2025 Annual Meeting FAQs

Where & When is this year’s event?
The 2025 Annual Meeting is at the Marriott Tacoma Downtown (attached to the Convention Center), November 19 – 21.

There is also a CLE (Continuing Legal Education) Seminar on November 18 and a New Commissioner Seminar November 18 – 19. You can register for each of these by clicking on the registration link at the top of this page.

How do I register for this event?
Please register using our online form so we capture all the proper information. The link to the registration form is at the top of this page.

Will I receive confirmation of my seminar registration?
Yes! Confirmation of online registrations will be sent via email within 48 hours. The confirmation will be sent to both the attendee and admin email addresses shown in the registration section.  If you do not receive confirmation within 2 days, please do not hesitate to email Mandy Lill or call 360.878.6299.

There was no link to pay for my registration, how do I pay you?
WPPA will send an invoice for all registrations and sponsorships after the event has occurred. You can pay via check or call in a credit card payment.

What is the dress code?
During the meeting, dress is business/business casual. During the Thursday evening presidents reception/education foundation auction, the suggested dress is cocktail attire.

Hotel Information:
Sleeping room rates at the Marriott Tacoma Downtown are $149 a night + applicable taxes and fees.

You can make your room reservations online by clicking here.

To make room reservations by phone call: 253.294.9200. When calling, please remember to specify that you are with Washington Public Ports Association to be assured of the group rate. Please make your reservations directly with the hotel, not with a third-party booking agent!

The hotel cancellation policy is 48 hours prior to your arrival. If you are cancelling a room reservation, please contact Mandy Lill first if possible. We may have attendees on a waiting list and might be able to transfer your room to another person in need.

Check in is 3:00 pm, check out is 11:00 am.

TO BE ASSURED OF A ROOM AT THIS RATE, YOU MUST MAKE YOUR RESERVATION BY Friday October 17!

We have a limited number of rooms set aside at this rate so please reserve only what you need and make your reservations right away. It is possible that our room block will sell out PRIOR to the cutoff date; call early to assure you get a room. If you call for reservations before the group rate deadline and have trouble getting a room, please email Mandy Lill or you can call her at 360.943.0760.

Parking Rates:
There is a parking garage attached to the hotel and hotel guests get a discounted rate of $18 per night.

Is there a registration deadline?
For the early bird rate, please register by Friday October 20^th. Any registrations received after October 20^th will be charged a higher rate.

What are the registration fees?
Please refer to the registration page. There is an early bird rate if you register by October 20^th.  After that, the rates will increase! 

What does my registration fee include?
Your registration fees include everything listed on the applicable agendas. Attention associate members: The Thursday morning “Ports Only Breakfast” during the meeting is for registered Port attendees only.

Do I need to register my spouse, what can they attend, and is there a charge?
While there is no additional fee for a spouse to attend, we do ask that you register them in advance. Your spouse is invited and encouraged to attend the Wednesday evening Associate Member Reception as well as the Thursday evening Presidents Reception/Education Foundation Auction.  The Thursday morning “Ports Only Breakfast” during the meeting is for registered Port attendees only. Please no guests or associate members at this breakfast.

If you forget to register them or want to add someone later, please email Mandy Lill.

I have dietary restrictions/I’m vegetarian. How do I let you know this?
Please use the comment section on the registration form to let us know about any dietary restrictions or preferences. This helps us ensure that your meals are tailored to your needs. Note that due to hotel policies, we may not be able to accommodate last-minute requests, so it’s important to share this information in advance.

If you experience any issues with the form or have questions, please contact Mandy Lill at mlill@washingtonports.org for assistance.

What if I have to cancel?
A $100 administration fee will be charged for cancellations received after November 7, 2025, and for registrants failing to show.

I would like to learn more about sponsorship opportunities:
We love our sponsors and work hard to highlight them! You can increase your visibility to WPPA members and help keep the attendance fees reasonable. Sponsors gain exposure on our website, in printed and online meeting materials, and from the podium.

Associate Member Reception – Reserve Your Table!
Join us for the Associate Member Reception on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm, immediately following the general session. This casual, welcoming event is a great opportunity for Associate Members and port representatives to connect, share ideas, and build relationships early in the meeting.

Enjoy a hosted bar featuring beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages, along with light hors d’oeuvres. Associate Members can reserve a display table to showcase their organization, but space is limited, so be sure to contact Mandy Lill at WPPA right away to secure your spot!

Associate Member Reception Details:
Date: Wednesday November 19, 2025
Time: 4:00 to 6:00 pm
Location: Marriott Tacoma Downtown, Chambers Bay Pre-function area
Cost: $250.00 per table. This cost does not include any attendee registration fees, you will still need to register. You do have the option of adding two extra staff attendees at the reception only for $100 each, limit 2 people, and you must have at least 1 full registration.
How Many: There are a limited number of tables – only 20 – so reserve yours now!

Contact Info: Email Mandy Lill or call at 360.943.0760