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Convention Sales and Services
DOMESTIC CONVENTION SALES: Promotions, Sales Calls, Trade Shows and Events The team’s proactive efforts resulted in 119 presentations, virtual client sales calls and in-person meetings throughout the month of August. Highlights include: American Cancer Society American Society for Radiation Oncology Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Department of State Haitian Ladies Network National Black MBA Association National Coalition of Black Meetings Professional National Kidney Foundation Proforma Print Marketing Siemens The Center for Association Leadership Corporate 3 Day FAM (Sept. 10-12, Washington, DC) DDC Staff: Melissa Riley, Dianna Waldroup, Bill Adams, Jenna Wiese, John Sklencar, Megan Fariel Co-Op: Westin Washington DC Downtown, Washington Hilton, Marriott Marquis Washington DC, PRA DMC, Access DMC Destination DC hosted 13 third party corporate planning clients to experience DC outside of the meeting space. Destination DC showcased historic DC such as the National Mall and the US Capitol, while highlighting DC’s cultural impact at the Kennedy Center and a DC Street Art walking tour. We educated planners about our largest DC hotels and the convention center, while giving them an idea of how their clients would truly benefit from bringing their programs to DC. DDC targeted the following customers: Enterprise Events Group Etherio First Agency Helmsbriscoe HPN Global Meetings Made Easy Prestige Global Meetings Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Philadelphia Education Day & Trade Show (Sept. 12, Philadelphia, PA) DDC Staff: Shirley Del Carpio, John Sklencar Destination DC proudly sponsored the tradeshow bags for this event which brought together over 100 association meeting planners and 50 exhibitors for a day of insightful sessions. Industry leaders, including Joshua L. Grimes from Grimes Law Offices, LLC, discussed the latest trends in contracting, while Kimberly Hardcastle Geddes from mdg, A Freeman Company shared invaluable insights on strategic planning, campaign execution, and enhancing the onsite experience. The day concluded with a delightful dinner hosted by Destination DC, offering an opportunity for clients to connect and unwind. DDC targeted the following customers: American Association of Cancer Research American College of Physicians American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery Helmsbriscoe Lamont and Company Freeman Golf Classic (Sept. 17, Dulles, VA) DDC Staff: Dianna Waldroup, Bill Adams, Priscilla Alvarez, Kate Anaya, Emily Ogorzalek Co-Op: The Embassy suites by Hilton Washington DC Convention Center Destination DC sponsored the 14th Annual Freeman Charity Golf Classic at the 1757 Golf Club. This event brought together over 140 guests from across the industry. Our sponsorship featured both a margarita station and a grill station, which quickly became popular spots throughout the day. DDC staff had the opportunity to connect with many potential clients, engaging in productive conversations and discussing future collaborations. The event was not only a great opportunity to give back but also to build lasting connections with industry members. DDC targeted the following customers: American Society of Hematology HelmsBriscoe National Defense Industrial Association Prestige Partner Events and Sales Calls (Sept. 19-20, Minneapolis, MN) DDC Staff: Jenna Wiese DDC recently attended the event as part of our ongoing partnership with Prestige. This event provided an excellent opportunity to connect with industry professionals and showcase what Washington, DC has to offer. In addition to the event, Destination DC also met with several customers in the Minneapolis area, strengthening our relationships in the region. DDC targeted the following customers: IDeaS Land O’Lakes Prestige Partner Events (Sept. 25-26, Dallas, TX) DDC Staff: Jenna Wiese This event not only provided an opportunity for Destination DC to reinforce our partnership with Prestige but also highlight the unique offerings of Washington, DC. This gathering allowed us to engage with key industry professionals and share insights about our destination. DDC staff also took the opportunity to have one-on-one meetings with customers, further building connections and expanding our reach. DDC targeted the following customers: Cardinal Health Riveron Tyler Technologies Hospitality Industry Crab Feast (Sept. 25, Arlington, VA) DDC Staff: Shirley Del Carpio, Brandon Murray, Priscilla Alvarez DDC hosted clients at this highly anticipated annual feast. Guests savored a mouthwatering array of freshly caught blue crab, perfectly paired with refreshing beverages and appetizers. It was a fantastic opportunity to reconnect and build new relationships and exchange ideas in a vibrant, inviting