About

Why the BETTER LIVING HOME, GARDEN & LIFESTYLE SHOW?

As the idea of sustainability and healthy living grows, shows have tried to highlight it with mixed results. Typically you have large events that put a Green Pavilion in an otherwise non-green show or you have green events that continually pull the same crowd. In other words they are principally preaching to "the choir."  Both types of festivals should be applauded for helping to get the sustainable message out. The Better Living Show brings together the best of these two types of shows - a large event that is walking the walk. A festival that is not just targeted at the early adopters of a sustainable lifestyle, but one that targets the mainstream consumer as well who are looking for everything green. A show that encourages everyone, no matter where they lie in the spectrum of sustainable living, to take one more step towards a healthier lifestyle. And celebrates each and every one of those steps. Quite frankly…we want to help make a bigger choir! 

What is Blue Ocean Events?

Our business model is a response to a changing consumer show landscape - declining attendance and non-relavant scope. It leverages what companies are doing right and the power of ‘green’ brands to ignite the power of emotion to drive responsible purchasing.  Blue Ocean Events doesn’t pull back marketing just because budgets are getting tight. In fact the opposite:  We have a long-term strategic plan, and now more than ever in these transformational times, the Energy Trust Better Living Show is poised to make large social changes.

Michael O'Loughlin has been a part of the consumer show business for 38 years. Son of Thomas O'Loughlin, founder of the National Association of Consumer Shows and co-founder of O'Loughlin Trade Shows, Michael had a broom in his hand on the show floor as soon as he could walk! For the past 20 years Michael has specialized in large feature builds and reinventing consumer shows to increase attendance. His influence and vision built O'Loughlin Trade Shows' events, including the Portland Home & Garden Show, into some of the largest on the West Coast.  Michael currently serves on the board of the Home & Garden Show Executives International and was awarded the 2008 Horticulture Award by the Oregon State Federation of Garden Clubs. more

Everyday Steps Michael Takes: Compact florescent bulbs in home · Purchases green energy · Voracious composter · Ripped out the sprinkler system · Replanting with mostly native plants or plants that are appropriate for this climate · No artificial fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides · Mixes food plants into traditional landscape · Backyard wildlife habitat · Degree in biology from Oregon State University · certified Wildlife Steward working with Woodward Gardens · Member of the Green Team at Alberta Rider Elementary School.

Stephanie Frisch began her event career in Seattle 14 years ago producing games and special events for the NBA's Seattle Sonics. Additional event clients include Alaska Airlines, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Gary Payton Foundation and the City of Seattle. In the Portland Metro Region she worked on the Street of Dreams, Portland Home & Garden Shows, Street of New Beginnings and opened the new Clark County Event Center.  more

Everday Steps Stephanie Takes: Purchases green energy · Bought Energy Star appliances · Replaced 60-year-old furnace with high-efficiency heat pump using Puron · Recently acquired all used furniture for new baby room · Buys organic food & wines · Recycles · Signed up with Tonic Mailstopper  to reduce junk mail · Blew in additional insulation in attic · Makes own cleaning products · Gets advice from my dad, a biologist who runs an environmental ed program in Eastern WA ·  Shops Local!

Frisch and O'Loughlin jointly founded Blue Ocean Events, Inc. to produce Portland's ENERGY TRUST BETTER LIVING HOME, GARDEN & LIFESTYLE SHOW  - A green festival of choices.