Washington State Hospitality Conference

LEARN, CONNECT, CELEBRATE

November 9, 2023


Hyatt Regency Seattle

BE VISIBLE, BE IMPACTFUL, BE A CONFERENCE EXHIBITOR TODAY!

The Washington Hospitality Association, in partnership with the School of Hospitality Business Management at WSU, are pleased to bring you a unique opportunity to learn, connect and celebrate hospitality in Washington.

When and Where:

Thursday, November 9, 2023

Registration and Trade Show begins at 12:30pm

Hyatt Regency Seattle

808 Howell St, Seattle, WA 98101

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LEARN, CONNECT, CELEBRATE

Network and learn with industry leaders

Learn from the Experts

Keynote Bob Donegan, President Ivar's

Join us to network with experts in technology, the educational sector, and visionary leaders of our industry.

Connect

Connect with industry partners and WSU alumni and WSU students - prospective employees. Network with colleagues during our interactive trade show and reception.

Celebrate

Celebrate excellence in hospitality with a program dinner and fundraiser for the WSU School of Hospitality Business Management. Network with industry and alumni, hear program updates, applaud this year’s Burtenshaw Lifetime Achievement Award recipients, Rising Star of the Industry and support WSU students.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

11:00am- 12:30pm- State of Washington Tourism- IITA's Steps to Success International Inbound Travel Training

12:30pm-1:30pm- Registration and Trade Show Open

1:30pm-2:30pm- AAHOA Town Hall Meeting

1:30pm-2:30pm- Latino Chamber Chapter Meeting

1:30pm-2:15pm- WSU SHBM- Student Meet & Greet

1:30pm-2:30pm- Optional Hotel Tour

2:30- 3:15- Break Out Sessions

3:30pm-4:15pm- Break Out Sessions

4:30pm-5:30pm- Reception and Trade Show

5:30pm 8:00 p.m.- Keynote, Dinner and Award program-

8:00pm- Music and Dancing

Details on Speaker/Breakout Sessions

IITA

IITA

Learn how to fill empty seats and beds by attending International Inbound Travel Association Steps to Success Program!

Washington Hospitality Association, The State of Washington and the Port of Seattle are excited to invite our tourism partners to join us for Step #1 of IITA Steps to SuccessTM International Inbound Travel Training Program to launch the Washington State Hospitality Conference.

IITA’s Steps to Success TM presenter, Jennifer Ackerson, has created this leading national training program to help tourism businesses thrive and secure long-term business with the international inbound travel market. This session will guide you through how to enhance your ability to work effectively and efficiently with Business-to-business (B2B) international inbound operators by:    

> Understand the value of working with the international inbound market.

> Learn how to prepare by developing pricing, sellable products, and operational resources.

> Discover fundamental marketing strategies you can use to promote your products and

services.

Cost of training is sponsored by State of Washington Tourism. Learn more, click here.  11:00am-12:30pm



IITA's Steps to Success International Inbound Travel Training

IITA

IITA

Learn how to fill empty seats and beds by attending International Inbound Travel Association Steps to Success Program!

Washington Hospitality Association, The State of Washington and the Port of Seattle are excited to invite our tourism partners to join us for Step #1 of IITA Steps to SuccessTM International Inbound Travel Training Program to launch the Washington State Hospitality Conference.

IITA’s Steps to Success TM presenter, Jennifer Ackerson, has created this leading national training program to help tourism businesses thrive and secure long-term business with the international inbound travel market. This session will guide you through how to enhance your ability to work effectively and efficiently with Business-to-business (B2B) international inbound operators by:    

> Understand the value of working with the international inbound market.

> Learn how to prepare by developing pricing, sellable products, and operational resources.

> Discover fundamental marketing strategies you can use to promote your products and

services.

