For Immediate Release
May 15, 2009

DC TARGETS MEETINGS AND CONVENTION CLIENTS WITH OBAMA-INSPIRED INCENTIVES

(Washington, DC)… To capitalize on the buzz and interest in Washington, DC that’s been building since Barack Obama took the oath of office, Destination DC, the official convention and tourism corporation for the nation’s capital, and the Walter E. Washington Convention Center have teamed up to court qualifying citywide meetings with a value-packed offer inspired by the 44th President of the United States. 

“We’ve seen more interest in Washington, DC since the new administration arrived,” said Elliott Ferguson, senior vice president, Convention Sales and Services, Destination DC. “With this incentive package, we’re giving our customers a way to bring some of that excitement to their delegates while taking advantage of a great deal.” 

The value-driven package serves up a slate of “44”-inspired incentives designed to motivate meeting planners to book more business in the nation’s capital.

“Travel and tourism are immensely important especially during a struggling economy.  We have a strong commitment to working with our partners at Destination DC and the city’s hotel community to create attractive short-term incentives to increase booking meetings in the nation’s capital,” said Gregory A. O’Dell, CEO and general manager, Washington Convention Center Authority. 
 
Planners who qualify for DC’s Obama-inspired meetings package by booking a meeting with 1,000 room nights or more on peak through March 2010 can take advantage of powerful values, including:

• 44% off convention center rental fees;
•  A 44-minute reception with 44-cent beer and wine;
• 44 meal options priced at $44 each;
• 44 free tabletop exhibits;
• A free drawing for an 8x10 classic DC image at 4:44 PM daily;
• A $44 rental fee when you book multiple qualifying meetings within 18 months.

The Destination DC and Walter E. Washington Convention Center sales teams promoted the “44” package directly to local, regional and national clients during a May 14th telephone sales blitz at the Convention Center. Promotional efforts will continue at upcoming tradeshows, sales calls and events.

The direct sales effort will also highlight hotel-specific offers available to qualifying customers at 36 DC-area properties, including:

• Waived attrition;
• 1 comp room per 35 rooms booked;
• Free internet within the planner’s room block;
• 15% off audio visual services;
• 10% off the group’s food & beverage tab;  
• 10% off of attendee-related personal expenses (in-room dining, restaurant dining, spa services, business center, parking).
 
For more information, log onto destinationdc.com/powersavings.

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ABOUT DESTINATION DC
Destination DC serves as the lead organization to successfully manage and market Washington, DC as a premier global convention, tourism and special events destination, with a special emphasis on the arts, cultural and historical communities.  By developing and executing centralized and cohesive sales and marketing strategies, Destination DC generates economic development for the city through tourism and meetings.  For more information, please visit www.destinationdc.com.
 
ABOUT THE WASHINGTON CONVENTION CENTER AUTHORITY
The Washington Convention Center Authority was established for the purpose of acquiring, constructing, equipping, maintaining, and operating a new convention center in the District of Columbia. The Authority engages in activities deemed appropriate to promote trade shows, conventions, and other events closely related to activities of the Convention Center. Since opening its doors in 2003, the 2.3-million-square-foot Walter E. Washington Convention Center has proven to be essential to the economy of the District of Columbia, generating nearly $400 million annually. For more information about the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, call 202-249-3217 or visit www.dcconvention.com.