« All Events

2026 Small Ports Seminar

October 22 @ 9:00 am - October 23 @ 12:00 pm

Hello WPPA MEMBERS!

We hope you will join us…

Time to mark your calendar and make your reservations for the 2026 WPPA SMALL PORTS SEMINAR! The 2026 Seminar is once again scheduled to take place in beautiful Chelan at Campbell’s Resort on October 22nd & 23rd. You don’t want to miss this year’s event!

As in years past, the seminar will officially run from 1:00 p.m. Thursday, October 22nd to Noon on Friday, October 23rd.  We have set aside a block of rooms at Campbell’s Resort for our group, but please make your room reservations right away as that room block expires on September 22nd and it is possible that we could sell out prior to that date.

We’re continuing our tradition of offering an optional Thursday morning intensive designed with small ports in mind. This year’s session will explore how ports can successfully move projects from concept to completion, featuring a respected panel of industry leaders who will share practical insights, lessons learned, and real-world experiences. Whether you’re planning for future development or actively managing a project today, you’ll leave with ideas you can put to work. No registration is required, everyone is welcome, and there is no additional cost to attend.

Our regular event schedule will include topics such as:

  • Emergency Response
  • Volunteers at Your Ports
  • Updates and Information from CERB

AND

  • We’re covering the current hot topic of “Website Best Practices & ADA Compliance”

Our presenters are excited to share and interact with all of you and help you navigate various processes to achieve your goals!

We look forward to seeing you in Chelan!

Eric ffitch, Executive Director

 

2026 Small Ports Seminar FAQ

Where and when is this years event?

The 2026 Small Ports Seminar is at Campbell’s Resort in Lake Chelan, October 22nd & 23rd.

How do I register for this event?

Please register using our online form so we can collect the correct information. The link to the registration form is located at the top of this page.

Will I receive confirmation of my registration?

Yes. A confirmation email will be sent within 48 hours to both the attendee and the admin email addresses provided during registration. If you do not receive confirmation within 2 days, please do not hesitate to contact Mandy Lill or phone 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. Payments may be made by check or by calling in a credit card.

What is the dress code?
Dress is smart casual.

Is registration required for the optional Thursday morning intensive session?

NO, you do not need to register for the optional intensive training session on Thursday morning; anyone can attend that session even if you are not attending the rest of the event. Just show up.

Hotel Information

If you have a room that you need to cancel – please contact Mandy first! We may have someone on a waiting list that could use your room. Thank you!

Room rate: $169 – $199 per night plus applicable taxes and fees. Should you wish to extend your stay, these rates are also offered 3 days prior and 3 days post our event, subject to availability.
We have a limited number of rooms set aside at this rate so please reserve only what you need.
You can phone in your reservations directly to the hotel: 800.553.8225 and mention you are with the Washington Public Ports Association OR use our group block # 811510. You will be asked to guarantee your reservation with a credit card.
Please book directly with the hotel, not a third-party site. If you have questions about this, contact Mandy Lill.

Hotel Cancellation policy:
Campbells has a 7-day cancellation policy. If possible, contact Mandy before cancelling as we may be able to repurpose your room for another attendee in need.
* Exception: Reservations made 6 months in advance have a 1-month cancellation policy.

Check‑in: 4:00 pm
Check‑out: 11:00 am

Reservation Deadline:
To guarantee the group rate, reservations must be made by Tuesday September 22nd.
Our room block may sell out before that date so reserve early.
If you encounter issues before the deadline, please email Mandy or call 360.943.0760.

Parking & WiFi:
There is complimentary self-parking and wireless internet.

Pets:
Pets are not allowed at the resort.

Please reserve only the rooms you expect to use. Holding extra rooms can prevent other attendees from booking at the group rate. Late cancellations also impact the association’s hotel commitments, which can result in additional costs. We appreciate your help in ensuring that all members have fair access to our room block and discounted rates.

If you have a room you no longer need, please contact Mandy Lill BEFORE you cancel. We may have someone on a waiting list that could use your extra room!

Is there a seminar registration deadline?

The seminar registration deadline is October 16th, 2026 to ensure you will receive a printed name badge.

What are the registration fees?

