Home » Event Services » Guidelines & Policies
We look forward to serving you at Seattle Convention Center and would like to thank you in advance for your cooperation in helping everyone have a safe and successful event. If you have any questions regarding these guidelines and policies we’re happy to assist.
Our goal is to provide you with the information, resources and answers to your questions so that event planners, exhibitors, and visitors can have a safe and enjoyable experience while they are our guests. Whether you previously worked with our team or this is your first time here, these topics can help guide you through the process of planning your event at SCC.
Additional questions? Contact your SCC Event Manager.
The Convention Center is fully accessible. See our Accessibility Guide for information on parking, building navigation, and more.
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All public areas, lobbies, exhibit halls, ballrooms and meeting rooms within SCC are ADA accessible. ADA features include accessible parking and restrooms, automatic door entrances, braille signage, TTY, and assisted listening/hearing devices (available by advance request). SCC also has stage ramps and wheelchair lifts subject to availability by advance request. Please advise your EM of special considerations at least 30 days in advance. Refer to our Accessibility Guide for more information.
Advertising and sponsored displays in public (nonlicensed) spaces may be subject to a fee. All content and images are subject to prior approval. Refer to our Event Branding section for display opportunities.
Edlen Electrical Exhibition Services is the exclusive provider of exhibitor and show management electrical and air/water/drain services for the Center. Please contact Edlen directly at seattle@edlen.com to discuss your utility needs.
Animals or pets, with the exception of ADA service animals, are not permitted in event space unless prior written approval has been obtained. For exhibits, activities, or demonstrations that legitimately require the use of animals, contact your EM for approval.
SCC is cashless, although retailers within the building may still accept cash. For your convenience, there is a cash-to-card self-service kiosks located on Level 1, near the Convention Place entrance. If ATMs are needed for your show, your EM can provide referrals.
Encore is the preferred in-house provider of audiovisual services and the service provider of our house sound system, and is the exclusive provider of rigging services in all ballrooms. Selection of our preferred AV provider offers some unique benefits and potential cost savings that you may want to consider. Please contact them directly at seattlecc@encoreglobal.com to discuss your audiovisual needs. You are also welcome to select the audiovisual contractor of your choice, and your EM will work closely with your provider for all production and room set requirements.
AEDs are strategically placed throughout the facility. These devices enable anyone to provide immediate care while trained SCC staff responds simultaneously to assist. Three major hospitals are within five minutes of SCC.
For safety and security purposes, SCC asks that you provide your staff, contractors, exhibitors, and attendees with badge credentials that are clearly marked for your event. Badge samples should be provided to your EM before the start of your event to indicate access permission for each badge type. Badge checking for access control into exhibits or other licensed event spaces during your event is solely the jurisdiction of SCC personnel. Your EM will work with you on an appropriate staffing levels based on your event needs. Request to see the Staffing Guidelines.
Helium balloons may not be given out in the Center. Helium balloons for decorative purposes are subject to prior written approval of Licensor. Removal of any balloons after the event will be charged to Licensee at the prevailing rate established in the applicable fee schedule.
Signage and banner locations must be discussed with your EM at least 30 days in advance of your event to coordinate with concurrent event activity, including signage or banners located within the public areas. Special rules apply for the placement of signage in retail areas and commercial/sponsored signage. Material used for surface clings must be submitted for testing in advance of on-site installation. For more information on available locations and pricing, refer to our Event Branding Guide.
Exhibitors are not allowed to install any signage, distribute flyers, or post other materials outside of their assigned booth.
Temporary power must be provided by Exhibitor Services and ordered in advance. Not allowed: Portable or car batteries; power banks; any device that is not UL listed, not self-contained, can accept a two or more pronged plug and/or is intended to power anything larger than a small electronic device, such as a tablet or cell phone.
SCC is prepared to host medical/nursing and biotech conventions and can work with event organizers to accommodate the unique needs for these types of meetings. Use of human or animal tissue as a practical element in an educational session is allowable under specific guidelines that provide a framework for the proper handling, cleaning and disposal of these materials to ensure public safety. All cleaning and disposal of biomedical material and equipment must be provided by a nationally accredited biowaste company. SCC assumes no liability for biomedical handling or biohazard waste and disposal. Protective material is required on any venue equipment or surfaces in contact with biomedical material.
SCC brand information for meeting planners holding events at the Center, including brand color palette, building identification, and editorial guidelines.
SCC holds a commercial broadcast account that would allow the rights to broadcast live sporting events. A limited number of cable boxes are available through SCC. Show Managers can work with in-house service partners and their providers to supply appropriate equipment for viewing if they believe that it is in compliance with all copyright rules. Additionally, Encore maintains a license with a digital music organization.
