Housing Washington 2026: Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to Housing Washington 2026. We are committed to fostering a conference environment where every attendee feels a true sense of belonging and respect. By prioritizing accessibility and valuing the diverse perspectives of everyone dedicated to affordable housing, we aim to create a space that is as vibrant and varied as the communities we serve across the state.
The following Frequently Asked Questions are designed to help you navigate the event with ease, providing details on everything from venue accessibility to session logistics. If you have questions or feedback please contact us at info@housingwa.org.
TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATIONS
Are there recommended hotels for the conference?
Housing Washington hotel blocks are available at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, and The Centennial – a Davenport Hotel. Visit the Housing Washington hotels page for details and hotel booking information. Hotel blocks are limited and offered on a first-come first-served basis; early booking is encouraged. Learn more about accessibility accommodations at each of the conference partner hotels: Davenport Hotels Accessibility and DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Spokane City Center (click the orange “Accessible Features” button).
Which hotels offer per diem rates for government employees?
The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel and The Centennial Hotel have per diem rates offered. Note that the DoubleTree per diem hotel rate is only available for Government employees (Employee IDs will be required at check-in). Visit the Housing Washington hotels page for details and hotel booking information.
Where is the nearest parking to the Spokane Convention Center?
The most convenient option is the covered parking garage, located below the Exhibit Halls. Entrance to this lot is located on West Spokane Falls Boulevard. Get details and directions.
What are the parking costs?
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Spokane Convention Parking: $16 Daily Max parking; $12 with validation for overnight parking.
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Davenport Grand Parking: Self-parking is $28 overnight; hourly parking rates vary. Check with the hotel directly for costs.
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DoubleTree Hilton Parking: Self-parking is $28 overnight; hourly parking rates vary. Check with the hotel directly for costs.
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The Centennial – a Davenport Hotel: Self-parking is $15 per night, plus applicable taxes.
What can I do in Spokane?
For information about Spokane and area activities and attractions, check out Spokane's official visitor site Visit Spokane. Also, join with colleagues on the Whova conference app to learn about other ad-hoc events and community meet ups hosted by other fellow attendees. Attendees will receive a link to download the Whova conference app when it opens in August 2026. If you downloaded the app last year, you do not need to do so again; simply look for the Housing Washington 2026 conference on your installed Whova app.
How do I get to the Spokane Convention Center from the three hotels?
The Davenport Grand Hotel is directly connected to the Spokane Convention Center via an enclosed skybridge. The DoubleTree by Hilton Spokane City Center is connected to the Convention Center complex through the indoor skywalk system, providing an accessible, weather-protected route. Both the enclosed skybridge and skywalk system are open during conference hours. Inquire with hotel staff for guidance on where each connector is located and how to access it or to request assistance to identify the most accessible route. The Centennial Hotel is a five-minute walk from the Spokane Convention Center along paved park pathways. These routes are generally accessible for wheelchair users. Please check with hotel staff for directions to the most accessible path.
How do I find out about available transportation or shuttles to and from Spokane airport to my hotel?
Shuttle services are not provided by the hotels or the Housing Washington conference. Attendees are responsible for their own transportation costs and may use local airport taxis, Uber, Lyft, or Spokane Transit Authority bus routes. For wheelchair-accessible travel, MedTran offers accessible ground transportation in Spokane.
REGISTRATION
How do I register to attend the conference?
General attendee registration opens in early June 2026. If you would like to receive updates, please click “Sign up for Updates” at the top of the Housing Washington website and enter your contact information. The early bird rate is available through July 31, 2026. Registration will close on October 12, 2026, or sooner if the event sells out.
Why have the rates increased this year?
Registration rates for Housing Washington reflect the rising costs of producing a high-quality conference. As expenses shift from year to year, including those influenced by inflation, periodic adjustments help ensure we can continue offering a strong program and a meaningful, well-supported, and inclusive experience for everyone who attends. Even with these adjustments, our rates remain at the lower end when compared with similar statewide affordable housing conferences across the country. Housing Washington regularly reviews national benchmarks to keep the conference accessible and affordable, supporting broad participation across the housing and homelessness community.
