Welcome & Registration
Welcome to the 50th Washington State Public Transportation Conference, Vendor Expo, and State Roadeo -
The events will take place from August 10th to August 12th in dynamic downtown Tacoma, WA. Remember, the Conference has added an extra day of content and networking, making it even more rewarding for all participants; it will end on Wednesday, the 12th, not Tuesday.
The success of this event is indebted to the gracious support and collaborative efforts of the host agency, Pierce Transit. Their dedication and tireless assistance have played a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless organization of this gathering.
Participants can anticipate a comprehensive agenda featuring diverse discussions, workshops, and sessions facilitated by esteemed industry professionals. From exploring the latest technological innovations to delving into strategies for sustainable transit solutions, there will be ample opportunities to glean valuable insights and expertise.
The Vendor Expo promises to be a hub of activity where attendees can engage with leading suppliers, discover cutting-edge products and services, and cultivate beneficial partnerships to elevate their transit endeavors.
Adding to the excitement, the State Roadeo will showcase the skills and expertise of transit professionals as they navigate through a series of challenging competitions, fostering camaraderie and friendly rivalry among peers. Whether seasoned veterans or newcomers, the 50th Washington State Public Transportation Conference offers a platform for all to exchange ideas, inspire innovation, and shape the future of transit in Washington State.
Attendee Registration
Registration Need To Knows
Please Read Thoroughly:
- The Conference will span from Monday, August 10th, to Wednesday, August 12th.
- Monday will be a half-day - the Morning will be for those attending tours and WSTA Committees.
- Leadership Training - utilizing the link below, you can elect to attend a 1-day leadership training on Monday. Limited seats are available.
- Wall of Fame Banquet is on Wednesday night, August 12th, the last day of the Conference.
Please send all registration questions to: wsta@watransit.com
One-Day Only Registration:
One-day Registation is for Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday. It does NOT include the evening events, which are sold separately.
*Important Reminder for State Roadeo Banquet Attendance:
The State Roadeo Banquet is NOT included with full registration. It is sold as a separate product.
Registration deadlines and cancellation policy:
WSTA will strictly adhere to the registration deadlines and cancellation policy. Please be mindful of this information.
**All cancellations must be made in writing by 5:00 pm on July 8th. If you do not cancel within this timeframe, you will be responsible for full payment. Refunds for registrations paid with credit card before the event and canceled before the registration deadline will be refunded by check (minus the cc transaction fee). Substitutions are welcome. Please send substitutions if necessary to: wsta@watransit.com
You will not be allowed to register online after July 31st. Registrations on and after the 31st must be taken care of in person, onsite at the Conference registration desk. Please note that payment may be sent via check or made via credit card.
Attendee Registration Products
Conference Registration
Full Conference, One Day Registrations,
Leadership Training & WOF Banquet Tickets.
*Deadline for online ticket sales: July 31st, 2026.
Roadeo & WOF Banquet Tickets
The Roadeo banquet is NOT included in your conference registration.
Full conference Registrations DOES INCLUDE the Wall of Fame Banquet.
*Deadline for Ticket Sales: July 8th, 2026*
Vendor Registration
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Early Bird: May 13 – June 08
Regular: June 08 – July 08 *or until vendor hall is full
After July 08: Dependent on availability, with a 25% fee
- All vendors must purchase a booth – Vehicles will be displayed inside the Expo.
- Additional attendee price is not intended for "walking the show." Please note that any non-registered attendees soliciting will be asked to leave the event.
- Additional attendee price is not intended for "walking the show." Please note that any non-registered attendees soliciting will be asked to leave the event.
- All payments must be received by July 31st. Payment methods include checks mailed to: PO Box 13068, Olympia, WA 98508, or you may pay via Visa or MasterCard by CLICKING HERE.
- For those wishing to sponsor, please reach out to wsta@watransit.com for special instructions regarding registration.
- Fruthermore, please send all registration questions to: wsta@watransit.com
Cancellation/Payment Policy:
The deadline for cancellations is July 8th. Cancelations must be made in writing to: wsta@watransit.com
All payments must be received by July 31st. **WSTA has a “No pay, no show” policy. Vendors must be in good standing with no outstanding invoices. Those not in good standing will not be allowed to show on the vendor floor. Please refer to your vendor packet for more information.
Booth Assignments:
Booth assignments will be assigned two weeks after registration closes. Vendors will then be notified of booth assignments two to three weeks before the event. Sponsors will receive premium spots in the room, followed by Associate Members.
