Industry Updates

DDC highlights top reasons to visit Washington, DC for meetings and events.

 

Elliott L. Ferguson, II Recognized with PCMA Visionary Award and Leads Brand USA Board

President & CEO Elliott L. Ferguson, II, has been awarded PCMA’s Visionary Awards Lifetime Achievement Supplier Honoree and will be recognized during Business Events Industry Week at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in April.

 

In December, Elliott became chairman of the board of Brand USA, where he’ll collaborate on growth opportunities tied to international meetings, the recovery of the Asia market and underrepresented regions.

 

DDC and Partners Kick Off America 250 

DDC and a growing list of more than 70 organizations from the local tourism and hospitality community announced plans for a year-round celebration in 2026 on the National Mall and throughout the city’s cultural institutions, museums, attractions, restaurants and hotels. 

 

A launch event was held in the Rotunda Galleries of the National Archives Museum, the only place to see the Declaration of Independence and the nation’s founding documents. DDC also unveiled a dedicated microsite showcasing why the nation's capital is the best place to celebrate America's 250th anniversary. The site includes member and partner events, inspirational content and more. Read the full release. 

 

DDC Announces New Initiative

DDC unveiled Connected Campus to expand meeting opportunities beyond the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Planners benefit from date flexibility and interesting meeting spaces outside the traditional downtown area. The initiative is expected to drive hotel demand citywide.

 

Five new meeting campuses are centered around key hubs, each featuring a creative meeting space, surrounding hotels and supportive event venues. The campuses include:

• Capitol Riverfront
• The Wharf
• The National Mall
• Connecticut Avenue Collection
• Downtown DC

 

DC Hosts WorldPride

DC WorldPride will run from May 17 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.

 

American Experience Foundation

In February, AEF hosted its annual Member Volleyball Tournament, benefiting AEF programs and scholarships. The foundation supports local high school students by providing hands-on experience in various hospitality industry career paths.

 

On Feb. 5, 40 students from Ballou High School’s Academy of Auto Tech and Jackson-Reed’s Academy of Mass Media attended the Washington Auto Show for Career Day. They explored the show floor, engaged with industry leaders, discovered educational resources, and learned about career opportunities in the automotive sector.

 

AEF’s flagship field trip returned this January, with over 50 students from DC high schools' Academies of Hospitality & Tourism, Culinary Arts, and Mass Media participating in a two-day immersive experience across Washington, DC. Students explored both consumer-facing aspects and behind-the-scenes operations of the hospitality industry.

 

Connected Community

RASA owner Rahul Vinod and his employees felt moved to provide meals to first responders who were on the scene to search for and recover the victims of the Potomac River plane crash. The restaurant has prepared more than 750 dinners for the first responders and, as of Feb. 1, another 150 meals.

 

Thanks to a City Cruises crew, first responders utilized the ship as a place of recess and refuge from the long hours of recovering those who lost their lives in the Potomac River plane crash. On the ship, emergency workers received warm meals, coffee and blankets.

 

Member/Partner Updates

Co-founder of the O Museum, H.H. Leonards, offers an app-based augmented reality tour centered on historic areas in all 8 wards in Washington, DC. The 51 Steps to Freedom - A Walking Museum stops reflect the city’s past in fighting for both freedom and equality. Locations featured include: St. Augustine Catholic Church (DC’s first Black Catholic church), Ford’s Theater and Black Lives Matter Plaza.

 

Due to a 10-year partnership with CareFirst, DC’s Entertainment and Sports Arena is now officially named CareFirst Arena. The partnership has also resulted in a $2 million investment in developing programs within the St. Elizabeth’s campus in Anacostia.

 

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 65 members, helps planners connect with sustainable hotels, venues, DMC, and convention services. Washington, DC proudly ranks 1st among U.S. destinations in the Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS-Index) for the fourth year in a row, reflecting the city’s ongoing commitment to transparency and continuous improvement.

 

DEI Business Fellowship 2025

In December, DDC announced its 2025 cohort of DEI Business Fellows, including 12 industry service businesses. Now in its fourth year, the program supports local businesses owned by people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, women, veterans and persons with disabilities. Fellows receive a free, one-year membership to DDC, providing access to marketing support, new business opportunities, and networking.

 

Fellows receive a free, one-year membership to DDC, providing access to marketing support, new business opportunities, and networking.

 

DDC is Hiring

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