Experience Olympia & Beyond announces 2026 tourism award winners

Experience Olympia & Beyond, the region’s destination marketing organization, recognized local leaders in hospitality and tourism during its 2026 Annual Meeting, “Mission: Tourism Possible,” held Sept. 30 at the South Puget Sound Community College Lacey Campus.

The awards recognize individuals who are helping create memorable visitor experiences and finding innovative ways to strengthen tourism throughout Thurston County:

Cher Hobbick, owner of Altitude 15 and owner and chef of Bite Me Catering, received the Excellence in Hospitality Award.

Hobbick was recognized “for the welcoming, personal hospitality she brings to her businesses and her commitment to creating experiences that bring people together,” Experience Olympia & Beyond said.

“From creative events at Altitude 15 to her work through Bite Me Catering, Hobbick continues to find ways to make food, hospitality and community connection part of the visitor experience,” Experience Olympia & Beyond said. 

The other 2026 Excellence in Hospitality Award nominees were Krista Bentow of  Batdorf & Bronson Legacy Café; Angelina Blueback of  Candlewood Suites Olympia/Lacey; and Sarah Hamblin of 1776 Bar and Grill. 

Andrea Levanti and Diego Fleitas of InGenius! Local Artisan Gallery & Boutique received the Boldness in Tourism Award.

Levanti and Fleitas were recognized “for their creativity and continued investment in making downtown Yelm a destination for arts, entertainment and community,” said Experience Olympia & Beyond.

“Through InGenius!, the pair have created new reasons to visit Yelm while championing local artists, small businesses and the communities of south Thurston County,” Experience Olympia & Beyond said. 

The other 2026 Boldness in Tourism Award nominees were Jill Barnes of Washington Center for the Performing Arts; Thomasina Cooper of the Thurston County Fairgrounds & Event Center; Jeff Devlin of the Best of Olympia Facebook Group; Monique Ossa of Ossa Skinworks; Janine Phillips of Hampton Inn & Suites Olympia/Lacey; and Greg Taylor of DoubleTree by Hilton Olympia. 

“Cher, Andrea and Diego are wonderful examples of the people who make Thurston County a place worth visiting,” said Shauna Stewart, CEO of Experience Olympia & Beyond. “They bring creativity, heart and a genuine commitment to their communities, and we’re proud to recognize the impact they’re making on the visitor experience and our local tourism industry.”