Sponsored FAM Trips
Summit America 2024 sponsored FAM Trip ExperienceS!
- TBEXtras are activities in and around our host destination that are unique to the region and happening during the time we’re there.
- TBEXtras may also occasionally be offerings from the region that did not fit into our agenda but are offered during your free time at a discounted cost or for free.
Explore Seattle Southside
Applications are closedSponsor POST FAM Trip
Explore Seattle Southside through Global Cuisine, UFO Adventures & Delightful Hidden Gems
Number of Guests
8
Number of Nights
3
FAM Start time/location
October 1st: Sea-Tac International Airport a shuttle will be from the hotel.
FAM End time and location
October 4th: Afternoon drop-off at Sea-Tac International Airport
Notes
Description (see full description below)
Transportation, lodging, meals and activities provided. This tour is not ADA accessible.
Experience the eclectic, Curiously Wonderful spirit of Seattle Southside. Explore our culinary heritage with a celebrated chef, embrace the quirky charm and local lore, and enjoy the warm hospitality that makes the region a beloved place to live and play.
Experience the eclectic, Curiously Wonderful spirit of Seattle Southside. Explore our culinary heritage with a celebrated chef, embrace the quirky charm and local lore, and enjoy the warm hospitality that makes the region a beloved place to live and play.
Embark on a culinary heritage journey led by a renowned chef and former US Food Ambassador to Malaysia that fills the senses at our vibrant ethnic food and spice markets where you’ll indulge in locally made specialties and global cuisine. Delve into the mysterious history of the Maury Island Incident with our UFO Mystery Adventure, featuring interactive experiences and guided storytelling. And, we’ll explore hidden gems around the area like a local—from seeing how mead is made (and trying samples in a Viking tasting room!) to experiencing gorgeous PNW nature while sipping on bubble tea from the Bubble Tea capital of the Northwest.
From Barns to Beaches & Beyond
Applications are closedSponsor Early FAM Trip
From Barns to Beaches and Beyond: A Washington FAM Tour for TBEX Participants – Hosted by Skagit Valley Tourism, the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau, and Visit Kitsap
Number of Guests
3
Number of Nights
5
FAM Start time/location
SeaTac (SEA) International Airport afternoon, September 14, 2024, times to be determined based on flights.
FAM End time and location
End Time/Place: September 18 SeaTac (SEA) International Airport in time for departures to Anchorage.
Notes
Additional Information
Description (see full description below)
What’s included: transportation to/from SeaTac airport, accommodations, activities and selected meals.
The ideal applicant… Is excited to learn about and share the niches of the three destinations such as food and wine, wildlife watching, and arts and culture. Is self-reliant and does well in groups, as well as on your own. Has an engaged following whether on social channels, your blog, or other outlets. Is passionate about content creation (social posts, blogs, articles, videos, etc.) and is willing to share or participate in a channel take-over.
Discover the diverse beauty of Skagit Valley, nestled between Seattle and Vancouver, BC. This area offers hiking, biking, wildlife watching, farm-to-table dining, and charming downtowns. Extend your adventure to the San Juan Islands for whale watching and nature walks, and explore the Kitsap Peninsula, where hiking, kayaking, and rich tribal history await. Each destination combines stunning landscapes with cultural experiences for an unforgettable Pacific Northwest getaway.
Skagit Valley (September (14-16)
Discover the enchanting Skagit Valley, where the transition from the hustle of city life to a serene rural escape feels effortless. Nestled perfectly between Seattle and Vancouver, BC, Skagit Valley offers a captivating blend of majestic mountains to the east, sparkling waters to the west, and lush, fertile farmlands in between. It’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering endless adventures like hiking, biking, whale watching, river rafting, and bird watching—all set against the backdrop of stunning natural beauty. While we’re proud of our crown jewel, the renowned Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, you’ll soon discover that Skagit Valley has so much more to offer.
Your Skagit Experience: Get ready to be immersed in the Magic of Skagit with an unforgettable float or boat excursion that brings you up close to the incredible birdlife that calls our valley home. Indulge in farm-to-table dining, where every bite is crafted from ingredients grown just down the road, paired with breathtaking views that make every meal a moment to savor. Wander through our charming historic downtowns, where you’ll find a delightful mix of local shops, galleries, and cozy cafés, each with its own unique story to tell.
This is your chance to experience Skagit Valley not just as a destination, but as a vibrant community where nature, culture, and adventure come together in perfect harmony.
