Find out what's happening in the Washington, DC tourism and hospitality industry.
Staff Highlights
In January, Destination DC (DDC) welcomed Nadiya Richardson to the partnerships & alliances (p & a) department as p & a assistant. Marketing & communications (m & c) added Lillian Tsegaye as media experience coordinator and Maddie Divita as manager of social media.
We also gained five new interns: Naomi Furaha in convention sales & services, Jette Davidson as sports & events intern and Noam Kelner as tourism & visitor experience intern in the tourism, sports & visitor experience department, Matteo Coletta as sustainability intern for p & a and Ruthie Ashley as m & c's domestic media relations intern. And we're happy to have Makayla Cruz and Kenlaun Mitchell, our two new DDC apprentices.
Member Highlights
Congratulations to these DDC members for being nominated:
• Ruben Garcia, Casa Teresa (DC)
• Fernando Gonzalez, 2Fifty BBQ (Riverdale and DC)
Southern Smoke Foundation Mental Health Program
Through the mental health program Behind You, Southern Smoke provides access to no-cost counseling for food and beverage workers.
Cake-wich Craft Bake Shop on Fox 5
Cake-wich owner Aleatra Dimitrijevski is a DDC Member and champion of the American Experience Foundation. She challenges the hosts to guess if her delicious illusion desserts are cake or the real deal.
Jan. 30-31. Taste of Pride is an annual collaboration between local restaurants and DC’s Business Improvement Districts (BIDs). This gathering celebrates the rich connection between the LGBTQ+ and culinary communities.
PCMA Foundation Visionary Awards
Congratulations to Mackenzie Loy with Homemade in DC (2024 DEIBF) on being selected as a finalist for the PCMA Impact Award. Also, congrats to DDC’s President & CEO Elliott Ferguson for receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award in the Supplier category!
Transportation All-Star Program
Nominate yourself or a peer for goDCgo’s Transportation All-Star Awards. These awards honor District organizations' commuter benefit programs, carpool programs and other efforts that create a greener, more livable city. Winners will be celebrated at the exclusive award ceremony in April.
Apply to become an official Partner Event with WorldPride
The Capital Pride Alliance is partnering with local businesses to create diverse experiences and activities for WorldPride Washington, DC 2025. A partner event is an event, activity or program sanctioned by the Capital Pride Alliance as part of the official calendar for WorldPride DC 2025.
DDC welcomes 29 new DEI Business Fellowship members. Congratulations to our new cohort. We look forward to working with you and helping maximize your success in the tourism and events market.
Washington City Paper Best of DC
Tour of Her Own won Washington City Paper’s ‘Best of DC’ award for Best Tour For Out-of-Towners. Congratulations!
Presented by the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW), The Annual RAMMY Awards honor the exceptional ability and accomplishments of the hard-working individuals and organizations of the Washington, DC region’s restaurant and foodservice community.
Nominations for the 2025 RAMMYS Awards will be accepted through Friday, February 28, 2025 at 11:59pm EST via this form only.
I&D Community Impact Award – DDC DEIBF program shortlisted
DDC’s submission for the Community Impact Award has successfully made it to the 2025 I&D Impact Awards shortlist!
This achievement places us among an impressive lineup of leaders, projects, and organizations. You can view the full shortlist here. The winners will be announced at Faena Forum in Miami, Florida, on March 12, 2025.
New DDC Members
Accommodations
Canal House of Georgetown, A Tribute Collection by Marriott
A fresh voice in a historic and storied neighborhood. Stay with character.
Convention Services
Expert meeting planners are here to take care of every detail, ensuring a seamless and productive experience for all.
Aura Experiences - DEIBF
With a combined 20 years of experience in creating world-class events, Aura works as a natural extension of your team to co-build stellar experiences.
A 5-star rated event DJ service in 9 states and the District of Columbia.
Brandire - DEIBF
Expert brand marketing communications for impactful, seamless meetings and events in Washington, DC.
Capital Gift Baskets, Inc. - DEIBF
Creative, customized gifts perfect for any event. We work within your budget to deliver memorable, high-quality gifts for your attendees.
DC Cooking School - DEIBF
Add some zest to your teambuilding with DC Cooking School's in-person cooking team events.
Designs R Us - DEIBF
Premier event planning company whose expertise lies in overall planning, cohesive design concepts, decor and modern styling for unforgettable events.
Domestique Wine - DEIBF
Focused exclusively on natural wines. We provide virtual private events and wine consulting for individuals and businesses.
Everyday Kitchen - DEIBF
For birthday celebrations, office moves, rewarding your team, holidays or just to say “I'm thinking about you”.... Everyday Kitchen will be there for you.
GoodSigns - DEIBF
Ensure inclusion and accessibility at your event with American Sign Language services from GoodSigns. Book now for seamless communication!
