Visit Seattle – March 2020

When meeting planners choose Washington State Convention Center (WSCC), attendees will be in close proximity to countless restaurants, venues, and retail stores, all walkable in downtown Seattle. With emblems of the city’s culture—like critically acclaimed restaurants, Loulay and Wild Ginger; iconic music and theater venues including The Paramount and The Moore; and flagship retail experiences, Nordstrom, Starbucks Roastery and Amazon Go —so easily accessible to WSCC, attendees will be immersed in Seattle’s diverse, transformative and creative spirit. Meeting attendees at WSCC will also be less than 8 blocks away from Pike Place Market—one of Seattle’s biggest and most vibrant attractions.

In 2018, Seattle broke ground on Summit, the additional facility at Washington State Convention Center (WSCC) – right in the heart of downtown and just a block and a half away from the existing facility, Arch. Opening in Spring 2022, Summit has over 30 groups already committed to placing their meeting in the building, or using a combination of both buildings, reinforcing why WSCC’s central location in Seattle sets the city apart as a meeting location. Summit will add up to 248,450 sq. ft. of exhibit space, up to 65 total rooms, and 58,000 sq. ft. of ballroom space.

Arch, the existing facility at Washington State Convention Center (WSCC), is a world-class, newly LEED Silver-certified venue that includes up to 205,700 sq. ft. of exhibit space, up to 78 total rooms, and 44,000+ sq. ft. of ballroom space. Located in the heart of downtown, Arch is just steps way from a variety of hotels, restaurants, and attractions, and a block and a half from Summit, the additional facility at WSCC.

From hotels closest to the convention center, to luxury offerings, to cost-effective hotels, the variety of accommodations in Seattle makes it easy to find a facility that can satisfy every meeting attendee, and all within easy walking distance of restaurants, shops, and attractions. And since 2018, Downtown Seattle’s hotel supply increased by over 20% and an additional 5% increase is expected in 2020, augmenting an already outstanding hotel package. This increase brought the total downtown room count to 14,160, with 15,157 total rooms expected by the end of 2020.

The $724 million Seattle Waterfront project will transform the area with expansive parks, overlooks, bike paths and promenades. It will create a seamless pedestrian experience from downtown and Pike Place Market for attendees to more easily enjoy all of the attractions. The new waterfront is expected to be finished in 2024. Most recently, the Seattle Aquarium announced plans for a new $100M project, the Ocean Pavilion, that will create a new platform for ocean conservation and act as an exquisite new addition to the city.

Sea-Tac has a long-term $1.9B project estimated for completion in 2024, increasing space throughout the airport for new dining and retail businesses with Pacific Northwest flair. The international arrivals facility will also be revamped in the near future, almost doubling international-capable gates. Plus, Sea-Tac is only 37 minutes from downtown via Light Rail, adding a more efficient travel option into the city.

The Space Needle recently completed a $100M renovation and now has two viewing levels with floor-to-forever glass, plus the world’s first revolving glass floor clearly shows off more Seattle than ever before. Attendees can easily visit the Space Needle by taking a 90 second monorail ride that connects downtown Seattle to Seattle Center. Planners can take advantage of the location at Seattle Center by teaming up with neighboring venues such as Chihuly Garden and Glass and the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) to host block parties for up to 1500 attendees.

Meeting attendees at WSCC will be less than 8 blocks away from Pike Place Market—one of Seattle’s biggest and most vibrant tourist attractions. Completed in 2017, Pike Place Market added the MarketFront, connecting downtown to the Elliott Bay waterfront. With its 30,000 square feet of open public space, the MarketFront houses multiple restaurants, a brewery, and shopping, plus views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.