Annual Meeting
Join us each year in celebrating the amazing things happening in Thurston County tourism at our Annual Meeting.
Recognizing Thurston County’s Tourism Leaders
Thurston County's tourism industry can only be as successful as the people working behind the scenes planning the events, running the businesses, marketing the area, and of course, making all guests feel welcome and at home here. It's this combined body of work that brings visitors to our area. That said, some individuals truly took hospitality and destination development to the next level in the past 12 months and we want to know about them! Here are this year's nominees:
Boldness in Tourism Award
This individual brought bold, new ideas and innovative ways of attracting visitors to Thurston County in the past 12 months. They took risks and thought "out of the box", resulting in growing enthusiasm about visiting the iconic destinations in Thurston County.
- Thomasina Cooper, Thurston County Fairgrounds & Event Center
- Janine Phillips, Hampton Inn & Suites Olympia/Lacey
- Jeff Devlin, Best of Olympia Facebook Group
- Greg Taylor, DoubleTree by Hilton Olympia
- Monique Ossa, Ossa Skinworks
- Jill Barnes, Washington Center for the Performing Arts
- Andrea Levanti and Diego Fleitas, InGenius! Local Artisan Gallery & Boutique - 2026 Award Recipients
Excellence In Hospitality Award Nominees
This individual is a frontline worker who put in the hours during the past 12 months, made all guests feel welcome, and typified the attributes of a gracious and knowledgeable host. The result of their efforts creates a visitor who is eager to return and visit Thurston County.
- Sarah Hamblin, 1776 Bar and Grill
- Cher Hobbick, Altitude 15 & Bite Me Catering - 2026 Award Recipients
- Krista Bentow, Batdorf & Bronson Legacy Café
- Angelina Blueback, Candlewood Suites Olympia/Lacey
Patrick Knutson Tourism Legend Award
Experience Olympia & Beyond’s Board of Directors has made the thoughtful decision to pause the Patrick Knutson Tourism Legend Award this year as the organization is in the process of reevaluating its tourism awards program. This pause allows Experience Olympia & Beyond to ensure the award continues to honor Patrick’s legacy in a meaningful way.