atmosphere. DDC targeted the following customers: Multistate Tax Commission National Business Aviation Association National Education Association National Federation of Republican Women National Industries for the Blind Definite Site Visits Cardiovascular Research Foundation (Oct. 26-29, 2024) 4,175 peak rooms; 19,948 total room nights; 12,000 attendees Walter E. Washington Convention Center and multiple venues American Geophysical Union (Dec. 8-12, 2024) 8,800 peak rooms; 48,424 total room nights; 24,000 attendees Walter E. Washington Convention Center and multiple venues American Veterinary Medical Association (Jul. 18-20, 2025) 3,200 peak rooms; 14,848 total room nights; 4,000 attendees Walter E. Washington Convention Center and multiple venues American Academy of Dermatology (Mar. 16-19, 2028) 7,500 peak rooms; 33,825 total room nights; 18,000 attendees Walter E. Washington Convention Center and multiple venues Tentative Site Visits National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Science (Jun. 13-14, 2026; Jun. 12-13, 2027) 146 peak rooms per year; 420 total room nights per year; 300 attendees per year Multiple venues Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority (Mar. 25-27, 2027) 1,310 peak rooms; 4,223 total room nights; 7,000 attendees Walter E. Washington Convention Center and multiple venues Laird Norton (Jun. 24-26, 2027) 205 peak rooms; 747 total room nights; 350 attendees Multiple venues American Academy of Dermatology (Mar. 27-30, 2031; Mar. 23-26, 2034; Mar.26-29, 2037) 7,500 peak rooms/per year; 34,575 total room nights/per year; 18,000 attendees/per year Walter E. Washington Convention Center and multiple venues GLOBAL CONVENTION SALES: Sales Calls, Bid Development, Strategic Programming, Familiarization Tours, Site Visits and Tradeshows With a continued focus on proactive client outreach, personalized touchpoints and international bid development, the team engaged prospective accounts and tentative leads throughout the month of September. Highlights included: Alzheimer's Association Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis Baker Tilly Canada Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP International Association of Public Transport International News Media Association Kao Corporation Lions Clubs International Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer One10 Safety Pharmacology Society Strategic Site Selection World Bank Group International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Future of Healthcare Meeting (Sept. 2-4, Zurich, Switzerland) DDC Staff: Tara Miller Healthcare professionals, healthcare association leaders and meeting suppliers came together to collaboratively explore how healthcare meetings should evolve to stay relevant and engaging for future generations. Destination DC’s participation provided one-to-one meetings and relationship building with key medical association executives. DDC targeted the following customers: International Brain Injury Association (IBIA) International Cartilage Regeneration & Joint Preservation Society (ICRS) International Confederation of Contamination Control Societies (ICCCS) International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) Parthenon Management Company World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine (WADEM) World Physiotherapy Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Convening EMEA (Sept. 30-Oct. 1, Barcelona, Spain) DDC Staff: Melissa Riley This annual flagship event is an immersive three-day program for the global business events industry from PCMA’s Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) region. In addition to engaging with association and corporate customers throughout the program, Destination DC led a conversation about aligning meeting agendas with destination values and participated in the BestCities Global Alliance breakfast. Co-located with PCMA Convening EMEA was Convene 4 Climate, an inaugural meeting to discuss how the business events industry can create more responsible and sustainability-focused events. Upcoming Activities: Domestic Convention Sales Turkish Cultural Night (Oct. 2, Washington, DC) Helmets to Hardhats (North America's Building Trade Unions) (Oct. 11, Queenstown, MD) Ravens/Commanders Game (Oct. 13, Baltimore, MD) Far Hills Race Meeting Tent (Oct. 19, Far Hills, NJ) Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Rocky Mountain Chapter Fall Meeting & Client Event (Oct. 24-25, Denver, CO) Meeting Professionals International (MPI) Greater New York Board Retreat (Oct. 27-30, Atlantic City, NJ) Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Exhale (Oct. 30-Nov. 2, Austin, TX) Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Greater Midwest Chapter Fall Meeting (TBD, Oct., Chicago, IL) International Convention Sales IMEX America (Oct. 8-10, Las Vegas, Nevada) Post-IMEX America Familiarization Trip (Oct. 10-13, Washington, DC) International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Congress (Oct. 20-23, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates) City Nation Place Global Conference (Nov. 6-7, London, United Kingdom) IBTM World (Nov. 19-21, Barcelona, Spain) Check out the full Destination DC Member News to learn more about what's going on this month.
