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Dear Members,
Every season is extraordinary in our city, but when it comes to springtime, there’s #Only1DC. The District is ready to welcome visitors from all over the world for this year’s National Cherry Blossom Festival (March 20 – April 14). Read about can't-miss festival events on washington.org.
Aside from the beloved blossoms, spring is off to a strong start with citywide conventions, legislative conferences, sports and more. We’re excited to host the ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena (through March 16) and the CAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships at the Entertainment and Sports Arena (through March 17).
Also please know that Destination DC (DDC) remains prepared to remind visitors that DC is open should there be a partial government shutdown. Washington, DC is so much more than the federal government and spring is a wonderful time to experience the nation's capital.
Kind regards,
Elliott L. Ferguson, II
President & CEO
Destination DC
Speed Networking at Nationals Park | April 9, 8-11 a.m.
Join DDC members for our annual spring networking event. Meet with key players in travel and tourism, and learn about the exciting things happening this spring and summer in Washington, DC.
Where: Nationals Park, 1500 S Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Save the Date: Member Event at National Museum of Women in the Arts | April 24, 8-10 a.m.
Join DDC at the recently reopened National Museum of Women in the Arts. Network with other members of the travel and tourism industry.
AEF July 4th Celebration | July 4, 7-10 p.m.
Join DDC and our affiliated 501(c)(3) charity, the American Experience Foundation, for our annual July 4th celebration! Enjoy a private rooftop party with food, drinks, and an amazing view of the National Mall fireworks show. All proceeds will benefit students through inspirational travel and educational experiences.
Where: Potomac View Terrace at the American Pharmacists Association, 2215 Constitution Ave. NW
Community Stormwater Solutions Grant Program - Request for Applications
The Chesapeake Bay Trust and the Department of Energy and Environment partnered on this program to provide up to $35,000 in funding to support community-oriented and inspired projects that are designed to increase knowledge and lead to behavior change as it relates to watershed and stormwater-related issues. This grant can fund activities such as educational events/workshops, installation and maintenance of runoff-reducing green infrastructure, art installations, restoration of habitat, litter or pollution reduction or other project types that meet the goals of the grant program.
The quintessential springtime celebration is back! Visit the Tidal Basin Welcome Area & ANA Stage hosted with the National Park Service from March 23 – April 7. Enjoy special performances that showcase the beauty of renewal.
Situated atop Rosslyn's tallest building, Convene 1201 Wilson Boulevard offers modern technology, exceptional hospitality and 360° views of Washington, DC – ideal for government and corporate meetings.
Enter a mesmerizing universe fusing art, technology and tradition, as ARTECHOUSE brings the enchanting beauty of cherry blossoms to life through alternative universes filled with adventure and wonder.
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Earned media: Forbes highlights the nation’s capital for its appeal as a family-friendly vacation, while The Points Guy provides a guide to experience cherry blossom season. Internationally, Escandala (Mexico) spotlights the nation’s capital for hosting World Pride 2025 and India’s Newsmania showcases Winter Restaurant Week. Skift highlights DC’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Smart Meetings celebrates the city’s focus on sustainability.
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Summer advertising: DDC's summer advertising launches April 1 with digital display, broadcast video, paid social, paid search and audio. Media will target DDC's core audiences as well as multi-cultural consumers in both drive and fly markets. Custom content launches with premium publishers such as AFAR and The New York Times, including articles and videos created by each vendor. The summer campaign will also feature a variety of out-of-home placements in Los Angeles, Philadelphia and New York City.
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Hotel content on washington.org: The content team continues to inspire potential visitors to book stays through a variety of hotel-related content, from recently updated spring hotel deals and packages to refreshes of hotels for every type of visitor, including families, history-buffs and more. In the week prior to the announcement of peak bloom, the team also made more site updates, like adding a new pop-up driving to the website's direct hotel booking engine and incorporating calls to action to book a stay on popular pages like things to do this week and weekend. Since implementing the changes, the booking engine’s daily sessions have increased significantly.
- The social media team welcomed several influencers for date night inspiration, including a romantic dinner at the Saga and cocktails at barmini with Kevin’s Food Tour. Your DC Bestie highlighted women-owned businesses for a Galentine’s Day celebration. For those dreaming of a staycation, we showcased The Wharf as the ultimate destination, with insider tips from the Brunch Belle. Industry channels welcomed the Capitol Hill Volleyball Classic, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology and America's Credit Unions' Governmental Affairs Conference to Washington, DC. Staff highlights included DDC’s Employee of the Year and recaps of Global Marketplace, Open House and the Member Volleyball Tournament.
In February, the team tracked over 66 presentations, virtual client sales calls and in-person meetings.
Recent activities:
- BCD Meetings & Events Global Leadership Formal Dinner (Feb. 1, Washington, DC)
- AMC Institute Annual Meeting (Feb. 14-16, Las Vegas, NV)
- Society for Incentive Travel Excellence Global Conference (Feb. 26-29, Istanbul, Turkey)
- HelmsBriscoe Florida Roadshow Sales Mission (Feb. 27-29, Tampa and Orlando, FL)
- The Meetings Space Spring (Feb. 29-March 2, Canes, France)
DDC’s tourism team is traveling domestically and internationally to meet with clients focused on bringing travel to DC. This month, the team welcomes travel agents from Australia, Brazil and Germany. The team will also represent the city to southeast U.S. group tour operators as well as attend a sales mission to Brazil and Colombia with Brand USA.
What were visitors asking about last month?
- What parks can a family host their family reunion cookout?
- Are you able to watch the National Cherry Blossom Festival from Hains Point?
- What’s the best area to book a stay with a good nightlife for older people?
Make sure to use #Only1DC
Industry Social Channels: @DestinationDC
Leisure Social Channels: @visitwashingtondc
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