Latest news with #VisitSeattle
Axios
03-07-2025
- Business
- Axios
Seattle named one of America's top 10 dream cities
Seattle just landed in the top 10 cities where Americans most want to live, new data shows. Why it matters: The results of a new survey underscore that Americans still view Seattle as one of the most desirable places to land and confirms what locals already believe — that this scenic city really is among the best in the world. It also reinforces Seattle's identity as a city shaped by transplants and newcomers, a fact that sparks both civic pride and complaints, depending on the rain, the rent and rush hour. Driving the news: Seattle ranks seventh among U.S. cities people most want to move to, according to the 2025 America's Best Cities report by Resonance, a marketing and branding firm for cities and destinations. As part of that report, Resonance worked with Ipsos to ask about 2,000 respondents nationwide to name the top three U.S. towns or cities they'd most like to live in someday. New York, Los Angeles and Miami came out on top, followed by San Diego, Chicago and Las Vegas. By the numbers: Resonance's comprehensive ranking evaluates cities based on hard metrics, including GDP, unemployment rates, air quality, and softer indicators like social media activity. Seattle ranked No. 5 overall, coming in second for air quality and third for GDP per capita among U.S. metros. Seattle is also the nation's No. 2 tech talent market, per CBRE, with new expansions from Commonwealth Bank and Brex, per the ranking. What they're saying: "Few North American cities are stacking high-impact wins as fast as Seattle," according to the report's authors. Seattle's momentum is reflected, they say, in infrastructure upgrades, a hospitality boom and surging tourism numbers. New Sound Transit lines are improving commutes, expansion continues at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, per the report. Tourism also "roared back" last year, with Visit Seattle logging 40 million visitors who spent $8.8 billion in 2024. The city's port estimated a record number of cruise passengers last year. We want to hear from you: We know, we know. Some locals like to keep Seattle's charms a secret.
Skift
01-07-2025
- Business
- Skift
Microsoft Build Joins Wave of Tech Conferences Leaving Longtime Host Cities
Microsoft's decision to move its flagship developer event out of Seattle marks a significant shift for the company and the city's events economy. The new location for Build 2026 has yet to be announced. Microsoft is ending its nearly decade-long run of hosting the Build developer conference in Seattle, signaling a potential shift in the company's event strategy and adding to a growing trend of tech events leaving traditional host cities. The most recent Build conference was held May 19–22 at the Seattle Convention Center. It drew 3,200 in-person attendees and more than 100,000 participants online. Build, which launched in 2011, has taken place in Seattle since 2017 and has regularly attracted tens of thousands of developers, engineers, and technology partners. 'Our plans for Build 2026 have changed, our vision to empower builders and developers at a major event next year remains the same,' a Microsoft spokesperson said. 'We thank the city and the community for their support over the years.' Microsoft Build Conference Important to Seattle Visit Seattle did not respond to a request for comment. According to industry estimates, the event has generated roughly 9,300 hotel room nights per year, an economic impact the city will now lose. Seattle's proximity to Microsoft's Redmond headquarters made it a logistically convenient location for the company's engineers and executives. While Microsoft has not disclosed the reason for the move, a spokesperson said it was not related to conditions or experiences during this year's event. In addition, the spokesperson said, 'We do not have anything further to share about our plans for Build 2026.' Shift in Tech Event Geography Microsoft is not alone in changing the location of its flagship gathering. Across the tech industry, companies are re-evaluating how and where they host major events, driven by rising costs, shifting audience expectations, and strategic goals around reach and visibility. HubSpot's INBOUND conference, held in Boston since its launch in 2012, will move to San Francisco for a one-time edition. The event is scheduled for Sept. 3–5 at Moscone Center. HubSpot said the change reflects feedback from a growing global community and an effort to meet customers where they are. The plan is for the conference to return to Boston in 2026. The 2024 event at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, attracted approximately 12,000 attendees. Other major tech conferences have made more permanent changes. Google Cloud Next relocated from San Francisco to Las Vegas in 2024, with events now confirmed at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center through at least 2026. Oracle also moved its flagship CloudWorld conference from San Francisco to Las Vegas after its 2022 event. This year's edition will take place Oct. 13–16 at The Venetian Conference and Expo Center. Canva shifted its annual Canva Create conference from Sydney to Los Angeles in 2024. Held at Hollywood Park—home to SoFi Stadium and the YouTube Theater—the event drew more than 4,500 attendees, with 100 speakers and 60 sessions. Apple, meanwhile, has transitioned its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) to a primarily digital format since 2020. While the event remains free and globally accessible online, Apple now includes a limited in-person experience at its Cupertino campus. Attendance is by invitation or lottery and capped at a small number of developers, students, and media. What It Means Microsoft's departure from Seattle reflects a larger redefinition of how tech companies engage developer and partner communities. As event formats, audiences, and expectations evolve, even long-standing location ties are no longer guaranteed. For destination marketers and convention centers, the message is clear: competition for major conferences is intensifying, and loyalty to place is giving way to flexibility, scale, and strategic alignment.
