Born in Ketchikan, Patti Mackey spent her childhood on Bainbridge Island and theSeattle area before returning to her hometown as an adult. “I was visiting my grandparents and ended up meeting a handsome fisherman,” says the fifth-generation Alaskan and Ketchikan Visitors Bureau CEO. “I moved back to Ketchikan and married him!” Located on Revillagigedo Island, Ketchikan offers a number of activities for locals and visitors alike, including fishing, beachcombing and camping. Here are three reasons why Mackey says Ketchikan is a smart destination for meetings and events:
Ketchikan is just a 90-minute flight from Sea-Tac International Airport. “Planners are always surprised that it takes less time to travel to Alaska for a meeting than it does to drive to many places in the Northwest,” says Mackey.
Ketchikan has about 400 hotel rooms and meeting space that accommodates groups of up to 350 people. Bonus: The Ketchikan Visitors Bureau offers full-service meeting and planning assistance. “Think of us as your assistant on-site before, during and after your event,” says Mackey.
Ketchikan’s natural setting offers plenty of leisure activities—think salmon fishing and charters—as well as attractions, transportation options and shopping to enhance any meeting experience.