Cost of training is sponsored by State of Washington Tourism. Learn more, click here.  11:00am-12:30pm



AAHOA

AAHOA

In a groundbreaking partnership that celebrates unity and progress, the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) and the Washington Hospitality Association join forces for an enriching Town Hall, expertly hosted by the esteemed Taran Patel, regional director.

Emphasizing excellence and inclusivity, the Town Hall delves into a diverse range of topics, from sustainability and technology to customer experience and policy advocacy. With Taran Patel's leadership guiding the way, this empowering gathering aims to forge a resilient and prosperous hospitality community, laying the foundation for a brighter and more united industry, driven by collaboration and shared aspirations.

Town Hall from 1:30-2:30pm

REGISTER HERE



AAHOA Town Hall

AAHOA

AAHOA

In a groundbreaking partnership that celebrates unity and progress, the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) and the Washington Hospitality Association join forces for an enriching Town Hall, expertly hosted by the esteemed Taran Patel, regional director.

Emphasizing excellence and inclusivity, the Town Hall delves into a diverse range of topics, from sustainability and technology to customer experience and policy advocacy. With Taran Patel's leadership guiding the way, this empowering gathering aims to forge a resilient and prosperous hospitality community, laying the foundation for a brighter and more united industry, driven by collaboration and shared aspirations.

Town Hall from 1:30-2:30pm

REGISTER HERE



Seattle Metropolitan Latino Chamber

Seattle Metropolitan Latino Chamber

The Seattle Metropolitan Latino Chamber in partnership with The Washington Hospitality Association is launching the Latino Chapter of the Hospitality Association.  

Join Marcos Wanless and Anthony Anton at the inaugural meeting of the Latino Chapter, 1:30 to 2:30pm. We’ll provide an overview of the partnership and dual membership, discuss challenges within the community and efforts moving forward to represent the membership base. 

REGISTER HERE



Latino

Chapter Meeting

Seattle Metropolitan Latino Chamber

Seattle Metropolitan Latino Chamber

The Seattle Metropolitan Latino Chamber in partnership with The Washington Hospitality Association is launching the Latino Chapter of the Hospitality Association.  

Join Marcos Wanless and Anthony Anton at the inaugural meeting of the Latino Chapter, 1:30 to 2:30pm. We’ll provide an overview of the partnership and dual membership, discuss challenges within the community and efforts moving forward to represent the membership base. 

REGISTER HERE



Hire

Well, Retain Better

Hear from a panel of experts on how to select the best possible talent to grow your business. Then, learn tips and tricks on how to increase worker satisfaction and training so that you retain the best staff, reduce staff turnover, reduce training and new hire costs, and keep your staffing levels stable. (no preselection required)

Think Green

Learn how to navigate the sea of sustainability, green building initiatives, and plastic bans in Washington state. (no preselection required)

Which

Tech is the Right Tech

Technology is the rage but which tech is the right tech to invest in now? One session will focus on the restaurant industry while a second session will be geared towards the hotel sector. (no preselection required)

Bob Donegan

Bob Donegan

Kicking off our dinner program- Bob Donegan President of Ivar’s “The Changing Landscape:  The Future of Finding Customers”.  Post pandemic lifestyles have shifted where and how we acquire customers.   Bob will share his thoughts and insights on necessary operational adjustments.



Bob Donegan

Keynote

Everyone's invited!

BE VISIBLE, BE IMPACTFUL, BE A CONFERENCE EXHIBITOR TODAY!

Questions? Contact: conferenceinfo@wahospitality.org

A small block of rooms have been reserved for Hospitality Conference attendees at the Hyatt Regency Seattle. Please reserve before October 18th, click here for booking information.

