Convention sales and services team focuses on the benefits of Connected Capital
(Washington, DC) - Destination DC (DDC), the official destination marketing organization for Washington, DC, today shared its ongoing commitment to attracting international groups at IMEX Frankfurt.
“As we continue to focus on selling DC differently, our ‘Connected’ sales positioning enables us to tap into international insights from DC’s numerous associations while providing experts and experiences that can elevate the profile of an organization meeting in the city,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO, DDC. “IMEX Frankfurt is one of the world’s largest events for meetings and incentive travel, making it the ideal time to reconnect with planners and showcase all that we have to offer in increasing business potential and accessing new market opportunities for Washington, DC.”
DDC’s convention sales and services team attracts customers by focusing on the benefits of meeting in DC that no other city can claim – like access to policymakers, expert speakers and leaders in key industries including tech, sustainability, biotech/pharma, education and medical.
“Connected Capital continues to be an added value for groups coming to Washington, DC,” said Melissa Riley, vice president of convention sales and services. “Whether listening to a dynamic keynote speaker talk about advances in technology or being guided through meaningful experiences and hands-on workshops, corporate members benefit from the knowledge and expertise of the city’s intellectual capital.”
DDC is committed to growing the international meetings market. Among the activities, the organization is partnering with Association World to engage the association community during the Washington Information Association Forum (WIAF) in Washington, DC Sept. 27-28. Representatives of international and American associations and non-profit organizations will gather for the first time outside of Europe to provide a peer-to-peer exchange, share best practices and design joint initiatives and strategies that result in greater impact. Aligning with DDC’s Connected Capital priorities, WIAF’s meeting will include expert speakers from DC’s associations. The event will also complement the organization’s missions and values with a legacy project that impacts the local community in one of the world’s flagship host destinations for professional organizations.
DC’s Convention Outlook
In 2022, there are 19 total citywide conventions (defined as meetings bringing 2,500 room nights to the city on peak), with an estimated 394,000 total room nights and an estimated economic impact of more than $265,000,000.
Sustainability is among DC’s leading sectors, as the city helps its businesses reduce their carbon footprints. Among many initiatives, the local government is committed to being the healthiest, greenest city in the U.S. with the Clean Energy DC Omnibus Act, which sets a mandate of 100 percent renewable energy by 2032. As a participant of the Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS-Index), DDC continues collaborating to drive recognition of sustainable practices across the global events industry. Washington, DC was named the first LEED Platinum City in the World in August by U.S. Green Building Council because of its environmentally-forward practices.
The Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC is the first convention center in the world to achieve the WELL Health-Safety Rating through the International WELL Building Institute. The designation focuses on operational policies, maintenance protocols, stakeholder engagement and emergency plans to address a Covid-19 environment now and into the future.
The ease of travel continues to add to DC’s appeal for business travelers. A $1 billion investment called “Project Journey” added new security checkpoints and a 14-gate concourse to replace busing operations at Reagan National Airport in 2021. Construction is nearing completion on the Dulles Corridor Metrorail project by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, connecting Washington Dulles International Airport to downtown DC. Plans for a $675 million 400,000-square-foot concourse with new amenities is set to begin in 2023. Dulles International Airport provides daily nonstop service from over 50 international destinations with new nonstop air service launching from Spain (Iberia), Togo (Ethiopian Airlines) and Jordan (United Airlines).
What’s New
The Wharf (Phase 2 – October 2022): The $2.5 billion, mile-long world-class waterfront community and sustainable neighborhood along the Potomac River adds an additional 1.15 million sq. feet of mixed-use spaces to the District’s Southwest Waterfront.
- 131-room Pendry Washington DC – The Wharf
- 3 signature restaurants and bars; state-of-the-art Spa Pendry; 5,000 square ft. of meetings and event space, including a rooftop venue and pool deck
- 223 boat slips at Wharf Marina; 1.5-acre park at the Marshall Landing
New Hotels: In 2022, eight new hotels or new brands open:
• AC Hotel Washington DC Capitol Hill Navy Yard – Opened February 2022
A 225-key hotel opened in a mixed-use development near Nationals Park in the Navy Yard neighborhood. Meeting space include Smoke & Mirrors Rooftop Restaurant & Bar, a 24/7 10,000 sq. ft. fitness center, flexible meeting and event space and a library.
• citizenM Washington DC NoMa – Opening April 2022
Situated in the heart of NoMa near the metro and Union Market, the 292-key property is the city’s second citizenM hotel. The beloved European hotel will have a ground floor restaurant and bar, meeting space and fitness center.
• Holiday Inn Express Washington DC Downtown – Opening April 2022
Located less than one mile from the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, the hotel features 247 guest rooms and aa 24-hour fitness center. Meeting space on the top floor offers views of the U.S. Capitol.
• Courtyard by Marriott Washington DC Dupont Circle – Opened in January 2022
The newly renovated hotel boasts 143 guest rooms available in kings or double queens with large windows with views of the neighborhood. Other amenities include two dining options, check-in pods and private booths equipped with built in monitors.
Opening Soon and beyond:
• The Morrow Washington, DC Curio Collection by Hilton (September 2022)
The upscale brand from Hilton is projected to have LEED Silver certification, 203 rooms, outdoor event space, indoor and outdoor food and beverage spaces and a rooftop with views of the city.
• Selina (2022)
Selina, an independent brand, will be designed in partnership with local artists and tastemakers and include 178 guest rooms and offer curated local experiences. • MOB Hotel (2023)
A stylish Paris-based chain anchored by design team lead Philippe Starck is expected to open its first of five planned North American hotels in DC. The hotel’s 144 rooms and rooftop will offer views of the U.S. Capitol along with a restaurant, bar and cinema.
Destination DC, the official destination marketing organization for the nation’s capital, is a private, non-profit membership organization committed to marketing the area as a premier global convention, tourism and special events destination with a special emphasis on the arts, cultural and historic communities. washington.org
Contact
Susan O’Keefe, media relations manager, trade,
202-789-7079; [email protected]
May 31, 2022