This event will bring together leaders and professionals from across the state, as well as those passionate about tourism, economic development, community building, and outdoor recreation

VANCOUVER — The third annual State of Washington Tourism Conference (Oct. 7-8) and Responsible Outdoor Travel Summit (Oct. 9) will be held in Vancouver, Washington, at the Hilton Downtown Vancouver.

This event will bring together leaders and professionals from across the state, as well as those passionate about tourism, economic development, community building, and outdoor recreation. Focusing on the future of tourism in Washington, the conference will feature a range of keynote presentations, panels, and workshops aimed at fostering sustainable growth and responsible travel.

“We are delighted to welcome industry professionals from across the state to Vancouver,” said Cliff Myers, President and CEO of Visit Vancouver WA. “This conference is an exciting opportunity to showcase the unique experiences Vancouver has to offer while promoting meaningful conversations about the future of Washington’s tourism industry.”

The keynote speaker and renowned futurist, Ian Khan, will discuss the intersection of emerging technology and the tourism industry. Khan is expected to share expert insights on the transformative power of AI and provide actionable steps to assess readiness for the future, evaluate the current state, and plan for a successful tomorrow.

The conference will also include educational sessions covering central tourism and community-related topics such as:

• How AI is Changing the Tourism Landscape 
• Tourism Product Development for the Off-Season
• Grants & Funding: How to Manage Your Resources
• Video Storytelling Trends & Best Practices  

A highlight of the event will be the Tourism Industry Awards, which recognize the creativity, innovation, and contributions of individuals, businesses, and organizations that fuel Washington’s tourism industry. Categories include Outstanding Marketing Program, Destination Stewardship, Rising Star in Tourism, and the Tourism Hall of Leadership Induction. Last year, Shara Howard of Visit Vancouver WA was honored with the Rising Star in Tourism award in Yakima, WA.

The Responsible Outdoor Travel Summit will be held the day after the main conference at the same venue. The summit assembles thought leaders in tourism, outdoor recreation, and conservation for sessions and discussions on common issues and potential solutions and partnerships. The spirit of the summit is advancing the health and vitality of public lands, natural resources, sensitive and Indigenous communities, and the statewide tourism industry through responsible travel and recreation.

As the host destination, Visit Vancouver WA will take this opportunity to showcase its vibrant community and scenic beauty. Attendees will experience traditional Mexican dancing from Vancouver Ballet Folklórico, and restaurants like El Guacho will offer a taste of the local flavors. Additionally, the sounds of Vancouver will be DJ’d by Ronald Records during the welcome event.

Before the conference begins, attendees can participate in optional pre-conference activities allowing attendees to explore the best of Vancouver before the conference begins. These include a Coffee Cupping with Kafiex Roasters, a Taste of Brewcouver featuring downtown breweries, a Haunted Walking Tour with Clark County Historical Museum, and a hike near Lucia Falls with wine tasting at Pomeroy Cellars.

The conference is expected to draw about 280 attendees. With tourism moving beyond the recovery phase post-pandemic, this event is set to foster new collaborations and strategies for success. Vancouver will proudly showcase its efforts to promote tourism as an incentive for economic growth, cultural enrichment, and community development.

For more details and to register, please visit: State of Washington Tourism Conference & Responsible Outdoor Travel Summit 

About Visit Vancouver WA

Visit Vancouver WA is the official destination marketing organization (DMO) for Vancouver and the surrounding Clark County, Washington. The nonprofit competitively markets the region as a place to visit for leisure, a venue for sports events, and a destination for meetings, conventions, and group travel. The organization’s primary mission is to increase visitor spending in the area to support and encourage economic growth and vitality in Vancouver, Washington’s valued local community. For more information call (360) 750-1553 or visit www.VisitVancouverWA.com.