Do you offer scholarships or discounts?
Housing Washington offers a limited number of scholarships annually. The 2026 scholarship application closes at 5:00pm PST on June 3, 2026. For details on the scholarship program and to apply visit the Housing Washington Scholarship page.
How do I request an invoice or a receipt for my registration?
To request an invoice or receipt for your registration, please email registration@housingwa.com. Be sure to include the name and email address used during registration for the attendee so the request can be processed accurately.
Are group registrations accepted?
You may register up to 10 attendees at one time. Simply select the quantity you would like to register, and the system will allow you to complete the registration process for each attendee.
How do I cancel my registration and request a refund?
The deadline to cancel your registration is October 12, 2026. Refunds will not be issued for cancellations received after October 12, 2026. To request a cancellation, email registration@housingwa.org; include your full name and the email address used during registration. As per the Housing Washington Cancellation Policy, a $50 fee will be deducted from any refund for cancellations made on or before October 12, 2026.
If I’m unable to attend the conference, may I transfer my ticket to another individual?
The deadline to request a ticket substitution is October 12, 2026. Substitution requests will not be accepted after this date. To submit a substitution request, email registration@housingwa.org; include your full name and email address used during registration and the full name and email address of the new attendee. As per the Housing Washington Substitution Policy, a $50 processing fee will be charged for all substitutions.
If I need to leave the conference early, may I transfer my ticket to another individual?
On-site ticket substitutions and ticket sharing are not permitted. As per the Housing Washington Substitution Policy, substitution requests must be made before October 12, 2026, and will incur a $50 processing fee.
The information on my registration confirmation is incorrect; who can I contact for corrections?
To modify your registration information, please email registration@housingwa.org. Include the email and name used during registration.
Where do I pick up my badge and what do I need to check in?
Registration is located in Rooms 102ABCD & 103. Please bring a form of ID so conference registration staff can confirm your name and provide your badge. If you need assistance at check-in, conference staff are available to help.
Is on-site registration available and at what rate?
Housing Washington typically sells out prior to the start date of the conference. Should the conference not sell out prior to the start of the event, on-site registration will be offered. The on-site registration fee is $700 (late registration rate). We recommend registering by July 31st to take advantage of the early-bird discount rate of $525.
What if the conference sells out – will there be a waitlist?
If the conference reaches capacity, a waitlist will be available. To join the waitlist, email registration@housingwa.org and include your name and “Waitlist Request” in the subject line. You will be notified if a ticket becomes available. Housing Washington does maintain a waitlist process; however, tickets are not assigned solely on a first-come basis. When space becomes available, we may consider factors such as organizational representation, conference participation goals, and overall balance in attendance to help support a broad and representative conference experience.
What are the on-site registration hours?
View the most updated conference agenda here.
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Tuesday, October 20 11:00AM - 6:30PM
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Wednesday, October 21 7:30AM - 6:00PM
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Thursday, October 22 7:30AM - 3:00PM
SCHEDULE BUILDER & WHOVA APP
When will the schedule builder be available on Whova?
All registered attendees will receive an email in August 2026 when the Whova mobile app is live. This email will include directions on how to build your personal schedule and other content available via the app, such as connecting with other attendees.
How can I obtain an attendee list?
Housing Washington attendees can connect with all registered attendees who opt in through the Whova app. A formal attendee list is not provided by the conference.
If I add a session to my calendar, does that save me a seat in the session?
No, adding a session to your calendar does not reserve a seat. Session seating is available on a first-come, first-seated basis. Reserved accessible seating is located in the front row of each room, and wheelchairs can be accommodated at the end of any seating aisle. If you need additional support or have accessibility needs beyond what’s provided, ask a room monitor or any conference staff member for assistance.
MEALS
Are meals provided at Housing Washington?
Two continental breakfasts, two lunch buffets, and snack breaks are provided for registered attendees during the conference. A selection of appetizers and a no-host bar are available at the Welcome Reception and Friend of Housing awards reception. Please refer to the Housing Washington Whova app for menu details. As part of our effort to reduce our carbon footprint, water coolers are placed throughout the conference area for convenient water bottle refills. The conference invites all attendees to bring along a water bottle to refill.
