It is with deep sorrow and immense respect that we, the Northwest Event Show and Butler Events team, remember and honor Marion Clifton, who passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, December 14, 2023. Marion was not just the backbone of the Pacific Northwest events community; she was its heart and soul.
In 1989, Marion, alongside her business partner Mary Lou Burton, embarked on a journey that would forever change the landscape of the events industry. They launched Bravo! in Portland, a pioneering wedding guide crafted to address the challenges of finding reputable companies for wedding planning. This vision quickly expanded, and soon Marion was commuting to Seattle, laying the groundwork for what would become an indispensable resource in both the Portland and Seattle markets.
Marion’s foresight led to the creation of guides that extended beyond weddings. Recognizing that their comprehensive 700+ page guides were invaluable to corporate planners and executive assistants, she seamlessly bridged the gap between personal and corporate event planning. The wedding guide and the event guide, some of the first to be available online, revolutionized how events were conceptualized and executed.
The first in-person event in 1994 at the Paramount Theater, known as Bravo! Live (now the Northwest Event Show), was just the beginning of a legacy that would span decades. The demand for these printed guides remained high up until 2020, a testament to their value and Marion’s understanding of the industry’s needs.
Marion’s impact on the Pacific Northwest events community is immeasurable. Vendors who have been part of the show since the first publications can attest to her dedication, innovation, and passion. Her work with Bravo! Publications, B&E Resource, and Butler Events not only shaped an industry but also built a community.
As we reflect on Marion’s remarkable life, our thoughts and prayers are with her sister Nancy, her brother John, and all who were touched by her vibrant spirit and visionary mind. We invite you to share your memories and stories of Marion at the link below as a celebration of her extraordinary life and the indelible mark she has left on us all. We will be sure to share these stories and memories with her family.
Marion, your legacy will continue to inspire and guide us. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.
