State of Washington Tourism Conference & Responsible Outdoor Travel Summit

October 7-9, 2024 | Vancouver, WA

The third annual State of Washington Tourism Conference & Responsible Outdoor Travel Summit will be held Oct. 7-9 in Vancouver, Washington, at the Hilton Vancouver Washington.

Connect with colleagues from across the state, learn from industry leaders and experts, recognize industry excellence, attend pre-conference tours, and more. Breakout sessions will cover everything from serving visitors on the front lines to video storytelling and the state of AI.

Don’t miss the chance to meet with peers to discuss challenges and share ideas during topical breakouts ahead of the full-day conference program.

The Responsible Outdoor Travel Summit will be held the day after the main conference schedule. The summit brings together a diverse group of stakeholders, from legislators and land managers, to discuss and collaborate on topics related to tourism and outdoor recreation in Washington.

Venue & Lodging

The State of Washington Tourism Conference and Responsible Outdoor Travel Summit will be held at the Hilton Vancouver Washington in downtown Vancouver, a short walk from the waterfront and downtown businesses.

A group rate of $192/night before taxes and fees is available for attendees. Deadline to book is Sept. 16.

Pricing & Registration

Conference attendees can choose between three ticket options:

• Combined Tourism Conference + Outdoor Travel Summit: $300
• Only State of Washington Tourism Conference (Oct. 7-8): $200
• Only Responsible Outdoor Travel Summit (Oct. 9): $125

Government Rates: Elected officials and government employees are eligible for discounted rates: $100 combined Tourism Conference + Outdoor Travel Summit, $60 Tourism Conference only, $40 Outdoor Travel Summit only.

Special rates are also available for SWT members and partners, as well as students and organizations experiencing financial hardship.

For discount rate codes or questions, please email Michelle Thana at michelle@stateofwatourism.com.

Agenda at a Glance

Pre- and Post-Conference Tours

SWT and Visit Vancouver are excited to offer a selection of pre- and post-conference tours. Get out and experience the destination with one of these paid conference add-ons.

Note: For full descriptions, prices, and transportation information, click “get tickets” on the registration page. You can then select and pay for your desired tour along with your conference ticket.

History of Farming & Pumpkin Patch Fun at Bi-Zi Farms
Oct. 7, noon to 2:30 p.m.
Become a kid again with a day at the farm! Experience a Southwest Washington farm’s fall crops and learn what it’s like for three generations to operate a farm since 1872.

Coffee Cupping with Kafiex
Oct. 7, noon to 1:30 p.m.
Join Kafiex Roasters for an introduction to the coffee flavor wheel, learn the principles of cupping with official score sheets, and do an exercise with an aroma kit. The class includes cupping three different coffees.

Taste of Brewcouver
Oct. 7, noon to 2 p.m.
Vancouver’s beer roots run deep. Walk to three different downtown breweries and hear their stories while sampling PNW-inspired beers. Locations subject to change.

Waterfall Wonder & Vineyard Vistas
Oct. 7, noon to 3 p.m.
Step into nature with a 1-mile hike at Lucia Falls, 40 minutes northeast of Vancouver. Follow it up with wine tasting at the historic Pomeroy Farm.

Haunted Walking Tour
Oct. 8, 8-9 p.m.
Curious to hear tales of what haunts the buildings and streets of downtown? Interested in the strange and peculiar side of history? Join the director of the Clark County Historical Museum for an evening walking tour and storytelling experience.

Tourism Industry Awards

Each year, the industry celebrates innovation and excellence with a series of awards announced during the main conference program. Don’t miss the chance to submit outstanding marketing campaigns, destination stewardship work, and nominate your peers for achievement awards.

Deadline to submit awards is Aug. 28. Please click the links below to fill out an award form.

Outstanding Marketing Program Award 

Nominated marketing programs, projects, or campaigns must be a component of the organization’s overall marketing program. Successful nominations detail the primary program elements and successful quantitative or qualitative outcomes, including but not limited to a notable increase in user engagement, website visitation, overnight stays, visitor spending, or tax revenue. Submit nominations.

Destination Stewardship Award 

Recognizes an individual, business, or nonprofit organization that effectively promotes environmental awareness, institutes regenerative travel, or espouses community values and well-being in the State of Washington. Submit nominations.

Rising Star in Tourism Award 

Presented to a new industry professional or volunteer who has made outstanding contributions to the tourism efforts of a business, nonprofit organization, community, or tourism segment. Nominees must have tenures in tourism of less than five years and be currently employed in Washington’s tourism industry. Self-nominations are not accepted. Submit nominations.

Tourism Hall of Leadership Induction 

The Tourism Hall of Leadership recognizes individual tourism professionals or volunteers who have made significant, positive, and long-lasting contributions to the industry in Washington. Inductees must be nominated by a member of the tourism industry within the state. Induction may be considered for active industry members, retired members, or be made posthumously. Generally, up to three inductions are considered each year. Submit nominations.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Highlight your company’s offerings in front of tourism professionals from around the State of Washington by sponsoring the conference. Sponsorship opportunities include conference registration and recognition. 

Contact Michelle Thana at michelle@stateofwatourism.com to secure your sponsor opportunity or to discuss custom sponsorships.

View Sponsorship Packet