The Seattle in 2002 World Science Fiction Convention ("Worldcon") Bid Committee regretfully announces to our members that, effective immediately, we are withdrawing our bid to host the Worldcon in Seattle over Labor Day weekend in 2002. Our reasons are spelled out in the press release below.

Press Release

Contact: Patrick Porter (206) 340-2944

November 12, 1998

Subject: Seattle in 2002 World Science Fiction Convention Bid Withdrawal

      Seattle, WA - An estimated $4 million in revenue will be lost to downtown Seattle business as a result of Starwood Hotels' decision to block a local group's efforts to host the World Science Fiction Convention in 2002. A Worldcon in Seattle would have generated an estimated $3.8 million dollars in local spending. This includes $300,000 in room and other tax on a weekend when no other group has used the Convention Center for several years.

       The Seattle in 2002 World Science Fiction Convention ("Worldcon") bid committee regretfully announces that, effective immediately, it is withdrawing its bid to hold the Worldcon in Seattle over Labor Day weekend in 2002. The World Science Fiction convention, or Worldcon, is the pre-eminent yearly gathering of those interested in Science Fiction and related interests. It attracts attendees from around the world who come on vacation, attend lectures, socialize and discuss their common interests.

       The Bid Committee has been unable to obtain a reservation for the Washington State Trade and Convention Center due to unexplained resistance on the part of local hotel management to commit the necessary room-nights. Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is the owner or operator of many major downtown Seattle hotels, including the Sheraton Seattle Hotel and Towers, Westin Hotel Seattle, Days Inn Town Center, the Edward Meany Hotel, Sixth Avenue Inn, as well as the new Group W Hotel and the proposed hotel to be built at the Convention Center. Starwood has declined to provide the Bid Committee with a room block. It is not possible to obtain the required minimum of 1,000 rooms per night in downtown Seattle that the King County Convention and Visitors Bureau requires to book the Convention Center without one or more of the Starwood hotels. The Bid Committee has made repeated attempts, by phone and by mail, to address whatever concerns Starwood might have with a Seattle Worldcon. To date there has been no response to its queries or any explanation for Starwood's decision. The Bid Committee does not know why the Regional Manager of Starwood, Yogi Hudson, or any of his representatives would not meet with the Bid Committee. Starwood's de facto control over which groups can reserve the Convention Center is lamentable,but is not something the Bid Committee can overcome. San Francisco is now left as the only other Worldcon bidder for 2002. Their primary hotel will be a Marriott, Starwood's biggest competitor.

       We would like to thank the Seattle Mayor's Office, and the Visitors Bureau , especially Mr. Steve Morris, for their efforts in attempting to bring the Worldcon to Seattle. We wish our friends in San Francisco the best of luck with what we know will be a great Worldcon.