Industry Buzz
Staff Highlights In September, Destination DC was thrilled to welcome Alexie Muriel to the events team in the executive office as events coordinator, and to have Dennis Romero join us as business applications manager in the finance & administration department. We’d also like to welcome two new interns: global media intern Kathleen Gianni in marketing & communications, and sports & events intern Laci Johnson in our tourism, sports & visitor experience department. Member Highlights Chesapeake Gateways Grants The National Park Service is pleased to announce that the application cycle for the third round of Chesapeake Gateways and Watertrails Network grants is now open. This grant offers funding for projects within the Chesapeake Bay region under the categories of 1) Linking Tourism and Economic Development Grants and 2) Event Support Grants. Projects should have a strong connection to the Chesapeake Bay region. Find more information and apply. Applications are due by Oct. 21 at 11:59 p.m. The Department of Energy and Environment’s Racial Equity Action Plan The Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) sought public feedback on its Racial Equity Action Plan. This plan provides a roadmap for intentionally integrating equity across the Agency and its various programs so that previously marginalized District residents can benefit from DOEE’s work as much as anyone else. Comments were collected directly on the document through Sept. 30. Northstar Announces Winners of the 2024 Stella Awards The Northstar Stella Awards honor excellence in the meetings industry. Congratulations to the following Destination DC members. Best DMC, Northeast: Gold Winner - Access Silver - CSI DMC Bronze - PRA Best Hotel, Northeast: Gold - The Hotel at the University of Maryland Best Boutique Property, Northeast: Silver - Yours Truly Best Hotel/Resort Event Space, Northeast: Silver - The Hotel at the University of Maryland Best Décor/Design, Northeast: Silver - Yours Truly Best On-Site Support Staff, Northeast: Silver - The Hotel at the University of Maryland New DDC Members Accommodations The Quincy, Ascend Hotel Collection Our modern, well-equipped meeting room comfortably accommodates up to 30 attendees—the ideal space for brainstorming, presentations or team-building. The Westin Arlington Gateway Washington, DC area's destination for modern luxury. In the Ballston neighborhood of Arlington, VA, the hotel is set in a “New Urbanism” mixed-use community. Restaurants Bistro du Jour - Capitol Hill Contemporary French bistro serving traditional fare like croque madame, French onion soup and duck confit, as well as an exciting list of cocktails. See and Do Capitol Entertainment Services, Inc. DC GPS tour guide app. Automatically plays the tour site audios and videos as you drive or walk past the sites using a smartphone. F1 Arcade Our venue offers world-class food and drinks along with private and semi-private event spaces perfect for all group sizes and occasions. American Experience Foundation Check out AEF's recent newsletters for the latest updates and happenings. DDC Careers Check out DDC's job openings and share with your networks and colleagues. Industry Careers Search or add your job openings to the DC travel, tourism and hospitality careers page. Email your company name, job title and link to jobboard@washington.org. Positions will be posted for 30 days. If you have any questions, please contact membership@washington.org. Additionally, visit the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington's foodjobsdc.com for more hospitality jobs. Check out the full Destination DC Member News to learn more about what's going on this month.