Arch: Busses and shuttles can use Convention Place, located on Level 1, for guest loading and drop-offs. A maximum of two busses may queue on Convention Place simultaneously. Adjacent shuttle zones are available on 7th or 8th Avenues with advance coordination. All transportation activities must be reviewed by your EM prior to the event. Use of Convention Place is subject to other concurrent event activity.
Summit: Busses can use the cut out on 9th Ave between Pine and Olive Streets. A maximum of two busses may stage simultaneously. Use of this area is subject to concurrent event activity.
Please bring your own carts to expedite your work. We have a limited number of flatbed carts which are available on a first come, first served basis. Carts can be checked out at Hand-Carried Freight during published hours. Please return the cart when finished. Carts are not released at the end of the show until aisle carpet is rolled up.
Please see Food & Beverage.
Children under the age of 16 are not allowed on the floor during move-in and move-out. Please notify your EM if you have special rules for children during your event, for instance, if strollers are not allowed on the show floor or if children must obtain guest badges or be accompanied by a parent.
SCC provides event space in a clean condition at the start of your event. SCC personnel will provide cleaning of meeting rooms, offices, ballrooms, restrooms, public and common areas, and lobbies. Registration and service desks provided by your general service contractor will be cleaned and serviced by the provider, whether in carpeted or non-carpeted areas. This includes the removal of trash from behind registration counters or tables.
In trade show or exhibit areas, SCC personnel will service receptacles for trash produced by attendees. Trash receptacles for attendee use will be placed in trade show aisles not more than two hours prior to show opening and will be removed at the conclusion of the show. The client or their contractor is responsible for the disposal of all exhibitor-generated trash during move-in, move-out, and within the confines of the booths during show hours.
Show contractors, including audiovisual contractors, must leave their work areas in a clean condition at the conclusion of the event. All tape, stickers, chalk lines, “empty” decals, etc., must be removed from the floor. Trade show or booth areas must be broom-swept or vacuumed upon the completion of move-out by the contractor. If event areas are not left in a clean condition upon move-out, cleaning fees may be assessed.
Staffed coat check services are exclusive to SCC. Complimentary coat racks are available upon request for a self-service coat check area. SCC is not responsible for items left in coat check areas or on coat racks, and will send unclaimed items to lost and found. If you anticipate high usage of luggage check, an appropriately sized space must be identified in the planning stages of your event. Please contact your EM for the prevailing hourly rate and to arrange for coat or luggage check services for your event.
Aramark is the exclusive service provider of all food concession services at SCC. Appropriate space for concession operations must be reserved for SCC usage in all exhibit hall areas as defined in standard booth diagrams as ˝SCC Use Only˝. Usage of concession areas in trade shows as booth space must be approved in advance by your EM and your catering sales manager. Retail outlets in the public area of the facility are independently owned and not operated by SCC. Additional information on the current restaurants and services located within SCC can be obtained from your EM.
Exhibitors may hire their own contract labor for booth installation and dismantling (I&D). All contract personnel will need to sign in at the SCC Staff Entrance. A valid photo ID is required in order to be issued a work badge. Exhibitors who hire other than the official show decorator for booth installation and dismantling, may be required to notify Show Management of the names of their I&D staff. Access of I&D staff must be coordinated through the official show decorator.
Any booth with a roof or other covered area of 100 square feet or more must submit a booth plan and adhere to specific fire codes. Allow a minimum of three months for approval process. Contact Exhibitor Services for more detailed information.
If your EM determines that the nature of your event may result in high attendance, queuing requirements, or other public safety considerations, a Crowd Management Plan will be arranged with you. Additional staffing may be required in order to implement the plan and all charges will be your responsibility.
Any damage that occurs to the SCC facility must be immediately reported to your EM. A SCC security officer will be dispatched to document the damage. You are responsible for all damage to the building by attendees, contractors and exhibitors. A pre- and post-event inspection should be arranged with your EM.
Dance floors in a variety of sizes can be rented from the SCC for your event. Consult your EM for the related fees.
Smart City is the exclusive service provider of all data and telecom services at SCC. Complimentary WiFi is available in lobbies and meeting rooms. Refer to our Wireless Connectivity Guide for detailed information.
Decorations may not be affixed to any surfaces in the building. No holes may be drilled, cored, or punched into the building. All equipment used must be stable without bolting or anchoring to floors or walls. Decorations may not include helium balloons, crepe paper, cellophane, confetti, cotton, cornstalks, hay bales, leaves, evergreen boughs/trees, glitter, sheaves of grain, streamers, straw, paper, or any flammable items.
Room diagrams for maximum capacity sets in a variety of styles are available upon request. Special sets for offices, banquets or other food and beverage functions can be created by your EM. We recommend that large general sessions or meeting rooms with extensive AV be created by your AV contractor. All diagrams must be submitted to your EM for review.
