Commitment to Equityat Summit

SCC’s commitment to diversity plays out in the construction of its new Summit building, set to open in January 2023.

As a gathering space for people of all backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives, it is important that the staff and contractors at Seattle Convention Center represent the entire community as well as its national and international clientele. When construction began on a new building in 2018, SCC seized the opportunity to implement that practice from the ground up, setting a goal to award $80mm in contracts to women-and minority-owned businesses. As of August 2022, they had committed $148mm in opportunities toward WMBE firms.

A diverse workforce brings different skills, cultures and ways of operating that enable the delivery of the best outcomes. It also provides important opportunities for local workers and businesses, increasing their potential for future contracts.

“I would hope that larger contract companies will consider working with a small minority-and-woman-owned company who worked on one of Seattle’s largest projects, delivering top-quality services while paying attention to timeliness, safety and responsiveness,” said Victoria Richardson, owner of Construction Site Services, of the role her company played in the construction of Summit. “We are a growing population and deserve the opportunities that are out there in the construction world.”

Just last month, the nation’s largest window shade system was installed in the Summit’s ballroom by lumenomics, a woman- and LGBT-owned company. Founder and CEO Marti Hoffer emphasized the importance of programs like the Convention Center’s that prioritize working with companies owned by women and minorities.

“The eight-month Strategic Partnership Program offered by Summit’s build team helped us as a small, local business to be competitive and demonstrate our ability,” Hoffer said. “We are so grateful for this game-changing opportunity and thrilled to have made this world-class product for the Convention Center.”

As a meeting professional, you can feel confident bringing your event to Seattle, knowing that our community prioritizes DEI initiatives such as this from the beginning. Start planning at visitseattle.org/meetings.