I have dietary restrictions; how can I let the event organizers know?
During registration, you are asked for your dietary restrictions. Requests will be reviewed and accommodated accordingly. Housing Washington makes every effort to work with attendees that require dietary accommodation; requests received less than two weeks prior to the event or on-site cannot be guaranteed. Note that standard dietary restrictions, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, dairy free, and nut free will be accommodated and clearly marked. Additional requests will be discussed individually and accommodated, when possible, within the available meal offerings. Special meals will be provided for those that have indicated severe or life-threatening allergies; a card will be included in your badge with directions on where to pick up your meal. We work closely with the Spokane Center catering staff to minimize risk, but please contact us at registration@housingwa.org should you have specific concerns.
PROGRAM & SESSIONS
What are conference dates and daily hours?
Housing Washington 2026 takes place October 20-22, 2026, at the Spokane Convention Center. For a schedule of events and hours, refer to the conference program and program-at-a-glance. A program schedule will also be available through the Whova app.
What’s the policy on session photography?
While taking photos of sessions and speakers is permitted, we ask that no flash photography be used. Personal videography of sessions is not allowed; however, all sessions will be professionally recorded and made available on the Housing Washington website under the “On‑demand library” in the top menu bar. We also kindly request mindfulness and respect of other attendees when taking photos. Not everyone may wish to be photographed, and we encourage you to check in or avoid capturing identifiable images of fellow participants without their consent. This helps create a space where everyone feels comfortable and included.
Is there a live virtual option available?
Housing Washington will not be offered in a virtual live capacity. Sessions will be professionally recorded and shared post-conference on the Housing Washington website. Click on the “On-demand library” in the top menu bar.
Where can I find session handouts/slides?
Session slide decks and/or handouts, as approved for sharing by presenters, will be available on the Housing Washington website post-conference.
How do I get continuing education credits (CEUs) or certificates of attendance?
Most sessions in the Ending Homelessness track will be certified for CEUs under the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance's provider license, including virtual programming following the in-person conference. Licensed social workers can earn credit at select sessions by signing in for in person sessions. The sign-in sheet will be on a clipboard in the session room and can be completed at the end of the session. For virtual sessions, participants can complete a brief content retention quiz following the session. The link to the content retention quiz will be posted in the session chat and shared on screen at the end of the session. Housing Washington does not directly provide CEUs or formalized certificates of attendance via the conference for sessions in the other program tracks of the conference. Check with your industry sector organization regarding their CEU self-reporting policies and requirements.
Will there be session repeats or overflow seating for popular sessions?
No. Housing Washington will not offer live session repeats; however, session recordings will be made available post-conference in the Housing Washington on-demand library.
FACILITY
How do I report an incident onsite?
There will be convention center security staff near every entrance should you need to report an emergency. Contact Spokane Convention Security, 509-279-7000. You can also approach any conference staff member if you feel uncomfortable at any point. Staff are identifiable by their name badges, which include a “Staff” ribbon. Staff are also always available at the registration desk if you need help.
Is there a coat check at the Spokane Convention Center?
There will be a complimentary coat check area across from the cafe in the main lobby area.
Will there be a place where I can charge my devices such as my phone, computer, etc.?
No, there are no specific charging stations or areas available. However, there are some public outlets throughout the convention center lobbies that you may utilize.
Is there ADA assistance available?
Yes, ADA accommodation will be available throughout the conference to support attendee needs. This includes reserved seating in the front of each session room. Speakers will use microphones to ensure clear audio, and captioning will be provided on presentation screens during each session. You may specify your needs during the registration process under the ADA section. For additional details on accommodations at Housing Washington, visit the conference accommodations page.
Will a facility map be available?
Yes, the Whova Conference App includes a facility map. It can be accessed under the logistic tile. The map highlights elevators, ramps, restrooms, and event assigned meeting rooms. A large print session map may be requested by emailing registration@housingwa.org.
Will there be a lactation room available?