Booth Exhibitor Hall:
The fee includes an 8'x10' booth space with pipe and drape, one 6' skirted table, two chairs, and meals for one person. The exhibitor hall will be in the Greater Tacoma Convention Center - 1500 Commerce St, Tacoma, WA 98402.
Vehicle Display:
There will be inside vehicle display options available; vendors must still purchase a booth. Vehicle space is limited and will be a first-come, first-served situation. WSTA will email those bringing a vehicle to display with further information on haul-in time and instructions.
Shipping:
Fern Expo will be providing shipping services for this event.
Shipping information to come.
Lodging:
Once you have completed your registration form, you will receive a confirmation email with lodging information for the Marriott Tacoma Downtown room block, which includes links to book online. For more details, please refer to the lodging & travel section of the conference website below.
Vendor Registration Products
Vendor Registration
Booths sold out.
Please reach out to WSTA staff for any potential availability: wsta@watransit.com
Program
Conference Program
The Conference Program and Program At-A-Glance will be updated as we get closer to the Conference. WSTA will release a Program At-A-Glance with Session titles in July but will continue to refine it. A complete Program with session descriptions will follow as soon as they arrive. Please note while sessions may change room and time, the Program At-A-Glance outlining the times for General or Breakout Sessions will not, nor will be, other events happening at the Conference.
WSTA will not be printing a Conference Program. We will have an app for you to use, if you need a paper program, please print it before arriving.
Last Updated: May 15th, 2025
Last Updated: June 26, 2025
Lodging & Travel
Getting There & Getting Around:
Take Transit:
The Marriott is served by Pierce Transit.
CLICK HERE to visit the PierceTransit website for more information.
Area Airport:
Attendees have an airport option:
Seatac Airport - CLICK HERE
Please see the WSTA Roadeo Event page for details for those attending the Roadeo.
CLICK HERE to see the State Roadeo page
Hotel Address: (hosting hotel)
Marriott Tacoma Downtown
1538 Commerce St, Tacoma, WA 98402
For those driving in: Parking at the Marriott is discounted to $19.00++ up to one vehicle for the overnight guests in the block per day.
For those flying in: Please review the Pierce Transit trip planner HERE.
This year's events will be at the Marriott Tacoma Downtown. CLICK HERE to visit the "Visit Pierce County" page for local sights and activities.
WSTA has set up a room block at the hosting hotel. You will receive the link to the booking information in your confirmation email after registering.
The government per-diem rate is limited. Once the room block is full, attendees may have to pay a higher rate or find a different location.
Event Addresses:
State Roadeo
August 8 - 9, 2026
Operators Course Competition
Pierce Transit Training Center | 3720 96th St SW, Lakewood, WA 98499
Limited shuttles will be provided for practice day.
There is NO onsite parking.
Maintenance Competition
3701 96th St. SW, Bldg 1, Lakewood, WA 98499
Shuttles will be provided for competition day.
There is NO onsite parking.
WA State Conference
August 10 - 13, 2026
Marriott Tacoma Downtown
1538 Commerce St, Tacoma, WA 98402
WA State Vendor Expo
August 10 - 11
Greater Tacoma Convention Center
1500 Commerce St, Tacoma, WA 98402.
Wall of Fame Awards
It's time to submit your Wall of Fame Award Nominees. The Nominees will be recognized at the 50th Washington State Public Transportation Conference, Vendor Expo, and State Roadeo in Tacoma, WA on August 13th at 6:30pm. *Please Note* Only those in attendance will be recognized on stage.
The deadline for all submissions is Tuesday, July 8th. No late submissions will be accepted, so please be mindful of the deadline.
How many honorees may we recognize? Each agency may submit up to three nominations: two individuals and one team. For more information on the Wall of Fame (WOF) nominations, please visit their FAQ/guidlines document by CLICKING HERE.
For questions about the Wall of Fame, please contact Debi LaVaque at debi.lavaque@wsdot.wa.gov (Please do not contact WSTA Staff for questions regarding nominations).
The Banquet is part of the Full Conference Registration. No need to buy a separate ticket. For extra tickets or those not attending the Conference, you can buy a single banquet ticket for $50 - early bird pricing, $55 - regular pricing, $60 - late pricing, and late/day of purchases will be $75.
Mailing Address: PO Box 13068, Olympia, WA 98508
tel. 360-786-9734
© Washington State Transit Association All rights reserved.
