Behind the Scenes

Inside the Glass: The Amazon Spheres Unveiled

Step inside one of Seattle’s most iconic architectural marvels with an exclusive tour of the Amazon Spheres. This VIP experience offers a rare glimpse into Amazon's innovative workspace, where over 40,000 plants from around the world create a lush, immersive ecosystem. Learn about the design principles that merge nature and technology to foster creativity and well-being. Understand how this pioneering approach to office space is shaping the future of work and inspiring global trends in biophilic design. Join us and see why the Amazon Spheres exemplify the conference's theme: start here, go anywhere.

Stories of Strength: A Journey Through NAAM 

Delve into the rich tapestry of African American history and culture with an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Northwest African American Museum. This unique experience offers a deeper look at NAAM's compelling exhibits, community initiatives, and artistic collections that celebrate the contributions and resilience of African Americans in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Engage with museum curators and explore hidden stories and artifacts that are not typically accessible to the public. This tour highlights the power of history, identity, and collective memory—truly embodying the conference theme, start here, go anywhere, by honoring the past and inspiring future journeys.

Trailblazers in Women's Health: Behind the Lab Doors

Embark on an exclusive exploration of Seattle’s leading research institutions trailblazing women’s health. This experience connects participants to the heart of innovation at the University of Washington, Fred Hutch, and the Allen Institute. Meet the visionary women researchers and leaders who are spearheading groundbreaking advancements, from cutting-edge cancer therapies to immunological discoveries and beyond. Gain insight into their pioneering work and the collaborative spirit that fuels these institutions’ commitment to transformative global health and medical research solutions. 

Trailblazing Women in Venture Capital: Shaping the Future

Explore the unparalleled contributions of leading women in the venture capital landscape through this behind-the-scenes experience. Connect with visionary female investors driving innovation and shaping the future of technology. These trailblazers are funding tomorrow’s breakthroughs and championing bold, transformative ideas that redefine industries and elevate the global economy. This unique opportunity offers an intimate look into their leadership journeys, showcasing the resilience and determination that have propelled them to the forefront of a traditionally male-dominated field. Gain invaluable insight into how these women are pushing boundaries, reshaping venture capital, and raising the bar for what’s possible in an ever-evolving industry.

From Ancestry to Art: Celebrating Indigenous Legacy

Join an exclusive at the Burke Museum, where the richness of Indigenous cultures and traditions takes center stage. Experience an in-depth look at the museum’s extensive Indigenous collections, including artifacts, art, and living cultural expressions that span thousands of years. Meet with curators and Indigenous leaders who share their insight and stories, preserving and celebrating the heritage of the First Peoples of the Pacific Northwest. Explore how these communities’ legacies and modern contributions resonate within today’s world by bridging past, present, and future through shared cultural understanding and respect.

Food Trends and Dynamics

Meet innovators in Seattle’s dynamic food scene and learn how they are addressing health, sustainability, workforce development, and flavor. We will meet at local non-profit Farestart for a conversation about how the organization approaches employee development to support roles in the food service and production industries. Local chefs and food experts will share the latest trends in food and cocktail innovation.

Fashioning Success: The Nordstrom Experience

Imagine a World Without Chocolate or Chocolate in Peril: Behind the Scenes at Maeve Chocolate

Step into the sweet yet complex world of chocolate with a behind-the-scenes experience at Maeve Chocolate, led by the company's visionary women chocolatiers and CEO. Learn about the intricate process of crafting chocolate, from sourcing cacao to creating innovative confections.

This tour goes beyond the delicious, diving into the pressing global economic and climate challenges threatening the future of chocolate production. Engage in an eye-opening discussion about sustainability, ethical sourcing, and the strategies being developed to preserve this beloved treat. Discover how these inspiring leaders are navigating the delicate balance between indulgence and responsibility in a rapidly changing world.

Saving Lives: Innovations in Maternal and Newborn Health

Join an exclusive exploration of the Gates Foundation’s groundbreaking work in maternal and newborn health. Begin your journey at the Gate’s foundation Discovery Center, where you’ll gain insight into its mission and priority global initiatives. Delve into an in-depth discussion about the critical programs addressing preventable maternal and newborn deaths, their innovative approaches, and the measurable impact of these efforts. This tour highlights the opportunities and challenges of combating these global health crises, showcasing how targeted action and collaboration can transform lives and build healthier futures for families worldwide. 