Associate Member/Agency Personnel – $175

Non-Member – $275

Port Commissioners and Staff – Varies depending on size of port:

$130.00 $110.00 $80.00 $60.00
Anacortes
Bellingham
Everett
Grays Harbor
Longview
Olympia
Seattle
Tacoma
Vancouver		 Bremerton
Chelan-Douglas
Edmonds
Kalama
Moses Lake
Pasco
Port Angeles
Skagit
Sunnyside
Walla Walla		 Benton
Brownsville
Camas-Washougal
Centralia
Friday Harbor
Ilwaco
Kennewick
Kingston
Klickitat
Pend Oreille
Port Townsend
Poulsbo
Quincy
Ridgefield
Shelton
South Whidbey Island
Warden
Whitman County
Willapa Harbor
Woodland		 Allyn
Chehalis
Chinook
Clarkston
Columbia
Coupeville
Dewatto
Ephrata
Garfield
Grand Coulee
Grandview
Grapeview
Hartline
Hoodsport
Illahee
Indianola
Keyport
Lopez
Manchester
Mattawa
Orcas
Othello
Peninsula
Royal Slope
Silverdale
Skamania
Tracyton
Wahkiakum #1
Wahkiakum #2
Waterman

Please note that in addition to your registration fees, we now also have to charge you sales tax: In 2025, the Washington State Legislature passed Senate Bill 5814, which expands the types of “services” that are subject to the retail sales tax. According to guidance from the Department of Revenue, that includes “lectures, seminars, workshops, or courses where participants attend either in person or via internet.” As a result, WPPA now charges retail sales tax on applicable event registrations at the local rate for the jurisdiction in which the event is held.

What does my registration fee include?

The registration fee includes everything listed on the Small Ports Seminar agenda.

Do I need to register my spouse, what can they attend, and is there a charge?

There is no additional fee for a spouse to attend, but please register them in advance and include their full name on the registration form. Your spouse is encouraged to attend the reception on Thursday evening. All other meals are for registered attendees only.

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. Every effort will be made to accommodate your requests at all functions. 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, feel free to contact Mandy Lill at [email protected] for assistance.

What if I have to cancel?

Cancellations received after October 14 and no-shows will incur a $100 administrative fee. For registrations costing less than $100, the cancellation fee will not exceed the cost of your registration.

I am an associate member and would like to learn about sponsorship opportunities and if you offer display tables?

We love our sponsors! You can increase your visibility to WPPA members and help keep the attendance fees low at Small Ports. Sponsors gain exposure on our website, in printed and online meeting materials, and from the podium.

All Sponsors Receive:

  • Logo on the Small Ports sponsor page of the WPPA website
  • Listing as a sponsor on the event handout
  • Verbal recognition at the event

Sponsorship Levels & Benefits

$2,000 – Reception Food Sponsor

  • Large logo on reception sponsor sign
  • Link to your website on sponsor page
  • 2 free registrations
  • Optional table at reception at your request (no charge)
  • Limit: 4 sponsors

$1,250 – Reception Bar Sponsor

  • Medium logo on reception sponsor sign
  • 1 free registration
  • Optional table at reception at your request (no charge)
  • Limit: 3 sponsors

$900 – Greetings & Prints Sponsor

  • Logo on sponsor sign at registration desk (visible throughout the meeting)
  • Choice of:
    • 1 free registration OR a free table at the reception
  • Limit: 3 Sponsors

$750 – Spouse Participation Sponsor

  • Logo on sponsor sign at registration desk (visible throughout the meeting)
  • 1 free registration
  • Limit: 3 sponsors

$650 – General Reception Sponsor

  • Company name on large sponsorship sign in reception room
  • Choice of:
    • 1 free registration
    • OR $100 off the cost of your table at the Associate Member Reception
  • Unlimited sponsors, limited tables

$500 – Caffeine & Cookies Sponsor

  • Logo on sponsor sign in meeting room (next to coffee/snacks)
  • Registration cost of $100 each for up to 4 of your attendees
  • Limit: 4 sponsors

$250 – Table Only (Non-Sponsor Option)

  • Table at Associate Member Reception (see below)
  • Name listed in program as having a table
  • Limited tables

Associate Member Reception Information

Thursday, October 22 | 4:00 – 6:00 PM

Come join us for a casual, friendly networking event where Associate Members and port representatives can connect, share ideas, and build relationships.

  • Set Up & Display: We’ll have ten display tables available in the reception space. You’re welcome to arrive as early as 2:00 PM to pick your spot and get set up. Your display will stay up throughout the reception, giving attendees a chance to stop by, chat, and learn more about what you do.
  • Make Meaningful Connections: Many of our ports are looking for guidance and new partnerships—but they might not know where to start. This is a great opportunity to introduce yourself, share your expertise, and explore how you might support their work.
  • Wrap-Up: Once the reception wraps up at 6:00 PM, we’ll need to clear the room, so please plan to pack up your display at that time.
  • Reserve Your Table: Tables are $250 (registration fee not included).

Space is limited to just 10 tables, email Mandy Lill to secure a display table or to inquire about sponsorships.

Thank you!

Details

  • Start: October 22 @ 9:00 am
  • End: October 23 @ 12:00 pm

Venue