Another great event is in the books for Meetings Northwest.  What a privilege it was to show the fine folks from the Western Chapter of AAA the exceptional hospitality of the Flathead Valley.

Their conference convened this August at the only AAA rated “4 diamond” resort in Montana – The Lodge on Whitefish Lake.  Believe me, once you are at the Lodge it takes something special to get you to leave.  Meetings Northwest was tasked with planning optional tours and events to showcase the area.

Glacier National Park.

First, there was an iconic open-air, red bus tour through Glacier National Park.  Being a native Montanan, I have visited Glacier hundreds of times, but it always seems magical – something not to be taken for granted – especially this year as we celebrate 100 years of the National Park Service.  As we climbed Going to the Sun Road (aptly named) a weather system from the east side of the mountains produced clouds that trickled over the mountain peaks like waterfalls.  The top of the road was socked in with fog, but on our side the sun was shining.  Simply stunning.  It was a tour to remember.

“The Last Saskatchewan Pirate” Party.

The Lodge on Whitefish Lake provided the venue for the first night’s evening entertainment.  A pirate themed party in honor of the Canadian band AAA had booked, The Arrogant Worms, most popular track “The Last Saskatchewan Pirate”.  As if cursed by Jack Sparrow himself, a summer storm moved through Whitefish at the most inopportune time, pushing the party from the outside pirate staged tent area to the hotel ballroom.  While some ambiance was lost, the staff at the Lodge was ultra-flexible and seamlessly transitioned everything without a hitch.  The evening was a success.

An Evening in Montana.

The final event was a western themed dinner just minutes from the Lodge, on Whitefish Mountain .  Weather was threatening, but we decided to keep things outside and cross our fingers knowing the Base Lodge was available as backup.  The gamble paid off and the guests enjoyed a perfect summer evening, complete with a chairlift ride to the top of the mountain, yard games, archery, local cocktails, and an excellent musician – all in a relaxed, mountain atmosphere.  A huge thank you to Sarah and her event staff on the mountain – They did an amazing job.

As a newcomer (see my last blog) to the Flathead Valley, I wasn’t sure what to expect from the different venues and event contractors.  My take away is that despite the crazy, busy summer months in the Flathead, the people and businesses that I worked with, blew me away.  In particular, I would like to recognize Jessica and the staff at the Lodge on Whitefish Lake, Sarah and the staff at Whitefish Mountain Resort, GJ and Sandy at Celebrate Event Rentals, the Bigfork Village Florist and the Red Bus Tours at Glacier National Park.  You all made my job easy.  Let’s work together again soon!

Thanks,

Amy

 

About the author:

Amy Lucke decided long ago, she would never stray far from the mountains and rivers of Montana. She loves sharing the outdoors with her two kids and spends most summer weekends in a 3-person tent with her four person family. She feels fortunate that she gets to write, create and collaborate with the smart and talented women of Meetings Northwest. Little known fact: She once traveled for 4 months on an around-the-world plane ticket.