Summit Speakers
David Blandford, CEO of State of Washington Tourism (SWT)
David is the CEO of State of Washington Tourism (SWT), the private nonprofit destination organization that markets the state as a premier travel destination regionally, across the U.S. and around the world.
Blandford has a long tenure in state tourism marketing and industry advocacy. He was part of the industry coalition that fought to re-establish a state tourism program following closure of the state agency in 2011. The Washington Tourism Alliance, SWT’s original name, was successfully achieved enabling legislation in 2018, and Blandford subsequently served as WTA board co-chair from 2018 to 2020 before transitioning to CEO.
A 30-year veteran of the tourism industry, Blandford brings extensive marketing, communications and public affairs experience at the local, state and national travel and tourism industry levels. Previously, he served in many capacities at Visit Seattle, the state’s largest destination marketing organization, most recently as Senior Vice President, Public Affairs between 2017 and 2020.
Natalie Maitland, Owner of Keen Bee Consulting.
Natalie Maitland is the owner of Keen Bee Consulting, her new company serving clients with a focus in hospitality, tourism and events. Throughout her 15+ year career she has experience on both the client services and operational sides of these industries. She brings her depth of knowledge with business development and creative strategy, keeping an eye on community impact to each client she works with. She is a founding board member of Quimper Collective, Washington Festival and Events Association Foundation board member, volunteers with the Port Townsend Marketing Work Group and Lodging Tax Advisory Committee and Olympic Peninsula Tourism Council along with participates in the PT Creative District subcommittee among other work in supporting a vibrant peninsula.
Thomas Skipper, Tommyknockers Cornish Pasty
Being an avid traveler and foodie, Thomas has eaten his way across 33 countries on 6 different continents, managed multiple restaurants in Manhattan, and hosted his own TV segment on Vail TV from 2012-2013. On his way to sell pasties in Port Townsend, Thomas spent 5 years as a hard rock miner deep in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Mining by night and skiing by day brought him a new and fresh perspective on what great food shared with friends should be. Thomas is excited to welcome everyone to come try a pasty and share a drink with your friends old, new, and soon to be. As he often likes to say with a smile on his face "Cheers, to you friends".
Denise Whitaker, Anchor/Reporter, KOMO 4 News
She loves her work as a journalist, earning 8 Emmys at it. She takes on any assignment from political turmoil to nasty weather. Some of her memorable assignments took her to the White House, aboard an AWACS plane, the AC-130 Gunship, plus Haiti, Hawaii and Hollywood.
Denise loves doing what she can for others, serving as a volunteer with the Climb to Fight Cancer which benefits the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. She's climbed mountains, rappelled buildings, barrel-raced horses, just to raise money for worthy charities. When she's not outside running a trail, or mountain biking, you'll find Denise in the kitchen, creating gourmet, yet healthy recipes.
Allen Cox, Chief Editorial Director, Northwest Travel & Life, Meeting News Northwest
Allen Cox suffers from wanderlust. His role as chief editorial director for two (soon to be three) publications breathes life into his love of storytelling. He has served as vice president of International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association and remains an emeritus lifetime member. He chairs the annual Travel & Words Conference, which connects travel journalists with destination and tourism partners. Throughout his career he has mentored travel writers on their journeys to become productive, career storytellers.
Lynnette Braillard, Founder and Creative Director, LuLish
As the founder and Creative Director for LuLish, a full-service destination marketing agency with over 25 years of hands-on marketing experience within the hospitality and tourism industries – including leading and building many Destination Marketing/Management Organizations from the ground up, Lynnette’s superpower is keeping a keen eye on the ever-changing trends that create connections and inspire visitors to go places and buy things.
She’s produced record-breaking strategies, campaigns and room tax collections for a variety of Oregon, Washington, and California cities, counties, and regional DMOs. And she’s been working with Visit Port Angeles since 2016 (and visiting since she was in high school!). Other current clients include Visit Central Oregon, Visit Del Norte County, North of Ordinary California, Visit Ukiah, City of Crescent City, Bend's Hayden Homes Amphitheater and Old Mill District and more.
Marsha Massey, Executive Director, Olympic Peninsula Visitor Bureau
Marsha Massey is the Executive Director of the Olympic Peninsula Visitor Bureau, the regional destination marketing organization, and the Olympic Peninsula Tourism Commission, a marketing partnership of eight area municipalities who collaborate to market the Olympic Peninsula region. She has dedicated most of her career to the tourism and hospitality industry, having previously worked in both the public and private sectors. Marsha’s tenure includes leading the former Washington State Tourism Office, as well as over 16 years with Westin Hotels and Resorts.
Rachel Bradley, Social Media and Content Specialist, Northwest Maritime
Rachel is the Social Media and Content Specialist for Northwest Maritime, where she manages multiple social media accounts, including the Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival, Race to Alaska, WA360, SEVENTY48, and Northwest Maritime. Passionate about storytelling, she captures and shares the adventures of inspiring individuals, using engaging videos and imagery to share Northwest Maritime’s mission. When she’s not behind the camera or crafting content, Rachel volunteers with the Port Townsend Sailing Association and spends as much time on the water as possible.