Conference Services
Looking for a unique venue for your next summer conference? With a wide variety of conference facilities and on campus housing, Whitman College may be just what you are looking for!
TRADITION
Whitman College, a leading cultural and educational institution of the Pacific Northwest, is a distinguished feature of the southeastern Washington community of Walla Walla.
Rich in tradition but enlivened by a distinctive vitality, Whitman is a private, non-denominational, liberal arts and sciences college with an enrollment of approximately 1,400 students. Founded in 1883, it is the oldest chartered institution of higher learning in the state of Washington. Whitman is one of just a few Western liberal arts and sciences colleges that receive national recognition and is noted for high academic standards, very successful pre-professional training, and for a level of financial stability that is rare among private schools.
Our campus presents an inviting retreat, and by opening it up for summer conference programs, we invite you to create a new tradition for your group or organization.
LOCALE
Walla Walla's location in Eastern Washington means that Whitman is ideally situated for a conference gathering participants from Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. You will find our central locale very convenient in drawing your members from all over the Pacific Northwest.
SETTING
Nestled at the foot of the Blue Mountains, surrounded by rolling wheat fields, vineyards and just a stone's throw from the Columbia and Snake Rivers, Walla Walla offers beauty and scenic diversity at every turn. Often referred to as "the cradle of Northwest History," Walla Walla County offers much to do and see. An afternoon could be spent touring several homes listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Or, a twenty-minute drive can take you to the Whitman Mission National Historic Site, which represents the first missionary efforts west of the Rockies. Fort Walla Walla Park and Museum houses authentic pioneer structures and a soldiers' cemetery. Many local wineries offer tours and tasting.
Tamastslikt Cultural Institute
Whitman's park-like atmosphere is accented with scores of old trees, a quiet brook, an outdoor amphitheater, and a large central field. Whitman has chosen to preserve the historic character of both town and campus architecturally by creating an eye-pleasing blend of old and new in brick and ivy. Dedicated in 1899, Memorial Hall and clocktower, the administrative center of the College, has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Several other buildings date to the turn of the century, and are complemented by modern structures, both handsome and diverse.
RELAXATION
One thing you will notice about Whitman is the quiet. The distractions of big city life may be left behind as the peace that our small community has to offer settles in. Little traffic passes through the campus, and a five-minute walk will see you from one side to the other. Five minutes further is Main Street, downtown, which boasts antique stores, specialty shops, sidewalk cafes, and a New York-style deli to help while away the hours on a balmy Walla Walla day. Pioneer Park, five blocks from campus, offers cool shade, flower gardens, duck ponds, and an aviary.
CONVENIENCE
All the particulars of your Whitman Summer Conference are worked out in advance between you and our conference coordinator. Arrangements are made for everything from meal plans to lecture halls, to special programs, as needed by your group. Centralized organization is just one of the many conveniences Whitman has to offer. We make it easy for you to create the perfect conference atmosphere.
FLEXIBILITY
Our conference staff is dedicated to meeting your needs and making your stay at Whitman pleasant and productive. We fully realize that not every group is the same, and that you may require something extra. We will tap every available resource and go out of our way to serve you and help make your conference a success. You may feel free to tell us if something is not exactly right or if you have a last minute request. Whitman will work with you.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Whitman residence halls offer a variety of living arrangements. Double rooms, two-room suites, room clusters (four double rooms centered around a kitchen/lounge), and apartment-style accommodations are available. Where you are housed depends upon your group size and conference schedule. All residence halls have kitchens, lounges, television rooms, and laundry rooms for use by our guests. Depending on scheduling, housing accommodations are available for groups ranging from 25 to 500.
ADVENTURE
With advance planning, free time during your conference can be turned into an adventure. Recreation in the out-of-doors can be arranged for smaller, interested groups through our conference coordinator and Whitman's Outdoor Program.
RESOURCES
Whitman College is fully self-contained and equipped with a wide variety of resources. Classrooms, lecture halls, athletic facilities, or video equipment can be made available for use by your group or organization. The Reid Campus Center features a ballroom, coffeehouse performance space, as well as general meeting space.
Whitman College is proud of the creative offerings of Bon Appétit’s catering and dining hall staff, happy to create the perfect meal plan for you. A general menu is available, as well as refreshments for breaks, an old-fashioned outdoor barbecue, a sumptuous French picnic, or a lavish banquet to top off the conference. Special diets and vegetarian entrees are available upon request. Ask for additional details.
SUCCESS
Your successful conference may be only a phone call away. Our conference coordinator is ready to answer your questions and begin making arrangements to suit your needs. We welcome campus visits, but everything can be attended to on the phone. Call or email us about your needs and interests - today
Becky O'Connell-Osborn, Director of Conferences & Events - (509) 527-5251
Summer Singer, Conferences & Events Coordinator - (509) 527-5366
345 Boyer Ave.