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As you return to traveling this year, Washington, DC should be at the very top of your list. The nation’s capital offers more than 100 free things to do, but it should come as no surprise that museums are some of the most popular attractions. We’ve gone into deep detail on four of the city’s most popular museums (including one dedicated to living animals), none of which charge admission. Find the latest updates on visiting museums, including Smithsonian's plans to have all of its museums open by the end of August 2021, mask mandates for all indoor museums and the latest ticketing requirements. Book your next vacation to the nation’s capital and visit these only-in-the-District museums, free of charge. In the heart of the nation’s capital lives a portal to wildlife from around the world. Smithsonian’s National Zoo offers a firsthand, family-friendly experience through a 163-acre urban park in the Woodley Park neighborhood teeming with roughly 2,700 animals that represent more than 390 species. The zoo is also connected to the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (a non-public facility located in Front Royal, Va.), a global effort to conserve species and train future conservationists. This focus on preserving endangered animals extends to the zoo, as one-fifth of its exhibited species fall into this category. In the heart of the nation’s capital lives a portal to wildlife from around the world. Smithsonian’s National Zoo offers a firsthand, family-friendly experience through a 163-acre urban park in the Woodley Park neighborhood teeming with roughly 2,700 animals that represent more than 390 species. The zoo is also connected to the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (a non-public facility located in Front Royal, Va.), a global effort to conserve species and train future conservationists. This focus on preserving endangered animals extends to the zoo, as one-fifth of its exhibited species fall into this category. In the heart of the nation’s capital lives a portal to wildlife from around the world. Smithsonian’s National Zoo offers a firsthand, family-friendly experience through a 163-acre urban park in the Woodley Park neighborhood teeming with roughly 2,700 animals that represent more than 390 species. The zoo is also connected to the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (a non-public facility located in Front Royal, Va.), a global effort to conserve species and train future conservationists. This focus on preserving endangered animals extends to the zoo, as one-fifth of its exhibited species fall into this category. In the heart of the nation’s capital lives a portal to wildlife from around the world. Smithsonian’s National Zoo offers a firsthand, family-friendly experience through a 163-acre urban park in the Woodley Park neighborhood teeming with roughly 2,700 animals that represent more than 390 species. The zoo is also connected to the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (a non-public facility located in Front Royal, Va.), a global effort to conserve species and train future conservationists. This focus on preserving endangered animals extends to the zoo, as one-fifth of its exhibited species fall into this category. In the heart of the nation’s capital lives a portal to wildlife from around the world. Smithsonian’s National Zoo offers a firsthand, family-friendly experience through a 163-acre urban park in the Woodley Park neighborhood teeming with roughly 2,700 animals that represent more than 390 species. The zoo is also connected to the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (a non-public facility located in Front Royal, Va.), a global effort to conserve species and train future conservationists. This focus on preserving endangered animals extends to the zoo, as one-fifth of its exhibited species fall into this category. In the heart of the nation’s capital lives a portal to wildlife from around the world. Smithsonian’s National Zoo offers a firsthand, family-friendly experience through a 163-acre urban park in the Woodley Park neighborhood teeming with roughly 2,700 animals that represent more than 390 species. The zoo is also connected to the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (a non-public facility located in Front Royal, Va.), a global effort to conserve species and train future conservationists. This focus on preserving endangered animals extends to the zoo, as one-fifth of its exhibited species fall into this category. In the heart of the nation’s capital lives a portal to wildlife from around the world. Smithsonian’s National Zoo offers a firsthand, family-friendly experience through a 163-acre urban park in the Woodley Park neighborhood teeming with roughly 2,700 animals that represent more than 390 species. The zoo is also connected to the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (a non-public facility located in Front Royal, Va.), a global effort to conserve species and train future conservationists. This focus on preserving endangered animals extends to the zoo, as one-fifth of its exhibited species fall into this category. In the heart of the nation’s capital lives a portal to wildlife from around the world. Smithsonian’s National Zoo offers a firsthand, family-friendly experience through a 163-acre urban park in the Woodley Park neighborhood teeming with roughly 2,700 animals that represent more than 390 species. The zoo is also connected to the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (a non-public