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Visit Seattle Launches Emerald, a Custom AI Travel Genius Powered by GuideGeek
SEATTLE, June 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With unrivaled natural beauty, world-class attractions, major sports teams, a thriving arts and culture scene, and culinary delights around every corner, there is an abundance of adventures for all kinds of visitors to the Seattle area. Luckily, a new AI tool is making it easier than ever to navigate the destination. Emerald is an AI travel genius recently launched by Visit Seattle, the official destination marketing organization for Seattle and King County, and powered by GuideGeek artificial intelligence technology from Matador Network. This new tool provides visitors with instant, custom recommendations and travel planning assistance. Emerald serves to enhance and magnify Visit Seattle's robust and growing trove of information on famous landmarks, annual festivals, top-notch restaurants, hidden gems, culturally diverse neighborhoods and more. The AI tool can be used to plan an entire itinerary, tailoring recommendations to each individual visitor or group, and can answer questions on the spot. The personalized, real-time responses are generated by artificial intelligence trained on extensive data from Visit Seattle and enhanced by over 1,000 integrations for travel information from GuideGeek's award-winning technology. To access Emerald, travelers can go to and click the chat box in the bottom-right corner of the site. This opens a dialogue with the AI tool, offering tailored responses based on the information users share, such as their interests, preferences, size of their group, ages and more. Visitors can also message Emerald on WhatsApp, providing quick access while exploring the Emerald City. "Taking advantage of advanced technology is a natural choice in tech hub Seattle, and Emerald can help visitors choose their own adventure in practically any language," says Tammy Canavan, president and CEO of Visit Seattle. "Whether their interests are in nature, culinary, arts or culture, Emerald helps each visitor to tailor their experience in Seattle and its surroundings in their ideal way." Featuring the latest information from Visit Seattle, Emerald can help even experienced Seattle visitors navigate the ever-evolving destination, like the recent Seattle Aquarium expansion and new Overlook Walk that connects the waterfront to Pike Place Market, or the best ways to enjoy Seattle's natural beauty without leaving the city. Additionally, Emerald is an ideal companion for soccer fans descending on the city from all over the world for FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ this summer and FIFA World Cup 26™ next year. An AI tool fluent in 45-plus languages offers wider accessibility and convenience to help those international travelers plan their trips. Destination marketing organizations (DMOs or tourism boards) across the United States, as well as international destinations from Toronto to Aruba to New Zealand, have already seen success with GuideGeek AI to engage visitors on a deeper, more personalized level. "Seattle is the best of all worlds — a big city, charming neighborhoods and dazzling waterfront set right in the middle of three of our country's most beautiful national parks," says Matador Network CEO Ross Borden. "Emerald is a worthy companion for all visitors and residents of Seattle, a city that thrives on innovation and tech-enhanced experiences." About Visit Seattle Visit Seattle has served as the official destination marketing organization (DMO) for Seattle and King County for more than 50 years. A 501(c)(6) organization, Visit Seattle enhances the economic prosperity of the region through global destination branding along with competitive programs and campaigns in leisure travel marketing, convention sales, and overseas tourism development. Learn more at About Matador Network Matador Network is the world's No. 1 media brand for modern adventurers and creator of the award-winning AI travel genius GuideGeek. With more than 16 million followers across social media, Matador has become a leading travel brand through its production of article features, city guides, creator-first content and original videos. Matador is the top-ranking travel brand on TikTok and its videos are viewed more than 140 million times per month. It has content distribution deals with destinations throughout the world and major brands in the travel industry and beyond. Media Contact:Jason Simms397098@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Matador Network Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Daily Mail
10-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Microsoft pulls major conference from Seattle over safety fears
