Inside the 2026 SelectUSA Seattle Spinoff

Over three days of blue skies, waterfront views, executive meetings, company tours, and regional collaboration, Greater Seattle welcomed 28 executive-level delegates representing 26 international companies through the 2026 SelectUSA Seattle Spinoff. This year’s program represented approximately $84M in capital investment and more than 130 jobs under evaluation, with companies actively exploring expansion opportunities across AI, aerospace, clean energy, life sciences, maritime, and advanced manufacturing.

But beyond the numbers, we especially noticed the high energy of the group and the strength of the relationships formed throughout the week. These global companies evaluating North American expansion experienced firsthand how Greater Seattle’s innovation economy blends world-class companies, infrastructure, natural beauty, and collaboration across cities, ports, public agencies, and private industry.

As one delegate shared:
“What started as a professional gathering quickly became something much deeper, a space of genuine connection, shared vision, and mutual respect among people from different parts of the world united by purpose.”

Day One: A Regional Welcome

The program began with a private opening reception hosted by Amazon and the City of Bellevue, featuring remarks from Tom Florino (Amazon), Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs, Bellevue City Councilmember Lynne Robinson, and Greater Seattle Partners leadership. Delegates also witnessed a special announcement regarding Bellevue expansion plans from eNeural Technologies. More than 80 regional businesses, government, and industry leaders joined the evening through a curated guest list assembled by Greater Seattle Partners.

Tacoma, SeaTac, and the South Sound

Day Two highlighted the South Sound’s growing role in workforce development, maritime connectivity, and placemaking. Delegates toured the Pierce County Skills Center, explored the newly redeveloped $1.4 billion, 97-acre mixed-use Point Ruston waterfront district, visited the Museum of Glass, and closed the evening at Alaska Airlines’ headquarters in SeaTac. Delegates were welcomed by Shane Jones (Alaska Airlines), Aleksandr Yeremeyev (City of SeaTac), and more than 100 regional businesses, government, and industry leaders and partners.

Aerospace, Cleantech, and Maritime Leadership in Snohomish County

Day three focused on Greater Seattle’s global leadership in aerospace, cleantech maritime innovation, and industrial infrastructure.
Organized alongside the Economic Alliance Snohomish County, delegates visited Echandia, Boeing, the Port of Everett, and the Future of Flight Center while engaging with regional leadership including Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin.

Innovation, Sustainability, and Seattle’s Waterfront

Day four brought delegates to Microsoft’s campus in Redmond, including a tour of the Thermal Energy Center showcasing innovative sustainability infrastructure.
The day continued in Kirkland and Seattle with waterfront tours, meetings with regional leadership, and a private Argosy cruise overlooking Elliott Bay and the Port of Seattle.

What Delegates Are Saying

“The SelectUSA Seattle Spinoff was truly world-class.”
“I arrived in the Pacific Northwest with a simple goal: exploration. I’m leaving with a head full of ideas, a heart full of gratitude, and a network of professionals I am proud to call friends.”
“The Greater Seattle Partners have the superpower of attracting ‘Uncommon Thinkers’ to Seattle.”
“It was a meaningful time where I met wonderful people and seized great opportunities.”

Why Programs Like This Matter

SelectUSA Seattle Spinoff reflects Greater Seattle’s regional strategy for attracting international investment through relationship-driven business attraction.
As global competition for investment intensifies, this program helps Greater Seattle proactively connect with companies through direct conversations, site visits, and strategic introductions that support future expansion and investment decisions.
This year’s SelectUSA Seattle Spinoff would not have been possible without the support of sponsors, regional partners, speakers, hosts, and community leaders across Greater Seattle.
Thank you to every organization, city, company, and individual who helped showcase the region to the world.
The conversations started here are only the beginning.