Washington State Convention Center

venues

Main photo: Washington State Convention Center; Where to sleep photo: Fairmont Olympic Hotel; What to eat photo: Narin Nonthamand/Shutterstock.com; How to get there photo: SolDuc Photography

From the outside, the Washington State Convention Center (WSCC) is an amalgamation of concrete and emerald-hued glass, which is fitting since the WSCC stands in the heart of the Emerald City. The exterior's sharp angles and rectangular architecture hint at a cubist influence, while a sweeping canopy welcomes visitors to the venue's more than 430,000 square feet of event space. The canopy connects the WSCC to The Conference Center, a LEED Silver-certified building with nearly 71,000 additional square feet of meeting and exhibit space. Inside, comfortable lounge areas and stunning angular engineering make the venue a destination in and of itself.

WHERE TO SLEEP
There are 50 hotels and more than 12,000 guest rooms within 11 blocks of the WSCC, with plenty of options to suit every budget. The luxury Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Seattle offers 450 rooms and a AAA 4-Diamond restaurant, The Georgian. More modest accommodations can be found at the nearby Hilton Garden Inn Seattle Downtown.

WHAT TO EAT
The Crumpet Shop is about a 10-minute walk from the WSCC and is a local breakfast favorite. If you're planning group dinners or small receptions, consider The Metropolitan Grill for a traditional steakhouse experience, Canlis for elevated Pacific Northwest fare, or Aqua by El Gaucho for seafood on the Seattle waterfront.

HOW TO GET THERE
The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is approximately 15 miles from the WSCC. Uber and Lyft ride-hailing services operate in Seattle, along with King County Metro Transit with fares around $5 and Sound Transit's Link light rail for $3. A cab to the convention center from the airport is about $40. The WSCC operates two parking garages, and there is ample public parking near the venue.

The WSCC's exhibitor service desk unifies all facility-provided services for consolidated invoicing.

LMG LLC is the preferred provider of audiovisual services. It is also the venue's on-site digital-media company, offering social-media marketing, live and virtual streaming of events, and more.

Wi-Fi, data, and phone services are provided exclusively by SmartCity. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in the venue's public areas and lobbies.

Edlen Electrical Exhibition Services is the exclusive electric- and plumbing-services provider.

Catering is provided exclusively by Aramark. Exhibitors are not allowed to bring in outside food or beverages.

All rigging must be installed by an Entertainment Technician Certification Program (ETCP) certified rigger.

Exhibitors are allowed to hand carry freight to and from their booth spaces, provided they park in designated loading/unloading areas. Complimentary flatbed carts are available.

Exhibitors and general service contractors are responsible for the appropriate removal of all bulk trash (e.g., pallets, crates, carpet, carpet tubes, etc.).

The use of drones on the WSCC's property requires a variance from show management.