For Immediate Release:    
Sept. 12, 2008           
 

Destination DC Launches Connecticut Avenue Collection to Court Mid-Size Meetings

(Washington, DC)…  In a bid to capture more mid-size meeting and convention business, Destination DC has partnered with the Hilton Washington, Marriott Wardman Park Hotel and the Omni Shoreham Hotel to promote the Connecticut Avenue Collection, an all-inclusive meeting package that combines the guest rooms, meeting and exhibit space of three hotels in one convenient neighborhood.  

“The Connecticut Avenue Collection was created for planners that would like to meet in a hotel but need the space of a larger convention facility,” said Elliott Ferguson, senior VP, sales and services, Destination DC.  “This joint marketing concept shows that there’s a lot of flexibility in the meeting options that are available to planners here in DC. Our hotels and meeting facilities are working together to come up with programs that deliver convenience and value to our clients.”

Together, the three Connecticut Avenue Collection properties offer more than 3,600 guest rooms, some 200,000 square feet of meeting space, 124 meeting rooms, 180,000 square feet of exhibit space and 8 on-site restaurants.  To help streamline the booking process, planners can look forward to one unified proposal incorporating all three hotels, coordinated through one point of contact.  As added enticements, the collection is also offering a slate of exclusive benefits for groups, including:
                    
• Free shuttle bus service between the three hotels (if a minimum of 2,200 rooms are used within the three hotels on peak night)
• Complimentary meeting space             
• Complimentary VIP welcome reception for up to 100 people 
• Welcome signs and buttons
• A dedicated team of convention services professionals who are ready to help create a memorable event
• Access to DC’s world-famous attractions and hip neighborhoods via two Metro stations located just steps away

The Connecticut Avenue Collection incorporates the signature features and key selling points of three of DC’s most storied convention hotels. The Hilton Washington, situated on seven acres overlooking the exclusive Dupont Circle residential area, combines the amenities of a grand hotel with those of a sprawling in-town resort.  The classic Marriott Wardman Park Hotel spans 16 lush acres, commanding the perfect balance of landmark charm, modern sophistication, and a historic setting.  Nestled on 11 acres in picturesque Rock Creek Park in northwest Washington, DC, the Omni Shoreham Hotel offers a resort atmosphere blending politics, culture, art and music.

With its attractive neighborhood setting in Northwest DC, the Connecticut Avenue Collection puts planners and delegates within walking distance of dining and nightlife hotspots in Adams Morgan and Dupont Circle. Dozens of unique special events venues, including parks, historic homes, embassies and galleries, are also within easy reach.

To promote the collaboration, Destination DC launched a new website, connecticutavecollection.com, featuring floor plans and room capacity information, photos and listings of the amenities at each participating property, plus an overview of the neighborhood.  Destination DC also produced a four-color print brochure outlining the hotels and offering insider’s insights into the surrounding neighborhoods.

Meeting planners looking for an RFP can contact Destination DC’s convention sales team at 1-800-635-6338 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or the sales offices directly at each participating property:
                 Hilton Washington: (202) 328-2080
                 Marriott Wardman Park: (202) 328-2950
                 Omni Shoreham Hotel: (202) 756-5110

Hotel Media Contacts:

Kristin Adderson                            
Marketing Manager                         
Hilton Washington & Capitol Hilton    
(202) 797-5787                            
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it            

Mark Indre
Director of PR
Marriott Hotels, Washington, DC
(202) 626-2600
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Catherine Taylor
Director of PR
Omni Shoreham Hotel
(202) 756-5111
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About Destination DC:  Destination DC, the lead destination marketing organization for the nation’s capital, is a private, non-profit membership organization of more than 1,000 businesses 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. Destinationdc.com.