September 9, 2025 - September 11, 2025
September 9-11, 2025
Olympia, Washington – The Great Wolf Lodge
WHERE RESEARCH MEETS STRATEGY TO SHAPE THE FUTURE OF DESTINATIONS
Registration is Open!
TTRA Member Rate: $600
TTRA Academic Rate: $450
The GWTTRA and One West Joint Chapter Conference is happening September 9-11, 2025, in Olympia, Washington, at The Great Wolf Lodge.
The Greater Western Chapter of the Travel and Tourism Research Association is teaming up with One West Tourism Alliance again for a collaborative and exciting joint conference!
Key Themes & Topics
- Workforce Solutions for Today’s Destinations
- Visitor Readiness, Regeneration, and Stewardship
- Telling Our Story: Next-Level Marketing Strategy
- Data to Action: Metrics that Matter
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Destination Planning
The schedule includes expert panels, interactive workshops, and networking sessions designed to foster meaningful collaboration.
Note: The event agenda is still in draft form (especially GWTTRA sessions) but will be finalized soon!
WHY SHOULD YOU ATTEND THIS CONFERENCE?
- Expand on Industry Insights: Learn about the latest trends, technologies, and research findings shaping the travel and tourism industry specific to the Greater Western region.
- Discover Emerging Markets: Explore new destinations, travel styles, and consumer behaviors.
- Understand Industry Challenges: Gain insights into critical issues facing the industry, such as sustainability, over-tourism, and the impact of technology.
- Network with Peers: Connect with other researchers, academics, and industry professionals, engaging in discussions and collaborations to address critical industry challenges.
WHY SHOULD ENTRY LEVEL PROFESSIONALS, YOUNG RESEARCHERS, AND STUDENTS ATTEND?
We are working hard to build this conference into groundbreaking opportunities for not just the professionals, but for the individuals just starting out in this field.
- Gain valuable insights: Hear from leading experts in transportation planning, engineering, and research.
- Expand your professional network: Connect with seasoned professionals, potential mentors, and future collaborators.
- Explore career paths: Discover exciting career opportunities and gain valuable career advice.
- Showcase your research: Present your own research and gain valuable feedback from industry peers.
- Enhance your skills: Participate in workshops and training sessions to develop your professional skills.
CALL FOR ACADEMIC PAPERS
Share your research at the region’s premier event for tourism academics and destination leaders!
Research Topics:
All topics related to travel, tourism, and hospitality are welcome—including both applied and theoretical work. We especially encourage submissions that foster engagement between tourism researchers and practitioners.
Who Should Submit:
Academics, students, and researchers at all levels are invited to participate. Scholarships are available to help reduce registration costs.
Presentation Format:
Share your work in a lively, interactive coffee-break setting designed for genuine conversation and broad exposure. Formal presentations can be arranged if required by your university.
Submission Details:
- Submissions may be new, in progress, or previously presented/published
- Two documents: title page (with author info) and main document (up to 600 words, anonymized)
- Rolling acceptance; submit by August 8, 2025, for full consideration
Important: You must be registered and attend the conference for your paper to be included.
Submissions can be submitted via email Dr. Matthew Stone at [email protected]
Include GWTTRA paper in your subject line
ABOUT GREAT WOLF LODGE
Great Wolf Lodge Grand Mound is conveniently located between Seattle, Portland and the state’s capital, Olympia. There are a variety of activities in the local area to appeal to everyone – a day of shopping at The Centralia Outlets, hiking at Capitol State Forest, 14 miles of biking trails from Yelm-Tenino, Farmer’s Market in Olympia, local wineries and craft breweries throughout Thurston County, and Chehalis Tribal-owned Heritage Distilling at Talking Cedar located just minutes from the lodge. There’s much to explore in this area, you will wish you had longer to stay!
ABOUT ONE WEST
One West Tourism Alliance, formerly DMA West, has a membership of over 150 western region DMOs and industry partners. One West supports DMOs by providing cutting-edge educational programs, valuable research, and a platform for networking and support.
Under the leadership of Melyssa Reeves, an industry professional with over 20 years of experience including CEO of Visit Vacaville, the One West board continues to recognize the value of a collaboration with GWTTRA and the mutual benefits a joint conference brings.