All rights reserved © 2023 by Washington State Hospitality Conference

Scholarly Associate Professor, Career Track

Jim Harbour

School of Hospitality Business Management, Washington State University


Jim Harbour (’99) is a culinary and beverage educator who began teaching within the WSU School of Hospitality Business Management in 2006. He is a strong advocate for developing students through real-life and international experiences. He participates in the Carson College of Business faculty-led study abroad programs and guides his students in business plan development and study abroad. In addition, he serves as International Business Institute Fellow for the Carson College, and he’s a member of the Washington Restaurant Association and the Downtown Pullman Marketing Group. His professional interests focus on operations, and he owns several restaurants and a catering operation in Pullman, Washington. Harbour earned a bachelor’s in hotel restaurant administration from WSU and an MBA from Gonzaga University.

SESSION ONE

Saving Your Green with Green Initiatives


Learn from a panel of industry experts on how to best save money and resources while navigating the landscape of sustainability initiatives and legislation.


Hire Well, Retain Better

How to hire the best staff possible and keep them happy, healthy, and engaged in your organization.



SESSION TWO

Which Tech is the Right Tech? (Lodging)


(Lodging focused) Learn when and where to invest your money in technology within the lodging sector.


Which Tech is the Right Tech? (Restaurants)

(Restaurant focused) Learn when and where to invest your money in technology within the restaurant sector.



SESSION ONE

Saving Your Green with Green Initiatives


Learn from a panel of industry experts on how to best save money and resources while navigating the landscape of sustainability initiatives and legislation.


Hire Well, Retain Better

How to hire the best staff possible and keep them happy, healthy, and engaged in your organization.



SESSION TWO

Which Tech is the Right Tech? (Lodging)


(Lodging focused) Learn when and where to invest your money in technology within the lodging sector.


Which Tech is the Right Tech? (Restaurants)

(Restaurant focused) Learn when and where to invest your money in technology within the restaurant sector.



AAHOA

AAHOA

In a groundbreaking partnership that celebrates unity and progress, the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) and the Washington Hospitality Association join forces for an enriching Town Hall, expertly hosted by the esteemed Taran Patel, regional director.

Emphasizing excellence and inclusivity, the Town Hall delves into a diverse range of topics, from sustainability and technology to customer experience and policy advocacy. With Taran Patel's leadership guiding the way, this empowering gathering aims to forge a resilient and prosperous hospitality community, laying the foundation for a brighter and more united industry, driven by collaboration and shared aspirations.

Town Hall from 1:30-2:30pm

REGISTER HERE



IITA

IITA

Learn how to fill empty seats and beds by attending International Inbound Travel Association Steps to Success Program!

Washington Hospitality Association, The State of Washington and the Port of Seattle are excited to invite our tourism partners to join us for Step #1 of IITA Steps to SuccessTM International Inbound Travel Training Program to launch the Washington State Hospitality Conference.

IITA’s Steps to Success TM presenter, Jennifer Ackerson, has created this leading national training program to help tourism businesses thrive and secure long-term business with the international inbound travel market. This session will guide you through how to enhance your ability to work effectively and efficiently with Business-to-business (B2B) international inbound operators by:    

> Understand the value of working with the international inbound market.

> Learn how to prepare by developing pricing, sellable products, and operational resources.

> Discover fundamental marketing strategies you can use to promote your productsand

services.

Cost of training is sponsored by State of Washington Tourism. Learn more, click here.  11:00am-12:30pm



Seattle Metropolitan Latino Chamber

Seattle Metropolitan Latino Chamber

The Seattle Metropolitan Latino Chamber in partnership with The Washington Hospitality Association is launching the Latino Chapter of the Hospitality Association.  

Join Marcos Wanless and Anthony Anton at the inaugural meeting of the Latino Chapter, 1:30 to 2:30pm. We’ll provide an overview of the partnership and dual membership, discuss challenges within the community and efforts moving forward to represent the membership base. 

REGISTER HERE



Bob Donegan

Bob Donegan

Kicking off our dinner program- Bob Donegan President of Ivar’s “The Changing Landscape:  The Future of Finding Customers”.  Post pandemic lifestyles have shifted where and how we acquire customers.   Bob will share his thoughts and insights on necessary operational adjustments.