Seattle's reputation as a center for global innovation is in tatters as the Democrat-run city's rampant crime and drug-addled homeless problem has driven a major tech conference out of the Pacific North West for first time in almost a decade. Microsoft will relocate its flagship Build conference from 2026 following mounting concerns over dystopian scenes of open-air drug markets and violence, which have dramatically changed the character of Seattle since the company's first conference in the city in 2017. The decision, confirmed in a statement from the company, follows mounting concerns over public safety, visible drug use, and deteriorating conditions in the city's downtown. This year's event also faced disruptions when pro-Hamas protesters vandalized the convention center and attempted to enter the venue. An internal email from Visit Seattle, the city's tourism agency, said that both Microsoft leadership and event attendees had expressed alarm about the downtown area surrounding the Hyatt Regency and the Arch Building on 8th Street - key locations for the annual developer conference. 'The customers cited the general uncleanliness of the street scene, visibility of individuals engaging in drug use, and unhoused individuals, including the recurring tent in the Arch Tunnel,' the email, obtained by journalist Jonathan Choe, stated. Despite efforts to keep the conference in the city by Visit Seattle and local authorities - including the Seattle Police Department, the Downtown Seattle Association, and the city's Care Team - Microsoft's concerns ultimately proved decisive. 'Unfortunately for Build, it was a contributing factor to their final decision to move out of Seattle,' the agency wrote. The loss of Build represents a significant hit to Seattle's convention and tourism economy, which has long relied on major tech events to draw visitors and business. Seattle restaurateur David Meinert also confirmed the news in a Facebook post, citing feedback from attendees about the open-air drug use, the large number of tents lining the streets, and the aggressive homeless population. 'Mayor Bruce Harrell's downtown activation plan is not having the success he claims,' Meinert wrote. 'I can tell you firsthand how poorly the massive spending on different city agencies is going, due to the inability for them to communicate and work together. It's 100% about lack of leadership.' Microsoft acknowledged the change in a formal statement: 'Our plans for Build 2026 have changed, but our vision to empower builders and developers at a major event next year remains the same. We thank the city and the community for their support over the years.' Build has been held in Seattle since 2017, drawing thousands of developers and tech leaders from around the world. Its departure underscores growing unease among corporate leaders about the state of downtown Seattle. The Build conference typically attracts thousands of developers from around the world. Acknowledging the impact of the decision, Visit Seattle described Microsoft's departure as a 'huge loss for the city.' This development follows a pattern of businesses leaving downtown Seattle. Starbucks has closed several stores, with former CEO Howard Schultz attributing the closures to public safety issues and what he termed failed leadership . 'At the local state and federal level, these governments... and leaders, mayors and governors, and city councils have advocated their responsibility in fighting crime & addressing mental illness,' Schultz stated. Other major retailers, including Target, Nike, and Hard Rock Cafe , have also closed their downtown locations. Amazon Go has similarly shut down its stores in the area, citing underperformance. The situation has drawn comparisons to San Francisco, another city that has faced challenges with crime, homelessness, and business retention. In May, Seattle was the site of violent clashes between Christian activists and counter-protesters. The Seattle Police Department (SPD) reported 23 arrests at a 'Mayday USA' rally. 'Police working to keep two different groups apart, witnessed multiple people inside one group throw items at the opposing group,' SPD said. 'Officers immediately moved to arrest the people responsible... resulting in even more arrests.' Public safety in Seattle has been a contentious issue for several years. In 2020, then-Police Chief Carmen Best expressed a desire for officers to return to the East Precinct, which had been abandoned during protests that led to the creation of the 'Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone' (CHAZ). Her stance contrasted with that of then-Mayor Jenny Durkan, who favored a more hands-off approach. When asked how long she anticipated the protest zone would last, Durkan told CNN, 'I don't know. We could have a summer of love.' The 'autonomous zone' was established after clashes between police and protesters following the death of George Floyd, during which law enforcement used crowd control measures such as stun grenades and tear gas. While some reports described lawlessness in the CHAZ, authorities at the time also noted a 'block party atmosphere.' Protesters stated their intention to occupy the area until their demands, including police funding cuts, were met.
