Yakima Valley Event Planner Feedback

Discover why planners choose the Yakima Valley for meetings and events, and what they value about the destination’s venues, hospitality, and support.

A Strong Setting for Meetings and Events

Group planners describe the Yakima Valley as a welcoming, well-coordinated destination with dependable venues, attentive service, and a strong event experience.

Perspectives from Group Planners

The source page features feedback from event professionals, destination marketing organization partners, association leaders, and conference specialists. Their recurring themes include the helpfulness of the Yakima Convention Center team before, during, and after events; high-quality catering and varied meal options; positive attendee experiences; and the support provided by the Yakima Valley Tourism Sales Team with hotel blocks and other pre- and post-event needs. Cynthia Lydum, Vice President of Global Accounts, Conference Direct, highlights the professionalism of Brynn and the Visit Yakima team, including proposal collection, destination selection, venue updates, and member partnerships that simplify meeting production. Julie Tieman, Director of Conference Services, College of Business, University of Nevada Reno, points to the strong cooperation among Yakima hotels, the convention center, and the visitor’s bureau, along with onsite support, downtown business assistance, area improvements, and economic growth connected to the success of the hops business. Scott Ketron, Executive Director of WA Music Educators Association, describes a smooth conference and a can-do approach across the Convention Center staff, hotels, and catering partners. Joanie Pop, President, Event Dynamics, Inc., credits Brynn Kloster, Director of Convention & Group Sales for the Yakima Valley VCB, with making the RFP and location-selection process efficient, informative, and productive, while also recognizing the community’s communication, problem-solving, and customer service. Shelley Ruhlman, Managing Director of the American Truck Historical Society, recalls strong support for a first truck show in Yakima, including tour ideas, hotel assistance, advertising, maps, hospitality, attendee outreach, and a welcoming experience. Jenn Brunner of JB Events & Logistics also praises the Yakima Convention Center’s staff and catering, the satisfaction of her clients, and the destination’s ability to streamline hotel and event logistics.