Trade Show News

Seattle's surging convention demand is being met by the Seattle Convention Center's Summit addition, which opened in 2023. The city's strong performance in the Oxford Economics' 2026 Global Cities Index, ranking 4th globally, also highlights a robust hospitality sector with new hotel openings and significant infrastructure expansions.

Seattle has been ranked as the fourth-best city globally in the 2026 Global Cities Index by Oxford Economics, trailing only New York, London, and Paris. The city scored highly for its economy, human capital, quality of life, and environment. This strong global standing and economic performance can positively influence the city's appeal for conventions and trade shows.

KIRO 7 reported that the 2026 FIFA World Cup generated $889 million in economic impact for Seattle and King County, surpassing revised forecasts. The hospitality industry saw mixed results, with hotel occupancy declining but overall revenue increasing due to higher room rates.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 generated an estimated $889 million in economic impact for Seattle and King County, including $109 million in state and local tax revenue and supporting approximately 20,000 jobs. While the overall impact was significant, the hospitality industry experienced mixed results, with hotel occupancy declining due to the displacement of other travel segments like convention attendees, despite higher room rates.

Expedia Group is cutting 58 jobs at its Seattle headquarters, with permanent layoffs expected between November 21 and December 1. These cuts, affecting various roles including data scientists and engineers, are part of the company's efforts to simplify its structure.

DMC Network hosted its 2026 Exchange in Seattle from September 10-13, bringing together 120 clients and destination management company leaders for over 1,000 one-to-one meetings. The invitation-only event utilized the Westin Seattle and the Seattle Convention Center, incorporating destination experiences across the city.

Seattle is set to host the VenuesNow Conference 2026 and the inaugural OVG & Prevent Advisors Secure Venues Summit from September 28-30. These conferences will address the future of live entertainment, evolving security challenges, and trends shaping venues.

The Seattle Convention Center is highlighting Mercedes Perez, a team member who returned to the workforce after retirement, bringing her experience and willingness to embrace change back to the SCC. Her story emphasizes continuous growth and learning.

Tammy Blount-Canavan, President & CEO for Visit Seattle, is slated to deliver the keynote address at the Seattle SKAL 70th Anniversary Gala on March 11, 2024. This highlights leadership within the local tourism and convention bureau.

Smith was appointed to the Seattle Convention Center's Board of Directors in 2026 by Governor Bob Ferguson. Smith previously served as president of the Washington Roundtable and led the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce.

The Northwest Marine Trade Association (NMTA) announced sponsorship opportunities for the 2027 Seattle Boat Show, scheduled for February 5-13. The show is recognized as the largest annual gathering for boaters and the recreational boating industry in the Pacific Northwest.

DMC Network brought 120 clients and destination management company leaders to Seattle for its 2026 Exchange, held from September 10-13. The invitation-only event facilitated over 1,000 one-to-one meetings and utilized the Seattle Convention Center and other locations throughout the city.

The Northwest Marine Trade Association announced that sponsorships are available for the 2027 Seattle Boat Show, scheduled for February 5-13. The announcement highlighted strong momentum in 2026, with increased attendance at both indoor and outdoor locations. The Seattle Boat Show is the largest annual gathering for boaters and the Pacific Northwest recreational boating industry.

The DMC Network Exchange 2026 was held in Seattle from September 10-13, bringing together 120 clients and destination management company leaders. The invitation-only event featured over 1,000 one-to-one meetings and destination experiences across the city, utilizing The Westin Seattle and the Seattle Convention Center as primary venues. This event aimed to connect DMC leaders with clients and showcase Seattle's offerings.

Amazon Accelerate 2026 was held in Seattle from September 16-18, drawing thousands of sellers for three days of sessions, expert consultations, and networking. The annual conference provides opportunities to learn about Amazon's latest tools and innovations. Attendees praised the event for its comprehensive offerings and networking value.

A $23 million modernization of the Seattle Center Monorail Station is set to begin in September 2026 and continue through late 2027. The project aims to improve accessibility, safety, and passenger flow, with monorail service running regularly throughout construction.

The massive Washington State Convention Center Addition's Summit Building (WSCC Addition) is set to open next year, adding 1.5 million square feet of convention space and an estimated $260 million in annual visitor spending. The SEA Airport C Concourse Expansion project is also nearing completion ahead of the 2026 World Cup, adding a four-floor addition.

9th Avenue between Pine and Pike Streets reopened on Wednesday after being shut down since late July due to paint applied by the Seattle Convention Center for a summer festival. The paint proved difficult to remove, causing the road to remain closed for weeks longer than permitted, impacting access to the I-5 express lanes.

9th Avenue between Pine and Pike Streets in Seattle reopened after being closed since late July due to paint from a Seattle Convention Center summer festival that could not be removed. The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) and the Convention Center agreed on a plan to paint over the artwork and then grind it off long-term. The closure caused significant traffic delays, particularly for access to the I-5 express lanes.

The Seattle Convention Center faced issues with the reopening of 9th Avenue after a summer festival's street art could not be easily removed, leading to extended road closures and traffic disruptions. The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) intervened, with plans to paint over the artwork and eventually repair the road surface, with the street reopening on September 24, 2026.