J. Parker:
I know what you mean. I was lured out to Washington by a coworker who (accurately) predicted I'd love it there, but moved back East for law school. (True story: my dad used to call me a "Philadelphia Lawyer" long before I knew what either of those words meant, which always makes me smile now that I nearly am one.)
Now I'm about 90pct certain that's where I'll choose for the short- and medium-term future. Mountains, snow, awesome weather, are all good, but mostly it's that the attitude is good.
I hope you all have a good time at this event.
EDIT: just looked at the map -- not so far from Seattle! I was guessing this would be in the far eastern stretches of the state, but No.
timothy