Norwescon is one of the largest regional science fiction and fantasy conventions in the United States.
Realizing they would need a large group of people from which to draw volunteers, the founders also started the Northwest Science Fiction Society or NWSFS.
The Hyatt was the site of Norwescons II through VII, at which point the convention began feeling the pressures of growth; it was then moved to SeaTac's Red Lion Inn.
With growth came associated problems, and after two years at the Red Lion, Norwescon was forced to find a new location on short notice.
[1] Norwescon also hosts the Philip K. Dick Award, given to the author of the best original novel appearing in the previous year in paperback form without prior publication as a hardback.