TPCBA 30th Annual Bar Convention Registration

Insert Coin. Press Start.

Join the Adventure: A Video-Game-Themed TPCBA Convention

SEPTEMBER 18-20, 2026

Dear Friends:

This year’s Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association Bar Convention is designed just for you. We’re hitting ‘Start’ on something a little different, and we invite you and your families to spend a weekend at the Suquamish Clearwater Resort Casino with us.

TPCBA Bar Convention: Level Up. Whether you grew up with floppy disks, cartridges, or cloud-based worlds, or your only experience with gaming is losing a heated round of Solitaire or Battle Chess to the computer, you will not want to miss this convention. Join us in re-imagining the nostalgic paths of The Oregon Trail, the pixel perfect precision of Tetris, the early joystick days of Atari, and the cross-generational adventures of The Legend of Zelda and Call of Duty, alongside today’s immersive online worlds. This convention celebrates the full spectrum of gaming and the surprising parallels to our profession.

Join us. Show up. Whether you’re a seasoned partner with high level wizard energy, a new attorney freshly spawned but ready, a staff member running operations like a perfectly optimized support build, a member of the judiciary presiding like the final boss who has seen every strategy before, or a student still in character-creation but already choosing your skill tree, this convention is designed for every class and every build.

Expect an achievement unlocking lineup of CLEs, social events, and networking opportunities that feels less like an endless loop and more like meaningful gameplay. Optimized for solo quests or co-op play, there’s space for everyone here.

Don’t Wait Until “Game Over” as in any good game, timing matters. Registration is open now and just like those rare in-game resources, spots, rooms, and opportunities are limited. Waiting too long might leave you stuck watching from the sidelines while everyone else is deep in the action. Early registration ensures you avoid the dreaded “sold out” screen!

At its core, this isn’t just about a theme, it’s about connection, a party of players navigating the same complex world, just with different tools and strategies. Join us!

Elizabeth Johnson and Catherine Case
Bar Convention Planning Committee Co-Chairs

Room Reservation Deadline: August 14

Convention Registration Deadline: September 1

REGISTRATION

Advance registration is encouraged.

Registration fee is only $435 for TPCBA members, and $485 for non-members, which includes all CLEs (8.75 credits), Friday cocktails and dinner, Saturday & Sunday breakfasts, Saturday dinner with three social hours, and more. (There is a small additional fee for meals to help wth costs). Please complete the registration form enclosed and return it to the Bar Office as early as possible. After September 1, the registration fee increases to $485.

SCHOLARSHIPS

If you would like to attend the convention but are in need of financial assistance, apply for a scholarship online (coming soon) or email zach@zachentwistle.com and director@tpcba.com. Please let us know how we can make it economically feasible for you to attend this weekend event.

Accommodations

Escape to the luxurious Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort, situated along the pristine shores of Agate Passage on the Kitsap Peninsula. This sanctuary epitomizes the beauty and tranquility of the Pacific Northwest and is perched on a stunning wooded bluff, offering breathtaking views of Puget Sound with numerous luxurious comforts and amenities. This waterfront destination features a 22,500 square foot casino with over 1,300 slots and 25 gaming tables, a golf course, an on-site full service spa, 6 restaurants, 4 on-site bars with live entertainment and weekend performances and much more.

Room Reservation Deadline—August 14

SUQUAMISH CLEARWATER RESERVATIONS HERE 

A block of rooms have been reserved for convention registrants at a special rate of $199 single/double (non-view) per day and $220 single/double (water view) per day. No pets on property/service animals only. Make your reservations directly with the Resort.

1) Call the reservations department 866-609-8700 and refer to the “TPCBA2026 Block” to receive the contracted room rates.

2) Or book your room reservation online - use the QR code and group code. 

• Group Code: TPCBA2026
• Group password: TPCBA092026
• Group Dates: 9/18-19/2026

If booking outside these dates, you will need to call to make your reservations (or change the dates on the booking link portal for the rooms to show availability). Note: For a longer stay, there are a few rooms available on the 17th and 21st.

Driving Directions

From Tacoma: Distance 72 miles (approx. 1 hour, 15 minutes driving time

• Go West, across the Narrows Bridge to Hwy 16 W to Bremerton.
• Continue on Hwy 3 N. Take exit for 305 N toward Poulsbo/Bainbridge Island.
• Continue for about 7 miles, then turn right onto Suquamish Way NE into the Casino parking lot.
• When entering the Casino parking lot take a right, and the Resort & Tower entrances will be behind the West Parking Garage.

Special Requests

We will make every effort to accommodate special needs. If you require a special diet, please note this on the registration form or email director@tpcba.com. Special arrangements relating to the accommodations should be made with the Resort.

Attire

Weekend attire is extremely casual for everyone. It’s always advisable to dress in layers, due to the inevitable temperature changes in meeting rooms.

“Video Games” themed clothing/costumes or attire is recommended for the Saturday evening party and costume contest.

Costume Contest Categories

Prizes will be given to the winners in the following categories…

Main Character Energy. Big presence, iconic vibe. Whether you’re channeling a hero, anti-hero, or chaos gremlin protagonist.

Like a Boss Award. Dramatic, over-the-top, intimidating, or just wildly committed. Bonus points for theatrical flair.

Indie Game Icon. Celebrate games outside the mainstream. Artsy, emotional, weird, pixelated, or deeply niche.

Retro Revival. Throw it back to early gaming eras: 8-bit, arcade, joystick nostalgia, or anything that screams “insert coin.”

Puzzle Master. Inspired by puzzle and strategy games. Clever, conceptual, or visually satisfying (yes, someone should absolutely be a falling block).

Co-Op Crew. Group costumes that clearly belong together. Party members, teams, factions, or chaotic alliances.

Guild of Professionals. A legal twist! What would your practice area look like as a video game character? (Probate Paladin? Contract Cleric? Chaos Litigator?)

Extraordinary Environment. Become the setting or the system. Forest, dungeon, weather, spike trap, health bar, humanity not required.

Glorious Sidekick. The companion who steals the show! Support characters, pets, or helpers that deserve their own spotlight.

Secret Level Award. Presented to the costume with the best unexpected reveals, easter eggs, hidden details, and layered design that feels like unlocking bonus content.

Registration cancellations received by September 1 will be refunded, subject to a small administration fee. All cancellations received after September 1 are not refundable, however substitutions may be allowed.