facility located in Front Royal, Va.), a global effort to conserve species and train future conservationists. This focus on preserving endangered animals extends to the zoo, as one-fifth of its exhibited species fall into this category. In the heart of the nation’s capital lives a portal to wildlife from around the world. Smithsonian’s National Zoo offers a firsthand, family-friendly experience through a 163-acre urban park in the Woodley Park neighborhood teeming with roughly 2,700 animals that represent more than 390 species. The zoo is also connected to the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (a non-public facility located in Front Royal, Va.), a global effort to conserve species and train future conservationists. This focus on preserving endangered animals extends to the zoo, as one-fifth of its exhibited species fall into this category. In the heart of the nation’s capital lives a portal to wildlife from around the world. Smithsonian’s National Zoo offers a firsthand, family-friendly experience through a 163-acre urban park in the Woodley Park neighborhood teeming with roughly 2,700 animals that represent more than 390 species. The zoo is also connected to the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (a non-public facility located in Front Royal, Va.), a global effort to conserve species and train future conservationists. This focus on preserving endangered animals extends to the zoo, as one-fifth of its exhibited species fall into this category. In the heart of the nation’s capital lives a portal to wildlife from around the world. Smithsonian’s National Zoo offers a firsthand, family-friendly experience through a 163-acre urban park in the Woodley Park neighborhood teeming with roughly 2,700 animals that represent more than 390 species. The zoo is also connected to the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (a non-public facility located in Front Royal, Va.), a global effort to conserve species and train future conservationists. This focus on preserving endangered animals extends to the zoo, as one-fifth of its exhibited species fall into this category. In the heart of the nation’s capital lives a portal to wildlife from around the world. Smithsonian’s National Zoo offers a firsthand, family-friendly experience through a 163-acre urban park in the Woodley Park neighborhood teeming with roughly 2,700 animals that represent more than 390 species. The zoo is also connected to the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (a non-public facility located in Front Royal, Va.), a global effort to conserve species and train future conservationists. This focus on preserving endangered animals extends to the zoo, as one-fifth of its exhibited species fall into this category. In the heart of the nation’s capital lives a portal to wildlife from around the world. Smithsonian’s National Zoo offers a firsthand, family-friendly experience through a 163-acre urban park in the Woodley Park neighborhood teeming with roughly 2,700 animals that represent more than 390 species. The zoo is also connected to the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (a non-public facility located in Front Royal, Va.), a global effort to conserve species and train future conservationists. This focus on preserving endangered animals extends to the zoo, as one-fifth of its exhibited species fall into this category. In the heart of the nation’s capital lives a portal to wildlife from around the world. Smithsonian’s National Zoo offers a firsthand, family-friendly experience through a 163-acre urban park in the Woodley Park neighborhood teeming with roughly 2,700 animals that represent more than 390 species. The zoo is also connected to the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (a non-public facility located in Front Royal, Va.), a global effort to conserve species and train future conservationists. This focus on preserving endangered animals extends to the zoo, as one-fifth of its exhibited species fall into this category. In the heart of the nation’s capital lives a portal to wildlife from around the world. Smithsonian’s National Zoo offers a firsthand, family-friendly experience through a 163-acre urban park in the Woodley Park neighborhood teeming with roughly 2,700 animals that represent more than 390 species. The zoo is also connected to the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (a non-public facility located in Front Royal, Va.), a global effort to conserve species and train future conservationists. This focus on preserving endangered animals extends to the zoo, as one-fifth of its exhibited species fall into this category. In the heart of the nation’s capital lives a portal to wildlife from around the world. Smithsonian’s National Zoo offers a firsthand, family-friendly experience through a 163-acre urban park in the