The 2026 Evergreen International Conference is held at the Hyatt Regency Lake Washington at Seattle’s Southport in King County, Washington.
Getting Here from SeaTac
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is roughly 8 miles and about 15 minutes from the hotel under normal conditions, making it one of the more convenient airport-to-venue trips you will encounter at a conference.
A local tip worth knowing: taxis at SeaTac are often cheaper and faster than rideshare for this trip. Taxis have no surge pricing, so what you see is what you pay, typically around $28-35 to the hotel. Uber and Lyft are subject to surge pricing during busy arrival periods, which can push fares significantly higher with no warning. Both taxis and rideshare pick up on the 3rd floor of the airport parking garage. Follow signs from baggage claim for “Ground Transportation.” The taxi queue is on the north and south curb of that level and taxis are staged and ready, so there is no waiting for an app to match you with a driver.
Driving
The hotel is conveniently located just off I-405 at Exit 5 (Renton/Southport). From I-5, take I-405 north or south depending on your direction. Attendees arriving from eastern Washington via I-90 should take I-405 south at Bellevue.
From Canada
Attendees traveling from British Columbia can fly into SeaTac or drive south on I-5. Allow extra time for border crossing at Blaine/Peace Arch, particularly on weekday mornings.
Local Information
Welcome to King County and the Lake Washington waterfront! Whether this is your first visit to the Pacific Northwest or you are a returning regular, there is plenty to enjoy.
The Venue and Its Surroundings
The Hyatt Regency Lake Washington sits right on the shore of Lake Washington, the second largest natural lake in Washington State. On a clear April day you may catch views of Mount Rainier to the southeast. It is stunning and absolutely worth stepping outside for.
Southport is a walkable mixed-use development, and the hotel is situated right in the middle of it. Restaurants, waterfront views, and the adjacent Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park are all steps from your door. Gene Coulon is a gorgeous 57-acre lakefront park with walking paths, picnic areas, and waterfront access. It is a perfect spot for a morning walk or an evening wind-down between sessions, and it is free and open to the public.
Local Eats
Water’s Table is the hotel’s own waterfront restaurant. Sit on the heated porch in the evening and watch the sunset over the lake, seaplanes landing, and boats pulling up for dinner. It is the kind of place that reminds you that the Pacific Northwest is something special.
Anchovies & Salt is a Vietnamese restaurant steps from the hotel with a waterfront view and a menu that goes well beyond the expected. A good choice for a group dinner.
Southport Kitchen & Market is a small, friendly spot serving banh mi and focaccia sandwiches, perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch without leaving the neighborhood.
The Landing (about a 5-minute drive or 15-minute walk)
The Landing is a lively mixed-use district just south of Southport with a good variety of options for every mood and budget.
Clove Indian Cuisine is a well-reviewed Indian restaurant with an impressive atmosphere and a menu of modern Indian dishes. Worth checking out if you are in the mood for curry and naan.
Exit 5 Korean BBQ is a Korean barbecue spot with fresh meats and a ventilation system that actually works, so you will not leave smelling like the grill. A fun option for groups.
Torero’s Cocina Mexicana & Cantina is a neighborhood Mexican restaurant with house-made tortillas, a solid happy hour, and a lively atmosphere.
Vino at the Landing is a wine bar and retail shop that has been a local fixture since 2009, with a good selection of Pacific Northwest wines and small plates in a relaxed setting.
Trenchers Kitchen & Tap has 50 rotating taps of local and regional craft beer, making it a solid stop if you are looking for a casual drink after a long conference day.
Kickin’ Kajun rounds out the list with a Vietnamese-Cajun seafood boil that draws good reviews from regulars. If you enjoy Dungeness crab or crawfish, it is worth the trip.
Weather in April
April in the Pacific Northwest means layers. Expect mild temperatures in the 50s, a good chance of rain on any given day, and occasional stretches of genuinely beautiful sunshine. A light rain jacket and comfortable walking shoes will serve you well. Locals check the forecast daily rather than assuming.
Coffee
You are in Seattle’s backyard. Coffee is serious business here. Beyond the well-known national chains, keep an eye out for local favorites from independent shops throughout the area.
Getting Around
For evenings out beyond the Renton area, rideshare apps and taxis are your most practical options. And remember the taxi tip from above: if you are heading back to SeaTac at the end of the conference, taxis remain a solid, no-surprise-pricing choice for that return trip too.