A very useful tool, the PDF linked below contains all confirmed dimensions, capacities or other relevant specifications from the facilities at SCC. Your dedicated EM is always available to answer questions you may have or clarify the information described on these pages. If you have show-critical considerations, it is always recommended to verify this information well in advance.
SCC and Visit Seattle are happy to assist you in identifying local charities and community organizations that may benefit from donations from events. Community donations require advance collaboration and coordination, so please reach out to your EM or Visit Seattle Convention Services Manager early in the planning process.
Use of remotely operated aerial drones/small unmanned aircraft is not allowed within SCC. Exceptions may be requested in writing to your EM with the provision that use is confined to exhibit hall areas and only while the hall is closed and unoccupied by attendees, or in an otherwise closed and controlled space.
Edlen Electrical Exhibition Services is our exclusive service provider of supplemental or temporary electrical services for SCC. Please contact Edlen directly at seattle@edlen.com to discuss your electrical needs.
SCC operates dozens of escalators, as well as passenger, service, and heavy freight elevators. Passenger elevators and escalators are not to be used for the movement of freight or equipment unless specific mitigation measures are identified by your EM. Service and freight elevators are also used by venue operations and catering staff and must be shared accordingly. Should misuse of the conveyances result in damage, charges may be your responsibility.
SCC maintains a 24/7 Security Control office at both the Arch and Summit buildings to monitor the safety and security of guests, as well as life safety equipment in the facility. Any necessary emergency response or evacuation will be coordinated with you by your EM and our security team. For large events, on-site medical services are located in one of our first aid rooms. Should a medical emergency arise, please contact your EM or our security team. We ask that you do not call 911; contacting SCC´s Security Control office will minimize the response time of emergency personnel. Please refer to Emergency Procedures for further information.
Seattle Convention Center (SCC) offers many event-specific branding and sponsorship opportunities. These guides provide our most common and approved locations and pricing. If you are interested in a location or opportunity not mentioned in this document, please contact your EM.
Once your LA has been executed, an EM will be assigned to work with you. Your EM will help you understand our rules and regulations and ensure your event requirements are fully met. The EM is your primary facility contact to coordinate with our various departments and your event contractors.
Please contact Show Management for official move-in and move-out hours for your show. All exhibitors will need to register and have show credentials prior to entering the exhibit space.
Use of facility equipment is reserved for employees of SCC only. Contractors, production companies, EACs, or other service providers may not use, move, rearrange or alter SCC equipment including but not limited to tables, chairs, risers, ladders, lecterns, and trash receptacles. Any SCC equipment impacted without permission may be confiscated or billed at our standard rental rates.
To ensure the safety of our guests, all events held at SCC must follow the fire code established by the Seattle Fire Marshal´s Office. A Seattle Fire Department (SFD) Public Assembly Permit is required for exhibits, registration areas, any proposed obstruction of fire exits, and certain other activities in exhibit halls, session rooms, lobbies, or public/common areas. Decisions made by the Fire Marshal´s Office are final. Your EM will facilitate the permit process with SFD and your general service contractor. Please see Safety Guidelines for more information.
Exhibitors, service contractors and all event personnel must comply with all federal, state and local fire codes which apply to places of public assembly.
Any heavy equipment, water tanks, or displays must have pre-approval from Show Management and SCC.
SCC requires all floor plans to be submitted in advance of your event for approval. No trade show booths may be sold or assigned prior to obtaining an approved floor plan. No aerial rigging can be installed without an approved rigging plot. Your EM will assist you with the approval process. Your EM can provide basic maximum room set diagrams for your meeting rooms, and create food & beverage function diagrams, but technical meeting room and general session diagrams should be supplied by your AV provider.
The use of foam tape, cellophane tape, duct tape or packing tape is prohibited on any surface in SCC. Contact the Exhibitor Service Desk if you need assistance.
Aramark is our exclusive service provider of food and beverage at SCC. Our talented executive chef and culinary team are known for their fresh, innovative approach to food, prepared in our own state-of-the-art kitchens. Meeting planners will be assigned a catering sales manager to work through the details of an event and menu. Exhibitors, please contact SCC Exhibitor Services at 206-694-5015 to make arrangements or to purchase food and beverage from the exhibitor menu. Catering orders must be placed before the published advanced ordering deadline in order to receive advanced pricing rates. A six week lead time is needed to guarantee special order requests. No selling of food or beverage is permitted by exhibitors.
No outside food or beverage may be brought into SCC for the consumption of guests, exhibitors, attendees, or show staff.
Subject to Show Management approval, those exhibitors who manufacture, process or distribute food as their normal course of business and wish to distribute food samples may be allowed. This is provided food samples are no larger than bite size and beverage sizes no more than three ounces. Any food sampling requires a valid Washington State Food Handlers Permit. Exhibitors are required to order booth porter service for cleaning. Please contact Show Management and Exhibitor Services for prior approval of food distribution. No selling of food or beverage is permitted by exhibitors.
