Olympic West Sound Chapter
2026 Annual Retreat
Presented by our Platinum Sponsors
Ferguson Home • Stone-Drew / Ashe & Jones • Hydro Systems
Friday, October 9 – Saturday, October 10, 2026
Friday: 4:00 pm check-in and registration
Saturday: 7:30 am – 3:30 pm
3 CEUs: .03 credits
Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort
Salmon Hall, Hotel Tower
15347 Suquamish Way NE
Suquamish, WA 98392
Don’t forget to book a room for Friday, 10/9!
Call 866-609-8700
NKBA Members $125
Student Members $75
Non-members $135
*Registration not refundable
3 Effective Speakers to Level Up Your Skills
How to Win Design Awards!
Presenter: Gina D’Amore Bauerle
Key Pillars and Strategies of the Presentation:
- Decoding Judging Criteria: Instructing designers on how to break down competition guidelines and build a project tailored to scoring systems.
- Perfecting the Written Narrative: Explaining how to articulate the unique challenges and functional layouts.
- Highlighting high-quality technical renderings and strategic photography to make a portfolio stand out.
Design Roadmap
Presenter: Betsy Brandenburg
Interactive workshop
Create a design roadmap system to help provide a clear structure for your projects.
- Learn a simple framework for organizing any project
- Define your own workflow and phases
- Create a clear, structured process you can actually use
- Improve communication with clients and teams
- Reduce reactivity and decision fatigue
How to Fire Your Client While Maintaining Your Cool
Co-presented by: Elizabeth Lord Levitt & Gina D’Amore Bauerle
Role Playing Scenarios
A guide through the most effective and respectful approaches to firing a client.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify red flags and learn how to address them
- Effective approaches to broaching the break-up process
- Address legal matters when terminating a contract
Agenda
Friday, October 9
4:00 – 5:00 pm — Check-in (Salmon Hall, Hotel Tower)
5:00 – 6:00 pm — Network, Meet and Greet, Appetizers and Drinks; Product/Vendor Showcase
6:00 – 7:00 pm — Dinner
7:00 – 8:30 pm — Individual sponsor time, networking, and photobooth
Saturday, October 10
7:30 – 8:30 am — Buffet breakfast; Product/Vendor Showcase
8:30 – 10:00 am — CEU Workshop #1: “How to Win Design Awards” — Gina D’Amore Bauerle
10:00 – 10:30 am — Product/Vendor Showcase
10:30 am – 12:00 pm — CEU Workshop #2: “The Power of Process” (hands-on workshop) — Betsy Brandenburg
12:00 – 1:00 pm — Lunch
1:00 – 2:30 pm — CEU Workshop #3 (Role Playing Scenarios): “How to Fire a Client While Maintaining Your Cool” — Elizabeth Lord Levitt & Gina D’Amore Bauerle
3:00 – 3:30 pm — Wrap-up; Product/Vendor Showcase
Directions & Courtesy Shuttle
From the Seattle/Bainbridge Island Ferry: Follow Highway 305 North towards Poulsbo approximately six miles. The Clearwater Casino Resort is located just across the Agate Pass Bridge on the left.
From the Edmonds/Kingston Ferry: Take Highway 104 to Poulsbo. Turn left on Highway 305 and continue south through Poulsbo toward Bainbridge Island. The Clearwater Casino Resort is located just before the Agate Pass Bridge on the right.
From Tacoma: Take Highway 16 West to Highway 3 North towards Poulsbo. Exit at the Highway 305 Bainbridge Island exit. The Clearwater Casino Resort is located just before the Agate Pass Bridge on the right.
Courtesy Shuttles: Shuttles pick up/drop off for all weekend Bainbridge Island ferries and all weekday arrivals after 9 am. Check the shuttle schedule. The courtesy shuttle is not equipped for wheelchair access; contact Kitsap Access Transport Service at 206-205-5000 to arrange service. The shuttle is for players — please show a Players Club Card to ride. Don’t have one? A card may be acquired at the casino upon arrival; it’s free to join.
Thank You to All Our Olympic West Sound 2026 Sponsors!
Platinum Sponsors
Ferguson Home • Stone-Drew / Ashe & Jones • Hydro Systems
Gold Sponsors
Inspired Closets • Moen / House of Rohl • Stratus Surfaces • Hollabaugh Pacific • Duravit
