News From Visit Spokane - October 28, 2016

We're very fortunate to live in such a great region. I'd say it's the best place in the country! However, Spokane - the region - does not have a strong brand reputation.  The good news is that we do not have a negative impression that we must overcome. 

Visit Spokane is undertaking a regional destination brand study and is working to develop a new brand strategy that will support economic development and tourism promotion.  We have many partners in this endeavor and are learning a great deal about what consumers think about region, as well as what they think about our competition.  All of this new market intelligence, combined with input from more than 150 local stakeholders, will enable the development of a strong positioning strategy for our region. 

The strength of our brand will provide messaging that can unite the voices of businesses and organizations promoting Spokane, so that we amplify one another and gain recognition for what distinguishes us from other communities.  The opportunity to launch a regional brand that is inclusive and well supported by all of us provides new economic growth potential. A strong brand shows that our community has a familiarity and understanding of what makes our region great. This means all of our sales and marketing efforts will be even more effective.


Cheryl Y. Kilday
President & CEO
Visit Spokane



We've moved!

In case you missed it, we've moved office buildings! After many great years at the Spokane Regional Business Center, we are now located in the Wells Fargo Building at 601 W 1st Ave, Suite 1000. Come see our new space during the Holiday Open House (details below)!

Member Blitz

While we were moving between offices, we took some time to stop and say hello to our wonderful Visit Spokane partners. It was great to reconnect with some familiar faces, and to be introduced to new ones as well! A big thanks to everyone for letting us drop in and say hi.

Sales Update

Visit Spokane staff recently attended IMEX in Las Vegas, along with partners from the Hotel RL Spokane at the Park, Spokane Convention Center, DoubleTree by Hilton Spokane City Center and Davenport Hotels. While there, the team met with more than 50 meeting planners from 20 different states and Canada. Besides many great new relationships being established, three new leads were secured. These leads represent more than 5,000 room nights of new business for the region.

In addition to meeting with clients, the team was also able to showcase the Spokane region using Visit Spokane's new virtual and augmented reality platforms.

New Hires

Visit Spokane is pleased to announce three new people have joined the team! Dionne Maniotes Hulsey is our new Director of National Accounts - Central Region and is based out of Chicago. Jeff Poole has filled the newly created position, Senior Director of Sales & National Accounts Mid Atlantic and Eastern Region. Finally, Kate Hudson is Visit Spokane's new Public Relations Manager. Welcome to the team!

Save the Date - a Party!

Mark your calendar for our annual Holiday Open House! The party is December 1 from 4-6pm in our brand new office, located at 601 W. 1st Ave. Keep an eye out for more details!

The Spokesman-Review
reports on Visit Spokane's Google Trekker project.

Spokane is featured in Sports Travel Magazine as a great event destination.

Scott McMurren highlights his time in Spokane for Alaska Dispatch News.

Visit Spokane generates economic growth for Spokane County by successfully marketing the Spokane region as a preferred destination for conventions and leisure travelers from around the world. Visitors to Spokane County spent an estimated $947 million in 2015, providing jobs for more than 10,000 residents in the region.*

*Figures provided by Dean Runyan Associates report for the year ending 2015.