Industry Buzz

DDC Staff Highlights

July 2024 New Hires 

June saw several departments at Destination DC make a few additions. Convention sales and services (CSS) welcomed Morgan Simonet as senior convention services manager and Celine Trombi as CSS intern. Annalisa Alicea and Julia Mourikis joined tourism, sports & visitor experience (TSVE) as sports & events intern and TSVE intern, respectively. Partnerships & alliances was happy to gain two interns as well: Khadija Elmewafy, sustainability intern, and Mattison McDonald, intern for the American Experience Foundation. In marketing & communications, Victoria Helmick joined as domestic media relations intern, while Juan Morales will fill the role of photo & video apprentice. Last but not least, finance & administration (F & A) welcomed Marshell Kennedy as F & A intern.

 

Member Highlights 

Vote for Destination DC Members in the 2024 Unique Venues Planner's Choice Awards (typeform.com) 

Large Market Venue

• Kraken Kourts & Skate, Bryant Street
• Hook Hall

Earth-Friendly Venue

• American University
• Professional Meetings & Conferences
• National Union Building

Formal Affairs

• The National Archives Museum
• Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center

Locally Sourced Catering

• Airlie

 

NAF Next & STS Marketing College 

DDC’s very own Zoe Roberts has been recognized as the NAF Alumni of the Year for 2024, which recognizes NAF alumni who have achieved success in either college or in their career, demonstrating an entrepreneurial spirit that can be attributed to their academy experience. Zoe is a three-time winner of the AEF Scholarship and chair of the AEF Student Advisory Board. She will accept this award at the NAF Next Conference in Kissimmee, FL in July. 

She is also heading into her last year at STS Marketing College and will earn her Tourism Marketing Professional certification. She is a three-time winner of the Miles Partnership scholarship and looks forward to applying her knowledge to the programs she manages at DDC. Congratulations, Zoe!

 

Smart Stars 2024 Winners - Smart Meetings 

Congratulations to these Destination DC members:

• Best Ballroom – Ritz Carlton, Washington DC
• Best City Hotel – Waldorf Astoria Washington DC
• Best Boutique/Lifestyle Hotel – Hotel Zena, Kimpton Hotel Monaco
• Best Gaming/Casino – MGM National Harbor
• Best Special Event Venue – Ronald Reagan Building/ITC

 

Summer Restaurant Week - Aug. 12-18 

Calling all restaurants in the DC metro area – sign up to participate! The promotion is a win-win for businesses and for customers.

James Beard Awards 

Find the full list of DC winners, including a number of DDC members, on Eater. 

 

Busline Magazine Adventure Tours

Featured on the cover and an article was written detailing our 25th anniversary and how we have survived and thrived.

 

New DDC Members

 

Convention Services

Apple Spice Box Lunch & Catering
Provides a gourmet, chef-curated box lunch experience. We guarantee on-time delivery, so rest assured, your meetings will run on schedule.

 

Derek Lamar Studios Photography & Videography
Capturing light, feelings and moments and everything in between, all the while producing a high quality, timeless experience. 

 

Restaurants

STK Washington DC
Experience STK Washington, DC: a stylish steakhouse offering top-notch cuisine, lively atmosphere and vibrant nightlife for unforgettable events.    

 

See and Do

City Running Tours
Elevate your next meeting with DC City Running Tours! Combine networking, wellness and city exploration for a memorable event.

 

Leesburg Premium Outlets
Located in the heart of Virginia's scenic Loudoun County. Make your next move with an unprecedented opportunity.

 

SOULEX Float Spa
Incorporating flotation therapy into your event differentiates you as an innovative planner who prioritizes the well-being of your clients.

 

The Urban Grape
Progressive Pours by Urban Grape specializes in helping elevate shared experiences.

 

Transportation

The Shuttle Bus Company
Our shuttle services provide reliable, on-time transport for meetings, ensuring attendees arrive comfortably and professionally.

 

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.