Who Should Attend:

Anyone who uses written communication as part of their job, including employees subject to Washington state plain language guidance in Executive Order 23-02.

Overview: 

This one-day course explores accessible, plain language best practices and how to apply them. You'll gain skills to convey information, including complex concepts, clearly and simply. You'll learn how to write so others can find, understand, and use the information and ideas you present.

Objectives:

This course will help you to:

• Understand the plain language agency guidance in Washington's Executive Order 23-02.
• Create content readers can understand the first time they see or hear it.
• Arrange information so ideas flow logically for the reader.
• Choose words that readers understand precisely.
• Write mostly short, active sentences.
• Make text feel like conversation to avoid barriers created by bureaucratic language.
• Design for easy reading, so people find your key messages quickly.

Instructor: 

Jordan Peabody, Peabody Communications

Schedule: 

Registration will begin at 8 a.m. Pacific Time and the class will run from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

Location:

Northwest Public Power Association
9817 NE 54th St., Suite 200
Vancouver, WA 98662
(360) 254-0109

Suggested Hotels:

Heathman Lodge 
7801 NE Greenwood Drive 
Vancouver, WA 98662 
(360) 254-3100 
Ask for the $99 NWPPA rate.

Residence Inn Portland Vancouver
411 SE 123rd Ave.
Vancouver, WA 98662
(360) 892-4404
Ask for the NWPPA group discount.

Fees:

Utility Member Early Bird (ends 10/17/2026): $450
Utility Member Standard: $550

Associate Member Early Bird (ends 10/17/2026): $675
Associate Member Standard: $775

Non-Member Early Bird (ends 10/17/2026): $900
Non-Member Standard: $1,000

Canadian utility members, please contact registration@nwppa.org for pricing and to register.

Note: Organizations that register a group of employees will receive every fifth registration for free. For example, if you register five employees, you only pay for four; register 10 employees, you only pay for eight; and so on. There is nothing additional you need to do to receive this discount.

Cancellation Policy: 

For in-person events: cancellations at least 30 days prior to the event will receive a full refund; within 15-29 days there will be a $100 fee; and within 1-14 days or no show, the charge will be 100% of the registration fee. 

When possible, please send a substitute instead of canceling. NWPPA does not charge a fee for substitutions. To request a refund, please contact us at registration@nwppa.org or (360) 254-0109.

Continuing Hours: 

This course qualifies for 6 continuing hours. Certificates are issued upon full completion of the course.