Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center

The building is beautiful, but the way they treat the people who are attending dance events is appalling. We were there for a dance competition a couple of weeks ago and they are fanatic about not bringing in outside food. They want you to purchase from their over priced selections that are not very healthy options for kids. The building staff would actually walk into the dressing rooms where kids were changimg, staring at the kids and all their belongings to make sure they didn’t have any outside food. Eventually they seemed to give up on that bit of control and started a new over the top control of demanding the kids wear shoes at all times because they were afraid they would hurt their feet on Bobby pins. They would stare creepily at the kids and make beelines to any kids that were walking
the stage to their belongings to make sure they put their shoes on immediately, even demanding that dancers put their shoes on immediately after hearing an adult tell the kids to get their shoes back on and the kids were doing just that. They also expected kids to warm up and stretch on cold hard cement floors.

I went here for a conference recently and I must say it was great! Plenty of space for multiple lectures/​classes and the inside was open with lots of natural light. The staff was friendly and helpful as well. It is close to the Tacoma light rail and many restaurants/​bars for post-​conference activities.

Surprisingly nice! Lots of sunlight flood the rooms and I understand that the staff is very easy to work with. The only downside is that it is in Tacoma (I jest, I jest)…

Nice location to host a function, however, we have TWICE had instances of them charging more than originally advertised. Essentially there were hidden costs.
As of NOW they are trying to get $ 1700 for an event held last year even though there is a receipt that states paid in full.
Very disappointing.

Fancy schmancy place. I have been here multiple times for work conferences and enjoyed the building’s architecture and layout. Everything is easy to find, staff is there to greet you, the signs are where they should be, guiding you to where you need to go aaaand it has a touch of the downtown Seattle Library, with all of the glass windows, walls and fun, clean angles to photograph.
I just wish there were more food options, except the nothing.

Very impressive venue for the city of Tacoma, I must say!
I have always seen this building from afar, either the street below or from the Marriot across the street. It really is a LARGE, Beautiful building that is able to hold all types of events!!!
The first for me was attending my husband’s military ball and it was a perfect setting for holding this event:) The ballroom was able to accommodate all of his fellow calvary soldiers that were in attendance. The layout of the stage and tables were done nicely as well. I’m not sure if the food was catered or if that is something that the Convention center also provides but it was pretty good, nothing too fancy. My husband enjoyed his chicken, but wanted a larger portion of course and I had the vegetarian lasagna which was good but a little heavy on the onions… I think the dessert was the best, red velvet, mmmmm…
We were only on one floor of the convention center and didn’t venture elsewhere but I have heard that they host all types of events here as well.

I was just there today for the Tacoma Shift Happens and I was beyond impressed. The staff was so helpful. I was a little under prepared in a couple things for the event and the staff was quick and efficient with helping me locate whatever I needed. I wish I would have gotten his last name but there was a gentleman named Jim that was a totally lifesaver when it came to the inspection by the health department. The layout was awesome there and I can’t wait to attend or participate in another event there.

I went to the Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center for my job as various vendors were showing off what was coming out the next season. I was impressed with the amount of parking that was available, the ease it was to get in and out of the convention center, and how modern and nice looking it was. The staff was very friendly and the food that we had catered in was some of the best for a function like this one.

I can’t believe something like this is actually in Tacoma! I’ve been here several times for events and conventions and the building itself is gorgeous! They actually have original art from andy warhol!
Their catering is even better! The chef is an internationally acclaimed cook that used to work exclusively for a royal family somewhere. The food alone will make you come back for more! Their are really nice restaurants and hotels neighboring the convention center that makes it seem like you’re in small botique plaza in Seattle. I definitely recommend coming on any Thursday during the summer, where the Tacoma Farmer’s Market happens! Music, food, natural and local farmers. What more can you ask for?

Tacoma has a gem of a convention center perfect for medium size conferences. I was pleasantly surprised to find Tacoma has really become a great art & museum hub in the NW. The addition of the convention center and hopefully some newer hotels & restaurants should help make it a nice alternative to having conferences in Seattle or Portland.