SCC provides sofas, armchairs and other lounge furniture in lobbies and public areas of the facility. The furniture is intended for the enjoyment of you and your event attendees. This furniture is not to be moved from the assigned areas or used as temporary stage props or event décor. Special consideration may be given in certain circumstances if furniture needs to be moved; labor fees may be applied. Rental furniture cannot be delivered before the start of your licensed space usage and must be removed before the end of your contracted time.
No SCC furniture may be used in your booth, including tables and chairs. All booth furnishings must be ordered through the selected show contractor.
There are two gender neutral restrooms located within the Arch building. Both are located on Level 4 of the SCC near the entrance to Hall 4C. Summit offers gender neutral restrooms on Level EX as well as Levels 2-4. Many of our restrooms are also convertible to meet event needs. Please speak with your EM for options.
SCC has established policies for your General Service Contractor (GSC) and your other appointed show contractors. Refer to our Show Contractor Guidelines for specific information. Please provide a list of all appointed show contractors to your EM at least three months in advance.
Giveaways may not include stick-on decals or helium balloons. Please contact Show Management for any other restrictions.
GBAC helps organizations and businesses prepare for, respond to, and recover from biological threats, and biohazard situations and real-time crises. SCC achieved and maintains its GBAC STAR™ facility accreditation for outbreak prevention, response, and recovery.
We are here to serve you! No gratuities or tips should be offered to employees. If you are pleased with the service you receive while at SCC, we are happy to hear about it. Please ask your EM for a Good Show card.
Green meeting protocols are standard practice for SCC operations, and we have been an industry leader in conservation and recycling for decades. We are dedicated to environmental building practices and green operations. We continually work to reduce our carbon footprint with sustainable culinary practices, energy-efficient lighting, environment-friendly cleaning products, and a first-rate recycling and composting program. Additionally, we continue to invest significant resources in new and innovative projects that make the facility even more efficient. Please contact your EM if your event has unique requirements for green meetings. Additional information can be found in our Sustainability Fact Sheets.
Hand sanitizers are located in high traffic areas throughout our campus for guest use. While the units are moveable, they are intended to remain in the identified locations for consistency and efficiency.
In general, these units are located:
SCC has a dedicated area for privately owned vehicle short-term loading and unloading, located within the facility parking garage at both Arch and Summit. This space can be reserved by show management to allow access for locally based exhibitors to transport materials to and from their exhibit areas. Usage of this area is scheduled by your EM and staffed by SCC personnel at the show´s expense. Complimentary flat-bed carts are offered on a first-come, first-served basis for transporting materials from vehicles to the show floor. Please ask your EM about our Work Rules for Freight Handling document.
The hour time limit for loading/unloading is strictly enforced. Trailers cannot be accommodated. Vehicles that are too large for HCF must schedule deliveries through the Loading Dock. SCC cannot accept deliveries for you. HCF is scheduled only at specific times. Be sure you know the access hours for your event.
HCF – Arch North
This area predominately services Halls 4ABC and Level 6 at Arch. Access via 9th Avenue. Clearance at this entry is 9’ 8”. Full size vans can be accommodated, but trailers cannot.
HCF – Arch South
This area predominately services Halls 4DEF and Arch at 800 Pike. Access via the 8th Avenue parking garage entrance. Clearance at this entry is 6’ 5”. Full size vans will not clear this entry. No trailers can be accommodated.
HCF – Summit
Access via the Summit Parking Garage on Olive Street. This area services all levels and areas of the Summit building. Clearance is 8’ 4” for Level 1 HCF Loading area. Standard full-size vans will clear this entry only. No trailers can be accommodated.
SCC requires all hazardous materials to be handled by a licensed third party in order to ensure materials are disposed of in a safe and compliant manner. Your EM must be informed in advance of any request to utilize hazardous materials. Certain hazardous materials may require special approval and SFD permits. Material Safety Data Sheets must be submitted for any hazardous materials you are requesting to use or display in the facility.
Haze or fog machines to enhance your general session are permitted with advance approval of your EM. All times of usage, including rehearsals, must be submitted at least seven days in advance. Fire system monitoring may be required and subject to minimum fees. Hazeproducing fluids must be water-based. Hazers used in exhibit booths or elsewhere in the facility will not be permitted.
All meeting rooms, ballrooms, exhibit halls and lobbies are provided with appropriate levels of heating and cooling while in use by guests. No conditioned air is provided in exhibit halls during move-in and moveout. Please review our Energy Conservation guidelines with your EM. Arrangements can be made for special HVAC operation during non-standard hours, and usage fees may apply. SCC is committed to providing safe, clean air in all event spaces. SCC has a variety of air filtration systems deployed throughout the facility designed specifically for the best possible level of air filtration efficiency and to achieve the highest level of performance from our HVAC system. For specifics, please request our Air Filtration guidelines.
