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Dear Members,
Since 1997, Capital One Arena has served as the region’s epicenter for sports and entertainment, attracting millions of people to the heart of Downtown DC and driving economic development. While we realize the negative impact moving two of our incredible sports teams will create, we remain committed to promoting to visitors all there is to see and do Downtown and in our neighborhoods. Until the deal is finalized, we will collaborate with Mayor Muriel Bowser, all 13 DC Council members, the Downtown DC BID and other city partners on any plans to keep the Washington Wizards and Washington Capitals in Washington, DC.
Visitors can celebrate our vibrant city and the holiday season. You can learn about every kind of winter delight in the city on washington.org, including the Downtown Holiday Market, hot and cozy drinks and the fun ice rinks in town. If you’re looking ahead to New Year’s, check out thrilling event options. You should also mark your calendar for Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington’s Winter Restaurant Week (Jan. 15-21).
Destination DC (DDC) kicked off its own holiday celebrations with the annual American Experience Foundation (AEF) holiday party at the JW Marriott Washington, DC on Dec. 6. At the festive gathering, we honored the incredible achievements of AEF’s students throughout this year. In AEF’s new 2023 Annual Review, you can find many of these stories and learn about the foundation’s growth into a nationally recognized leader. You can support this work by making a tax-deductible charitable donation in your end-of-year giving.
DDC wishes you and yours a happy holiday season!
Kind regards,
Elliott L. Ferguson, II
President & CEO
Destination DC
Global Marketplace | Jan. 24, 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Learn about the impact of international markets and business event travel to Washington, DC. Hear from our teams based in Australia, Brazil, China, India, Mexico and the United Kingdom.
Member Open House | Feb. 8, 2-5 p.m.
Open House gives members the opportunity to explore our offices and learn more about our work across all departments. It’s our chance to network with you and gain insight on our industry. This year’s theme is: There's Only One DDC.
Member Volleyball Tournament | Feb. 16
The annual Member Volleyball Tournament at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center is coming soon. DDC, Events DC and member teams compete in a friendly annual volleyball tournament to benefit the American Experience Foundation. Attend the event as a player or spectator.
CRI Summer Intern Host Registration is Open
Help create memorable opportunities for high school juniors in the Academies of Hospitality & Tourism and Culinary Arts as they seek to gain experience in the industry. Interns are paid through the program at no cost to your company. Internships run from June 24 through Aug. 2.
Alto is redefining rideshare with clean, safe rides and a luxury experience. Using trained, uniformed drivers and five-star, crash-rated SUVs, Alto offers a consistent ride every time with amenities including water, Wi-Fi and chargers. Currently driving in DC, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles and Miami.
Enchant DC is a world of winter wonder where there is something for everyone. From the World’s Largest Light Maze to ice skating, create your magic memory with a world of fun at Enchant through Dec. 31.
Experience extravagance alongside world-class entertainment in Capital One Arena’s suites. A limited number of suites are available for rental for Capital and Wizards games, as well as concerts.
- Earned media: Washington, DC was spotlighted in The New York Times’s iconic “36 Hours” section for the first time in five years. Domestic target market newspapers, including the Miami Herald and Charlotte Observer, waxed poetic about the transformation of The Wharf. DC was named a North American city to visit in 2024 by Conde Nast Traveler and one of 25 cities to visit this fall by The Times, the UK’s top newspaper. Mexico’s Donde Ir shed a spotlight on the city, while India’s Outlook Traveller covered the new Michelin-starred restaurants. Elliott was featured in USAE for his Hall of Leaders award and Robin was interviewed in Skift about the launch of the new “Only One DC” campaign.
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Annual Marketing & Sales Plan: The marketing and communications team has finished the brand new Annual Marketing and Sales Plan, a guide to how DDC will approach FY2024 and continue to promote the nation’s capital as a premier leisure and travel destination. Aside from spelling out each department’s goals for the year ahead, the booklet, which is available now, also includes tourism analysis featuring extensive data from industry leaders.
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The social media team introduced the hashtag #Only1DC to support our ad campaign and set Washington, DC apart from every other city. In alignment with our commitment to inclusivity, we proudly honored Native American Heritage Month by highlighting exhibits and events at the National Museum of the American Indian. Industry channels celebrated President & CEO Elliott L. Ferguson, II’s induction into U.S. Travel’s Hall of Leaders and SVP of Convention Sales & Services Melissa Riley’s nomination to the ICCA Board of Directors for Destination Marketing.
In November, the team tracked over 51 presentations, virtual client sales calls and in-person meetings.
Recent activities:
- International Congress and Convention Association Congress (Nov. 12-15, Bangkok, Thailand)
- IBTM World (Incentives, Business Travel & Meetings) Trade Show & Client Event (Nov. 17-Dec. 1, Barcelona, Spain)
- ConferenceDirect Forum (Nov. 28-Dec. 1, Austin, TX)
- ABA Dinner ICW with Holiday Showcase (Nov. 29, Chicago, IL)
- Association Forum Holiday Showcase and Sales Calls (Nov. 30, Chicago, IL)
DDC’s tourism team continues to promote travel to DC. This month, DDC is partnering with Brand USA to host international representatives from around the world. The team is also busy with group tour operator appointments and sporting events.
What were visitors asking about last month?
- What are the hours and vendors present at the Downtown Holiday Market?
- Can you provide details about Enchant Christmas?
- Where are the best places to take photos near the upcoming cherry blossoms?
Make sure to use #Only1DC
Industry Social Channels: @DestinationDC
Leisure Social Channels: @visitwashingtondc
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