San Juan Island (September 16-17)
As your ferry glides through the San Juan Islands, feel yourself unwind. Watch for bald eagles and listen for the spouts of orca or humpback whales. You won’t find fast food, stoplights, or Jet Skis; you will find hidden forest paths, sweeping shorelines, and a mosaic of wildlife. Be seduced by “Island Time” in a place without bridges or malls. Strike up a conversation with a local and you’ll find stalwart orca researchers, entrepreneurs, famous artists, composers, and outdoor guides–all with stories to tell. Journey to where lush cedar forests lead to beautiful seas and stars twinkle brighter in the night sky. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxjwtMU-Gv0
Your Island Experience: From nature-to-nurture, shuck a briny oyster at a shellfish farm or sample the evergreen essence of the Islands at a local winery. Stroll the picturesque waterfront village of Friday Harbor, with shops, galleries, and museums all within one square mile. Wonder at the size of the skeletons at The Whale Museum. Soak in the sunset in the shadow of a 105-year-old lighthouse at Lime Kiln Point State Park, and search for wildlife alongside experienced and passionate naturalists on a whale and wildlife tour.
Embark on an exploration like no other, starting with a visit to the Heronswood Garden, the only Native-owned botanical garden in the United States, nestled within the Port Gamble S’klallam reservation. Experience the vibrant tapestry of plants and flowers, a testament to the tribe’s dedication to preserving nature’s splendor. Journey onward to the Suquamish Museum, where the rich history and enduring spirit of the Suquamish Tribe come alive through captivating exhibits and stories.
From Mountains to Sea: Sustainability & Sustainable Outdoor Rec in Washington’s Seattle North Country
Sponsor POST FAM Trip
From Mountains to Sea: Sustainability & Sustainable Outdoor Rec in Washington’s Seattle North Country
Number of Guests
4
Number of Nights
3
FAM Start time/location
October 2 – Sea-Tac International Airport
FAM End time and location
October 5 – Sea-Tac International Airport
Notes
Additional Information
Description (see full description below)
Inclusive of transportation, lodging, meals, and activities
The ideal participant has a passion for exploring, respecting, and protecting the natural environment around them, a commitment to sustainable travel, and a desire to share that ethos and related experiences with like-minded followers.
The pathway to sustainable outdoor recreation and sustainable travel is being forged right here in Seattle North Country. Spanning a vast region that stretches from rural mountain towns and the peaks of the Cascade Mountains, to urban waterfront experiences and the fertile river valleys in between, Seattle North Country is quickly becoming a recognized leader in sustainability and sustainable outdoor rec. Witness firsthand the re-birth that comes from critical habitat restoration. Taste foods that are grown harvested, foraged, and made down the road not across the country. Explore charming revitalized towns along the Cascade Loop Scenic Byway. Gain a greater understanding of and respect for the region’s Native American history and culture. Learn about the development of sustainable aviation fuels that will allow travelers to explore the world with a lighter carbon footprint. And spend the night in a rustic-chic riverside cabin or a Salish Sea-side boutique hotel – or both. It’s all here, waiting to be discovered in Seattle North Country.
North of Weird, South of Sound: Washington’s Vancouver!
Applications are closedSponsor POST FAM Trip
North of Weird, South of Sound: Washington’s Vancouver
Number of Guests
1-2
Number of Nights
2 nights (or 3 if have to fly in late Oct 1)
FAM Start time/location
Anchorage to Portland Oct 1 or Oct 2 (AK 15:20 dep/ AK 16:40 dep/ AK dep 17:30 / ALL ROUTING THROUGH SEA) Start: Late October 1 or late October 2
FAM End time and location
End: October 4th, fly out of PDX
Notes
Additional Information
Description (see full description below)
Amtrak is available between Seattle and Vancouver if you would like to keep your flight in/out of SEA Airport – it’s a very easy and scenic ride!
Located on the north shore of the Columbia River, across from Portland, Oregon, Washington’s Vancouver boasts one-of-a-kind historic attractions alongside a modern and thriving waterfront development. Pacific Northwest adventure awaits nearby at the Columbia River Gorge, Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, and more. Find fine dining and wine tasting on the waterfront, or enjoy a local beer on the patio in downtown’s welcoming community. We’re close to everything, far from typical. Come see for yourself.
Overview of Activities included:
Kayaking (if desired), scenic walking, dining/wine tasting/beer sipping, historic attractions, hiking in the Columbia River Gorge (if desired and a car is rented)
Gear needed: Walking shoes, layers (never know what the weather will be like in early October)
Is the Tour ADA accessible?: Yes (except kayaking and hiking if chosen activity)
10/1 or 10/2:
- Fly into PDX – arrive late afternoon/evening (rent a car or Uber/Lyft to Vancouver Waterfront)
- Evening activities (if time): Wine tasting, dinner at a Dine the Couve participating restaurant, brewery in downtown or ice cream at Salt and Straw
- Stay at: Hotel Indigo or AC Hotel Marriott on the waterfront
10/2 or 10/3:
- Morning/afternoon activities: Coffee at Kafiex or Compass, brunch at Twigs or Elements, Fort Vancouver/Officers Row/Pearson Air Museum, walk the 3-mile Discovery Loop, downtown mural self walking tour
- Evening activities: Wine tasting, dinner at a Dine the Couve participating restaurant, brewery in downtown or ice cream at The Yard Milkshake Bar
10/4:
- If renting a car, and outdoor recreation is desired…and flying out of PDX later in the evening.
Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge (kayaking, bird/wildlife watching, walking)
OR
Hike in the Columbia River Gorge: Beacon Rock, Cape Horn, or Hamilton Mountain - Evening activities: Wine tasting, dinner at a Dine the Couve participating restaurant, brewery in downtown OR
- Coffee and breakfast, Fly out of PDX
SPONSORED EARLY FAM TRIP
Sponsor Early FAM Trip
Seward/Homer, AK, September 15th – 19th
Number of Guests
6
Number of Nights
4
FAM Start time/location
Meet at 6:30AM: Arrive at the Anchorage Alaska Railroad Depot early on September 15th for a 6:45 am departure. 411 West 1st Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501. The train leaves at 6:30 AM on Sept 15th, you will need to get yourself to the train station by this time to begin the FAM.
FAM End time and location
Evening return to the Ted Stevens International Airport in Anchorage on September 19th.
Notes
Description (see full description below)
Transportation, lodging, meals and activities provided. This tour is generally not ADA accessible, but an alternative ADA accessible itinerary could potentially be customized for a guest. Pack warm layers and be prepared for rain.
Ride the Alaska Railroad from Anchorage to Seward, where you’ll spend two nights and discover Kenai Fjords National Park, with glacier and wildlife viewing excursions. You’ll encounter Alaska’s wild side at the state’s only public aquarium and marine research facility: the Alaska Sea Life Center. Rafting on the ResurrectionRiver with Kenai Backcountry Adventures. Taste local cuisine and enjoy the nightlife and premier accommodations. Then you’ll head over to Homer, the end of the road, for two nights to experience luxury lodging, wildlife viewing, Kachemak Bay State Park and discovering Homer as a culinary and arts destination.
Ride the Alaska Railroad from Anchorage to Seward, where you’ll spend two nights and discover Kenai Fjords National Park, with glacier and wildlife viewing excursions. You’ll encounter Alaska’s wild side at the state’s only public aquarium and marine research facility: the Alaska Sea Life Center. Taste local cuisine and enjoy the nightlife and premier accommodations. Then you’ll head over to Homer, the end of the road, for two nights to experience luxury lodging, wildlife viewing, Kachemak Bay State Park and discovering Homer as a culinary and arts destination.
SPONSORED POST FAM TRIP
Sponsor Post FAM Trip
BLUEBERRIES, BEAR VIEWING + BELUGAS! Sept 27th – Sept 30th
Number of Guests
4
Number of Nights
3
FAM Start time/location
10:00 AM September 27th, from an Anchorage Hotel TBD
FAM End time and location
October 1st, depart from Anchorage.
Notes
Description (see full description below)
Transportation, lodging, meals and activities provided. This trip is partially ADA accessible.
The Alaska TBEX FAM trip features a series of exciting activities, starting with a welcome breakfast and a bear viewing tour in Lake Clark National Park. The next day includes a morning at leisure, followed by a scenic drive to Hatcher Pass for hiking and blueberry picking, and dinner in Palmer. The trip continues with a day trip to Whittier, featuring the Phillips’ 26 Glacier Cruise and dinner at the Inn at Whittier. Note that the itinerary is subject to change based on final attendee selection and other arrangements.
Travel Alaska TBEX FAM Itinerary
Friday, Sept. 27 – Tuesday, Oct. 1
Please note this itinerary is subject to change once final TBEX attendees are selected, and we finalize the itinerary.
BLUEBERRIES, BEAR VIEWING + BELUGAS!
Day 1: Friday, Sept. 27
10 a.m. Meet for a welcome breakfast before departing on our bear viewing tour
Noon Depart on Rust’s Flying Services’ Lake Clark National Park Bear Viewing trip
4:30 p.m. Return to Anchorage from bear viewing
Evening Dinner in Anchorage with the Travel Alaska team
Overnight in Anchorage
Day 2: Saturday, Sept. 28
Morning On your own
Afternoon Drive to Hatcher Pass (1 hour, 14 minute drive) for an afternoon of hiking and blueberry picking.
6 p.m. Dinner at one of Palmer’s newest restaurants, Feather + Flour
8 p.m. Drive back to Anchorage
Overnight in Anchorage
Day 3: Sunday, Sept. 29
8:30 a.m. Depart on a day trip to Whittier (1 hour, 45 minute drive)
10:30 a.m. Drive through the Whittier Tunnel (confirmed tunnel schedule)
If possible, tour the new Huna dock (if open).
12:30 p.m. Depart on Phillips’ 26 Glacier Cruise
6:20 p.m. Return from day cruise
Dinner at the Inn at Whitter
8 p.m. Drive back to Anchorage (confirmed tunnel schedule)
Overnight in Anchorage
Day 4: Monday, Sept. 30
Departures from Anchorage to head home.
