Extremely Happy Hour - A Sneak Peak into 1338Tryon

The Pacific Northwest isn’t hurting for networking events, and most of them blur together. Every now and then, one actually breaks that monotony.

That’s exactly what’s happening when NextNW brings its Extremely Happy Hour (#EHHH) to 1338 Tryon.

We caught up with event host Heather Comerford ahead of the event to get a sense of what attendees can expect—and why this one is worth showing up for.

Not Your Typical Event Space

If you’re expecting a warehouse stacked with boxes or a typical office setup, think again.

“Our space is designed to feel more like a working brand studio,” Heather explains. “What people experience when they walk in is intentional—clean, curated, and built to showcase how branded merchandise should live in the real world.”

That distinction matters. This isn’t about products sitting on tables. It’s about seeing how they actually show up—styled, merchandised, and integrated into a brand experience.

Why This Event Was an Easy Yes

For Heather, hosting NextNW was a natural fit.

“It’s not about product—it’s about bringing people together for meaningful moments and creating branded experiences.”

That mindset is shaping the entire event. Expect a mix of brand-side marketers, agency leaders, and creative teams—all in one place, not just mingling, but actually connecting.

In a city like Portland, where creative culture runs deep, that kind of intentional collision is where the magic tends to happen.

The VIP Hour: Where Things Get Hands-On

Before the main event kicks off, a limited group will get access to a more immersive VIP experience.

This isn’t early entry—it’s a different level of interaction.

Attendees will:

• Pour their own branded candles
• Create custom bracelets
• Watch live tee pressing
• Meet factory reps from brands like MiiR, Moleskine, TravisMathew, Cotopaxi, and more

There’s even a cocktail “barista” machine in the mix—think Keurig, but for cocktails—fully brandable and surprisingly popular with clients.

“It gives people a chance to see how these products come to life, not just the finished result.”

In other words, you’re not just walking away with samples—you’re walking away understanding how they’re made and why they matter.

The Industry Has Changed, And It Shows

One of the biggest shifts Heather is seeing in the promotional product world? Intention.

“A few years ago, it was much more transactional—put a logo on something and move on. Today, brands are asking bigger questions.”

Questions like:

• Does this reflect our values?
• Will someone actually keep this?
• How was it made?

That shift is raising the bar across the board—from sustainability and sourcing to quality and design.

And it’s part of why this event feels timely. What you’ll see at 1338 Tryon isn’t old-school swag—it’s what the category is becoming.

What to Pay Attention To

If you attend, don’t just glance at the products. Interact with them.

“Pay attention to the details—the materials, the weight, the quality, how it’s packaged.”

Because that’s the difference between something that gets tossed in a drawer… and something that becomes part of someone’s daily life.

When it’s done right? “It doesn’t feel like promotional product. It just feels like a great product that happens to be branded.”

Who Should Show Up

Yes, this is a must-attend for marketers, brand managers, and event teams.

But it goes beyond that.

If you care about: design, creativity, brand experience, or company culture, you’ll find something here.

Because at its core, this isn’t about merch. It’s about how brands create moments people actually remember.

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If you’re in the Pacific Northwest and you’ve been craving something more thoughtful than the usual event circuit, this your signal.

Come for the happy hour.

Leave with a completely different perspective on what branded experiences can be.

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