Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center

Address/Phone Number/Fax Number

The Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center is located in the heart of downtown Tacoma. The address is 1500 Broadway, Tacoma, WA 98402. Phone number is 253.830.6601. Fax number is 253.573.2363. The delivery/shipping address is the same, however all deliveries should be directed to the 3rd floor loading docks off of 17th & Broadway, immediately South of the facility. For directions to the facility click here.

Animals

Only certified service dogs or service dogs in training will be allowed into The Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center. All other animals are prohibited.

Assistive Listening Devices

A limited number of Assistive Listening Devices (ALD) are available for guests with hearing impairments. They may be checked out, free of charge, by contacting the nearest guest services representative. Guests will be required to leave either their driver's license or photo ID.

ATM - Automated Teller Machines

There is one ATM machine at the Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center. It is located on the fifth floor level near the escalators.

Baby Changing Areas

Baby changing stations are located in every restroom at the Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center. In addition, The Tacoma Convention & Trade Center has family restrooms located near each of the public restrooms.

Balloons

Balloons of any kind are not allowed inside of the Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center. Exceptions may be made with prior approval from the Event Services Department.

Banners and Signs

Banners or signs may be hung at designated areas of the Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center only with prior approval from the Event Services Department. Signs must be hung using string, zip ties or wire in our designated locations only. Duct tape, double backed tape, masking tape, or scotch tape may not be used inside the Tacoma Convention &Trade Center. Banners may not contain political or commercial messages or display inappropriate phrases or words. The Tacoma Convention & Trade Center reserves the right to remove any banners or signs at their discretion.

Bottles and Cans

No outside beverages are permitted in the Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center and no cans are permitted. Empty water bottles are not permitted. Exceptions may be granted for baby formula, baby bottles, baby food, medication or other special health related needs.

Catering Services

Aramark is the exclusive food service provider for the Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center. You can contact Aramark at (253) 830-6671, or view our complete menu by clicking here.

Code of Conduct

The Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center and its employees are committed to providing our guests with an enjoyable, safe atmosphere. Our staff will proactively intervene to support a family oriented environment where all guests can enjoy the event free from the following behaviors:

Foul or abusive language or gestures
Intoxication or other signs of impairment
Displays of affection not appropriate in a public, family setting
Obscene or indecent clothing
Any disruption to the progress of the event by guest's actions.
Guests seated in a location other than their ticketed seat
Smoking or tobacco use in non-designated areas

If someone interferes with your enjoyment of an event, please contact a Guest Services Representative for assistance.

Concessions

The Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center's food service partner, Aramark, manages our concession services. The Gourmet Grill, located in the Exhibit Hall, offers items such as gourmet burgers, sandwiches, wraps, salads, soda, popcorn and more. Also featured are a varied selection of local micro-brew, import and domestic beer and other alcoholic beverages. Non-alcoholic beverages include a variety of Pepsi products, Aquafina water, fresh squeezed lemonade and other refreshing drinks. Credit Cards are accepted. Portable stands, which are also available, can be used in other areas of the facility but credit or debit cards are not accepted.

Directions

Click here for directions to the Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center.

Drop-Off/Pick-Up Zones

The Drop-off/pick-up zone is in front of the Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center on Commerce Street. Please note that this area contains a single lane of one-way traffic that heads South from 15th Street.

Emergencies and Evacuation Procedures

In the event of a serious emergency, all event staff, law enforcement and fire personnel are available to assist guests. Information may also be provided over the public address system.

Family Restrooms

For your convenience, The Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center has a family restroom located near every public restroom.

First Aid

If medical assistance is needed, please contact the nearest Guest Services Representative. The Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center is equipped with a fully stocked First Aid room, including an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) device which our staff is trained to use. If additional medical attention is required, the Tacoma Fire Department can arrive within minutes.

Food and Beverage Policy

Outside food and beverages are not permitted at any time. Exceptions may be granted for baby formula, baby bottles, baby food, medication, or other special health related needs. To view details about our onsite catering services, click here.

Guest Services/Security

Security and Guest Services at the Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center are provided by Staff Pro Inc. For any questions or concerns please call (253) 830-6600.

Link Light Rail

Tacoma's Link Light Rail offers free transportation to and from the Tacoma Dome Station, to four stations throughout downtown Tacoma. The trains run approximately every 10 minutes and have stops at 25th & Pacific, Union Station, the Convention Center and the Theater District. Service will run regularly from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm, Monday-Friday, Saturday 8:00 am – 10:00 pm and Sunday 10:00 am – 8:00 pm with extended hours for major events. Click here to view the complete light rail route map. You can also visit www.soundtransit.org for more information.

Lost and Found

After an event, call 253-830-6600 to inquire about lost items. Lost and found is located at the 24-Hour Security office at the Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center. Lost items will be kept for one month; those unclaimed after that time will be donated to charity. In most cases any unclaimed credit or debit cards are destroyed immediately as recommended by the issuing financial institution.

Lost Children

Guests are encouraged to instruct children in their group what to do if they become lost. If a child gets lost or separated from his or her group, the child should ask the nearest guest services representative for help. A lost child will be taken to the Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Centers Administration offices on the first floor. Parents looking for a lost child should follow the same procedure.

