DDC showcases ways to capitalize on connections from leveraging expert speakers to meeting sustainably in Washington, DC
(Washington, DC) – Destination DC (DDC), the official destination
marketing organization for Washington, DC, today shared its ongoing
commitment to attracting international groups at IMEX Frankfurt.
“Meeting with event organizers at IMEX Frankfurt allows us to
showcase the economic and social impact of hosting events in Washington,
DC,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO of DDC.
“Whether you’re in DC for a congress or corporate meeting, our
‘Connected’ positioning adds value to events with access to policy
makers, expert keynote speakers, networking and education
experiences.”
DDC’s convention sales and services team attracts customers by
focusing on the benefits of the Connected Capital and the added value
for group access to leaders in key industries including technology,
sustainability, biotech/pharma, education, and medical.
“As a hub for reconnection, collaboration, and immersive workshops with
global counterparts, Washington, DC offers unparalleled access to
intellectual capital,” said Melissa A. Riley, SVP, Convention Sales
and Services. “From every corner of the globe, attendees converge here
to harness the unique assets of the nation’s capital and tap into the
collective wisdom of industry leaders, associations, and advocacy groups,
enriching their initiatives with insights and expertise.”
Meetings Outlook
* Meetings and events play a critical role in bringing economic impact
to Washington, DC. In (calendar year) 2024, there are an estimated
483,894 total room nights stemming from convention center business, with
an estimated 452,527 total room nights from non-convention center
business.
* International meetings in 2024 include:
* International Microwave Symposium (June)
* The 75th NATO Summit (July)
* The International Baccalaureate (B) Global Conference and 36th World
Convention (July)
* The Institute of Internal Auditors International Conference (July)
International Updates
* New nonstop service to Dulles International Airport includes Swiss
Air Lines’ daily flight from Zurich, AeroMexico’s service from
Mexico and United’s second daily service from Rome.
* In March, the federal government spending package included $50
million in funding for the U.S. Department of State to reduce visitor
visa interview wait times.
Sustainable Meetings
In December, DDC welcomed the 2024 DEI Business Fellows [2], a group
comprising convention service providers including event production,
photography and corporate catering.
In March, DDC hosted an inaugural Sustainability Summit [3] in
collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the DC
Department of Energy and Environment, the American Society of
Association Executives and the local hospitality community to explore
avenues to make Washington, DC’s tourism and events industry more
sustainable.
DDC launched the Sustainability District [4] so meeting and event
planners and attendees can easily find sustainability initiatives at
local hotels, venues, and convention services.
DDC is growing its accessibility [5] to information and resources for all
meeting attendees and visitors in the nation’s capital. Numerous
museums, theaters, and restaurants schedule programming [6] for those who
need special accommodations during their visit.
Adding New Hotels and Venues
There are more than 19 new hotels or renovations in the pipeline,
adding over 3,500 new or renovated rooms.
* The 234-room Washington Marriott Capitol Hill [7] (opened January
2023) is just over one mile from the Walter E. Washington Convention
Center and steps from Union Station, DC’s Amtrak hub. It features
13,000 sq. feet of intimate meeting space.
* The modern, glass-façade Royal Sonesta Washington DC Capitol Hill
[8] (opened September 2023) has 274 large guest rooms, 11,000 sq. feet
of event space including a penthouse conference center with a wraparound
terrace, and an onsite French bistro. The hotel will be LEED Gold
certified and includes a green-vegetated roof.
* The new Arlo Hotel [9] will incorporate a residential building
constructed in the 1880s. Opening in October, the 445-room hotel will
include a 12-story addition, a fitness center, a signature restaurant
and bar, a rooftop pool and lounge, and indoor/outdoor event space.
* Rebranded and renovated hotels include the Salamander Washington DC
[10] (late summer 2024), the new Westin Downtown, the Marriott Metro
Center, the Capital Hilton, and the James DC (2025) from Royal Sonesta.
* The Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium [11] has reopened after an 18-month
restoration (October 2023). A quintessential gathering space since its
debut in 1935, the venue is located directly next to the National Mall
and steps away from the White House. The Mellon Auditorium features
timeless architectural details and offers a grand space with a capacity
for up to 689 seated guests and 1,000 standing. It also includes
additional smaller rooms and a covered outdoor deck overlooking
Constitution Avenue.
* The Folger Shakespeare Library’s [12] 1932 building is undergoing a
major renovation to expand public space and improve accessibility.
Opening in June, the project adds a 12,000-square-foot public pavilion
that includes two new exhibition halls and indoor/outdoor event space.
* The White House Historical Association has announced plans for “The
People’s House: A White House Experience,” [13] a
33,000-square-foot, three-story educational experience including a Rose
Garden replica and a full-scale replica of the Oval Office. Opening fall
2024.
About Destination DC [14]: Destination DC, the official destination
marketing organization for the nation’s capital is a private,
non-profit membership organization committed to marketing the area as a
premier global convention, tourism, and special events destination with a
special emphasis on the arts, cultural, and historic communities.
