
State of Washington Tourism Conference
October 8-10, 2025 | Spokane
The 2025 State of Washington Tourism Conference will be held at The Davenport Grand in Spokane on Oct. 8-10. Join colleagues and industry leaders for insightful discussions, networking opportunities, breakout sessions, pre-conference tours, industry awards, and more. Don’t miss your chance to help shape the future of tourism in Washington State!
New: This year, the Responsible Outdoor Travel Summit has been combined with the State Tourism Conference to foster closer conversations and collaborations between tourism and outdoor recreation stakeholders. The conference will explore all facets of sustainable tourism, from environmental to economic, and special pre-conference tours will give attendees the chance to experience more of the host destination.
Stay tuned for a detailed conference program and other exciting details.
Want to become a sponsor? Learn more about sponsorship opportunities here.
Registration & Optional Tours
SWT member and partner organizations are eligible for a $50 discount when registering. Subsidized pricing and scholarships are also available. To learn more, please email michelle@stateofwatourism.com.
Optional pre-conference tours are also available to book when registering for the conference.
Spokane Uncovered Walking Tour: Discover Spokane’s rich history, art, and architecture on a guided walking tour through the heart of downtown. Led by a local guide, this experience weaves together the city’s Indigenous heritage, its railroad boom, and the innovations shaping its future.
Green Bluff, the Ultimate Agricultural Experience: Enjoy a day in the rolling hills of Green Bluff’s orchards and vineyards. Start your afternoon at The Harvest House for lunch and pie before visiting the Farmer’s Market and ending the adventure at the Big Red Barn for a flight of wine, beer, and cider.
Venue & Lodging
The conference will be held at The Davenport Grand, and a special room rate of $179 per night is available for attendees. Please note the deadline to book is Wednesday, Sept. 17. Rooms fill up fast, so don’t delay.
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.
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. Apply Here.
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. Apply Here.
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. Apply Here.
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. Apply Here.