State of Downtown 2026
Recentering Our City Center
When:
Wednesday, March 11 / 3–7 p.m.
Agenda:
- 3 p.m. / Guest Check-in, Bars Open, Networking
- 4-5:30 p.m. / Keynote Program
- 5:30-7 p.m. / Networking Happy Hour
Where:
Seattle Convention Center
Summit building, 5th Floor
900 Pine St., Seattle, WA 98101
Map
Tickets:
- Reserved corporate seating (eight spots): $1,800
- Individual open seating (corporate member): $190
- Individual open seating (small business*): $150
- *Under 10 FTE. Must be headquartered in Seattle.
- Individual open seating (DSA resident member*): $140
- *Reserved for resident members only.
We’re excited to invite you to our annual State of Downtown event on Wednesday, March 11 at the Seattle Convention Center Summit building, presented by Ballard Spahr Lane Powell.
Join us for an engaging program featuring insights and analysis on the present and future of downtown, delivered by DSA President & CEO Jon Scholes. This event will highlight the latest storylines and data shaping the recentering of our city center. You’ll hear from Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson and DSA Board Chair Mari Horita, and we’ll share our annual Economic Report, presented by Mortenson.
We’re thrilled to have Derek Thompson as our keynote speaker. Derek is a podcaster and journalist, a contributing writer at The Atlantic and author of “Hit Makers: How to Succeed in an Age of Distraction;” “On Work: Money, Meaning, Identity;” and, with Ezra Klein, the co-author of “Abundance.” He will offer his thought-provoking perspective on the future of downtown urban areas and much more.
Before and after the program, enjoy a lively networking reception with drinks, appetizers, music and stunning views. It’s the perfect opportunity to connect with more than 1,200 industry leaders, professionals and community members.
Registration is now open. Limited sponsorship opportunities are still available. Please email Giselle Ferrufino with questions.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Keynote Speakers

Jon Scholes
President & CEO, Downtown Seattle Association

Mari Horita
Board Chair, Downtown Seattle Association

Katie Wilson
Mayor, City of Seattle

Derek Thompson
Podcaster, Author & Journalist
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Presented by

Vanguard

Convener

Innovator

Visionaries







Live Music

Hospitality Partner

Media Partner

In cooperation with

Stewards
CenTrio Energy
Clise Properties
Gates Foundation
IKE Smart City
McCullough Hill PLLC
Nitze-Stagen
Providence Swedish
Quarterra
R.C. Hedreen Co.
Seattle Children’s Research Institute
Stoel Rives
Verizon
Washington Holdings
Wright Runstad & Company