Tacoma Venues & Events Dept. Renames Convention Center, Unveils Logo

Tacoma Venues & Events, the managing department for the City of Tacoma’s prolific venues, announced today the rebranding of the Greater Tacoma Convention Center (removing “& Trade”) and presenting a new brand identity. The fresh brand celebrates the Pacific Northwest, downtown Tacoma, and the culture of service offered at one of Washington State’s largest convention centers.

The brand image enhances marketing and sales efforts by defining what is appealing about the facility and region. The ‘greater than’ symbol ( > ) seen within the new logo illustrates the service provided by the team of experts that collaborate with clients in all aspects of event planning from safety to audio visual, catering to ticketing. The symbol and tag line “Something Greater” evokes the transformative nature of events held at the facility.

“The launch of our new brand reflects the artful, modern style of the facility and connects us with our clients in our promise to provide ‘something greater’,” stated Kim Bedier, Director for Tacoma Venues & Events, City of Tacoma.  “Every event presented here holds a promise of something greater for the guest. Whether they are getting married, performing in a competition, supporting a non-profit, or networking at a conference, we hope that everyone comes away with something greater after a visit to the Convention Center.”

Hemisphere Design & Marketing of Tacoma was engaged to develop a memorable and distinct brand. Through their research interviews with stakeholders and focus groups, the Convention Center’s brand was identified for the greater value it provides, the overall experience customers expect, and the personality of the venue and the region.

“The Public Facilities District (PFD) was formed to construct the Greater Tacoma Convention Center to act as an economic engine for the entire region. With PFD participants that include Fife, Lakewood, University Place and Pierce County, I am pleased to see the focus on the greater Tacoma area conveyed throughout the facility’s strategic communications,” stated Connie Ladenburg, President for the PFD and Pierce County Council Member.

Construction began in April to prepare the building site for a new 4-star hotel. In coordination with the brand change, the venue’s official address has also been changed to 1500 Commerce Street. Aramark’s Executive Chef Brooks Magnuson will also be releasing a new menu this month.

“Tacoma is earning a reputation as a convention destination nationally. Our team is looking forward to using these tools for continued growth in the number, diversity and the scope of the events we book,” said Bennish Brown, President and CEO for Travel Tacoma + Pierce County, the area’s destination marketing organization.

The Greater Tacoma Convention Center was recently recognized by meetingsource.com as #4 for top small convention cities. The facility hosts more than 125,000 attendees at 200 events annually, with events ranging from multi-day conventions, to cheer and dance events, elegant weddings, non-profit-galas and military balls.

About Tacoma Venues & Events (formerly Public Assembly Facilities):

The City of Tacoma enhances quality of life for the community and drives economic vitality through its premier venues and diverse entertainment opportunities.  Tacoma Venues & Events manages these renowned venues which include the Tacoma Dome, one of the world’s largest wood domed structures with flexible seating configurations ranging from 5,000-23,000; the Greater Tacoma Convention Center, artful and modern with its trademark glass walls and 119,000 square feet of event space; Cheney Stadium, home of the Tacoma Rainiers; and the Broadway Center’s historic Pantages and Rialto Theaters, and Theatre on the Square.  The department collaborates with Travel Tacoma and Tacoma South Sound Sports to generate events for the region.

– Tacoma Venues & Events Dept.