Dear Members,
According to news reports, today is expected to be the last day of the government shutdown. Destination DC (DDC) continues to monitor the status and is prepared to begin promoting all of the attractions that will reopen when a deal is reached. The team has also highlighted a stunning array of fall festivals, neighborhood celebrations, beyond-the-Mall museums and endless dining and entertainment options.
DDC is actively promoting this message of resilience across all our channels, and it’s been picked up by news outlets. As we look ahead to winter, I’m excited for the District’s beloved traditions like the Downtown Holiday Market, opening on Nov. 21 and running through Dec. 23. Holiday shows from ballet to theater to music abound, as do our favorite light displays. And there’s no shortage of sporting events, with the Washington Wizards and the Washington Capitals ready to wow you at Capital One Arena – not to mention the Washington Spirit at Audi Field, who have just advanced in the 2025 National Women’s Soccer League playoffs.
Thank you as always for the crucial role you play in making DC the amazing city that it is. Wishing you a chance to enjoy the leaves and time with family and friends.
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Join DDC’s Visitor Experience team for a seasonal webinar designed for visitor- and customer-facing staff. We'll cover winter events, key city updates, practical tips to boost accessibility and opportunities for further training.
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Join DDC for a festive breakfast and student showcase at The Square. This event benefits NEXTDC (formerly known as the American Experience Foundation), DDC’s official partner non-profit that helps open doors for the city’s next generation of hospitality professionals.
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Save the Date: Lunch & Learn Event | Jan. 9, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
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Learn how to optimize your TripAdvisor profile with Miles Partnership. Experts will review your profile in-person and go over ways to increase its value and boost its visibility to consumers.
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Join us at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center for the return of our signature seminar about international tourism and travel to Washington, DC.
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- Meet DDC's international representatives from Australia/New Zealand, Brazil, China, India, Mexico and the United Kingdom/Ireland
- Network with 250+ travel and tourism industry leaders, decision-makers and influencers
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Stop by DDC's downtown offices to meet the team, play games and win prizes – all while learning about our sales and marketing efforts to promote Washington, DC in 2026.
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- Learn about major events like DC’s celebration of America 250 (in 2026)
- Discover the ways partnership can benefit your business
- Meet NEXTDC interns
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Perfect for hosting clients and employees, suites provide privacy and premium amenities during Capitals games, Wizards games and world-class concerts. With in-suite dining options and exceptional service, every detail is tailored to your experience.
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Mark your calendars! The Washington, D.C. Auto Show returns Jan. 23 – Feb. 1 with hundreds of new vehicles, exciting test drives, a revamped outdoor pavilion and more. Don’t miss the region’s biggest automotive event.
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- At the UK’s JRNY America Awards 2025 in London, DDC won first place for Accessible Destination of the Year (plus Bronze for Best Food City)
- On Oct. 16, DDC's largest-ever out-of-home placement went live: a 139 x 56 foot billboard on Beijing’s main airport highway, visible from over 5 kilometers away as travelers approach the central business district
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- #DCisOpen
- Popular Leisure Content
- Industry
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In October, the team tracked over 52 presentations, virtual client sales calls and in-person meetings.
Recent activities:
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- IMEX America – Oct. 6-9, Las Vegas
- Washington Commanders & Chicago Client Event – Oct. 13, Washington, DC
- Professional Convention Management Association Convening EMEA (Europe, Middle East & Africa) – Oct. 13-17, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Northeast CVB Reps Fall Client Retreat – Oct. 27-29, Upstate NY
- Professional Convention Management Association Exhale – Oct. 29 – Nov. 1, Austin, TX
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DDC's tourism team continues to host and attend events for tour operators from around the world, highlighting the benefits of visiting DC. This month, the team will:
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- Host travel agents from Brazil and Australia
- Strengthen connections in Spain with events surrounding the Commanders game in Madrid
- Build relationships with and sell DC to group tour operators across the U.S. and Canada
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Top visitor questions last month:
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- Are museums open during the government shutdown?
- Is the Washington Monument open during the shutdown?
- What are some alternative itinerary options during the shutdown?
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Industry Social Channels: @DestinationDC
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Leisure Social Channels: @visitwashingtondc
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