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Response 4.1: If your organization collaborates or has created partnerships with other organizations, groups, or other events,
<br />how is this accomplished?*
<br />Response 4.2: Describe how you will promote lodging establishments, restaurants, and business located in Kittitas County *
<br />Response 4.3: Is there a host hotel for your event or grant project? If yes, list the hotel.*
<br />Collaboration for PLACES 2026 is accomplished through a statewide host committee composed of the Ellensburg Downtown
<br />Association, Washington Trust for Historic Preservation, and Washington Main Street. This committee meets twice monthly
<br />throughout the planning year and will increase to weekly meetings in the month prior to the conference to ensure seamless
<br />execution. A shared workplan guides decision-making, highlights opportunities to integrate local businesses, restaurants, and
<br />venues, and ensures that Ellensburg’s local talent and amenities are showcased to statewide visitors.
<br />To secure the hosting bid, the committee exceeded the required sponsorship threshold, demonstrating strong community buy-in.
<br />Letters of commitment were provided by the Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce, the City of Ellensburg, the Kittitas County
<br />Commissioners, and the Office of the President at Central Washington University, underscoring the depth of local and regional
<br />support.
<br />Partnerships with lodging establishments are formalized through coordinated room blocks and cross-promotion. The top five
<br />recommended hotels in Ellensburg have collaborated to create competitive room rates across all properties, ensuring that
<br />conference attendees have convenient, affordable options while maximizing overnight stays in Kittitas County.
<br />Cultural partners play a direct role in programming. Gallery One, the Clymer Museum, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the
<br />Ellensburg Rodeo, the Rodeo Hall of Fame, the Kittitas County Historical Museum, and the Ellensburg Arts and Cultural Alliance
<br />could host sessions, receptions, and evening events, tying the conference experience directly to Ellensburg’s arts and heritage
<br />community.
<br />Corporate sponsors are engaged through tailored sponsorship packages, joint marketing campaigns, and recognition
<br />opportunities throughout the conference.
<br />Through these partnerships, coordinated planning, shared resources, and collective promotion, PLACES 2026 is positioned not
<br />only to deliver a high-quality conference, but to maximize its tourism impact, filling hotels, drawing visitors into downtown, and
<br />showcasing Ellensburg’s unique identity to a statewide and regional audience.
<br />2500 character limit
<br />Promotion of local lodging, restaurants, and businesses is central to the PLACES 2026 conference experience. From the initial
<br />registration process through on-site programming, attendees will be guided to explore and support Ellensburg’s downtown and
<br />greater Kittitas County.
<br />Lodging Establishments – Conference registration materials, the official PLACES website, and direct communications will
<br />include dedicated lodging information, including links to room blocks and negotiated group rates at Ellensburg’s top hotels. Hotel
<br />Windrow will serve as the host hotel, and additional lodging partners will be highlighted equally, ensuring broad distribution of
<br />overnight stays across properties.
<br />Restaurants & Culinary Experiences – Attendee itineraries and print materials will feature downtown dining options, coffee
<br />shops, and breweries, encouraging participants to explore a variety of local establishments. Scheduled breaks and evening
<br />receptions are intentionally designed to leave time for meals out in the community.
<br />Retail & Local Businesses – A printed conference guide and attendee program will spotlight downtown shops, galleries, and
<br />service businesses. Maps and itineraries will direct attendees to explore during free time between sessions. Businesses will also
<br />be invited to offer promotions or “conference specials” to drive visitor traffic.
<br />Cultural & Heritage Attractions – Museums, galleries, and historic sites will host sessions and receptions, weaving visitor
<br />experiences directly into the event and ensuring attendees engage with Ellensburg’s arts and heritage destinations.
<br />Through intentional design, PLACES 2026 transforms the host community into part of the conference experience. By positioning
<br />local lodging establishments, restaurants, and businesses as essential components of the event, the conference maximizes its
<br />tourism impact, filling hotel rooms and driving significant spending into the downtown core and broader Kittitas County economy.
<br />2500 character limit
<br />No
<br />Yes
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