GeekWire Gala early-bird rates end this week — here’s 5 sweet reasons to attend the big bash

No need to wait until Christmas, or your holiday of choice, to discover any sweet treats in your stocking. The GeekWire Gala on Dec. 12 in Seattle is going to be loaded with goodies.

First things first: there’s still time to grab early bird tickets to our annual holiday extravaganza, which will be held this year at Showbox SoDo. Round up some co-workers and make our party your party. For inquiries on group pricing, email [email protected].

This is a rare opportunity to connect with more than 600 tech leaders in the Pacific Northwest, a great place to bump into a venture capitalist, find that next great hire or learn from other geeks who share a similar passion.

This year’s Gala will feature a candy-inspired theme and a variety of “stations” to satisfy your sweet tooth. So with that in mind, here are five reasons to attend this year’s event:

1. Candy Cane Lane

The Ultimate Candy Bar, presented by Network of Giving, is just what it sounds like. Although, I guess it could sound like one giant candy bar, when in fact it will be a bar serving lots of candy. And if you need a break from candy, there will also be a mashed potato bar called Mashed Potato Mountain, which sounds like that scene from “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.”

2. Peppermint Pass

Here’s where you’ll find the 360-degree photo booth, which is always a great way to remember the night, especially if you wrangle friends and co-workers for some silly snaps.

3. Gummy Grove

Games are always a fun part of any GeekWire event — now just picture them supersized and lit up with LED lights. Presented by Delta Air Lines, this station will feature Battleship, checkers, and Connect4.

4. Lollipop Lounge

Presented by First Tech Federal Credit Union, this area will be a quieter spot for networking from 6 to 8 p.m. Starting at 8 we’ll kick things up a notch with Geekaroke. So start thinking about what songs you’ll be belting out.

5. Cupcake Commons

Presented by Thinkie, here’s the spot to try your luck at some brain games, or get your portrait drawn by our caricature artist. Along with cocoa and cupcakes, this area near the main stage at Showbox SoDo will also feature Oodles of Noodles, a cold Thai noodle bar. And party people looking to dance the night away are going to want to congregate here.

In addition to the party atmosphere, GeekWire and Greater Seattle Partners will once again use the Gala to recognize the region’s “Uncommon Thinkers,” the groundbreaking innovators who are changing the way we work, live and play. We’ve profiled three of these individuals so far — Uri Shumlak, Ingrid Swanson Pultz, and Andy Lapsa — and we’ll publish profiles of other honorees in the coming weeks.

Showbox SoDo is located at 1700 1st Ave S., not far from T-Mobile Park. The event is 21+ and all attendees must have valid ID to enter.

Big thanks to the GeekWire Gala presenting sponsor, First Tech Federal Credit Union; gold sponsors Greater Seattle Partners and Network of Giving; silver sponsor Delta Air Lines; and supporting sponsors Showbox Presents, Washington State Department of Commerce, and ALLtech.