CMW examines the green and shining business events offer in America’s emerald city Seattle, located in the picturesque Pacific Northwest region of the United States, is not just known for its breathtaking natural beauty and vibrant culture. This thriving city has also emerged as a key destination for hosting business events. Seattle has world-class facilities, a bustling business community allied to a strong and professional hospitality sector. Seattle is often referred to as the ‘Emerald City’ and is the largest city in the state of Washington. Renowned for its iconic landmarks like the Space Needle and Pike Place Market, the city blends a modern infrastructure with an eco-friendly environment. A temperate climate, waterfront views, and proximity to the Cascade Mountains add to what is a very attractive destination for both business and leisure travellers. Business events play a crucial role in Seattle’s economy. These events not only attract visitors and power the economy, but also foster innovation, collaboration, and networking opportunities among professionals.
Sustainability
Seattle, known for its natural beauty, vibrant arts scene, and booming technology industry, has also emerged as a global leader in sustainability. Here are some key reasons why Seattle stands out as a premier choice for hosting sustainable events: 1. Green Infrastructure: The city is home to numerous LEED-certified buildings, including the Seattle Convention Center, which is the largest LEED Platinum-certified convention centre in the world. 2. Sustainable Transportation: Seattle’s public transportation system, including light rail, buses, and streetcars, makes it easy for event participants to navigate the city without relying on private vehicles. The city has an extensive bike lane network, encouraging attendees to choose eco-friendly transportation and sustainable business hub options during their stay. 
3. Renewable Energy: Seattle is powered by a high percentage of renewable energy, with the goal of becoming carbon-neutral by 2050. 4. Locally Sourced Cuisine: Seattle’s thriving food scene embraces the farm-to-table movement, ensuring that attendees can enjoy meals made from locally sourced, sustainable ingredients – from seafood caught in the nearby Pacific Ocean to fresh produce from local farms, delegates can enjoy a diverse and sustainable culinary experience. 5. Green Initiatives: Event organisers can collaborate with local partners to implement eco-friendly practices, such as using recyclable materials, minimising single-use plastics, and incorporating sustainable event management strategies. 6. Sustainable Tourism Partnerships: Seattle’s commitment to sustainability is further supported by collaborations with local businesses and organisations. Visit Seattle actively promotes sustainable tourism practices, providing resources and guidance to event planners interested in hosting eco-friendly events. The city also boasts a diverse and thriving restaurant scene, offering a culinary journey that reflects its cosmopolitan character. From farm-to-table eateries to international cuisine, Seattle’s gastronomic landscape caters to every palate.
Transforming the Waterfront
The ongoing redevelopment of the Seattle Waterfront is a monumental project aimed at revitalising the city’s scenic coastline. This initiative aims to create public spaces, parks, and pedestrian-friendly areas, enhancing the overall urban experience. The Waterfront is scheduled for completion in 2025. The Seattle Aquarium offers an educational and entertaining experience and its new Ocean Pavilion will connect Pike Place Market with the Waterfront promenade via publicly accessible observation decks, stairways and an oculus window that allows passers-by to observe sea life from below.
RailSpur: A Green corridor for innovation
RailSpur, an innovative urban development project, transforms underutilised spaces into a green corridor. In 2024, the micro-district will debut the Hotel Westland, Seattle’s first carbon-positive hotel. Seattle is not just a city; it’s a dynamic hub where business, sustainability, and culture intersect harmoniously. Whether you’re attending a conference, exploring the Waterfront, or savouring the diverse cuisine, Seattle offers a unique blend of economic vitality and sustainable living.
Seattle Convention Centre
Nestled in the heart of the city, the Seattle Convention Centre has become a beacon for events that shape industries, drive economic growth, and bring people together. A jewel in the crown of the venue is the recently unveiled Summit Building embodying innovation and versatility and which is equipped with the latest technology and sustainable design. From intimate business meetings to large-scale conventions, the Summit’s stacked configuration maximises the efficiency of the urban site, bringing interior and exterior spaces together. Air handling units are equipped with economiser functionality, meaning they can run at 100% outside air, not recycled air, under moderate temperature conditions. The design pays homage to Seattle with The Hillclimb: The Pine Street façade features a suspended stair and escalator system that provides event attendee access from street level to the ballroom level on top. The Hillclimb is an iconic design element authentic to the Pacific Northwest made of wood with seating elements for guests. The Summit adds approximately 762,000sqm of exhibition space, 48,768sqm of meeting room space, including an 18,288sqm ballroom. Located in the bustling downtown area, the Center offers attendees easy access to a plethora of amenities, hotels, restaurants, and cultural attractions, allowing participants to seamlessly transition between conference sessions and exploring the vibrant city life.
Seattle: key incentive attractions
Space Needle: A symbol of Seattle’s innovation, the Space Needle offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes. The iconic landmark stands tall and proud against the city’s skyline and symbolises innovation, progress and the spirit of the Pacific Northwest. Constructed for the 1962 World’s Fair, the Space Needle was designed by architect John Graham and inspired by the concept of a futuristic space-age tower. Its unique structure stands at 184m and features a distinctive flying saucer-shaped observation deck, which offers 360-degree panoramic views of the city, Puget Sound, the Cascade Mountains, and Mount Rainier. An observation deck, which sits at an elevation of 158m above ground provides a memorable setting for networking events and product launches. 
