
Join GSBA, in partnership with the Seattle Sports Commission, for a free webinar on January 12, 2026, from 3:00–4:00 p.m. This session will help businesses prepare for unofficial FIFA World Cup 2026 (FWC26) viewing parties.
In this session, we’ll walk through the Community Watch Party Playbook, a guide designed to help organizations understand FIFA’s viewing party rules, licensing requirements, and event-planning best practices. The webinar will simplify the process of securing a FIFA viewing-party license and outline the key steps for hosting a compliant and engaging community event. The session will also include a Q&A with Eric Corning from the Seattle Sports Commission.
All GSBA members are encouraged to attend and learn how to join in the celebration while staying aligned with regulations.
This session is ideal for any GSBA member considering hosting an FWC26 viewing party—whether you’re planning a small in-store gathering, a neighborhood activation, or a larger community celebration. Because FIFA’s rules for public viewing are strict, it’s important to understand compliance requirements before you promote or host an event. This webinar will help you avoid common pitfalls, ensure your event meets licensing standards, and protect your business or organization while still joining in the excitement of the World Cup.

With over 30 years of experience, Eric Corning has produced high-profile public events across Seattle and the greater Puget Sound region. He first joined Seafair as a summer intern in 1993 and quickly became a leader in the events community, eventually serving as CEO and producing 24 festivals across four decades.
Eric also helped lead large-scale moments such as the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games and the 2014 Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl Victory Parade, bringing his expertise in community-focused, large-scale event production to every project he touches.