Dear Members,
In spite of the weather, Global Marketplace was a great success featuring Destination DC’s (DDC) international representatives from around the world, industry perspectives and data. The event, held on Jan. 29 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, focused on the importance of international travel to DC. Thank you to DDC staff, partners and attendees.
I’m looking forward to seeing you at the DDC offices on Tuesday, Feb. 24 from 2-5 p.m. for Member Open House. This signature member event helps you understand all the ways to engage and collaborate across our sales and marketing initiatives. Be part of our “Recipe for Success.”
Believe it or not, DC’s most beloved springtime celebration is just around the corner: the National Cherry Blossom Festival will run from March 20 – April 12, giving the city three full weeks of cherry blossom cheer. All of your favorite annual events, including the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, the Blossom Kite Festival, the Pink Tie Party and many more will return.
As always, washington.org is your source for all things DC and all things spring. Black History Month continues through February, and Women’s History Month begins March 1.
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DDC encourages member businesses to register now for the 2027 NFL Draft Source Program to access subcontracting opportunities tied to Draft events, with an emphasis on local, small and underrepresented businesses.
Accepted participants gain visibility with NFL contractors and access to networking and workshops. The application window is March 1-31.
Questions? Contact Nick Price.
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Join DDC at our offices and meet the entire team. Delve into the key ingredients shaping DDC’s priorities, strategies and sales and marketing initiatives to promote Washington, DC.
This year's theme is A Recipe For Success: What's Cooking in FY26.
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Join us at Royal Sands Social Club to connect with fellow members and DDC staff.
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Join DDC and DC’s Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) at our third annual Sustainability Summit, this year at the Howard Theatre. We will explore how the tourism, meetings and events industry can shape places, strengthen communities and advance a more sustainable future for DC.
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- Hear real-world examples of how practical business choices improve community wellbeing
- Learn how placemaking can turn our city into a better place to live, visit and meet
- Make new connections among the diverse sectors that shape the local travel and tourism industry
- Celebrate the 2026 winners of DOEE’s District Sustainability Awards
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Connect with DDC members at Nationals Park. Participants will:
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- Build relationships with industry peers and key players in travel and tourism
- Share insights and ideas in a dynamic setting
- Update the DDC team and attendees on your latest business developments
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From high-profile conferences to unforgettable celebrations, explore five versatile event spaces that set the stage for impactful events and experiences at the Ronald Regan Building and International Trade Center (RRB/ITC).
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The National Cherry Blossom Festival’s Pink Tie Party is DC’s can’t-miss spring soirée. We invite DDC members to join us using this hospitality discount code: DestinationDC26. These tickets are limited.
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Revolution Event Design and Production creates immersive events by designing the look, managing technical production and executing seamless live experiences.
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The global ad team offers an exciting placement with Wanderlust to audiences everywhere: this immersive, VR experience brings DC to the user. The evergreen piece of content, which features multiple DDC members, launched in the UK in January.
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- Popular Leisure Content
- Popular Industry Content
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In January, the team tracked over 37 presentations, virtual client sales calls and in-person meetings.
Recent activities:
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- Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) – Jan. 2-4, Las Vegas, NV
- Event Service Professionals Association (ESPA) – Jan. 25-27, Arlington, TX
- Chief Executive Officer of the Council of Engineering and Scientific Society Executives (CESSE) CEO Meeting – Jan. 25-28, Baltimore, MD
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This month, DDC's tourism team continues to promote travel to DC. The team will:
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- Host travel agents and tour operators from Africa and the U.S. to network and explore the city
- Build relationships and sell our product in Australia and at AAA offices in Northern Virginia
- Host the Visitor Experience spring informational webinar March 10
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Congrats to the members at National Museum of Women in the Arts, Visit Prince William and Traveler's Aid for becoming DC Experts.
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- When will the 2026 Spring/Summer visitor guides be available?
- When is the busiest time during the National Cherry Blossom Festival?
- What are some attractions off the National Mall?
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Industry Social: @DestinationDC
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Leisure Social: @visitwashingtondc
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