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– ADVERTORIAL – Who'sWho IN CONVENTION BUREAUS NOTES: Seattle's Convention & Visitors Bureau One Convention Place 701 Pike Street, Suite 800 Seattle, WA 98101 (206) 461-5800 www.visitseattle.org Tom Norwalk PRESIDENT & CEO Highlights of Seattle Seattle is a destination attendees love. With cultural attractions and museums, outdoor recreation and fine dining, Seattle has unique options that attract attendees and entertain them before, during or after the event. The natural surroundings of lakes and mountains offer the ability to be on the water and in the mountains within a matter of minutes from downtown. With superb hotel spaces and other unique Seattle venues nearby, the only limit to planning an event is imagination. Family Fun: Whether meeting local farmers and artists at Seattle's Pike Place Market or strolling the halls of the Seattle Art Museum (SAM), Seattle's attractions offer something for everyone. Major Events: Seattle is a hotbed of ac- tivity, from concerts and museum exhibits to theater performances and cultural festivals. Beginning the month of May, a 7-month Jerri Lane SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, SALES & MARKETING King Tut exhibit will stop in Seattle and will be the last U.S. stop for this traveling exhibit. This year, Seattle is celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the 1962 World's Fair and will be hosting numerous activities, festivals and attractions from April through October. Dale Chihuly, a native of Seattle will open the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit in 2012 which will be Dale Chihuly's most comprehensive glass art exhibit ever. Plus, Seattle has a vibrant and healthy cruise market (May-Sept) for Alaska Cruises. Exhibit Facilities h Washington State Convention Center – 207,700 sq ft of heavy load exhibit space h The Conference Center – 31,000 sq ft of carpeted exhibit space h The two flexible facilities accommodate banquets for thousands or intimate breakouts for 10. 70 March 2012 | Who's Who Hotel Inventory h 6,500 hotel rooms within 5 miles h 2,000 within 2 blocks h 1,000 directly across the street Taxes 15.6% hotel room tax plus a $2 tourism assessment fee per night for the Seattle Tourism Improvement Area Responsibility for Bookings h 18 months and out: Seattle's Convention and Visitors Bureau h Within 18 months: Washington State Convention Center Support Services Seattle's Convention Services team have a vast knowledge of Seattle in order to guide clients through making connections with vendors and gather details on what attendees can do throughout the region. The services team is a great way to help clients connect with everything there is to love about Seattle! On the Horizon The Washington State Convention Center (WSCC) is centrally located in downtown Seattle and is in close proximity to restaurants and entertainment options. In December 2011, the WSCC announced news of a $20 million refurbishment of its facility. The updates will be completed in multiple phases throughout 2012 and 2013 with the largest portion of work scheduled during times when there are few if any events to have the last possible impact on them. The refurbishment will represent a strong sense of place that is tied to the Pacific Northwest and will incorporate sustainable materials.