Washington State Hospitality Conference

LEARN, CONNECT, CELEBRATE

November 7, 2024


Hilton Motif

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 7, 2024

Registration and Trade Show begins at 12:30pm

Hilton Motif Seattle

1415 5th Ave, 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



This panel will dive into the latest advancements in digital marketing technologies and explore how they can be utilized to drive substantial growth within the hospitality industry. From AI-powered analytics to immersive virtual reality experiences, discover the tools that are transforming customer engagement and opening new avenues for revenue. Learn from leading experts who will share case studies, best practices, and strategies to effectively integrate these innovations into your marketing efforts. Whether you're looking to enhance your brand presence, increase bookings, or personalize guest experiences, this session will provide you with the insights and tools necessary to thrive in a competitive market. Don't miss this opportunity to transform your marketing approach and fuel your business growth.

This panel will dive into the latest advancements in digital marketing technologies and explore how they can be utilized to drive substantial growth within the hospitality industry. From AI-powered analytics to immersive virtual reality experiences, discover the tools that are transforming customer engagement and opening new avenues for revenue. Learn from leading experts who will share case studies, best practices, and strategies to effectively integrate these innovations into your marketing efforts. Whether you're looking to enhance your brand presence, increase bookings, or personalize guest experiences, this session will provide you with the insights and tools necessary to thrive in a competitive market. Don't miss this opportunity to transform your marketing approach and fuel your business growth.

In an increasingly interconnected world, hospitality businesses often rely on international talent to thrive. This session will provide invaluable guidance on navigating the complexities of visas and managing an international workforce in the hospitality industry. From understanding visa regulations to addressing cultural differences and legal considerations, participants will gain practical insights and strategies to effectively recruit, onboard, and retain global talent. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from industry experts and ensure success in harnessing the diverse skills and perspectives of an international workforce.

In an increasingly interconnected world, hospitality businesses often rely on international talent to thrive. This session will provide invaluable guidance on navigating the complexities of visas and managing an international workforce in the hospitality industry. From understanding visa regulations to addressing cultural differences and legal considerations, participants will gain practical insights and strategies to effectively recruit, onboard, and retain global talent. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from industry experts and ensure success in harnessing the diverse skills and perspectives of an international workforce.

Explore innovative approaches and practical solutions for maintaining service excellence while navigating staffing constraints. Learn how to optimize resources, streamline operations, and empower your team to deliver exceptional guest experiences even in the face of workforce challenges. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and strategies to thrive in today's dynamic hospitality landscape. Sandstrom, Jenni jennifer.sandstrom@wsu.edu

Explore innovative approaches and practical solutions for maintaining service excellence while navigating staffing constraints. Learn how to optimize resources, streamline operations, and empower your team to deliver exceptional guest experiences even in the face of workforce challenges. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and strategies to thrive in today's dynamic hospitality landscape. Sandstrom, Jenni jennifer.sandstrom@wsu.edu

Explore the latest trends, challenges, and best practices in human resources management within the hospitality industry. From recruitment and retention strategies to diversity and inclusion initiatives, this session will provide valuable insights to help you navigate the ever-evolving landscape of HR. Join industry experts and fellow professionals to discuss innovative approaches and solutions to drive success in your organization. Don't miss this opportunity to stay ahead of the curve and elevate your HR practices.

Explore the latest trends, challenges, and best practices in human resources management within the hospitality industry. From recruitment and retention strategies to diversity and inclusion initiatives, this session will provide valuable insights to help you navigate the ever-evolving landscape of HR. Join industry experts and fellow professionals to discuss innovative approaches and solutions to drive success in your organization. Don't miss this opportunity to stay ahead of the curve and elevate your HR practices.

Everyone's invited!

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

Questions? Contact: conferenceinfo@wahospitality.org

All rights reserved © 2024 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.