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Ambassador Circle Awards
Destination DC’s Ambassador Circle Awards celebrate the achievements and contributions of individuals and organizations in attracting conferences to Washington, DC. Business Attraction Ambassador Award Awarded in partnership with the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Recognizes the contributions and support of an ambassador for the District’s business attraction, retention, and expansion activities. Serves as a champion for promoting DC as a place to do business. 2023 Award Winner: JLL Partner Award Recognizes a DDC member business (or team of businesses) that has leveraged resources, reach and credibility to support international meetings sales and attract visitation to DC from around the world. 2023 Award Winner: Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center Impact Award Recognizes the ambassador(s) leading a bid or program associated with a recent or upcoming conference that will have a positive economic and social impact on the city. 2023 Award Winner: Andrew B. Wolff, MD | Orthopedic Surgeon | Washington Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, Chairman of the Annual Scientific Meeting for ISHA-The International Hip Preservation Society Connector Award Recognizes an individual in the community who eagerly helps DDC make connections through their existing networks. A champion of DDC’s work and a steadfast supporter of the Ambassador Circle program. 2023 Award Winner: Cattleya Wongkongkatap, CMP, M.B.A. | Director, University Events | The George Washington University Leadership Award Recognizes an ambassador who has demonstrated outstanding guidance, strategic vision and impactful leadership in the organization of a conference. 2023 Award Winner: Mitchell Cohen, MD, FACC, FHRS | Co-Director of the Heart Center and Chief of Pediatric Cardiology | Inova Children's Hospital Clinical Professor of Pediatrics | University of Virginia School of Medicine Chair Scientific Committee, 8th World Congress of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery Ambassador of the Year Recognizes an ambassador who has excelled in chairing a major conference and passionately represented our destination, significantly enhancing its profile and appeal. 2023 Award Winner: Gil Wernovsky, MD, FAAP, FACC | Cardiac Critical Care Physician and Pediatric Cardiologist | Children’s National Hospital, Professor of Pediatrics | George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Co-Chair, 8th World Congress of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery
Connect, Convene and Collaborate: Walking the Talk on DEI
Dr. Amanda Taylor (Biography) Assistant Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, American University Key Takeaways: While an organization’s public diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) statements are an important first step, the work must not stop there. Organizations need to show their clients that their stated commitment to racial and social justice is more than just a marketing campaign. 3 ways organizations can “walk the talk” of DEI: Connect your commitments to internal organizational practices, such as ensuring diverse representation at all levels of the organization, using equitable hiring practices and conducting internal climate assessments. Convene your members, staff and stakeholders around key racial and social justice topics to share learning and best practices during annual conferences or professional development opportunities. Collaborate with nonprofit organizations, universities or local organizations to support innovation and build partnerships to deepen impact. Additional Resources: https://www.american.edu/president/diversity/inclusive-excellence/ https://www.american.edu/centers/antiracism/
Effective Virtual Advocacy Meetings
Kirstie Tucker Founder, DC Fly-Ins Key Takeaways: The pandemic is creating challenges for many companies and associations who normally conduct in-person advocacy meetings. DC Fly-Ins is working with organizations to pivot to a virtual meeting rather than canceling their events. The good news is that government officials and their staff are willing to engage virtually and your advocates still have opportunities to connect and share their views and first-hand knowledge. We have gathered best practices to share our top tips learned from robust national and international advocacy efforts in Washington, DC with direct application to global government affairs. Additional Resources: https://dcflyins.com/virtual-fly-in.html
How Associations Can Help Shift the Narrative on Climate and Galvanize Action
Surili Sutaria Patel Former Director, Center for Climate, Health and Equity, American Public Health Association Key Takeaways: Climate change is negatively impacting the lives, livelihoods and health of families across the world. Further, climate change exacerbates health inequities, disproportionately harming the most vulnerable among us. But there are actions we can all take to improve health conditions: Make climate-healthy choices, easy and accessible choices. Raise awareness of how climate change can impact the health of your staff and community so that they can take actions to protect themselves and their health. Look for green alternatives when planning your next meeting or event. Please join us in being a part of the solution. Additional Resources: Greening Your Meetings and Conferences Guide https://www.apha.org/climate
Make Your Virtual Meetings More Accessible
Dr. Christian Vogler Professor, Communication Studies Program and Director, Technology Access Program, Gallaudet University Key Takeaways: There are many people with hearing loss, and you might be surprised how many could be among your colleagues Making video conferences more accessible for deaf and hard of hearing people helps everyone to minimize fatigue Videoconferencing accessibility is 20% picking the right technology and 80% behavior Key behaviors: minimize visual distractions, optimize lighting and audio, have procedures for when to show video Additional Resources: Video conferencing accessibility feature comparison Accessibility tips for virtual meetings Webinar accessibility