Fast Snail - DEIBF
Whimsical cards and designs printed with archival inks on carefully selected papers from sustainable forests or recycled stock.
Help Unlimited Temps - DEIBF
Staffing agency with the capability to both staff events as well as develop and run the events.
Offers corporate catering and custom gift boxes, all sourced locally from women, BIPOC and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs.
Jarabe Gourmet Pops - DEIBF
Mexican Pop-Bar based in the DC metropolitan area that specializes in Mexican-style gourmet pops.
Lattimore’s Funnel Cakes - DEIBF
Serves up the sweetest, crispiest funnel cakes around, perfect for adding a little fun to any event.
Olive Gift Co.- DEIBF
Build connections, increase brand awareness and strengthen customer loyalty with thoughtful gifting.
Skye Marinda Tarot | Creative Events - DEIBF
Tarot readings are a fun and unique addition to any party or social event. Skye's readings are always entertaining and insightful.
Wick & Paper - DEIBF
Our shop offers hand-poured candles that are not only beautifully designed, but also radiate a sense of joy.
Restaurants
An award-winning, wood-only smokehouse. For intimate events, we offer a private section in our DC restaurant located in Mount Vernon Triangle, ideal for around 40 guests.
Bartaco - Mt. Vernon and The Wharf
Host your next meeting at bartaco – a unique, coastal-inspired space with fresh food and drinks for productive gatherings.
Eatopia Eatery - DEIBF
Places an emphasis on traditional Ethiopian dishes of the highest quality. Each dish comes from family recipes passed down from generations.
Hedzole - DEIBF
Authentically Ghanaian-American to welcome guests with traditional West African food in a new way.
Ko Japanese Dining - DEIBF
Led by our renowned Japanese chef, celebrated for his artistry, each creation is crafted with care and love, capturing the essence of Japanese cuisine.
Each dining experience is uniquely tailored to the chef’s recommendations, leaving no two instances to be ever alike.
Taqueria Habanero - DEIBF
With 99% authentic Mexican ingredients and a menu filled with delicious options, we bring the fiesta to you.
Need catering for your office luncheon or group event? We've got you covered. We can handle groups as small as 10 people to up to a few hundred.
Valor Brewpub - DEIBF
A veteran-inspired bar, restaurant and brewery. Located just across the street from Eastern Market’s 8th and I (Eye) Street Marine Barracks.
See and Do
Learn all about the fascinating monuments in Washington, DC from memorials to the seat of American power.
Art with Tosca - DEIBF
Private, art historian-led tours in DC’s museums—perfect for team-building and corporate events. Engage, inspire and elevate your next gathering.
An online clothing boutique that specializes in t-shirts, sweatshirts and accessories with designs that represent the best of Washington, DC.
Cafe Cino - DEIBF
Offers coffee/breakfast catering and team-building workshops for business travelers and corporate groups.
Offers unique golf experiences for client events, happy hours and more. Host in our studio or bring the mobile simulator to your location.
Fish the Potomac - DEIBF
Offers luxury fishing charters and private cruises on the Potomac River. Expert guides, top-tier gear and adventures await!
Four Pilates - DEIBF
Corporate wellness events that boost team collaboration, reduce stress, enhance focus and increase productivity, improving meeting effectiveness.
Play a variety of classic TV game show mini-games to rack up points in an hour-long, team vs. team showdown.
The Go-Go Museum & Cafe - DEIBF
The museum occupies more than 8,000 square feet, including a globally inspired café and an outdoor space with a stage for live performances.
Lee’s team works diligently to provide our customers with prompt, efficient and extraordinary service and flowers.
Lost Generation Brewing Company
With 2,500 square feet of flexible taproom space in a 120-year-old historic Nabisco factory, Lost Generation can get as creative with the space as you are.
A black women-owned yacht charter company based in DC.
Peel Haus Aesthetic & Plastic Surgery - DEIBF
Offers advanced skincare treatments, perfect for meeting planners seeking wellness-focused event experiences.
Synergy & Serenity - DEIBF
Host your next meeting or wellness event at Synergy & Serenity, a serene space with workshops, meditation and more in DC.
Washington Improv Theater - DEIBF
Make your event an unforgettable success. Washington Improv Theater’s improv workshops and private shows spark connection, joy and engagement.
American Experience Foundation
Check out AEF's recent newsletters for the latest updates and happenings.
DDC Careers
Check out DDC's job openings and share with your networks and colleagues.
Industry Careers
Search or add your job openings to the DC travel, tourism and hospitality careers page. Email your company name, job title and link to [email protected]. Positions will be posted for 30 days. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]. Additionally, visit the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington's foodjobsdc.com for more hospitality jobs.
Check out the full Destination DC Member News to learn more about what's going on this month.
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