WSU Tri-Cities Cougar Tracks Offers Free IRONMAN 70.3 Tourism And Hospitality Service Excellence Workshop - 07/27/26

RICHLAND, Wash. — Cougar Tracks, the continuing education and workforce training arm of Washington State University Tri-Cities, proudly announces the IRONMAN 70.3 Tourism and Hospitality Service Excellence Workshop, designed to prepare local hospitality and tourism professionals to deliver world-class service during the Cuisine Solutions IRONMAN® 70.3® Washington Tri-Cities triathlon in September. This marks the second annual offering of the workshop, presented in conjunction with Visit Tri-Cities.

Scheduled for Aug. 19 at the Richland Commnity Center, this free workforce training event is ideal for hotel staff, restaurant employees, retail teams and other tourism industry professionals who may be interacting with athletes and spectators from around the world. Workshop participants will learn and develop practical strategies to enhance guest experiences, foster community pride and ensure triathlon visitors leave with a positive impression of the Tri-Cities region. 

“We’re thrilled to support our local hospitality and tourism partners in delivering exceptional service for an event of this magnitude,” said Cougar Tracks Director Michelle Hrycauk Nassif. “This workshop is about more than training—it’s about showcasing Tri-Cities as a premier destination and strengthening our economy through outstanding service.”

Riley Osborn, destination development manager at Visit Tri-Cities, emphasized the important role local businesses play in shaping triathlon visitors’ perceptions of the region.

“The Cuisine Solutions IRONMAN 70.3 Washington Tri-Cities brings thousands of athletes and visitors to our community, creating an opportunity to showcase the hospitality that makes our destination so special,” Osborn said. “Every interaction—whether checking into a hotel, dining at a local restaurant or shopping at a small business—helps shape a visitor’s experience. This workshop gives our tourism professionals tools to create memorable experiences that encourage visitors to return and recommend the Tri-Cities to others.”

As a regional leader in workforce development, Cougar Tracks partners closely with local industries to create specialized workshops and training solutions. Through innovative, high-impact programs, Cougar Tracks fuels economic growth and development while empowering businesses to thrive in competitive markets.

Cougar Tracks extends heartfelt thanks to Alpine Roofing, sponsor of Visit Tri-Cities Signature Sports, and Battelle, sponsor of the Visit Tri-Cities Excellence in Service Program, for their invaluable support and commitment to elevating the region’s hospitality standards.

Event Details
Time: 9–10:30 a.m.
Date: Aug. 19, 2026
Location: Richland Community Center, 500 Amon Park Dr., Richland, WA 99352

Register online at: bit.ly/CT-IM26

Spaces are limited. Local businesses and hospitality professionals are encouraged to register early and join the movement to make Tri-Cities shine on the global stage.

For more information, visit workshop registration page or contact Riley Osborn at riley@visittri-cities.com.