Curiosity Unleashed: Transforming STEM and Community

Pacific Science Center (PacSci) is an independent, nonprofit science center in Seattle dedicated to igniting curiosity and fueling passion for discovery. Born from the 1962 World's Fair, PacSci focuses on delighting guests, supporting educators, modeling science as a dynamic process, and serving as a community laboratory that makes scientific exploration accessible and engaging for all audiences, especially those who are historically underserved.

This exclusive tour will reveal how PacSci inspires innovation and learning through unique experiences. During the tour, visitors will meet remarkable women from the team and board members, who will share insight into the Center's commitment to diversity. They'll discuss PacSci's girls-focused STEM camps, explain the "Science for Everyone" exhibit, and highlight ongoing efforts to support women in scientific fields. Guests will go behind the scenes to discover the intricate process of laser show creation, explore PacSci's deep historical connection to Seattle, and get an exclusive preview of the upcoming Maker & Innovation Lab. 

Leading the Fight in Autoimmune Research

Join leaders at Benaroya Research Institute, for an exclusive look into the cutting-edge world of autoimmune disease research. The tour will begin with an overview of BRI’s groundbreaking discoveries and global impact on understanding and treating autoimmune conditions. Then, step behind the scenes to tour state-of-the-art labs and hear directly from research scientists about their pioneering work in unraveling the mysteries of the immune system. This immersive experience highlights the dedication and innovation driving the fight against autoimmune diseases, offering a rare glimpse into the future of personalized medicine and transformative care.

Nordic Roots, Modern Impact: A Cultural Journey

Experience a behind-the-scenes tour at the National Nordic Museum, which is the United States' largest museum honoring the legacy of immigrants from the five Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. You’ll explore how Nordic values, such as sustainability, community, and resilience have influenced modern culture and lifestyle. This VIP experience unveils stories of the Nordic people’s journey to the Pacific Northwest, highlighting how their traditions and philosophies continue to shape contemporary life in Seattle and beyond. Attendees will engage with curators and exhibits that showcase artifacts, history, and interactive displays that celebrate the enduring legacy of the Nordic spirit. Discover how the values of harmony, simplicity, and connection resonate globally and inspire communities to foster unity and sustainable living.

From Bean to Cup: The Starbucks Reserve Experience

Immerse yourself in the artistry, innovation, and purpose driving one of the world’s most iconic coffee companies. This exclusive tour at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery will take you on a journey from bean to cup, exploring the meticulous process of sourcing, roasting, and brewing the world’s finest coffees. Delve into the company’s philosophy of sustainability, ethical sourcing, and community impact as you discover how Starbucks strives to make the world a better place—one cup at a time. This behind-the-scenes experience offers a taste of exceptional coffee craftsmanship and a closer look at the values fueling Starbucks’ global influence.

Sustainable Food & Community VIP Experience

Experience a private VIP tour led by the Market Foundation to learn about the history and vibrant community of Pike Place Market, a defining Seattle icon for more than a century. Considered by many to be “the soul of Seattle,” the Market spans nine historic acres in the center of downtown, where  locals and tourists alike shop, visit, eat, and discover. Founded in 1907, the Market is one of the oldest and largest continuously operating public markets in the United States and is brought to life by the hundreds of farmers, crafters, small businesses, and residents that call it home.

Behind the Curtain: Crafting 21st Century Opera

Step into the captivating world of opera with an exclusive tour of the Seattle Opera’s state-of-the-art home. Designed to showcase the magic of production, this space offers an unparalleled view of how opera comes to life in the 21st century. Discover how modern technology, artistry, and craftsmanship converge to create stunning performances. From costume design to set construction, witness the dedication and creativity that go into every detail. This tour is a celebration of innovation and tradition, giving you a front-row seat to the future of opera.

Pouring Passion: Women Leading Wine and Spirits

Raise a glass to the trailblazing women shaping the wine and spirits industry in the Pacific Northwest. This exclusive tour will introduce you to the visionaries behind some of the region’s most celebrated brands, including XOBC Cellars, co-founded by Grammy-winning artist Brandi Carlile, the esteemed winemakers of DeLille Cellars, and the craft innovators at Fast Penny Spirits. Explore their creative processes, hear personal stories of triumph in traditionally male-dominated industries, and savor the fruits of their labor through curated tastings. This experience highlights how women are crafting exceptional wines and spirits while redefining the art of hospitality.

