I recently had the incredible opportunity to travel to Spokane, Washington, for an amazing conference. Alongside my wonderful colleagues, Kris and Kim, I had the privilege of presenting our work. The session went exceptionally well, and the feedback from participants was incredibly rewarding. Beyond the presentation, the networking opportunities were fantastic, and we are returning to Virginia with “treasures”—new insights and strategies—to enrich our work. We came into the city with our Uber driver, who offered a Karaoke ride! What great fun to sing our way into the city!

While the conference kept us busy, we made sure to explore Spokane’s unique charm. The city is beautifully walkable, especially at night, and we spent several evenings sightseeing. Beyond the professional growth, the city was alive with the vibrant colors of spring; tulips were in bloom all around the city, and the fresh spring foliage made every walk feel like a tour through a garden. We even spotted the local marmot animals scurrying about everywhere! A true highlight of our urban exploration was visiting the Historic Davenport Hotel; its grand architecture and rich history make it an absolute must-see for anyone visiting the area.

You can find more information about the iconic Historic Davenport Hotel at their official website: The Historic Davenport Hotel.

Known as Spokane’s grandest and most historic destination, it features the famous Peacock Room Lounge with its stunning 5,000-piece stained-glass ceiling and the elegant Palm Court Grill. It is a beautiful landmark to visit, especially in the spring when you can enjoy the city’s blooming tulips and vibrant foliage before returning to its historic lobby.

Must-See Sights & Trails

• Riverfront Park
• Numerica SkyRide (Gondola)
• Looff Carrousel
• The Garbage-Eating Goat
• Nishinomiya Tsutakawa Japanese Garden
• For Avid Bike Riders: Spokane Centennial Trail
• Lake Coeur d’Alene: You’ll have to Uber here.

Exceptional Dining

• Clinkerdagger
• Anthony’s at the Falls
• Osprey Restaurant
• The Barrel Steak & Seafood

Spokane provided the perfect backdrop for professional growth and personal rejuvenation. From the shopping around town to the shared meals with colleagues, it was a trip to remember. If you ever have the chance to visit, don’t miss out on the walking trails and the unique spirit of this city!

Beneath the vast and open sky of the Inland Northwest, a journey of the mind became a celebration of the spirit. Amidst the thundering falls and the soft, quiet paths of Spokane, the true treasure found was the strength of shared purpose. To stand with colleagues like Kris and Kim is to realize that our work in Virginia is not just a profession, but a tapestry woven together through every shared presentation and every nod of understanding.

The beauty of networking revealed itself not just in the exchange of ideas but in the authentic connections that bridge the miles between us. Like the tulips blooming across the city or the spring foliage stretching toward the light, these new relationships remind us that we grow best when we reach together. As we walked through the city’s night-lit streets or stood in the quiet grace of the Japanese garden, we found that the most lasting “treasures” are the echoes of a shared laugh and the collective spark of a new, big idea. We return home with our hearts as full as the thundering river, ready to pour that same energy into the communities we serve.