2024 Convention 6.5

DESCRIPTION

Discover the curiously wonderful world of chocolate with Explore Seattle Southside and Seattle Chocolate Company.

Seattle Southside is full of incredible sights, activities, eats, and hundreds of microadventures. What is a microadventures, you ask? Microadventures are all the wonderful things in our own backyards that can take us on incredible journeys! Microadventures are also core to Seattle Southside. Here people can enjoy something as simple as a mead tasting flight and beachcombing, or as daring as diving off the coast of Des Moines or experience indoor skydiving.
 
We are bringing one of our favorite microadventures to Tri-Cities for you to experience first-hand!

During this interactive experience, you’ll learn the history and origins of chocolate, how Seattle Chocolate’s chocolate is sourced, and taste their signature smooth chocolate. Plus, you will learn how chocolate is a metaphor for life; taking it slow and enjoying every bite. Pairing chocolate with a few select wines brings this session to the next level (non-alcoholic beverages available to substitute as well). Prepare to be surprised by the sensations!

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will increase their appreciation of chocolate and discover how all of their senses react to the experience of tasting fine chocolate.
• Participants will understand the issues related to sourcing chocolate and Seattle Chocolate’s ambitions to raise awareness of ethical sourcing practices.
• Participants will have fun!

Facilitator: 
Meagan McGuire, Sr. Vice President, Business Development – Explore Seattle Southside

Cameo Presenters:
Presenter: Amy Bernadette Archuleta, Event Specialist - Seattle Chocolate Company

Speaker Bios: 

• Amy Bernadette Archuleta is a self-proclaimed creative that wears many hats in her position as Seattle Chocolate Company’s Event Specialist.  She has worked for Seattle Chocolate Company for five years as a Chocolate Ambassador and Tour Guide and is the driving spirit behind the Haunted Factory Experience, which can best be described as an immersive thrilling adventure which earned her the 2021 Achiever Award by Seattle Chocolate. Amy has spearheaded unique events and various tasting experiences, private tours and is the creator and writer behind the Saturday morning Story Time series featuring, Nibsy the Cocoa Bean. Amy studied acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Hollywood, CA and has a BFA from the University of New Mexico with a concentration in Acting and Children’s Theatre.
   
• Meagan McGuire is the Senior Vice President of Business Development for Explore Seattle Southside, the official regional destination marketing organization for the cities of Des Moines, SeaTac and Tukwila in Washington State. With a Master of Arts degree in Anthropology from Washington State University and 20 years’ experience in the tourism industry, Meagan approaches her work through a social science lens. From psychographics to storytelling, tourism marketing is best delivered by studying people and culture. She leads an exceptional team to ensure business growth and expand the organization’s long-term growth strategy through group sales and marketing activities. In 2019, Meagan was accredited with a CDME (Certified Destination Management Executive) from Destinations International and in 2023, she was awarded a Smart Women in Meetings Visionary Award from Smart Meetings International.