Woodley Park neighborhood teeming with roughly 2,700 animals that represent more than 390 species. The zoo is also connected to the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (a non-public facility located in Front Royal, Va.), a global effort to conserve species and train future conservationists. This focus on preserving endangered animals extends to the zoo, as one-fifth of its exhibited species fall into this category. In the heart of the nation’s capital lives a portal to wildlife from around the world. Smithsonian’s National Zoo offers a firsthand, family-friendly experience through a 163-acre urban park in the Woodley Park neighborhood teeming with roughly 2,700 animals that represent more than 390 species. The zoo is also connected to the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (a non-public facility located in Front Royal, Va.), a global effort to conserve species and train future conservationists. This focus on preserving endangered animals extends to the zoo, as one-fifth of its exhibited species fall into this category. In the heart of the nation’s capital lives a portal to wildlife from around the world. Smithsonian’s National Zoo offers a firsthand, family-friendly experience through a 163-acre urban park in the Woodley Park neighborhood teeming with roughly 2,700 animals that represent more than 390 species. The zoo is also connected to the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (a non-public facility located in Front Royal, Va.), a global effort to conserve species and train future conservationists. This focus on preserving endangered animals extends to the zoo, as one-fifth of its exhibited species fall into this category. In the heart of the nation’s capital lives a portal to wildlife from around the world. Smithsonian’s National Zoo offers a firsthand, family-friendly experience through a 163-acre urban park in the Woodley Park neighborhood teeming with roughly 2,700 animals that represent more than 390 species. The zoo is also connected to the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (a non-public facility located in Front Royal, Va.), a global effort to conserve species and train future conservationists. This focus on preserving endangered animals extends to the zoo, as one-fifth of its exhibited species fall into this category. In the heart of the nation’s capital lives a portal to wildlife from around the world. Smithsonian’s National Zoo offers a firsthand, family-friendly experience through a 163-acre urban park in the Woodley Park neighborhood teeming with roughly 2,700 animals that represent more than 390 species. The zoo is also connected to the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (a non-public facility located in Front Royal, Va.), a global effort to conserve species and train future conservationists. This focus on preserving endangered animals extends to the zoo, as one-fifth of its exhibited species fall into this category. In the heart of the nation’s capital lives a portal to wildlife from around the world. Smithsonian’s National Zoo offers a firsthand, family-friendly experience through a 163-acre urban park in the Woodley Park neighborhood teeming with roughly 2,700 animals that represent more than 390 species. The zoo is also connected to the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (a non-public facility located in Front Royal, Va.), a global effort to conserve species and train future conservationists. This focus on preserving endangered animals extends to the zoo, as one-fifth of its exhibited species fall into this category. In the heart of the nation’s capital lives a portal to wildlife from around the world. Smithsonian’s National Zoo offers a firsthand, family-friendly experience through a 163-acre urban park in the Woodley Park neighborhood teeming with roughly 2,700 animals that represent more than 390 species. The zoo is also connected to the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (a non-public facility located in Front Royal, Va.), a global effort to conserve species and train future conservationists. This focus on preserving endangered animals extends to the zoo, as one-fifth of its exhibited species fall into this category. In the heart of the nation’s capital lives a portal to wildlife from around the world. Smithsonian’s National Zoo offers a firsthand, family-friendly experience through a 163-acre urban park in the Woodley Park neighborhood teeming with roughly 2,700 animals that represent more than 390 species. The zoo is also connected to the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (a non-public facility located in Front Royal, Va.), a global effort to conserve species and train future conservationists. This focus on preserving endangered animals extends to the zoo, as one-fifth of its exhibited species fall into this category.