The Cougs have a bye week. We have other plans.
Friday, November 6, the CougsFirst! Eastside Show takes over the Spokane Convention Center. Meet Coug-owned businesses from across the region, hear from WSU leadership, shake hands with WSU athletes, sample brand-new Coug-affiliated drinks, and grab a photo with Santa Butch.
Attendance is free and everyone is welcome! And if you’re making a weekend of it, we’ve got a few more surprises lined up. RSVP now and save your spot.
The 2026 CougsFirst! Eastside Show is almost sold out, with only a few showcase spaces left. Registration and payment secure your space, so don’t wait to claim yours.
As an exhibitor, you’ll:
Every booth is part of a larger experience designed to help Cougs discover, hire, and support fellow Cougs.
Looking to make an even bigger impact? Sponsors help bring the Eastside Show to life through food and beverage experiences, featured activations, attendee amenities, event programming, and more.
Whether you want to welcome attendees, create a memorable experience, or increase your visibility throughout the event, we’ll work with you to build a sponsorship that aligns with your business.
Interested in sponsoring the Eastside Show? Contact us at info@cougsfirst.org to learn more.
The Eastside Show is just the start. From Thursday through Saturday, Cougs are taking over Spokane, with a Fireside Chat, meet and greet with WSU athletes, an After Party, and plenty more chances to connect along the way. See what’s happening and plan your trip!
Cougs supporting Cougs goes beyond business. This year, we’re partnering with WSU Student Affairs to support the food pantries on the Pullman and Spokane campuses during the CougsFirst! Eastside Show!
We’re asking Cougar Nation to help us make a difference. Bring an item with you on Friday! We’re collecting shelf-stable food and hygiene items at the Eastside Show on November 6. Think pasta, rice, peanut butter, granola bars, toothpaste, shampoo, and other everyday essentials!
Can’t make it to Spokane or prefer to donate financially? Your contribution helps the pantries purchase the items students need most!
Help Cougs 4 Kids Fill MentorBoost Kits! Bring a little warmth, encouragement, and connection to a student’s winter. Cougs 4 Kids is collecting new school supplies, winter essentials, personal-care items, and small games for MentorBoost kits that support students and activities with their mentors.
Bring your donations to the Cougs 4 Kids showcase space at the CougsFirst! Eastside Show on Friday, November 6, at the Spokane Convention Center. Most-needed items include warm socks, gloves, beanies, lip balm, deodorant, small notebooks, and card games. Every contribution helps!
WSU students, ride with us! Thanks to our partner MTR Western, a CougsFirst! member business, we’re running a free bus for students from WSU Pullman to the Eastside Show and back on Friday, November 6.
Why go? The Eastside Show brings together 50+ Coug-owned and Coug-led businesses under one roof. It’s one of the easiest ways to meet people who were in your shoes not long ago and want to help you get where you’re going. Ask about internships and jobs, practice your elevator pitch, collect business cards, and build connections that can lead to your first opportunity after graduation. The show is free, and every Coug there is rooting for you.
Bus Details: The bus leaves from in front of Goetzen and Jackson Hall on Veterans Way around 2:30 PM. It leaves the Spokane Convention Center at 7:00 PM sharp for the ride back to Pullman. There are 56 seats for students, first come, first served.
Questions?
Email us at info@cougsfirst.org
