The Spokane Convention Center has the capability to service a wide variety of activities ranging from large trade shows and exhibitions to small business meetings and conferences. The requirements for the production of an event vary and the following rules and regulations may not apply to your event. Please contact your Event Supervisor for further clarification regarding this section. These rules and regulations may be changed by SPFD at anytime without advance notice.

The Spokane Convention Center complies with the Washington Indoor Clean Air Act which prohibits smoking in all public places as well as 25 feet from any entrance, exit, or ventilation intake at a public place. Because of our compliance of RCW 70.160, the Smoking Court at the Spokane Arena is no longer available. We thank you for your understanding.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The Spokane Convention Center offers many features that make our facility friendly to our guests with disabilities. These features include accessible parking, automatic entrance doors, wheelchair accessible elevators, accessible restrooms, and assisted listening systems. The Spokane Convention Center is responsible for the permanent building ADA access requirements such as, but not limited to, wheelchair access, elevator standards, restroom standards and internal hallways and doors. The Licensee is responsible for the non-permanent accessibility requirement, such as, but not limited to seating accessibility, assistive listening devices, sign language interpreters and other auxiliary aids. Spokane Convention Center has wheelchairs, a wheelchair lift and assistive listening devices available.

One week prior to occupancy, the Licensee shall provide the Spokane Convention Center with the number of disable persons that have registered for the event and an outline of the accessibility services that will be provided to the disabled attendees.

Background Music and Copyrighted Material

If you wish to use background music for your exhibit area, trade show or reception, please be aware of the following clause in the Spokane Convention Center Use Agreement:

Licensee warrants, on its own behalf and on the behalf of any artist(s)/performer(s) or any other person authorized or permitted by licensee upon the premises, that all materials presented, heard or shown has been duly licensed or authorized by the owners of any copyright or trademark interests. Licensee further warrants that payment arrangements have been made for any licensing or royalty fees chargeable or attributable to the event. Licensee acknowledges sole responsibility for said fees and promises to pay all such claims and to indemnify and hold harmless the District, the City of Spokane, their agents and employees, from and against all claims, including penalties and attorneys fees levied against or incurred by any such indemnified party as a result of any copyright or trademark dispute that arises out of Licensee’s breach of the foregoing warranties.

For further information you may wish to contact ASCAP or BMI. Spokane Convention Center does not have a contract with either of these organizations.

Broadcast/Telecast

The application for a License Agreement shall state if the applicant intends to broadcast by radio, televise or record by any means the event or any portion of the event. No such broadcast, telecast or recording is authorized without the prior written approval of the Spokane Convention Center. The Spokane Convention Center reserves the right to a negotiated percentage of any revenue derived from such broadcast, telecast or recording. Licensee shall pay in advance all expenses of any such broadcast, telecast or recording when approved by the Spokane Convention Center.

City Licenses

It is the responsibility of the event promoter and exhibitors to secure the proper licenses and to pay the appropriate taxes for events in Spokane Convention Center. Spokane Municipal Code Chapter 8.01, Business License, states that no person may engage in business in the City or with the City without first having obtained and being the holder of a valid business license as provided in this chapter or a peddler’s license as provided in Chapter 10.40, whichever is applicable. Consumer Show organizers must possess a valid City of Spokane Business License, however exhibitors are exempt from the City Business License if they are not conducting business in the City of Spokane outside of the Consumer show event. For further information and an application packet, contact the City of Spokane Taxes and Licenses Department at (509) 625-6070.

State Tax Registration

Per Engrossed House Bill (EHB) 2269 (Chapter 18, Laws of 2003, 1st Special Session), promoters of special events in Washington must now verify that vendors participating in such events are registered to do business with the Department of Revenue before the event begins. Special event promoters that do not comply with the new law face several new penalties. For specific information contact the Tax Discovery Central Unit at 1-866-248-1287 or PO Box 1619, Bothell, Washington 98041.

The application for a UBI number can be accessed at:
http://www.dol.wa.gov/forms/700028.htm.
The cost is $15.

Copyright Fees

No copyrighted material shall be presented in any manner in connection with the use of the Convention Center unless arrangements for all royalties and fees for such presentation shall first have been made with satisfactory evidence of such arrangements presented to the General Manager prior to such a program.

Weapons and Concealed Handguns

In accordance with provisions of Municipal Code 10.10.050, it is the policy of the Spokane Convention Center that handguns and other weapons are strictly prohibited in Spokane Convention Center. Individuals who fail to comply with this prohibition or otherwise violate penal laws with respect to carrying a handgun or other weapon are subject to immediate arrest and prosecution. This prohibition applies to all persons including concealed handgun Licensees, with the exception of licensed law enforcement officers.

Insurance

Most events will be required to submit evidence of insurance. See Insurance Information.

Fire Department Regulations

See Fire Department Regulations.

Health Department Regulations

Permits for temporary food establishments are required. Applications with payment must be submitted to the Spokane Regional Health District’s Environmental Health Office at least two weeks prior to the event. See Health Department Regulations.