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discovering downtowns - Seattle

October 19 - October 21

Following the success of previous Discovering Downtowns trips, the Downtown San Diego Partnership is continuing its commitment to fostering a vibrant, resilient, and economically thriving urban district with the announcement of Discovering Downtowns – Seattle 2026, taking place from Monday, October 19th through Wednesday, October 21st. During this working trip, participants will tour catalytic projects shaping Downtown Seattle, hear directly from civic and industry leaders on emerging urban trends and best practices, participate in networking receptions and group discussions, and strengthen relationships between peer downtown organizations facing similar opportunities and challenges.

WHY DOWNTOWN SEATTLE?

As Downtown San Diego continues to advance transformational projects and public realm investments — from experiential districts and waterfront activation to infrastructure improvements, housing growth, arts and culture initiatives, and neighborhood revitalization — Seattle offers a compelling opportunity to explore how another major West Coast city is addressing many of the same urban dynamics. Delegates will experience firsthand how Seattle is approaching public space activation, waterfront redevelopment, Downtown sports economy, future economic growth and cultural art priorities, while engaging with leaders helping shape the future of one of the country’s most innovative urban centers. The delegation from Downtown San Diego Partnership is eager to learn from Seattle’s successes, challenges, and forward-looking strategies to help inform the continued evolution of Downtown San Diego.

 

Register

Join fellow downtown leaders and stakeholders for an immersive experience focused on learning, connection, and the exchange of ideas that can help shape the future of Downtown San Diego.
REGISTER HERE

Sponsorship Opportunities

Custom sponsorship opportunities are available and may include brand visibility, event recognition, speaking opportunities, and participation throughout the experience.
CLICK HERE

TRIP DETAILS

TICKETS | FLIGHTS | HOTEL

Dates: Monday, October 19, 2026 – Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Hotel Location: Thompson Seattle, By Hyatt | 110 Stewart St. Seattle, WA 98101
A more detailed itinerary will be released late Summer 2026.

ticket Pricing

Early Bird (Before July 1) – $1,950
Individual – $2,150
  • Tickets include all transportation, meals, and experiences. Tickets do not include airfare or hotel costs.
  • In an effort to provide an intimate learning environment during panels and tours, registration is limited and will sell out.
  • Invoices must be requested no later than September 18, 2026, and paid in full prior to the trip. After September 18, 2026 payments must be made via credit card.

FLIGHT INFO

*Each participant is responsible for booking their own hotel stay and air travel to and from Seattle. 
Please plan to arrive in Seattle by 12:30pm on Monday, October 19. Transportation will be provided from the airport around 1:30pm to head directly to our first activity of the day. Programming will conclude late Wednesday afternoon around 3-4pm. Please plan your travel accordingly. 
RECOMMENDED FLIGHTS:
We’re proud to partner with Southwest Airlines as our official airline partner.
 
Attendees are encouraged to book recommended flights through Southwest for the best travel experience.
Monday
October 19, 2026
Wednesday
October 21, 2026
Southwest Airlines nonstop flight #2978 departs San Diego at 9:35 AM and arrives in Seattle at 12:35 PM
Southwest Airlines nonstop flight #3764 departs Seattle at 6:30 PM and arrives in San Diego at 9:15 PM
Thompson Seattle, By Hyatt
110 Stewart St. Seattle, WA 98101
$303 + tax per night (special conference rate)
For this trip, our team has secured a hotel block with a special room rate of $303 per night for a standard room for the nights of October 19-21.
*The room block booking link will be sent to you after completing your online registration.
Reservations must be made by Friday, September 11, 2026 to earn the discounted room rate, reservations made after that date will be subject to availability and current rate.

HOTEL INFO

*Each participant is responsible for booking their own hotel stay and air travel to and from Seattle. 

CONTACT

Have questions about Discovering Downtowns?
Nathan Bishop
Vice President, Planning and Economic Development
nbishop@downtownsandiego.org
Kathryn Newstead
Director of Events
knewstead@downtownsandiego.org

Cancellation Policy
If you’ve registered for the Discovering Downtowns trip and need to cancel your registration, please see the following dates for refund fee scales. Please note that any cancellations or no shows will not be refunded after September 18, 2026.
Cancel by:
September 1, 2026 | Refund rate: 100%
September 18, 2026 | Refund rate: 25%