), held March 26–27 at the Seattle Convention Center’s Arch Building, delivered a landmark experience for event professionals. More than just a tradeshow, NWES 2025 set a new standard for connection, creativity, and innovation. While the event has wrapped, its influence continues to resonate across the Pacific Northwest’s event and hospitality industries.

From immersive waterfront experiences to groundbreaking tech, culinary artistry, and creative networking spaces, this year’s show—helmed by Stuart Butler, founder and owner—proved why NWES is the must-attend gathering for professionals who create unforgettable experiences.

A New Era in Event Innovation

Hosted at the Seattle Convention Center on March 26-27, NWES 2025 elevated the concept of a trade show. With its hybrid approach, the event merged dynamic exhibitor booths, hands-on experiences, sustainability initiatives, and hyper-local venue showcases.

EventMobi, returning for its second year as the official event platform and mobile app sponsor, powered every aspect of the attendee journey. From real-time updates and personalized schedules to virtual exhibitor booths and networking features, EventMobi ensured a seamless experience—both at the show and throughout the year with its NWES Connect LIVE! webinar series.

Culinary Connections: Setting the Table for Relationships

NWES 2025 kicked off with Culinary Connections on March 25, an exclusive dining experience tailored for meeting and event planners. Held across top restaurants in Seattle and the Eastside, this pre-show event set the tone for authentic conversations, insight-sharing, and curated networking. Attendees enjoyed prix-fixe meals while hearing sponsored presentations that sparked new ideas and collaborations.

Spotlight on Sustainability

Sustainability was front and center this year. In a first for Seattle tradeshows, NWES partnered with Bold Reuse, Seattle Public Utilities, and Reuse Seattle to eliminate single-use plastics and reduce landfill waste. Attendees sipped drinks from reusable cups, dined from compostable serviceware, and returned items to clearly marked stations monitored by friendly Bold Reuse staff. The effort saved thousands of cups and plates from the landfill—an achievement that speaks to the show’s leadership in green events.

Sunset on the Salish Sea: A Waterfront Immersion

One of the most memorable experiences of the week was Sunset on the Salish Sea, an immersive, open-house-style journey across Seattle’s revitalized waterfront. Open to all badge holders, attendees could stroll or shuttle from the Convention Center to Pier 66 and explore featured venues like:

   •   Bell Harbor International Conference Center – Welcome bite & beverage

   •   Seattle Marriott Waterfront – Signature cocktails and curated tastes

   •   Friends of Waterfront Park at Pier 62 – 360 photo booth & oyster shucking

   •   Miners Landing / Pier 57 – Free rides on the Seattle Great Wheel & Wings Over Washington, with small bites upstairs at The Fisherman’s Restaurant

   •   Ivar’s – Complimentary clam chowder cups

   •   Burgandy Viscosi Paintillio – A collaborative painting experience

   •   Sunset Sips at the Salish Sea (Pier 55) – A vibrant celebration featuring Elliott’s Oyster House, Metropolitan Grill, The Olivia Neal Experience, and Tier One Entertainment Group

Attendees who visited all five marked locations were entered into a Grand Prize Giveaway, featuring incredible prizes donated by event partners, including The Edgewater Hotel, Seattle’s Tall Ship, Argosy Cruises, Ivar’s, Anthony’s, Sailing Seattle, and many more.

Ocean-Inspired Welcome at the New Ocean Pavilion

Following the waterfront tour, NWES VIPs, sponsors, and speakers gathered at the Seattle Aquarium’s Ocean Pavilion for an exclusive Welcome Reception. This new venue—with its modern marine-focused architecture and sustainable mission—offered the perfect setting for elevated networking.

Guests were treated to:

   •   Locally inspired cuisine

   •   Custom cocktails

   •   Live acoustic music

   •   Interactive games

   •   Live art installations

   •   A tour of the Ocean Pavilion’s immersive exhibits

The After Party: REBL1 Studios Lights It Up

The evening continued at REBL1 Studios, a multi-functional event space powered by Hero Solutions. Open exclusively to guests 21+, the official NWES After Party was a sensory experience: think bold beats, flavorful bites, and captivating art in every corner.

Artists, gamers, creators, and industry leaders mingled until late, solidifying REBL1’s reputation as one of Seattle’s most dynamic creative spaces. Shuttle service, courtesy of Presidential Transpo, ensured easy access from the waterfront to Bell Street.

Best of NWES: A New Tradition Begins

NWES 2025 launched its first-ever Best of NWES Awards, allowing attendees to vote for standout exhibitors in five categories—from best bites to most innovative booths. This new tradition celebrates the businesses pushing the boundaries of event excellence and will expand next year with even more categories and fan-favorite honors.

A Thriving Tradeshow Floor

Exhibitors from across the region filled the show floor with cutting-edge products and services, immersive booths, and interactive experiences. Highlights included:

   •   Butler Seattle – Offering seamless transportation options throughout the event

   •   Presidential Transportation – VIP shuttle services

   •   Event Experience Awards Showcase – A visual celebration of award-worthy booths

   •   Oak View Group – Representing the Seattle Aquarium’s partnership

   •   Hero Solutions – Producers of both REBL1 and event tech installations

   •   Global Family Travels, Blue Ink Seattle, E3 Restaurants, Create + Blend, The Old Soul Flower Co, Bumbershoot Arts & Music Festival, and Jenya Steevan Films—all showcased the breadth of talent in Seattle’s creative and event scenes.

A Personal Note from the Show Owner

Stuart Butler, the visionary behind NWES, emphasized that this year’s success was “more than just gathering the industry. It was about setting a new standard for what’s possible when integrating sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation. We’re not just showcasing the future of events—we’re shaping it.”

With his leadership, NWES continues to evolve as more than a trade show. It’s now a multi-day celebration, a cultural marker, and a platform for shaping the future of events.

Looking Ahead

As NWES 2025 wrapped up, the buzz continued. Attendees left not just with swag bags and new contacts but with fresh ideas, inspired visions, and connections that will power their work long after the lights dimmed.

If you missed it this year, don’t worry—plans for NWES 2026 are already underway. One thing is clear: the Northwest Event Show isn’t just where the event industry meets—it’s where the event industry evolves.