A Packed House at Gilda's: NextNW's February 2026 Extremely Happy, Happy Hour Hits Capacity

NextNW’s February Extremely Happy, Happy Hour filled Gilda’s cozy lower level in Portland to capacity, welcoming 70 advertising and marketing professionals for an evening of connection and conversation. With every seat filled and the room buzzing, the vibe was lively, warm, and unmistakably high-energy. From first-time attendees to longtime members, the night delivered exactly what it promised: a space for the local advertising community to gather, mingle, and build meaningful relationships.

The event was made possible thanks to generous sponsor support. Crimtan served as the Food & Beverage Sponsor, keeping the crowd well-fed with Italian appetizers and drinks, while Amazon supported the evening as a Corporate Sponsor. As a growing presence in the U.S. advertising market, Crimtan emphasized the importance of investing in local communities. “As a company that’s fairly new in the U.S., we’re excited to spread awareness of our programmatic services in Portland and across advertising communities nationwide,” shared a Crimtan representative. “As a Portland resident, I love connecting with people in my community and sharing ideas.” They also noted how the packed venue made it easy to strike up conversations and meet new faces throughout the night.

From NextNW’s perspective, the evening marked a milestone. Our Executive Director Kent Lewis reflected on the record turnout and palpable energy, noting that the February Extremely Happy Hour drew the largest crowd yet. “Seventy advertising and marketing professionals socialized throughout the evening, and the positive energy was undeniable,” they shared. Events like these are central to NextNW’s mission to grow and strengthen its member network, offering consistent opportunities for connection in the Portland market. New members even received a copy of Seth Godin’s This is Strategy, ahead of Godin’s upcoming NextNW Lunch & Learn webinar on March 3rd. With momentum building and attendance on the rise, NextNW’s Extremely Happy, Happy Hours looks to remain a cornerstone of its Portland programming.