Yes, a lactation room will be available in Room 111A for attendees who need a private space. If you plan to use the lactation room, please indicate this in the accessibility section during registration so your needs can be accommodated accordingly.
Will there be a quiet or sensory room available?
Yes. Housing Washington provides a quiet/sensory room in the Conference Theater Green Room (signs will be outside the door) to accommodate the varying needs of attendees. This space supports an environment that provides space away from the conference and is open to anyone who needs a moment to rest, decompress, or regulate sensory input. To honor the purpose and intent of this space and for the comfort of everyone using it, we ask that work, meetings, and calls be taken to other areas.
Is there a place where I can take calls or work quietly if necessary?
There are no specific meeting rooms, pods or other areas designated for personal work spaces for Housing Washington attendees at the Spokane Convention Center. If returning to the hotel or your hotel room is not an option, the Spokane Convention Center features several outdoor seating areas with benches, steps, and patio set ups. The Central Spokane Public Library is also located just 0.4 miles from the Spokane Convention Center, which is an approximately 8‑minute walk. The library offers free, insulated private study rooms and high‑tech conference spaces. Reservations are required and can be made directly through the Spokane Public Library Booking Portal.
Can I store my luggage or personal belongings at the conference?
Housing Washington is unable to store attendee personal luggage or belongings on-site due to space and liability. If you are a guest at one of the Housing Washington partner hotels, inquire with their staff for luggage storage procedures.
Where is Lost and Found?
Check in at the registration desk for any lost and found items. Items left after the conference will be given to Spokane Convention Center Security (509-279-7000).
SPONSORS & EXHIBITORS
Where can I find information on becoming a Sponsor/Exhibitor?
Organizations interested in sponsoring or exhibiting at Housing Washington can visit the 2026 Sponsor/Exhibit Opportunities page on the conference website for details.
Who do I contact with questions about our sponsorship?
Please email sponsorship@housingwa.org.
My organization requires a W9 to process my sponsorship payment; who can I contact to request that information?
Email sponsorship@housingwa.org.
When will sponsor exhibition information be available?
Exhibitor packets, with details on your exhibit space and set up, will be emailed to participating exhibitors in July/August 2026.
What are exhibitor hours and move-in/move-out times?
Specific blocks for exhibitor networking are outlined in the program and program-at-a-glance on the Housing Washington website and in the Whova app. These times, along with move-in and move-out details, are available in the provided exhibit packets.
GENERAL
What is the dress code?
The dress code for Housing Washington is business casual to casual. It is recommended to dress in layers and bring a sweater, jacket, or other covering, as session rooms can feel cool.
I will be bringing a service animal, is there a pet relief area?
The Spokane Convention Center has a grassy area for pet relief just outside the hotel entrance on the east side of the hotel.
Does Housing Washington allow children to attend?
If you feel you have no option but to bring your child, please contact the conference team for consideration before registering. Requests are reviewed individually, and while exceptions are rare, a small number have been approved over the past two decades.
Please note:
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Childcare is not provided.
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Parents or guardians must always supervise their child.
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Parents or guardians are responsible for managing meals and all other needs.
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Conference programming is designed for adults and may not be appropriate for children.
What is the Housing Washington Code of Conduct?
We expect all Housing Washington event participants to uphold our Code of Conduct principles, which apply to all aspects of the main conference and its related activities whether digital or in-person. Housing Washington does not tolerate the following in any aspect of the event, including business, networking, and social activities:
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Behavior that is disruptive, disrespectful, or degrading to others, including any messages, images, or interactions by anyone, in any form, regardless of location.
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Harassment or discrimination based on age, ancestry, color, gender identity or expression, national origin, physical or mental disability, religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations, and ordinances.
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We encourage everyone to assist in creating a welcoming and safe environment. You may report concerns, harassing behavior, or suspicious or disruptive activity to the event staff, the event presenters, or the nearest venue/hotel staff. Housing Washington reserves the right to refuse admittance to, or remove any person from, the conference and/or its related activities at any time at its sole discretion to ensure the safety, security, and respect of participants and the hosting event properties.