Our team at the Downtown Seattle Association (DSA) couldn’t be more excited to welcome you, our colleagues in the place management industry, to Seattle this September for IDA’s 70th Annual Conference & Marketplace. Hosting the IDA Conference in Seattle is a momentous occasion, not only for our city but for the entire place management community. It provides an unparalleled opportunity to showcase the remarkable progress we’ve made, exchange ideas and collectively shape the future of our industry.
IDA last held the Annual Conference in Seattle in 1994. Over the last three decades, Seattle’s downtown has been one of the fastest-growing in North America, advancing innovation and impact felt around the globe. In 1994, Amazon was just an idea taking root in Jeff Bezos’ garage. Today, Amazon employs approximately 50,000 people in downtown Seattle and more than 1.5 million in total. In 1994, a double-decker highway separated downtown from its waterfront. Soon, a remarkable waterfront park will open atop one of the largest bored tunnels in the world. In the 1990s, Seattle introduced grunge music to the world. Today, Seattle’s arts and culture scene continues to have broad reach and impact, from Macklemore to Brandi Carlile to KEXP, the world’s most influential listener-supported music radio station. Beyond music, Seattle’s arts and culture scene is a vibrant tapestry woven with diverse expressions. From world-class museums and galleries showcasing contemporary and indigenous art to cutting-edge theater productions and a thriving literary community, the city offers a rich cultural landscape for all to explore.
From its pioneering roots, Seattle’s frontier culture of innovation has had a profound impact globally. From coffee, online shopping and air travel to computer software, music and life sciences, the Emerald City has been at the forefront of innovation for over 150 years. Surrounded by spectacular mountains, lakes and bays (nestled between three national parks), downtown Seattle is the center of the Puget Sound region’s economy and culture. Early September is a phenomenal time to visit Seattle with generally mild temperatures and dry weather. Within a three-hour drive, you can experience a diverse range of landscapes, from glaciers, islands and deserts to rainforests and the Pacific Ocean. We encourage you to extend your visit and explore the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. We look forward to welcoming you to Seattle!