About Us
Hello and Welcome
The city of
— Visit & Event Planning Made Easy —
Don’t spend 40% of your day researching itineraries, accommodations, vendors, venues, and ideas for your next group gathering. I work with tour operators, planners, and producers to represent them to hotels & attractions in beautiful Issaquah Washington.
My role is funded by lodging tax dollars. I offer unbiased, transparent, and COMPLIMENTARY services & consulting for your sourcing, negotiations, contracts and vendor partners. YOU are in complete control, I make sure you have clear and varied options.
I find joy in exceeding expectations. Convening and collaborating with others to do good work or achieve goals is my fuel. Providing solid return on investment in me, or initiatives I lead, is my bar of excellence.
ABOUT Visit Issaquah
Mission: Convener of tourism and hospitality partners for positive economic development through destination marketing.
Established in 2018 as a nonprofit in Washington state, the purpose of Visit Issaquah is to serve as Issaquah’s official Destination Marketing Organization. Visit Issaquah increases tourism in the region by marketing arts and cultural events, outdoor recreation activities, our scenic beauty, unique meeting venues, and national brand hotels, to create additional tax revenue and spending in the community.
The management of Visit Issaquah is conducted by the Board of Directors consisting of 3-5 members, including one representative appointed by the City of Issaquah and at least two representatives from Issaquah hotels.
The Board of Directors hires staff. Currently, Visit Issaquah has one employee, the Executive Director.
The work of Visit Issaquah is funded by lodging tax dollars allocated annually by the Issaquah City Council.
Inclusive
Visit Issaquah is committed to creating an inclusive destination that promotes and values diversity. Visit Issaquah welcomes visitors diverse in age, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, and perspective. Our priority is to promote a destination where everyone is welcome, from any background, because it is the right thing to do. More than a core value, Visit Issaquah recognizes the process to foster an inclusive, welcoming location is an ongoing and ever-changing practice.
Land Acknowledgement
Visit Issaquah joins the City of Issaquah in its acknowledgement and pledge of respect, and protection to the land we occupy as Snoqualmie Tribe ancestral ground.
Sustainable
In 2023, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) awarded the City of Issaquah with LEED® Gold certification for its exceptional performance in fostering a sustainable, resilient and equitable community. Issaquah is the first city in Washington state to achieve LEED Gold certification – and one of only five LEED-certified communities statewide.
Visit Issaquah’s Board of Directors
Will Parkinson, Chair Emeritus, Area GM for Issaquah Hilton Properties
Billy Rossman, Treasurer, GM SpringHill Suites by Marriott Seattle Issaquah
Lisa Johnson Shennum, Secretary, Dir. of Sales, Homewood Suites Issaquah
John Parizek, Chairman, GM Hilton Garden Inn Seattle/Issaquah
Melia Adams Wilkinson, Premier Media 425 Magazine
Marty R. Dawood, Vice Chair, GM Arena Sports
Proud Member
Let us know your requirements
Leave the rest to us
Just east of Seattle, where the Puget Sound meets the Cascade Mountains, awaits a destination like no other. A place within arm’s reach of the city, yet far enough away to serve as a true escape for visitors longing for the best of both worlds.