Tacoma was ranked #4 on a list of “Twelve Top Convention Cities in the USA for 2017” as selected by MeetingSource.com. Convention cities across the country were ranked on a five point rating system with criteria that included affordability, ease of access, safety, walkability and promotional appeal. The Tacoma market was recognized for the Greater Tacoma Convention Center, affordable hotel room rates and the proximity to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

“Tacoma continues to grow as a convention destination because of the genuine northwest experience that it offers. Our regional and cultural attractions, hotels and transportation, and the beauty of the mountains and waterfront are all very appealing to meeting and event planners,” stated Kim Bedier, Director for Tacoma Venues & Events, City of Tacoma. “It is a testament to the dedication of the Travel Tacoma staff promoting Tacoma as a destination, and our team of experts here at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center that provides excellent service to clients and guests.”

“The unsolicited honor speaks to the hard work that has taken place over the past few years,” said Bennish Brown, President and CEO for Travel Tacoma, the area’s destination marketing organization. “We are now being recognized as a unique destination that appeals to many audiences. We have an incredible waterfront city that delivers a safe, vibrant and convenient experience to meeting planners and their attendees.”

MeetingSource.com is a resource for meeting and event planners to find and compare convention destinations. Launched in 1996, MeetingSource.com is one of the first meeting and convention site selection directories on the internet.

The Greater Tacoma Convention Center hosts an average of 220 events annually with more than 125,000 attendees. Over 19,000 room nights are confirmed through 2022, for an estimated $25 million in economic impact over the next five years. The Tacoma Remodeling Expo is being held at the Convention Center all weekend, and the South Sound Sustainability Expo will be held at the Convention Center this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1500 Broadway, with additional events at Tollefson Plaza at 1548 Pacific.
– City of Tacoma