Dear Members,
Destination DC (DDC) has held impactful events over the past few weeks:
- I appreciate everyone who joined us for our annual Open House on Jan. 23 to learn more about our sales and marketing efforts.
- On Jan. 28, more than 70 stakeholders announced how Washington, DC will celebrate the 250th anniversary of America in 2026 during a press conference at the National Archives.
- Last week, Global Marketplace at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center highlighted the importance of international visitation along with representatives from nine markets around the world and leaders advocating on behalf of our industry. View the slides on the Member Extranet.
Our next major event is the annual Member Volleyball Tournament, which takes place on Feb. 14 and benefits the American Experience Foundation (AEF), focused on introducing local high school students to our industry. Join us for an evening of friendly competition, delicious food and fun at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
Make sure to read and share the latest washington.org content, which covers DC’s Black history and culture, Women’s History Month and DC250.
Finally, on behalf of DDC, I extend my deepest condolences to those who lost loved ones and everyone impacted by the tragedy that occurred on Jan. 29.
Elliott L. Ferguson, II
President & CEO
Destination DC
Last Call: Member Volleyball Tournament | Feb. 14, 3-6:30 p.m.
Join DDC for the 2025 Member Volleyball Tournament at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Register as a team or individual player, or cheer on your team. All proceeds benefit the AEF to inspire, train and educate the next generation of hospitality professionals.
DC in Bloom: National Cherry Blossom Festival (NCBF) Webinar | March 6, 3 p.m.
Tune in to hear DDC Visitor Experience Manager Georgia Lucas and NCBF Marketing Manager Kristin Baasansukh share about signature festival events and ways to celebrate the 2025 blooms.
Register now for access to insider tips and tricks for NCBF and other major events in Washington, DC. Perfect for frontline professionals.
Sustainability Summit | March 26, 8 a.m.
Be empowered to create a more sustainable future for tourism, meetings and events in Washington, DC. Join DDC and DC’s Department of Energy and Environment at the Embassy of France for our second annual Sustainability Summit.
Speed Networking | April 30, 8-11 a.m.
Save the date for DDC's annual Member Speed Networking at Nationals Park. Get your elevator pitch ready and join us for this fast-paced industry event, where members can get to know fellow tourism and hospitality professionals.
Social Event: Sports & Social | May 8, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Socialize and network with other businesses in DC's tourism and marketing industry at Sports & Social, the District's newest destination for premier sports-watching. The one-of-a-kind sports bar boasts a 25-foot LED media wall and over a dozen HDTVs: the next best thing to watching the game at the stadium.
The Defenders return this spring to Audi Field. Get those #ShieldsUp.
Game-changing deals: For less than the average price of an NFL game, you can get season tickets with the Defenders.
Kick off the spring tourism season by treating your team, your valued clients or yourself to an unforgettable evening of incredible food, festive fun and an exclusive auction at the Pink Tie Party.
A multi-month collaboration among DC’s Business Improvement Districts, Taste of Pride celebrates DC’s LGBTQ and culinary communities. Festivities blend culinary artistry and pride at locations across the District, paving the way for WorldPride 2025.
- Earned media: The New York Times puts Washington, DC on its prestigious list of 52 Places to Go in 2025 and Forbes lauds buzzy new hotels and restaurants. The press event announcing DC’s plans for America’s 250th is covered extensively by The Washington Post and others. The Times in the UK listed DC as one of the 24 Best Places to visit in March 2025 and Brazil’s Style Almanac showcases DC’s accessibility and inclusivity. DDC announces the 2025 DEI Business Fellowship cohort that received attention in Event Industry News, Travel Pulse and Travel and Tour World.
- DC250 coming in 2026: During a launch press event in the Rotunda Galleries of the National Archives Building on Jan. 28, DDC and a growing list of more than 70 participating organizations, announced plans for a year-round celebration in 2026 on the National Mall and throughout the city’s cultural institutions, museums, attractions, restaurants and hotels. DDC also unveiled a dedicated microsite that showcases why the nation's capital is the best place to celebrate America's 250th anniversary and also includes member and partner events, inspirational content and much more.
- Spring-Summer 2025 Official Visitors Guide: Beginning March 3, DDC will distribute 250,000 copies of its new Official Visitors Guide, which goes in-depth on what potential visitors can expect to see during a spring/summer 2025 visit to the nation's capital. Major events like WorldPride Washington, DC 2025 are highlighted as well as the city's neighborhoods, dining, arts and culture, free things to do, sustainability and accessibility. An electronic version will also be available.
- Social media: We welcomed the new year – and DC’s first snow – with plenty of winter content, including a WMATA bus in a winter wonderland and Bao Li and Qing Bao’s first snow day. The panda-monium continued with panda-themed deals and a welcome home video. Our roundups of award-winning and Michelin-starred Winter Restaurant Week participants hit the spot. We honored Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, International Holocaust Remembrance Day and marked the 50-day countdown until spring. We capped the month with what’s to come in DC in 2025 and with Lunar New Year wishes. Industry channels honored Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and the victims and heroes of the Potomac River aircraft tragedy. Staff highlights included Instagram stories of our Member Open House and DC250 Press Conference.
In January, the team tracked over 112 presentations, virtual client sales calls and in-person meetings.
Recent activities:
- Northeast Convention Visitors Bureau Representatives Client Retreat (Jan. 6-9, Río Grande, Puerto Rico)
- Professional Convention Management Association Convening Leaders with BestCities Global Alliance Activation (Jan. 12-15, Houston, TX)
- BestCities Global Forum and International Congress and Convention Association – Association Impact Masterclass (Jan. 22-29, Dublin, Ireland)
- Council of Engineering and Scientific Society Executives CEO Forum (Jan. 26-28, Montreal, QC Canada)
- micebook EXPO (Jan. 27-28, London, United Kingdom)
This month, the team travels to two of our top international markets – China and Australia/New Zealand – to meet media, travel agents and tour operators. Team members also connected with group tour clients at American Bus Association and engaged with members and businesses at sports and events. In addition, domestic tour operators and travel agents from Brazil will be in the city to experience DC firsthand and enhance sales efforts.
Register today to interact directly with visitors in March as part of the Visitor Experience Maryland Travel House Takeover.
Top visitor questions last month:
- How do I become a vendor for the National Cherry Blossom Festival?
- What are some unique dining experiences in DC?
- When should I book my trip to see the cherry blossoms?
Make sure to use #Only1DC
Industry Social Channels: @DestinationDC
Leisure Social Channels: @visitwashingtondc
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