NWEG was established as NVUG during the Spring 2000 VUGM in Chicago. A formation committee of volunteers worked to set up the listserv and organize the first NVUG meeting. More than 65 members, representing 32 institutions attended the meeting held on September 29, at City University in Renton, Washington. Representatives from Endeavor spoke about new software developments, customer service procedures and presented an overview of new features included in Web Voyage 2000.

The meeting ended with a business session where it was agreed to seek volunteers willing to serve on an organizational committee that would work to set up interest groups and plan future meetings.

When the name of the main Users' Group was changed to EndUser, the regional group was in the process of passing Bylaws. During April 2003, the Bylaws were ratified and the name changed to Northwest EndUsers' Group (NWEG).

The term "Northwest" is used broadly to include Alaska, Idaho, Northern California, Oregon, and Washington. British Columbia is considered to be an honorary member as they officially belong to the Western Canada VUG.