Seattle Convention Center: event and exhibition space

Seattle Convention Center, formerly known as the Washington State Convention Center, first opened its doors in 1988. Since then, it has become a flagship of the Pacific Northwest’s convention industry. In 2023, a new campus—Summit—was unveiled, doubling the available space and establishing the center as one of the largest on the U.S. West Coast.

It’s more than just a building—it’s a hub for iconic tech conferences, international symposiums, and cultural events attracting thousands of attendees.

Advantages of Seattle Convention Center

• Total Area: Over 1.5 million square feet (approx. 140,000 m²), encompassing two fully equipped campuses—Arch and Summit.
• Flexible Spaces: From expansive exhibition halls to elegant ballrooms, easily adaptable for events of any format.
• Sustainability: LEED Silver certification and a commitment to a zero-carbon footprint.
• Infrastructure: High-speed Wi-Fi, versatile AV solutions, accessibility for mobility-impaired guests, lounges, restaurants, cafés, and parking.

Conference Rooms and Spaces at Seattle Convention Center

• Arch Building: Features 205,700 sq. ft. of exhibition space, 45 meeting rooms, and the Skybridge Ballroom (24,000 sq. ft.).
• Summit Building: Opened in 2023, includes 137,220 sq. ft. of exhibition space, three ballrooms, including the Cascade Ballroom (58,000 sq. ft.), with views of downtown Seattle.
• Meeting Rooms: Over 90 modern meeting rooms, each with natural light and advanced presentation systems.
• Outdoor Terraces: Rooftop open spaces with panoramic views of the city and bay.

Video about Seattle Convention Center

How to Get to Seattle Convention Center

• By Car: Located at the intersection of I-5 and Pike St., with underground parking available (for a fee).
• Public Transit: A 5-minute walk from Westlake Station (Link Light Rail), plus numerous Metro and RapidRide bus routes.
• Walking/Cycling: Centrally located with bike parking, safe routes, and access to the Green Streets network.

Tips and Hidden Gems for Visitors

• Don’t miss the open terrace on Level 4 of the Summit building—offering the best views of Seattle and Mt. Rainier.
• For quick bites, Market Hall café serves local delicacies right on-site.
• Wi-Fi is free but requires registration; it remains reliable even during peak capacity.
• Download the interactive map from the official website before your visit—navigation is easier than it seems.

Notable Events at Seattle Convention Center

• PAX West: The largest gaming event on the West Coast, annually drawing tens of thousands of fans and developers.
• Emerald City Comic Con: A world-class event for pop culture, cosplay, and graphic novel enthusiasts.
• Microsoft Ignite and AWS re:Invent Roadshow: International conferences featuring tech industry leaders.

Requirements for Event Organizers at Seattle Convention Center

• Bookings must be confirmed at least 90 days prior to the event date.
• All events require coordination with SCC’s logistics and safety department.
• An environmental waste management plan is mandatory for events with over 500 attendees.