Chihuly Garden and Glass: Located at the base of the iconic Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass is a must-visit attraction for art enthusiasts. The glass sculptures created by artist Dale Chihuly provide a visually captivating experience for visitors. Meeting planners can organise private events in the venue’s versatile event spaces. Climate Pledge Arena: Climate Pledge Arena, situated at Seattle Center, is a modern redevelopment of a historic landmark from the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair. Notably, it’s the world’s first net zero certified arena. Home to the NHL’s Seattle Kraken and WNBA’s Seattle Storm, it stands as a symbol of climate action urgency. The arena aligns with The Climate Pledge, initiated by Amazon and Global Optimism in 2019, advocating for global companies to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2040. The Arena can host large-scale conferences, exhibitions, and corporate events. Pike Place Market: No visit to Seattle is complete without exploring the vibrant Pike Place Market. This bustling marketplace offers an array of fresh produce, local crafts, and delectable food options. Meeting planners can organise teambuilding activities, culinary tours, or networking events in the market’s unique spaces, providing attendees with an authentic Seattle experience. Kenmore Air Float Plane Tour: On a Kenmore Air Float Plane Tour, visitors can soar above Seattle’s picturesque skyline and witness the city’s natural beauty from a different perspective. Kenmore Air’s Lake Union seaplane terminal, nestled in Seattle’s vibrant South Lake Union neighbourhood, offers direct floatplane flights to the San Juan Islands, Victoria, BC, and the popular Scenic Seaplane Tour of Seattle. Situated near iconic landmarks like the Space Needle, it’s conveniently close to attractions such as the Museum of History and Industry and the Center for Wooden Boats, as well as lakeside restaurants and hotels. Meeting planners organising events in Seattle can take advantage of many other incentive options to enhance attendee experiences. These may include discounted rates at local attractions, unique teambuilding activities, personalised city tours, as well as partnering with local sustainability-focused organisations to engage in community service projects or educational initiatives – popular with those looking to leave a legacy.
Connectivity
Seattle is known for its robust connectivity infrastructure, with high-speed internet connectivity, ensuring productivity during conferences and meetings. Seattle is also well-served by multiple transportation options, including an efficient public transit system and easy access to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
Explore Emerald City’s premier hotels
Seattle is also known for its upscale and diverse hotel offerings. Events play a crucial role in shaping the identity of Seattle’s premier hotels. Here is a short selection: Lotte Hotel Seattle: Situated in the heart of downtown Seattle, the Lotte Hotel is a haven of sophistication. Guest rooms and suites feature contemporary design and panoramic views of the city skyline. There is a spa, fitness centre, and gourmet dining options. The Lotte Hotel features 15 event spaces spanning 7,117sqm including two ballrooms and 10 meeting rooms. The Lotte Hotel Seattle’s Sanctuary Grand Ballroom place host to Teatro Zinzanni – one of Seattle’s most beloved cirque entertainment experiences. A blend of world-class dining and mesmerising theatrical performances has captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike, making it a must-see attraction in the city. Sheraton Grand Seattle: Conveniently located near Pike Place Market and the Seattle Convention Center, the Sheraton Grand Seattle is one of the city’s headquarter hotels for incoming groups. The hotel boasts 1,200 rooms and suites and 22,860sqm of meeting spaces and the Sheraton is a popular choice for hosting conferences, meetings and special events of all sizes. Fairmont Olympic: A historic gem in the heart of Seattle, the Fairmont Olympic Hotel combines timeless elegance with modern luxury. The hotel’s event spaces are renowned for hosting grand galas and corporate events. The hotel’s Olympic Bar is undoubtedly one of the best bars in Downtown featuring a wine and beer selection chiefly drawn from the local region. 
Hyatt Regency Seattle: Located in the heart of the Emerald City, the Hyatt Regency Seattle is the city’s first and only LEED Gold-Certified hotel. Its proximity to key attractions, such as Pike Place Market and the Seattle Convention Center makes it a prime choice for visitors seeking a central location, with the Link Light Rail only two blocks away. The hotel offers 31,400sqm of flexible meeting space including a refined boardroom and the region’s two largest ballrooms. Westin Seattle: Located steps away from the Seattle Waterfront, the Westin Seattle boasts modern accommodations with a focus on wellness and relaxation. There are 29 renovated meeting rooms with 21,336sqm of versatile conference and meeting space.
Amazon Spheres
If you’re seeking a venue that combines nature, innovation, and sustainability for your next business event, look no further than the Amazon Spheres in Seattle. 
The Amazon Spheres stand as an architectural marvel, offering a one-of-a-kind setting for corporate gatherings, conferences, and networking events. With over 40,000 plants from around the world, guests are greeted by lush greenery, a cascading waterfall, and a serene atmosphere that promotes relaxation and creativity. The Amazon Spheres offer a range of versatile spaces, from intimate boardrooms to spacious amphitheatres. Each area is thoughtfully designed to accommodate various group sizes and event formats. The unique ambiance of the Amazon Spheres fosters creativity and innovation and provides an environment that encourages out-of-the-box thinking. As an environmentally conscious space, the Amazon Spheres use energy-efficient systems. For further information, please contact: Jared Dionne | Public Relations Manager, Meetings 
One Convention Place | 701 Pike Street, Suite 800 | Seattle, WA 98101 jdionne@visitseattle.org visitseattle.org
