Dear Members, 

We are just over a week away from the National Cherry Blossom Festival. The beloved event takes place this year from March 20 – April 12, giving the city over three weeks of springtime celebration. Locals and visitors will flock to everything from the Opening Ceremony (March 21) to the Blossom Kite Festival (March 28) to the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade® presented by Events DC (April 11), with myriad events in between. There will also be frequent promotion of hotel packages and deals connected to DC250. 

Moving to spring sports, the Washington Spirit kicks off its season at Audi Field tomorrow and we're excited about it (check out our @WashingtonSpirit collab with players trying to draw a DC map from memory). And an important month for hoops, March brought both the Colonial Athletic Association’s Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships to CareFirst Arena (March 6 & 11) and will welcome the 2026 East Regional NCAA Basketball Tournament to Capital One Arena (March 27 & 29). The Washington Nationals’ home opener heralds spring, as well, on April 3. 

I enjoyed seeing many of you at Destination DC’s Member Open House on Feb. 24. Thank you for being part of our “recipe for success” – remember, washington.org features all the information you need for the season. As the District celebrates Women's History Month, be sure to engage with our content that commemorates the many contributions women have made to our city and country. 

Join DDC and featured guest Cvent for a deep dive into the trends shaping hotel and venue success.

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.

Connect with DDC members at Nationals Park at this annual networking event, a member favorite. Share insights and ideas in a dynamic setting and don't forget your business card.

Celebrate America's 250th birthday atop one of DC's most iconic rooftops overlooking the National Mall and the fireworks display. This exclusive VIP experience includes delicious food, craft cocktails and music. All proceeds support NEXTDC’s investment in Washington, DC students’ career and college readiness. This event will sell out, so get your tickets now.

The annual Building Futures Scholarship Celebration returns this May to the Hilton Washington DC Capitol Hill. NEXTDC will award thousands of dollars in scholarships for college-bound students in Washington, DC.

It’s not too late to support DC scholars ahead of the event. 

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.

Tired of boring meetings? Make Nationals Park your next meeting or event destination – available year-round, game or no game. Ask about a free mascot visit.

Where culture, cuisine and curiosity collide. The Square at 1850 K Street NW brings DC's boldest flavors under one iconic glass atrium.

As part of DDC's campaign with Helloworld Travel, a leading Australian integrated travel company, the global marketing team has secured a two-page print advertorial in the national Australian magazine Travel + Luxury, which has a reach of 648,000 readers. The piece highlights DC as a four-season destination along with packages to drive bookings to the nation's capital.

In February, the team tracked 49 presentations, virtual client sales calls and in-person meetings. 

Recent activities: 

Industry Social: @DestinationDC

Leisure Social: @visitwashingtondc