Event FAQ'S
What is the Alliance for Education Convening Seattle Community Luncheon?
The Alliance for Education’s annual Convening Seattle Community Luncheon is a cornerstone event that gathers the Seattle community to raise funds and increase awareness of the pressing educational issues facing Seattle students, families, and educators. Each year, this luncheon provides a platform for vital discussions and collective action to support our public schools.
This year’s event will spotlight three real-time bright spots in Seattle Public Schools—initiatives stewarded by the Alliance and fueled by community collaboration, philanthropic investment, and system-level innovation. Each of these topics reflects what becomes possible when funders, district leaders and educators align to create sustainable, student-centered impact.
Inspired by TED Talks and designed for dialogue, the program features:
- Engaging, interactive reception and opportunities for feedback from attendees
- Short, bold presentations highlighting breakthrough initiatives
- Joint conversations between funders, leaders, and those directly impacted—teachers, students, and school-based practitioners
Why Attend:
Whether you’re a civic leader, philanthropist, donor, educator or advocate, this luncheon offers insight and inspiration to take back to your sphere of influence. Now is not the time to pull back—it’s time to double down on proven strategies. Join us as we share what’s working, learn from each other and commit to staying the course for Seattle’s students.
How do I register? Is there a deadline?
You can register online at https://alliance4ed.ejoinme.org/2025Luncheon
Registration will officially close at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, September 5th, or when the event reaches capacity.
What is the cost to attend the luncheon?
Registration is $30/person and pre-registration online is required to attend. During the event, attendees will be asked to make a gift to support the Alliance’s mission. Guests may write checks or pay online with a credit card. The suggested minimum donation is $150, and your contribution can be pledged over time.
What if I can’t afford a ticket but would like to attend?
Everyone who supports public education is welcome to attend this community event. The registration cost is meant solely to cover the costs of the event so that funds raised can go to supporting Seattle students, families and educators. Please email events manager Catrina Coulson at catrina@alliance4ed.org for a coupon code for a $0 registration. Seattle Public Schools students and staff may also receive a $0 registration upon request.
What if I have dietary restrictions or other special needs?
Lunch will be Sweet Chili Glazed Northwest Salmon - GF/DF and Seasonal Vegetable Napoleon - GF/Vegan. Please indicate any allergies for accommodation(s), please tell us before the event by adding a note in the special accommodations section on the online registration form. We will do our absolute best to accommodate.
I have an accommodation need. Who do I notify?
It is our goal to make this event as accessible as possible. The event venue is ADA certified with elevator access and handicap accessibility features. Additional accommodation(s) such as listening devices, ASL interpretation and translation are available upon request. Please tell us before the event by adding a note in the special accommodations section on the online registration form. We will do our absolute best to accommodate and will be in communication about the accessibility request.
Will this event be livestreamed?
This event will not be livestreamed. A recording of the panel discussion will be published on our YouTube channel after the event, but we encourage in-person attendance if possible as part of the goal is to convene stakeholders from across the city together to focus on the topic of best supporting our students.
Where can I park ?
Self-parking is available at the Hyatt Regency Seattle Parking Garage, located at 808 Howell Street, Seattle, WA 98101.
Enter the garage via 8th or 9th Avenue between Stewart and Howell, or through the hotel’s main drive on Howell Street.
Parking is $18 per vehicle, based on availability. In-and-out privileges are available for guests using the hotel entrance.
There is ample paid parking nearby. We recommend using the parking garage at Pacific Place with entrances on 6th and 7th Avenues between Olive Way and Pine St. The below map and links are also included courtesy of the Hyatt Regency for other nearby parking:
Click on the link provided for each location for further information on times, car size restrictions and exact location. Hyatt and the Alliance is not affiliated with, nor takes any responsibility for the information provided via hyperlinks. Please also note that some of these sites are third party companies who offer parking at these locations.
A- MERIDIAN GARAGE EAST: 1515 7TH AVENUE
B- IMPARK SURFACE LOT: 802 PINE STREET
C- PACIFIC PLACE GARAGE: 600 PINE STREET
D- 8th & OLIVE GARAGE: 1859 8th AVENUE
E- 7th AVE GARAGE: 1700 7th AVENUE
F- 9th AVE GARAGE: 1800 9th AVENUE
G- ONE CONVENTION PLACE: 701 PIKE STREET
H- STEWART STREET GARAGE: 818 STEWART STREET
I- 7th AVE (SURFACE LOT): 1825 7th AVENUE
J- OLIVE WAY LOT (SURFACE LOT): 500 OLIVE WAY
What transit routes are nearby?
The venue is near many transit routes including King County Metro and Sound Transit buses and 3 blocks from Sound Transit’s Link light rail Westlake Station. We recommend using Google Maps or Apple Maps to see the best route available to you.
I need to cancel my registration, what should I do?
Thank you for letting us know! You may cancel your order by August 31st, 2025 by emailing Catrina Coulson at catrina@alliance4ed.org. If you would like to substitute an attendee to take your place, please let us know no later than September 13, 2025.
I am not able to attend, but I want to donate. Where can I donate?
Thank you for your gift! If you cannot attend and would still like to support the mission of the Alliance for Education, you can CLICK HERE to donate online.
