Seattle woos sci-fi convention with green appeal

In a move to lure the World Science Fiction Convention (a.k.a. "Worldcon") to downtown Seattle in 2011, the city’s bid committee is boasting of their green convention facilities. The event draws around 5,000 attendees typically, and is home to the Hugo Awards, the highest honors bestowed on writers of science fiction.

According to the group behind the Worldcon push, the Washington State Convention and Trade Center would perfectly accommodate sci-fi buffs interested in sustainability.

"The members of the World Science Fiction Society are a group of future thinking individuals that embrace tomorrow," said Bobbie DuFault, chairman for the bid to host Worldcon in Seattle in 2011. "A city, such as Seattle known for its progressive attitudes with matters pertaining to our environment is itself looking to the future. How could a group of future thinking individuals not embrace such a wonderful place?"

Last year the Washington State Convention and Trade Center recycled 174 tons of cardboard, 2,460 pounds of aluminum cans, 186 tons of mixed paper, plastic and glass, 12 tons of scrap metal, and an around 8,000 wood shipping pallets were reused. Moreover, 3,300 gallons of kitchen oil and grease went to a rendering plant for recycling. Other green practices at the center include using compostable hot and cold cups, offering all-compostable catering, and recycling of the center’s computers, floursecnt bulbs, batteries and vinyl event banners.

Backers of Seattle hope concern for the environmental future will appeal to Worldcon conventioneers.

"I love reading about post-apocalyptic futures, I just don't want t one to ever come to pass," said bid committee member Grant Kruger. "I think that we need to start practicing what we espouse, which is hard for a convention where folks fly in. So looking to minimize that impact in every way we can is a good thing, and there's no need to stop at the convention center."

Seattle’s green pitch is a major part of its campaign to snare the event — and there are other efforts. For instance, the bid committee has created a web site dedicated to drawing the sci-fi event that features a “steam punk” theme.

It is an effort that could pay off richly. Worldcon typically encompasses more than six acres of function space, including rooms for 15-20 tracks of programming; dealers’ rooms with 200 dealer tables; a 50,000 square foot art exposition; and Hugo Award ceremony seating for an audience of at least 3,000.

This year, Worldcon takes place in Denver. For the 2011 event, Seattle's chief rival (or evil nemesis?) is Reno, Nev.


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