SCC has a variety of ceiling heights and obstructions. Specific shows may have rules pertaining to booth heights. We recommend reviewing our “SCC By the Numbers” section below. Please confirm with Show Management or Exhibitor Services the exact location of your booth for any height restrictions.
Arch Public Areas – 6am to 8pm daily
Summit Market Lobby – 6am to 10pm daily
Your EM will work with you to set the staffing schedule for access to licensed event space. Event activity after building hours of operation is subject to approval and may incur staffing charges. 24-hour access to your licensed space for approved show staff is available through the Security Control offices at Arch and Summit.
Encore is our preferred in-house supplier of audiovisual services and operator of SCC´s built-in house sound system. Refer to our House Sound System document for more information and pricing.
For any event held at SCC, the organization or individual contractor of the event assumes liability during the contracted time in their licensed space. A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is required to be on file for all clients prior to the start of the event. The insurance coverage must list SCC as an ˝Additional Insured˝. Consult your LA or your EM for specific insurance requirements. Refer to our Insurance Requirements document for information.
This downloadable PDF provides an overview of personnel, support services, or equipment that may require fees not included in base rent. Equipment inventory items are provided as part of SCC’s event services standards and are included in rent unless noted here, and in consideration of availability and other events. Your Event Manager (EM) will work with you to determine your event-specific needs and fees. Fees subject to change without notice.
Exhibitors will receive a unified invoice for all SCC facility services post-event. This will include all advance payments, services ordered, onsite orders, and final labor and materials charges.
Special Invoicing
If you are ordering for multiple booths, or require separate invoices you must submit each booth order with separate contact information. Please contact exhibitor.services@seattlecc.com if you need assistance.
Tax Exemption in Invoicing
There are very few circumstances that allow for a Washington State Sales Tax Exemption. If you believe you are exempt from sales tax, contact exhibitor.services@seattlecc.com directly. You will not be able to order services online.
At your request, your EM will arrange to have your meeting room(s) re-keyed for security purposes. Up to ten keys can be provided for each re-keyed room. One primary show office or storage space will be re-keyed at no extra charge; all other re-key requests will be billed at the prevailing rate. Most rooms are equipped with electronic key cards, while certain spaces have a physical key lock. Lost keys will be billed on your final invoice at the prevailing rate. Special arrangements for facility staff to service rooms that are re-keyed should be made with your EM.
Rooms that have not been re-keyed will be unlocked an hour prior to the first activity of the day and locked a half hour after the last scheduled activity has concluded. These rooms will be accessed by SCC staff for setting or cleaning as appropriate.
You may request an estimate of Labor and Materials charges in advance from Exhibitor Services. Final charges for Labor and Materials will be assessed onsite and charged to the credit card on file.
Once the details pertaining to your event dates, space usage, and rental rates have been finalized with your sales manager, a License Agreement (LA) will be issued outlining the contractual terms and conditions for use of space at SCC. The LA is a binding contract between SCC, our service partners and you (or your organization). The document must be signed, executed and the initial rental deposit paid in order for planning to proceed on your event. Your executed LA supersedes any previous proposals, estimates or Letters of Intent you may have received. Should your space or date requirements change, your EM will facilitate preparation of a contract addendum with our Sales department for your review and signature.
Meeting rooms are equipped with fluorescent and LED lighting. Controls in each room allow lighting to be adjusted to suit a various event needs. It is standard practice for our house electricians to turn off the lights located directly above the screens in each meeting room. Room lighting will be programmed according to the event schedule and room set information provided to your EM.
Ballrooms are equipped with LED and dimmable incandescent lighting. A house electrician will work with you or your AV contractor to set event-specific lighting levels and can provide a house lighting remote.
Exhibit halls are equipped with LED fixtures. There are no dimmable fixtures in the exhibit halls. Work level lighting is provided at no charge during move-in and move-out. Standard lighting for trade shows is 100% fluorescent combined with 50% LED provided one hour before and after published event hours. If your event has special lighting or production needs, please contact your EM to discuss your options.
To maintain safe and efficient operation, SCC retains complete control of access and traffic at our loading docks. Arch at 705 Pike loading docks are located on Level 4, immediately adjacent to the exhibit halls with access via a two-lane ramp from Hubbell Place.
Arch at 800 Pike Street is equipped with two street-level loading areas which connect to the Yakima Level. Both loading areas are accessed via the alley that runs along the east side of the building between Pike Street and Pine Street.
Summit Loading Dock access is located on Boren mid-block between Stewart Street and Olive Way and can accommodate any vehicle meeting federal highway height and width guidelines.
Dock access must be scheduled in advance of your event through your EM. SCC is not responsible for the receipt and handling of show freight. You, your general service contractor, and any other event suppliers are required to submit a detailed schedule of move-in and move-out activities at least 60 days in advance. SCC does not endorse exclusivity by general service contractor or drayage companies to handle freight at the loading dock. You may, at your discretion, allow exhibitors in privately owned vehicles to load/unload their own items at no charge in the hand-carried freight areas. Please ask your EM about our Work Rules for Freight Handling.
