The Seattle Traveler

Every year, hundreds of thousands of people come to Seattle to attend a trade show, conference, or convention.  For some people, this means a drive across town or the bridge, while for others it means a trip across the country.

If you’re coming to Seattle for such an event, chances are good that you’ll be spending some time at the Washington State Convention & Trade Center in downtown.  Located right next to I-5 (in fact it goes over the freeway), the convention center opened in 1988, and later doubled in size to over 200,00 square feet of exhibit space.

Home to events as small as a couple dozen (housed in break out rooms) to full trade shows (covering multiple ballrooms and floors), the convention center was the location for the infamous 1999 WTO Meeting.

Entering the convention center puts you into a glass enclosed atrium, surrounded by greenery and a waterfall.  Wandering, or rushing, about the area are local business people and neighborhood shoppers in addition to convention attendees.  As much as possible, the design of the convention center has been an attempt to bring the outdoor beauty of the Pacific Northwest indoors.

As beautiful as the convention center may be, you’re going to want (need?) to get away from the place sooner or later, and when you do take advantage of the Concierge Center located on the first level near the south escalators.  Here you’ll find a kiosk full of brochures and information about things to do and see in the area, along with a staffed help desk to assist with information, tickets, transportation, and reservations.

Seattle in a great convention city, and if that’s what brings you here, I hope you allow for a few extra days to enjoy just a few of the things that the city has to offer.

Photo credit:  Washington State Convention & Trade Center

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