Washington State Convention Center Rebrands as Seattle Convention Center
May 11, 2022
Seattle’s main meetings and trade show venue recently unveiled a new name and brand identity. Following more than three decades as the Washington State Convention Center, the leading Pacific Northwest events facility changed its name and logo to the Seattle Convention Center (SCC).
According to officials from SCC parent organization Washington State Convention Center Public Facilities District (the District), the rebranding better aligns the venue with its hometown while solidifying the organization’s commitment to maintaining a fiscally responsible, self-sustaining operation that contributes economic and other civic benefits for Seattle, King County and the state of Washington.
“Seattle Convention Center isn’t just for conventions,” said Frank Finneran, board chair of the District. “Both buildings are designed to serve as a hub of activity where the community can intermingle with event attendees to enjoy dining, retail and an expansive art collection.”
Featuring a color palette that embodies the natural elements of its namesake city, the new SCC logo represents the fresh perspectives cultivated by guests as they collaborate, innovate and celebrate in the facility, he added.
The move comes as the SCC is gearing up to grow from two buildings into three. Featuring 570,290 square feet of event space that will double the capacity of the facility’s offerings, the $1.9 billion Summit is expected to open one block north on Pine Street in January 2023 and will include:
- 148,450 sq. ft. of heavy-load exhibit space with direct drive-in access
- The 99,250-sq.-ft. carpeted and acoustically treated Flex Hall
- 99,620 sq. ft. of carpeted meeting space, divisible into 62 meeting rooms
- 58,000 sq. ft. of carpeted ballroom spaces, divisible into four
- 137,220 sq. ft. of lobby space offering natural light and mountain and water views
- 27,000 sq. ft. of garden terrace and other usable space
- A covered loading dock with 18 bays
According to Visit Seattle officials, 40 events have already reserved dates and space at Summit, which is expected to provide a host of economic benefits to the region, including $260 million annually in visitor spending and as many as 3,900 direct and indirect jobs.
Until Summit’s unveiling, the SCC campus currently comprises Arch at 705 Pike, the original building, offering 205,700 sq. ft. of exhibit space, a 45,000-sq.-ft. ballroom divisible by four and 57,000 sq. ft. of meeting space divisible into 61 meeting rooms, while Arch at 800 Pike, formerly known as The Conference Center, includes 35,000 sq. ft. of meeting space divisible into 17 meeting rooms. Both offer 20 covered bays at two loading docks.
“[The SCC’s new branding] is a tremendous milestone as we prepare to launch Summit, the additional building, in January 2023,” said Jeff Blosser, SCC president and CEO. “The updated brand captures the enduring vibrancy the convention center contributes to downtown Seattle, both in terms of revenues generated by meetings, but also by event attendees as they explore Seattle, the Puget Sound and Washington state.”
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Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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