Lobby areas are considered shared venue space and are provided in consideration of any other adjacent or concurrent event activity. Registration activities, displays, exhibits, or other temporary installed equipment must be shown on your floor plans for SCC and Fire Marshal review. Non-approved or commercial use of lobby areas may be subject to removal or incur usage fees. Usable space plans, pre-approved by SFD, can be obtained from your EM for the lobby areas within your contracted space.
All found items are logged and placed in the SCC Security Control office. We attempt to identify and return all items. To inquire about lost items, contact the Security Control office at 206-694-5127 at Arch or 206-219-4748 at Summit. We request that all ˝lost˝ items turned in during your event to the show office or registration desk be turned over to SCC security before vacating the premises. Additionally, an online Lost & Found portal is available on our website.
SCC does not maintain a truck marshaling area onsite. To comply with the city-mandated TMP, you may be required to secure an offsite marshaling yard for the staging of truck and delivery activity at your own expense. SCC owns an off-premise marshaling yard at 9645 Martin Luther King Way South in Seattle that can be rented for your event. This is to avoid any vehicle queuing and associated traffic disruption on surface streets surrounding the facility. Show Managers or GSCs may rent the yard from SCC at the prevailing daily rate for use during an event. Your EM can assist with pricing and availably.
The following factors may warrant the use of a marshaling yard:
Your GSC is responsible for securing and staffing the marshaling yard as well as informing your exhibitors and contractors.
SCC maintains an exclusive service contract with AMR to provide on-site medical services during events. AMR provides medical response, from basic first aid to emergency life support. Your EM will schedule appropriate coverage based on your event activity and in compliance with facility regulations.
Minimum coverage is based on daily venue occupancy for one event or combination of events, as follows:
Contact your EM for the prevailing hourly rates.
Visit https://seattlecc.com/exhibitors/exhibitor-services/ to place all facility orders. Payment must be made in advance by credit card. Orders not submitted online, or to be paid by wire or ACH will be subject to manual processing fee.
Contact the official show decorator to make arrangements for your dock delivery. You may be routed via a Marshaling Yard to the Loading Dock.
SCC operates three on-premise parking garages, the Arch Garage, Freeway Park Garage and Summit Garage. Disabled parking spaces are available in each garage, and electric vehicle charging stations can be found in the Arch and Summit Garages. Parking is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. The garages will be closed and traffic diverted once at capacity. You may purchase parking validations for your attendees and/or show staff through your EM. Please consult your EM if your event requires special parking arrangements, such as staff or attendee validations, or valet parking. Refer to the Hourly Parking Rates and Event Validated Parking documents for more information.
Complimentary parking is available in Hand-Carried Freight only if you exit the garage within one hour. You can have your parking ticket validated at the HCF Service Desk. Exhibitors who remain in the garage will be charged normal rates. No parking is allowed at the Loading Dock.
A high-quality upright piano can be rented from SCC for a one-time fee for the duration of your event. Piano tuning can be arranged, with advanced notice, and is assessed at the current market rate. SCC will not place a piano on a stage unit. If a piano is provided by a rental agency, the agency is responsible for its delivery, placement, and removal.
Should your event require police coverage to comply with SCC regulations or upon your request, your EM will make arrangements for off-duty police patrol officers to be on-site during the necessary hours. Any requests for police coverage will be for a team of two officers. You will be responsible for any related charges at the prevailing rate. Only police personnel are approved by SCC to provide armed security services in the facility.
Pre-convention meetings are scheduled for all conventions or upon your request. This meeting is hosted by your EM, and is designed for you, your staff, and suppliers to meet the facility staff who will service your event needs. Please provide a list of attendees from your team to your EM at least one week prior to the meeting. If you would like to include your hotel providers at the pre-convention meeting, please inform your EM so appropriate arrangements and invitations can be made. Post-convention meetings can also be arranged upon request. Event evaluations are sent post-event for you to provide feedback to our senior management.
Fire acts, pyrotechnics, and/or fireworks are not permitted at SCC. Any request for exemption from this rule must be submitted to your EM at least three months in advance and will only be considered in uncarpeted areas.
SCC has long been an industry leader in recycling. Receptacles for recycling and composting are provided for attendee usage throughout the facility. Bulk recycling stations and compactors are provided on the loading dock for exhibitor and contractor use. Please consult with your EM for your specific event needs. Refer to our Sustainability Fact Sheets.
Registration activities are restricted to your licensed or other pre-approved areas and must be shown on fire permit application floor plans. If your GSC is providing your registration counters, they are expected to service and maintain this area. SCC will provide dressed tables for small registration sets. Registration areas that will generate large volumes of attendee traffic will be required to comply with SCC crowd management plans.
