About SWAE
Learn about our mission to connect wedding professionals and couples in the Spokane area.
Our Mission
At Spokane Weddings & Events, our mission is to elevate the wedding industry in the Inland Northwest by fostering a community of exceptional wedding professionals dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences for couples.
We strive to be the premier resource for engaged couples, connecting them with trusted vendors who share our commitment to excellence, integrity, and personalized service.
Our Vision
We envision a thriving wedding community where professionals collaborate rather than just compete, where innovative ideas are shared, and where the standard of service continually rises to benefit both vendors and couples.
SWAE aims to position Spokane as a premier wedding destination, attracting couples from across the region with our exceptional vendor community and beautiful venues.
Our Values
- •Excellence: We uphold the highest standards in all we do
- •Community: We believe in the power of collaboration
- •Integrity: We operate with honesty and transparency
- •Passion: We bring enthusiasm and dedication to every celebration
- •Personalization: We believe every couple deserves a unique experience
Our History
The organization began in Spokane in 1994 as INCA, the Inland Northwest Catering Association. Sometime later, when more than just caterers were finding the benefit of networking with other wedding and event professionals, the name was changed to INPRO, Inland Northwest Party Resource Organization.
In March of 2013, for reasons lost to history, the organization changed its name to Inland Northwest Professional Resource Organization, preserving the INPRO acronym. This evolution reflected the growing diversity of wedding and event professionals joining the association.
Realizing the challenges of marketing in the era of the internet and social media, the Board recommended, in November of 2017, that the name be changed again. This change would more accurately reflect the market that our members served and to make internet and social media searches more beneficial to our members.
The members wholeheartedly agreed and, thus SWAE, Spokane Weddings & Events, was born. Today, SWAE continues to grow its influence, organizing the area's largest wedding expos, providing educational opportunities for professionals, and serving as the trusted resource for couples planning their special day in the Inland Northwest.
2025-2026 Board of Directors
Shannon Siemen
President
Mont Lamm Events
The President is the head of SWAE and presides over and directs the work of SWAE and is the "face" of SWAE to the media.
Joshua Strickler
Events Vice-President
Silverbell Weddings & Events
The Events Vice-President manages SWAE's participation in industry festivals and organizes the annual Wedding Expo.
Ralph Fishburn
Membership Vice-President
Ralph's Regal Weddings
The Membership Vice-President provides current & prospective members information about SWAE membership.
Karen Fishburn
Marketing Vice-President
Ralph's Regal Weddings
The Marketing Vice-President markets SWAE businesses to prospective customers and SWAE membership to businesses.
Sean Siemen
Treasurer
Champion Tax & Accounting
The Treasurer serves as the financial officer of SWAE and is responsible for collection of dues and payment of all bills.
Paige Crusch
Secretary
Driftwood Point Events
The Secretary takes & publishes minutes of all Board meetings and of the Annual Membership Meeting.
Emma Siemen
Social Media Chair
Pop of Pure Photography
The Social Media Chair markets SWAE businesses to prospective customer through posts to SWAE's Social Media.
Gene Slatter
Past-President
Tuxedo Gallery
The Past-President assists Board members with planning monthly meetings & events and providing input and advice regarding the operation of the organization.
Join Our Community
Become a part of SWAE and help shape the future of the wedding industry in Spokane.