A Legacy of Transformative Infrastructure

Discover the groundbreaking transformation of Seattle’s central waterfront and the visionary infrastructure projects that are reshaping the city. This exclusive tour will highlight Waterfront Park, a landmark project set to fully open in 2025. Explore the iconic new Overlook Walk and its role in connecting key landmarks, such as Seattle's Historic Piers, the Seattle Aquarium, and Pike Place Market, while offering breathtaking views of Puget Sound. Learn about the collaborative efforts of Friends of Waterfront Park, a member of the High Line Network, and how cities around the world are reimagining underutilized infrastructure into vibrant public spaces. This tour promises to be an inspiring journey through Seattle’s dynamic future, built on a legacy of innovation and community-driven design.

Women in Flight: Pioneers of Air and Space

Join us for an afternoon at the amazing Museum of Flight (a Smithsonian affiliate).   Our time will include a behind-the-scenes tour of the archives and library (not open to the public).  The afternoon will conclude with a fireside chat with 3 interesting women pilots who will share insight on the adventures and challenges of being a woman in the flight deck. 

Game Changers: Women Leading the Future of Sports

Join us for a VIP tour of the Climate Pledge Arena. Experience the extraordinary renovation of the iconic 1962 Seattle World’s Fair arena into the modern home of the Seattle Storm (WNBA Champions and Legends), the Seattle Kraken (NHL Hockey), and premier venue for top music and global entertainment. Grab your sneakers and join us for an insider’s journey, exploring everything from player and entertainer spaces to the inner workings of converting the arena from ice to basketball in just one day. Plus, we’ll visit exclusive lounges and owner’s suites for an opportunity to see and hear the inside stories not usually shared on public tours. Afterwards, we’ll have the honor to sit down for a panel discussion with groundbreaking women sports executives, players, and owners who are reshaping the industry.

Wonder of Women: Celebrating Black Love and Culture

Step into the Wonder of Women (WOW) Gallery, a state-of-the-art sanctuary that celebrates Black love, resilience, and creativity. This immersive experience will offer a tour of a unique cultural institute dedicated to holistic healing, hospitality, agricultural innovation, and lifelong learning. Centering Black stories and culture, the WOW Gallery provides a transformative space for renewal and reflection. Through its stunning art installations and community-driven initiatives, discover how this sanctuary uplifts and empowers while honoring the rich tapestry of Black heritage.

Utopian Heights: The Artful World of Nancy Mee and Dennis Evans

Visit the home of acclaimed artists Nancy Mee and Dennis Evans, who have lived and worked in their studio home “Utopian Heights” for over 44 years.  Their house is a living sculpture, continuously evolving into an exotic collection of whimsical and inspired rooms. A stellar collection of Northwest Art and First Nation masks, numbering 250 pieces, assembled with passion over 4 1/2 decades flows throughout the home. This tour will take you through the artists' studios and living spaces, providing insight on thousands of hours of creative work where the Muses are in permanent residence.  The adjoining gardens, created by Dennis to showcase Nancy’s outdoor sculpture, delight visitors from around the region throughout the year.

Great Heroes and Discoveries of Astronomy

Astronomy is one of humanity’s oldest sciences, and its greatest discoveries, advancements, and technological developments tell a remarkably compelling story about our universe - and ourselves. In this VIP talk, Professor Emily Levesque, PhD., will share the cutting-edge science and human stories behind groundbreaking astronomical discoveries, examine how the pursuit of scientific research has evolved, and celebrate the many and varied heroes that have led the way in our exploration of the cosmos. Professor Levesque's talk will be accompanied by stunning images of these discoveries inside the planetarium.

From Waste to Wonder: Refugee Artisans Transforming Communities

Join us for a behind-the-scenes tour of Refugee Artisan Initiative (RAI), an innovative non-profit organization in Northeast Seattle that champions equity for refugee and immigrant women, and the environment, by turning trash into treasure. The executive director, Ming-Ming, staff, and artisans will lead the tour of the makerspace, where workforce development and innovation turn old vinyl banners into recycling bags and coffee packaging, and outdoor deadstock fabric become sleeping bag jackets for people experiencing homelessness. The tour will include a preview of an upcoming  arts and cultural space, and you'll have an opportunity to see the raw materials that are poised to be repurposes as valuable products. This tour is for someone who loves circular economy and will have some hands-on experience onsite.