If you need to replenish supplies during the show, make sure you know the access hours for HCF and the Loading Dock. Contact Show Management in advance if you need to restock during show days.
SCC defines rigging as the overhead suspension of objects or equipment, whether ground supported or aerial (ceiling-hung). To ensure the safety of our guests and employees, all rigging must be installed by an ETCP certified rigger. Rigging plans must be submitted by your ETCP certified rigging supervisor to Encore for approval and review at least 60 days in advance. Rigging diagrams (CAD drawings) of the facility are available through your EM. Encore is the exclusive provider of rigging in all ballrooms.
Please carefully review our detailed Rigging Guidelines.
Download PDF »
If your LA includes event space held as ˝right of first refusal˝ (ROFR), you will be given the opportunity to contract that space at prevailing rates before it is contracted to another event. ROFR space is subject to an expiration date as outlined in your LA. If you do not exercise your ROFR option prior to the expiration date, the space will be released back into SCC inventory without notice. Please contact your EM to issue an addendum to add any necessary ROFR space to your contract.
One midday refresh is provided for each meeting room in use. Room refresh includes straightening of tables and chairs, disinfection of high-touch points and removal of trash. If your event has requirements beyond our usual midday refresh, labor fees may apply. Each room is fully cleaned overnight at no charge. Special arrangements to service rooms that are re-keyed should be made with your EM. If you request enhanced cleaning or disinfection of your meeting spaces, you will need to incorporate extra break time in your event agenda.
Your meeting rooms are set to your specifications at no charge. After your initial set, changes that occur overnight are complimentary. Midday set changes are subject to labor fees. Set changes to support a food and beverage function are complimentary when given adequate time to accomplish the set. Room specs that deviate from event specifications after your labor schedule is submitted may be subject to labor fees.
Theater:
Classroom:
Banquet:
Conference:
SCC maintains a 24-hour, 365-day Security Control office on premise at both Arch and Summit. Our security team provides perimeter and public area patrols and monitors the life safety equipment for the facility. After-hours access to the facility is through the Security Control office located at each building.
Arch Security Control
9th Avenue and Pike Street
206-694-5127
Summit Security Control
1011 Olive Way
206-219-4748
Badge checking, ticket taking, and related duties are the exclusive jurisdiction of SCC personnel. The schedule of coverage will be coordinated based on your event agenda and production needs.
SCC does not provide bag inspection, overnight security, or asset/equipment protection (such as in exhibit halls, computer labs or registration). If these services are required, you must contract with an outside security contractor. Your EM can provide a list of local companies that provide this service. Only police personnel are approved by SCC to provide armed security services in the facility.
Based on the information you provide to your EM, the set-up services team will set your allocated meeting rooms and other event spaces to your specifications and provide cleaning services in attendee and event common areas during your event. Our custodial services team keeps our public spaces sparkling throughout your event with daily deep cleaning. In response to COVID-19, SCC has achieved certification in and is committed to uphold the Global Biorisk Advisory Council® (GBAC) STAR™ standard on outbreak prevention, response and recovery.
SCC will not accept freight deliveries, packages or mail for exhibitors or attendees. These arrangements must be made with your general service contractor. Due to limited storage, show management packages cannot arrive any earlier than one business day prior to the first date of contracted event activity. All advance deliveries must be cleared with your EM. Please refer to our Shipping and Receiving document for additional information.
The PDF below has been developed as an overview of the policies and procedures for the safe and efficient operation of our clients’ events and to avoid damages, delays, financial penalty, or other preventable issues. Additionally, the License Agreement between SCC and Show Management contains certain contractual obligations pertaining to the use of the facility and operation of the event. Contractors should be aware of the obligations as described in the License Agreement. It is the responsibility of each Show Contractor to communicate and enforce these requirements with their employees, subcontractors, and exhibitors. Any questions relating to the information in this document should be directed to the SCC Event Manager (EM) assigned to the event or the SCC Director of Event Services.
Signage and banner locations must be discussed with your EM at least 30 days in advance of your event to coordinate with concurrent event activity, including signage or banners located within the public areas. Special rules apply for the placement of signage in retail areas and commercial/sponsored signage. Material used for surface clings must be submitted for testing in advance of on-site installation. For more information on available locations and pricing, refer to our Event Branding Guide.
Exhibitors are not allowed to install any signage, distribute flyers, or post other materials outside of their assigned booth.
SCC is a smoke-free environment, this includes vaping, e-cigarettes or other similar devices. Please do not smoke in any area of the facility, including parking garages, exit stairwells, or loading areas. Smoking is allowed outside SCC, 25 feet from any doorway.
