Learn about DDC initiatives and updates on meeting in the nation’s capital.
DDC highlights top reasons to visit Washington, DC for meetings and events.
DDC Receives Honor for Best DMO
Destination DC is honored to be a Stella Award and Meetings Today “Best of” winner, recognizing our commitment to excellence in the meetings industry. Plus, Travel + Leisure recently featured Washington, DC as one of the top places to visit in December. DDC was recognized as one of the best DMOs in 2024 by Smart Meetings.
President & CEO Elliott Ferguson was recognized as one of Washington Business Journal’s Power 100 business leaders in DC for the incredible work he does for the city. Elliott, along with Senior Manager of Sustainability Shelby Luzzi, was also named one of the 100 most influential people in the events industry by Eventex.
DDC Announces New Chairperson and Board Members
DDC welcomes the appointment of Meade Atkeson as chair of the DDC Board of Directors. Atkeson is currently the area general manager for Royal Sonesta hotels in Washington, DC and Baltimore, and previously served as vice chairperson of the DDC board. Read the full release.
American Institute of Architects Meets in DC
In June, AIA24 held its annual conference at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, bringing together the architecture, engineering and construction industry in DC. The conference featured architect-led tours of DC’s landmarks, new builds and award-winning projects, giving attendees a unique perspective on DC’s neighborhoods. Opening and closing events were held at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Building Museum. A local Go-Go band and artisans at Shop Made in DC added local flair. AIA24 partnered with SocialOffset, allowing attendees to donate to local charities like Pathways to Housing DC and Potomac River Conservancy. The event also supported the Architects Foundation’s community programs. Watch this video to see how AIA came together in DC.
DDC Hosted the Collective
DDC hosted the Collective, bringing together DDC’s International Business Events Council and the Annual Meeting Alliance. Attendees explored the unique businesses, venues and vibrant culture of Washington, DC, fostering collaboration and strategic promotion of our nation's capital.
American Experience Foundation
AEF will host the Member Holiday Celebration: Wonderland in the Wild on Dec. 12 at the Smithsonian National Zoo where students and member guests enjoyed the Zoo’s new pavilion, festive bites, holiday music and the annual ZooLights display.
In November, AEF hosted a field trip to Temple University in Philadelphia with 50+ DCPS high school students from Ballou and Jackson Reed high schools in Washington, DC and teachers from the Academies of Hospitality, Tourism and Communications for a college campus learning experience.
They explored Temple's School of Hospitality and Tourism Management and Fox School of Communications for a dual college/work base learning experience that showcased the industry ease of transitioning from high school to college. They also met students and watched a football game.
In November, AEF joined the Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority (MWAA) for its annual Career Expo where more than 200 high school students explored career paths within the airport and aviation industry. In collaboration with the American Experience Foundation, the MWAA Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Social Impact hosted the workforce development event to inspire the next generation of airport professionals and showcase the Airports Authority’s job opportunities and the Skilled Trade Apprenticeship Program.
Sustainability Updates
DDC continues its commitment to sustainability and works with local industry and city partners on impactful initiatives. DDC’s Sustainability District, with over 50 members, helps planners connect with sustainable hotels, venues, DMCs, and convention services. We're also proud to rank 1st among U.S. destinations in the Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS-Index) for the fourth year in a row, reflecting our ongoing commitment to transparency and continuous improvement.
In September, the Walter E. Washington Convention Center earned LEED Platinum certification, joining an elite group of only four convention centers in North America with this distinction.
DEI Business Fellowship 2025
Applications are being accepted for the 2025 cohort of DEI Business Fellows through Dec. 2. The DEI Business Fellowship program supports local businesses owned by people of color, LGBTQ+, women, veterans and disabled persons. Fellows receive a free, one-year membership to DDC, which provides access to marketing support, new business opportunities and networking. Read the full release here.
Inauguration Content on washington.org:
With the U.S. Presidential Inauguration quickly approaching, DDC's web team has updated its dedicated landing page with a bevy of content to promote the event in person for the first time in 8 years. Readers can discover presidential experiences at attractions and restaurants and learn about what to expect on Inauguration Day.
DC Hosts WorldPride in 2025
WorldPride, which takes place every two years, is massive: About five million people attended New York City’s WorldPride celebration in 2019. DC WorldPride will run from May 23 to June 8, 2025 and coincides with the 50th anniversary of DC's annual Pride celebration. The nation’s capital expects two million overnight visitors generating an economic impact of $787 million, according to research from S&P Global.
DDC is Hiring Interested in helping promote the nation’s capital to the world? Check out current openings at DDC.
photo credit - Romoff Media