About – Columbia Hospitality

Our Entrepreneurial Spirit
is Alive and Well

We'll try just about anything once. This entrepreneurial spirit is how Columbia Hospitality got its start. As a trusted partner of the Port of Seattle, having planned and executed many events for them, they asked Columbia CEO and Founder, John Oppenheimer, if he knew anyone who would be a good operator for the soon-to-be-built Bell Harbor International Conference Center. Having no management experience, naturally, John said, “Yes, US!” When asked why, his response was, “Because we’ve never done it before, but no one knows what your clients want better than us!”

We got the job, and we still have that job decades later.

Bell Harbor International Conference Center

What Does It Mean to Be Values-Based?

The success we bring to those around us doesn’t occur by happenstance. Our level of caring and sense of great hospitality is baked into our DNA, and it starts with our deeply-rooted values:

Accountability | Creativity | Enthusiasm | Honesty | Inclusion | Respect

Our values are integral to every aspect of our business. By living them, we enhance people’s personal and professional experiences.

We also use our values to guide our decisions on who we work with, who we hire, and how to build brilliance into every relationship we form.

MISSION: OMG

We have developed a culture with no top or bottom. Everyone (and we mean everyone) within our ever-growing team is tasked to think like an owner and a leader. They are empowered to anticipate needs, find solutions, build relationships and be their authentic selves. It’s what we call the OMG Service Spirit.

Own The Values

Make It Fun

Get It Done!

Columbia Cares

Giving through direct involvement with organizations that change the community around them.
Learn more
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

A constant focus on pursuing talent and perspectives from all walks of life.
Learn more
Blog

See what Columbia’s been up to lately.
Learn more