SCC maintains an inventory of 6´ x 8´ riser sections that can be combined to make a variety of stage sizes. Available heights are 16˝, 24˝, 32˝ and 40˝. SCC does not allow these stage units to be stacked on top of one another. Special arrangements must be made with your EM for the installation of rental stage units exceeding 48˝ high. Stages in meeting rooms and ballrooms are provided free of charge, subject to availability, (up to 12 units per space). Fees may apply for stage units installed in exhibit areas. Safety rails must be installed on the back of any SCC risers, or the licensee must sign a waiver releasing SCC from any and all liability from injury and damage associated with the riser in question. The waiver must be signed by a representative of the licensee before removal of the safety rails.
Goods/materials may not be delivered in advance of the show’s official move-in time nor can they be left after the show’s official move-out time. There is no onsite storage at SCC. Repacking material, empty boxes, cardboard or other combustible storage is prohibited throughout exhibit areas. No flat or empty cardboard boxes can be stored within or behind your booth. Full boxes of brochures and other literature for distribution may be stored underneath a table fronting the booth space. Additional storage needs may be arranged by contacting the official show contractor.
Learn more about the Center’s efforts to maintain sustainable banquet services.
Learn more about the Center’s efforts to maintain sustainable operations.
Ticket taking for access control into events, exhibits etc., during your show is solely the jurisdiction of SCC personnel. We do not provide staff for the sale of tickets. An on-site box office is located at the Arch building on Convention Place and can be contracted with advance notice and arrangement with your EM.
Public or consumer events selling tickets on-site must allow for an effective and safe crowd management plan to control the queuing of guests in and around SCC. Tickets issued or sold for assigned or reserved seating requires a seating floor plan and ticket manifest. SCC reserves the right to approve and/or monitor the sale or issuance of event tickets or passes. All ticketed events are required to meet city and state requirements, as well as admission taxes relating to the sale of tickets.
Your general service contractor/production company is responsible for the appropriate disposal or removal of all bulk trash, whether produced by exhibits, general sessions or other event-related activities (e.g. registration, show bag stuffing, event publications, etc.). Bulk trash includes, but is not limited to: pallets, crates, carpet, carpet tubes, carpet padding, and lumber. Bulk trash is to be removed from the premises by the show contractor at the conclusion of the event. If needed, additional trash or recycling containers can be ordered by contacting your EM. Event organizers will be billed for the removal of any bulk trash that is not removed from the facility following the conclusion of the event.
All equipment displayed or used must be UL certified. Electricians may verify UL Certification before providing power to any equipment.
The SCC maintains a labor agreement with nine local unions to retain a stable and skilled workforce dedicated to offering world class service to our guests. Please request our Staffing Guidelines and Labor and Union Information from your EM.
SCC does not endorse exclusivity by general service contractors, drayage companies, or any particular union to handle freight at the loading dock. Your selected contractor may have an agreement with a local union to provide services within our facility. SCC will honor your decision related to the selection of a GSC and any associated labor agreement.
Gasoline powered vehicles may be displayed with a maximum of 1/4 tank or 5 gallons of gas, whichever is less. The vehicle gas cap must be taped or locked and the battery disconnected with cable ends taped over. Flooring beneath vehicle must be protected. There are no exceptions.
Seattle Convention Center (SCC) considers the health and safety of its clients, guests, visitors and staff a top priority. Our virus and infection control protocols, in addition to many other SCC operational protocols, adhere to the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) outbreak prevention, response and recovery fundamentals. SCC achieved GBAC STAR™ facility accreditation in March 2021.
SCC follows Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) recommendations, and we align with the Seattle Office of Emergency Management as well as county and state health departments.
Visit Seattle operates and staffs visitor information desks in the lobbies of both buildings. These desks can provide visitor information on attractions, dining, transportation, hotel accommodations and much more. Hours of operation vary from event to event. Please contact Visit Seattle for additional information and to confirm the hours of operation during your event.
Complimentary water is provided at each lectern and head table, and refreshed once daily. Each venue is equipped with conveniently located water bottle filling stations. Contact your Catering Manager for additional water service options.
SCC, except as prescribed by RCW 9.41 or RCW 9.41.300, prohibits weapons within leasable spaces in SCC facilities. No such prohibition is placed in identified public spaces adjacent to, or within, SCC facilities. A licensee may be more restrictive on allowance of firearms within licensee’s licensed spaces based upon policies developed for the event.
SCC does not provide wheelchairs or other mobility devices for attendees or guests, except in the case of a medical emergency. Your EM can provide a list of local companies that have wheelchairs for rent. Refer to our Accessibility Guide for more information.
At Seattle Convention Center (SCC), we understand wireless technology plays an important role in creating a positive experience for clients, exhibitors, and event attendees. That is why we offer multiple state-of-the-art wireless options throughout the SCC campus.
Still searching for answers? No problem, we are too — connect with an SCC Event Manager or send us an inquiry at info@seattleccc.com.