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Destination DC Staff at Marketing Outlook Meeting, Waldorf Astoria Washington DC

Industry Updates

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.

 

Sustainability District

DDC continues its commitment to sustainability and works with local industry and city partners on impactful initiatives.

  • In March, DDC hosted the first Sustainability Summit at the Capital Turnaround. The Summit brought together a panel of local, federal and business leaders and highlighted the city’s dedication to sustainability and its key initiatives. Keith Anderson, the District’s Deputy Mayor for Operations and Infrastructure, presented the DOEE’s District Sustainability Awards recognizing DDC member businesses, organizations and individuals for their achievements.
  • DDC is the first urban destination to have a staff member dedicated to sustainability. In September, the Sustainability District launched so meeting and event attendees can easily find sustainability initiatives at local hotels, restaurants and convention services.
  • In 2023, DDC was given the Innovation Award and recognized for its DEI Business Fellowship program by the Global Destination Sustainability Movement.
  • The Walter E. Washington Convention Center was certified LEED Gold.


DEI Business Fellowship 2024 DD welcomed 45 new DEI Business Fellowship members. 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 full release here.

 

DDC Attracts Meetings and Events at PCMA Convening Leaders 2024

DDC’s sales, marketing and events staff highlighted wellness experiences in Washington, DC and shared development and sustainability updates. Read the full release here.

 

DDC Recognizes First Annual Ambassador Circles Award Winners

During Global Marketplace in January, DDC honored community partners who promote Washington, DC. Honorees include some of the leading medical experts in the region, and one of the city’s leading venues. The awards recognize distinguished leaders, innovators and researchers who position Washington, DC as a premier destination for global excellence and innovation. These ambassadors have helped to attract and shape prestigious international conferences, meetings and business events in the greater Washington, DC region with an impact of $51 million (includes forecast for meetings booked through 2029). The recipients were recognized during a luncheon at the Riggs Hotel in downtown Washington. Read full release here.


American Experience Foundation 
This January, over 65 students from the Academies of Hospitality & Tourism, Culinary Arts and Mass Media participated in a two-day field trip across Washington, DC. Young professionals explored the consumer side and behind the scenes of the hospitality industry. In March, academy students experienced the New York Hospitality Tour where they visited the Park Hyatt hotel, Marriott Marquis and the Apollo Theater in Harlem. Read more about AEF in the annual review.  

 

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 likely run from May 22 to June 8, 2025 and coincides with the 50th anniversary of DC's annual Pride celebration.


DDC is Hiring Interested in helping promote the nation’s capital to the world? Check out current openings at DDC.