Mass Transit

In addition to Link Light Rail (see “L”) the Tacoma Dome Station, one block north of the Tacoma Dome is the home to the Sounder Commuter Train running Monday – Friday from Seattle to Tacoma. Please visit www.soundtransit.org for more information.

Medics

Contact the nearest guest services representative should you be in need of any medical assistance. For large public events at the Greater Tacoma Convention &Trade Center, medics could be found on site. For all other events, Tacoma Fire Department can respond within minutes.

Paging

Paging is permitted in the case of medical emergencies only when possible. If there is a medical emergency and paging is necessary, please contact any Guest Services representative.

Those who wish to leave an emergency number with relatives or sitters can refer them to the 24-Hour Security office at (253) 830-6600. Please remember to leave specific information (group name, floor, room number) at home with the emergency number. If the Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center is contacted in the event of an emergency, a Guest Services representative will attempt to deliver the message to the patron.

Parking

There are approximately 670 parking spaces available to guests of the Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center. These parking lots are operated by Republic Parking, and managed by the City of Tacoma. Parking rates are as follows:

$5.00 ..... 0-4 Hours
$10.00....4 + Hours/ All Day

The Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Centers parking lots are accessed off of Market and 17th Street. Click here to access additional parking information.

Police

If you have an emergency requiring police attention, please contact the nearest Guest Services Representative, or any Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center staff. If the particular event you are attending does not require on-site police staffing, the Tacoma Police Department can be available within minutes.

Prohibited Items / Permitted Items

In the interest of guest safety and enjoyment, the Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center reserves the right to prevent certain items from being brought into the facility. The following includes, but is not limited to, items that are not allowed into the Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center:

PROHIBITED ITEMS
1. Alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs
2. Non-alcoholic beer
3. Food items
4. Glass bottles or cans
5. Ice chests or hard-sided coolers
6. Fireworks
7. Bullhorns, air horns or other noisemakers
8. Confetti
9. Animals (except certified services dogs)
10. Bicycles
11. Skateboards or roller blades
12. Balloons of any kind
13. Weapons of any kind
14. Stickers
15. Chains
16. Studded belts, bracelets, etc.

PERMITTED ITEMS:
1. Baby formula, baby bottles and baby food
2. Medication or other special needs
3. Cloth bags, soft packs, backpacks and baby bags (subject to search, must fit under seat)
4. Binoculars
5. Seat cushions

Promotions/Vending

Any person or business wishing to distribute any promotional material or sell any product during a Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center event (both within the space contracted and in any public spaces maintained by the GTCTC such as elevators/ administration/ escalators/ back-of-house/ etc.) MUST receive permission to do so from the promoter of the show. Any persons not authorized to distribute or sell ANY product will be asked to leave the Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center property immediately. Call (253) 830-6601 for specific event information.

Recycling

The Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center and the City of Tacoma encourages recycling of beverage bottles and cans. You will find clearly marked bins in high-traffic areas for you to dispose of your plastic soda bottles and aluminum cans.

Resale and Scalping

An event ticket will not be recognized, honored, or received for admission if purchased from a source other than Ticketmaster, the designated service provider chosen by the event organizer and its authorized outlets, or other authorized agent. There will be no refunds and no exchanges. Tickets obtained from sources other than the aforementioned may be lost, stolen, or counterfeit tickets and in such cases will not be honored.

Security/Guest Services

Security and Guest Services at the Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center are provided by Staff Pro Inc. For any questions or concerns please call (253) 830-6600.

Shipping & Receiving

The Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center is able to receive event shipments in advance on a client's behalf. Please contact your Sales Manager or Event Coordinator for complete information and restrictions regarding our shipping and receiving policies.

Skateboarding/Rollerblading

Skateboarding and/or rollerblading on Tacoma Convention & Trade Center property is strictly prohibited.

Smoking Policy

The Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center is a smoke-free facility and smoking is strictly prohibited. Smoking and tobacco use is restricted to the designated smoking locations. Contact the nearest Guest Services Representative for the location of the designated smoking area.

Solicitation/Literature

Any persons without written consent from the Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center or the event promoter are prohibited from soliciting contributions or distributing literature on the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center property (inside or outside).

Telephones

Courtesy phones are located on all floors of the Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center. They provide local access calling only, or emergency access to our 24 Hour Security office.

Tickets

Ticketmaster is the preferred ticketing service of the GTCTC. If Ticketmaster is the official service for an event, tickets may be purchased by phone at 253.627.8497 or online at Ticketmaster.com.

Vendor Referrals

Please contact your Event Coordinator, Sales Manager or email us for vendor assistance.

Vending/Promotions

Weapons

For the safety of all guests, weapons of any kind are not permitted in the Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center. The ONLY exception to this is law enforcement personnel in the performance of their official duties.

Wheelchairs

Based on availability, wheelchairs are available at all entry points to the building. Contact the nearest Guest Services Representative to request a wheelchair. Guests will be required to leave either their driver's license or major credit card or photo identification as a deposit.