LT2026-004 ELLENSBURG DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION-PLACES FINAL

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3| Impact Response 3: Describe how you will promote your event/activity/facility to attract tourists.* 4| Collaboration Response 2.2: Describe the prior success of your event/activity/facility to attract tourists.* The PLACES Conference has a proven track record of attracting hundreds of visitors from across Washington State and the Pacific Northwest. Each year, the conference is hosted in a different community, and attendance consistently ranges from 300– 400 participants. Nearly all attendees travel more than 50 miles to attend, with the majority staying in paid lodging for multiple nights. 2024 – Walla Walla: The PLACES Walla Walla Impact Report shows 385 attendees came from across the country, including Idaho, Louisiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, and central and southern Oregon. About 46% of attendees had never been to Walla Walla, and on average, they reported being very likely to return for a future visit. Attendees stayed an average of 2.4 nights and spent $380 each (excluding lodging and registration). For the 238 non-local attendees, this generated an estimated local impact of $173,272. 2023 – Vancouver: PLACES in Vancouver drew over 347 registrants, who stayed an average of 2.5 nights and spent $253 each (excluding lodging and registration). This generated an estimated local impact of $204,779. Conference feedback was extremely positive—of the 88 evaluations received, 97% of respondents said they would attend again or recommend the conference to others. 2022 – Wenatchee: PLACES in Wenatchee welcomed 295 attendees, marking the first conference since before the COVID-19 pandemic. Attendees stayed an average of 2.4 nights and spent $290 each (excluding lodging and registration). The lodging and spending of 242 non-local attendees generated an estimated local impact of $168,794. Because attendance is required for accredited Washington Main Street communities, the conference always draws representatives from more than 30 cities and towns across the state. This guarantees a diverse geographic spread, long- distance travel, and substantial lodging demand. Additionally, conference marketing attracts professionals from neighboring states, further contributing to out-of-state visitation. By rotating locations, PLACES consistently demonstrates its ability to shine a spotlight on the host community while driving measurable tourism impacts. Hosting PLACES 2026 in Ellensburg will replicate and build upon this success, filling hotel rooms, energizing downtown businesses, and showcasing Kittitas County as a premier cultural and heritage tourism destination. 2500 character limit Application Questions: Part 2 Marketing for PLACES 2026 will be coordinated through the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation and WA Main Street, reaching thousands of contacts statewide and beyond. Outreach will include digital and print campaigns, direct mail, social media, and earned media in preservation and tourism channels. With the support of LTAC funding, attendees will also receive promotional materials highlighting downtown Ellensburg, such as maps, wayfinding guides, and other resources, to encourage exploration and engagement with local businesses. 2500 character limit Application Questions: Part 3