Daily Mail
10-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Microsoft pulls major tech conference from dystopian Democrat city over rampant crime and drug-addled homeless
Seattle's reputation as a center for global innovation is in tatters as the Democrat-run city's rampant crime and drug-addled homeless problem has driven a major tech conference out of the Pacific North West for first time in almost a decade. Microsoft will relocate its flagship Build conference from 2026 following mounting concerns over dystopian scenes of open-air drug markets and violence, which have dramatically changed the character of Seattle since the company's first conference in the city in 2017. The decision, confirmed in a statement from the company, follows mounting concerns over public safety, visible drug use, and deteriorating conditions in the city's downtown. This year's event also faced disruptions when pro-Hamas protesters vandalized the convention center and attempted to enter the venue. An internal email from Visit Seattle, the city's tourism agency, said that both Microsoft leadership and event attendees had expressed alarm about the downtown area surrounding the Hyatt Regency and the Arch Building on 8th Street - key locations for the annual developer conference. 'The customers cited the general uncleanliness of the street scene, visibility of individuals engaging in drug use, and unhoused individuals, including the recurring tent in the Arch Tunnel,' the email, obtained by journalist Jonathan Choe, stated. Despite efforts to keep the conference in the city by Visit Seattle and local authorities - including the Seattle Police Department, the Downtown Seattle Association, and the city's Care Team - Microsoft's concerns ultimately proved decisive. 'Unfortunately for Build, it was a contributing factor to their final decision to move out of Seattle,' the agency wrote. The loss of Build represents a significant hit to Seattle's convention and tourism economy, which has long relied on major tech events to draw visitors and business. Protesters remove a man because he was bothering other protesters at the self-proclaimed Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone (CHAZ) during a protest against racial inequality and call for defunding of Seattle police on in June 2020 Seattle restaurateur David Meinert also confirmed the news in a Facebook post, citing feedback from attendees about the open-air drug use, the large number of tents lining the streets, and the aggressive homeless population. 'Mayor Bruce Harrell's downtown activation plan is not having the success he claims,' Meinert wrote. 'I can tell you firsthand how poorly the massive spending on different city agencies is going, due to the inability for them to communicate and work together. It's 100% about lack of leadership.' Microsoft acknowledged the change in a formal statement: 'Our plans for Build 2026 have changed, but our vision to empower builders and developers at a major event next year remains the same. We thank the city and the community for their support over the years.' Build has been held in Seattle since 2017, drawing thousands of developers and tech leaders from around the world. Its departure underscores growing unease among corporate leaders about the state of downtown Seattle. The Build conference typically attracts thousands of developers from around the world. Seattle restaurateur David Meinert also confirmed the news in a Facebook post, citing feedback from attendees about the open-air drug use, the large number of tents lining the streets, and the aggressive homeless population Acknowledging the impact of the decision, Visit Seattle described Microsoft's departure as a 'huge loss for the city.' This development follows a pattern of businesses leaving downtown Seattle. Starbucks has closed several stores, with former CEO Howard Schultz attributing the closures to public safety issues and what he termed failed leadership. 'At the local state and federal level, these governments... and leaders, mayors and governors, and city councils have advocated their responsibility in fighting crime & addressing mental illness,' Schultz stated. Other major retailers, including Target, Nike, and Hard Rock Cafe, have also closed their downtown locations. Amazon Go has similarly shut down its stores in the area, citing underperformance. The situation has drawn comparisons to San Francisco, another city that has faced challenges with crime, homelessness, and business retention. In May, Seattle was the site of violent clashes between Christian activists and counter-protesters. The Seattle Police Department (SPD) reported 23 arrests at a 'Mayday USA' rally. 'Police working to keep two different groups apart, witnessed multiple people inside one group throw items at the opposing group,' SPD said. 'Officers immediately moved to arrest the people responsible... resulting in even more arrests.' Public safety in Seattle has been a contentious issue for several years. In 2020, then-Police Chief Carmen Best expressed a desire for officers to return to the East Precinct, which had been abandoned during protests that led to the creation of the 'Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone' (CHAZ). Her stance contrasted with that of then-Mayor Jenny Durkan, who favored a more hands-off approach. When asked how long she anticipated the protest zone would last, Durkan told CNN, 'I don't know. We could have a summer of love.' The 'autonomous zone' was established after clashes between police and protesters following the death of George Floyd, during which law enforcement used crowd control measures such as stun grenades and tear gas. While some reports described lawlessness in the CHAZ, authorities at the time also noted a 'block party atmosphere.' Protesters stated their intention to occupy the area until their demands, including police funding cuts, were met.
