2019 Summary Report Now Available
See impact reports, attendee data, and how the Conference has grown over time.
educational sessions
Learn first-hand from experts in the fields of: production, processing and distribution, milling, malting, animal feed, baking, brewing and distilling. The majority of our participants are farmers and researchers/educators, but we have a seat for everyone at the table.
Keynote speaker
2018 Craft Distiller of the Year Jason Parker is Co-Owner and President of Copperworks Distilling Company, a craft distillery located on the downtown Seattle waterfront. Copperworks produces malt based Vodka, Gin, Cask Finished Gin, and American Single Malt Whiskey.
Hands-on Baking sessions
Register for our Add-on Hands-on Baking sessions during the main Saturday Conference. Choose from a Baking 101 class with Ulises Alvarez of Grano Breads or an Advanced Baking Class using freshly milled quinoa flour from the WSU Sustainable Seed Systems Lab.
Best of cascadia tasting
Each Cascadia Grains Conference ends with dinner and our Best of Cascadia Tasting, featuring regional craft brews and spirits that use Cascade grains share the values and spirit of the conference. Enjoy informal networking time and a chance to sample some of the best of Cascadia.
Resource Expo
In addition to a full program of workshops, panels and speakers the Cascadia Grains Conference features a Resource Expo with non-profit organizations, government agencies, and sponsors that provide information and services to grain growers and end users. During meals and breaks participants are encouraged to network with knowledgable staff that will be there to hand out information.
Best of Cascadia Tasting
Each Cascadia Grains Conference ends with dinner and our Best of the Cascadia Tasting, featuring regional craft brews and spirits that use Cascade grains and share the values and spirit of the conference. At each conference, participants loved having this informal networking time and a chance to sample some of the best of Cascadia.
Scholarship/ Work Trade Application
We have two options for those who find the cost of the conference prohibitive: A reduced Scholarship rate of $50, or a Work Trade rate of $30 plus a 3 hour volunteer shift (morning or afternoon). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The application deadline is January 1st, 2019 and applicants will be notified no later than January 10th, 2019. Special considerations will be made to first time farmers, students, veterans, and families.
In your message please specify which shift you prefer (morning or afternoon) and what you would be willing to contribute to the Conference. (tech skills, hospitality, brute force, clean up crew, etc.)
Accommodations & Driving Directions
Driving Directions:
From I-5 North or South: Take exit 104, onto Highway 101. Take the first exit (Crosby Boulevard) to the right. From the exit ramp, make a left turn onto Crosby Blvd.. You will cross over Highway 101, pass through one stoplight and come to the intersection of Crosby Blvd. and Mottman Road. Make a right turn onto Mottman Road and look for the next left turn, the entrance to the college. Parking is free and can be found going either left or right at the entrance.
From Highway 101 from Shelton, Aberdeen: Take the AutoMall, Crosby Blvd.exit off Highway 101. From the exit ramp, make a right turn onto Crosby Blvd. Take a right turn at the stoplight onto Mottman Road and look for the next left turn, the entrance to the college. Parking is free and can be found going either left or right at the entrance.
The SPSCC parking lots are free for all conference participants.
Public Transit & Carpooling:
Local and regional bus service is available via Intercity Transit from Seattle/Tacoma. Please utilize the Trip Planner to find appropriate routes and schedules. Greyhound also has service to downtown Olympia. The Amtrak Cascades train has a stop in Olympia/Lacey, although this train station is about 8 1/2 miles from the conference site, so you’d need to take a cab or bus to make this connection.
If you are interested in carpooling (either providing a ride for others in your area OR joining a car) please tell us your preference when you register for the conference. The conference staff will put you in touch with others in your region. Thank you!
Nearby Hotels:
Best Western (hosting the Conference Speakers in 2017)
5188 Capitol Blvd. SE
Tumwater, WA 98501
360-956-1235
Hotel RL by Red Lion has offered a group rate of $99 for Conference Attendees. Call 1-800-REDLION (800-733-5466) and reference the group code: CASC0118
2300 Evergreen Park Drive SW
Olympia, WA 98502
Comfort Inn & Conference Center
1620 74th Avenue SW
Tumwater, WA 98501
360-352-0691
Guesthouse Inn & Suites
1600 74th Avenue SW
Tumwater, WA 98501
360-943-5040
Other Listings
Extended Stay America
1675 Mottman Road SW
Tumwater, WA 98501
360-754-6063
LaQuinta Inn & Suites
4600 Capitol Blvd. SE
Olympia, WA 98501
360-352-5433
Motel 6
400 Lee Street SW
Tumwater, WA 98501
360-754-7320
There are also plenty of accommodations in downtown Olympia or just off I-5 in Olympia/Tumwater.