Trade Show News

The Puget Sound Retail & Hospitality Summit in Seattle will discuss how hotel owners and operators are preparing for major demand drivers like the 2026 FIFA World Cup, impacting occupancy and long-term planning.

The Port of Seattle announced the recipients of its 2026-27 Tourism Marketing Support Program, awarding over $600,000 in funding to 35 projects across King County and Washington state. This program aims to promote Washington state as a destination, drive visitor spending, support local jobs, and strengthen communities.

Visit Seattle is a Title Sponsor for the GMC Pickleball Classic, an event organized by PCMA. This sponsorship highlights Visit Seattle's engagement in community and industry events.

Seattle is preparing to host FIFA World Cup matches and plans to leverage this global exposure to attract future events. The city has invested in large-scale infrastructure and public-space projects, including expanded hotel inventory and light rail extensions, to enhance its appeal as an event destination.

Visit Seattle announced the final match schedule for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ in Seattle, including four Group Stage matches at Lumen Field. Visit Seattle, the official destination marketing organization, aims to leverage this global event to enhance the region's economic prosperity through destination branding and convention sales. Tammy Canavan, Visit Seattle President and CEO, emphasized the opportunity to showcase Seattle on the global stage.

Visit Seattle appointed Rachael Riggs as Vice President of Meetings and Conventions. Riggs will focus on strengthening Seattle's position as a premier global meetings destination and driving convention growth.

The Seattle events community, including members from ILEA, NACE, WIPA, PCMA, and MPI, will come together to march in the Seattle PRIDE Parade on June 28, 2026. This event provides a networking opportunity for professionals within the Pacific Northwest events industry. Registration is open to members and non-members of these organizations.

CEMA (Corporate Event Marketing Association) has scheduled a Regional Dinner in Seattle for June 16, 2026. These dinners are part of CEMA's upcoming events, providing opportunities for industry professionals to connect and discuss event marketing strategies.

Rachel Smith has been appointed as the new director of operations at Hyatt Regency Lake Washington at Seattle's Southport. Smith brings nearly 18 years of experience with Hyatt to her new role.

Lumotive, a Seattle-based startup specializing in solid-state lidar for the automotive industry, is listed as an exhibitor at PIC International 2026.

The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) will host its 108th Annual Meeting, Scientific Sessions and Exhibition from Sept. 28 to Oct. 3, 2026, in Seattle at the Seattle Convention Center Summit and Hyatt Regency Seattle.

The Annual Washington State Tax Conference is set to take place on May 31, 2026, in Bellevue, United States. This premier event brings together tax professionals, policymakers, and other stakeholders to discuss current tax issues and trends.

The American Nuclear Society (ANS) Annual Meeting is scheduled to take place at the Seattle Convention Center from May 31 to June 3, 2026. The event is expected to draw 2,500 attendees.

Emerald City Comic Con took place at the Seattle Convention Center, drawing attendees for panels, cosplay, and vendor interactions. The event featured various activities, including a K-Pop workshop and appearances by creators.

The AUPresses 2026 Annual Meeting is scheduled for June 13-15 at The Westin Seattle. This conference will feature educational sessions, exhibits, and networking opportunities for the scholarly publishing community, with over 500 attendees expected.

Sound Transit's board approved a revised light rail plan, which includes the construction of the initial Ballard Link segment at the Seattle Center. This infrastructure development aims to improve transit access, though the full Ballard extension to Market Street remains unfunded.

The Sound Transit Board approved a nearly $200 billion ST3 light rail expansion plan on May 28, 2026, which includes a new initial Ballard link segment to be constructed at the Seattle Center. This development aims to improve transportation infrastructure, potentially enhancing accessibility for events and exhibitions held at the Seattle Center in the future.

Seattle City Councilman Ron Saka and Mayor Katie Wilson are sponsoring legislation for a potential $1.5 billion renovation of the Seattle Center, with private funding also being sought. The aging 74-acre campus, which includes the Armory building, requires significant upgrades.

Seattle property owners may be asked to approve a plan for a $1.5 billion bond to fund the renovation of the aging Seattle Center campus. Renovations are expected to include the Amory Building and Memorial Stadium, aiming to enhance the city's gathering places and attract new revenue.

Seattle City Councilmembers Rob Saka and Mayor Katie Wilson introduced a joint resolution supporting new infrastructure investments in Seattle Center. This initiative aims to guide high acuity shelter capacity expansion and is part of a broader effort to leverage state funding for community improvements, potentially impacting the Seattle Center's facilities.