From Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2023 to FIFA World Cup 2026, groups bring excitement, business and jobs to Seattle. Northwest Event Show highlighted the benefits in a panel discussion that set the stage for the two-day meeting ideafest.
Ripple Effects of Events
“Events change behavior long-term,” said moderator Devon Montgomery Pasha, setting off a series of stories about exactly how that is happening in the Pacific Northwest.
There is something about hosting 1000s of top economic powers from 23 countries at APEC 2023 that bonds people for life. “When we consider the multiplier effects, events have a long story arc and broader economic impact than most people realize,” said Rebecca Lovell, chief operating officer at Greater Seattle Partners, a public-private partnership marketing to encourage global businesses investment in the area.
“It’s not just about jobs and tax revenue in Bellevue and Kirkland. But think about the multiplier. These are businesses that get here, and they need bankers, lawyers, realtors, accountants, architects. These are a critical part of creating a soft landing for companies to scale.”
In addition to the dollars international companies invest in the city after visiting, there is also a cultural exchange. After an executive leadership exchange with Japan and the University of Washington a $110 million investment in this community to spur collaboration and research around artificial intelligence happened. Win-win.
Kelly Saling, senior vice president and chief sales officer with Visit Seattle, brought the discussion to a people scale. “I would define events as humanity,” she said. “ We talk a lot about money and measure in dollars but the reality of it is, ‘humaning’ is what we need to move on in life and that’s what we all work for every single day by bringing people together.”
Events are an antidote to the loneliness plaguing the country. Groups traveling for conferences are part of the reason Seattle is home to a vibrant mix of arts, culture, music, restaurants and retail that make up the fabric of life in the area. Meetings are a healthy part of the urban mix for residents and travelers alike.
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A Growing Event Town
“Seattle has always been a great event town going back to 1962 and the World’s Fair that put the city on the map,” said Jon Scholes, president and CEO of Downtown Seattle Association, leaders in revitalization of economic development, public safety, chronic homelessness and transportation.
He pointed to the legacy that event left, including Seattle Center campus, Space Needle, monorail and hotels that served us for many decades to follow. “We’ve taken it to another level with the light rail system, expanded airport and hotel capacity and convention facilities with the addition of Summit building. We are positioned as an incredible, big events town, and I think that is deeply appreciated among the business community and those who benefit.”
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Then Scholes spelled out the benefit for locals. “They come, they stay, they spend money and then they leave. What a deal. When you invite your relatives to come for the weekend, do they help you pay your electric bill? In a time when we’re talking about budget shortfalls at the state and city level events importing tax dollars, events set us up for future growth.”
The FIFA Effect on Seattle
For those in North America who follow a black, white round football, there are lots of reasons to get excited. In addition to hosting six FIFA World Cup games in June 2026, Seattle is set to host Club World Cup this June. Saling compared the Club World Cup crowds to a well-attended Seahawks game largely contained at Lumen Field.
In contrast, hundreds of thousands will travel from all over the world to the west coast for games stretching from Los Angeles to Vancouver in summer of 2026. To prepare, a local organizing committee is creating a series of playbooks to make it easier for locals and local businesses to benefit from that attention while abiding by FIFA rules.
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“The number one thing to remembering is that this is for us,” Saling said. “Visitors are coming and it’s going to be massive like nothing we’ve ever seen since the World’s Fair, but it is a generational opportunity for us as residents to appreciate the tournament and the legacy it will leave.”
Time to Bring Seattle’s A Game
The pressure is on. “We’re going to deliver a phenomenal experience. We’re all going to have to bring our A game,” said Scholes. “People have to be able to move around this place. They have to be able to enjoy themselves when they’re in public areas and getting off the train, walking through parks and on the sidewalks. It’s got to be safe, clean and inviting.” Downtown Seattle Association is staffing up ambassadors.
The city is also looking beyond the local action. After the semi-finals move on, the city will be hosting watch parties in parks and public spaces downtown. “Once FIFA has packed up and left Seattle, we want to keep the soccer energy alive through the final and beyond,” said Scholes.
