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Industry Buzz

Find out what's happening in the Washington, DC tourism and hospitality industry.

Don't forget to inform your teams about Destination DC's free training resources to enhance their knowledge of the city. 

 

Member Highlights 


National Theatre Foundation Acquires Historic DC Venue for $5.5 Million

The National Theatre Foundation has acquired the historic National Theatre building in downtown Washington, DC, marking the first time the nonprofit both operates and owns the nearly 190-year-old venue. The purchase is intended to provide long-term stability and enable future renovations and preservation of the landmark theater.


 

DC Chamber Retail Committee Names New Co-Chairs for 2026

The DC Chamber of Commerce Retail Committee has named Vida Ali of Ben’s Chili Bowl and Bertrand Mangeot of Salamander Collection Hotels & Resorts as its new co-chairs for 2026. They will help lead the committee’s work on key retail issues in the District, including workforce development, public safety, tax policy and government relations.

 

 

New DDC Members

Convention Services

Abigail de Casanova - Hair & Makeup - 2026 DEI Business Fellow

Expert hair and makeup for speakers, conferences, productions and corporate events. Polished, professional, camera-ready looks for stage and screen.

 

AiE Artists - 2026 DEI Business Fellow

An entertainment agency that specializes in managing, booking, talent buying and producing for artists and arts organizations.

 

Blooms Collective - 2026 DEI Business Fellow

Offers stylishly curated event florals with emphasis on cost-efficient practices, such as reusable vessels and multipurpose designs.

 

Brandire

Expert brand marketing communications for impactful, seamless meetings and events in Washington, DC.

 

Christie's Photographic Solutions

40+ years of expert event, trade show and convention photography capturing every moment with precision and style.

 

Dare Gift Boxes  - 2026 DEI Business Fellow

Our curated gift boxes are designed to welcome guests, strengthen relationships and set the tone for an unforgettable experience.

 

District Heroines Candle Co. - 2026 DEI Business Fellow

Locally made DC-themed candles for welcome gifts, events and custom collaborations that bring a sense of place to every gathering.

 

Everyday Kitchen

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

Ensure inclusion and accessibility at your event with ASL services from GoodSigns. Book now for seamless communication.

 

Help Unlimited Temps

A staffing agency with the capability to both staff events as well as develop and run the events.

 

Maracas Ice Pops - 2026 DEI Business Fellow

We work with you to create a customized menu, whether you want an assortment of our signature flavors or a custom pop featuring your event’s colors.

 

Passionary - 2026 DEI Business Fellow

Conscientious-living bath products and more. Continued refinement of products as the location, seasons and evolution of the two changes for the best.

 

The Phototique - 2026 DEI Business Fellow

Immersive photo and video activations that inspire connection, elevate engagement and amplify brand presence at corporate events.

 

Sadiya Clinic - 2026 DEI Business Fellow 

Specializes in Botox and dermal filler injections, natural growth factor (NGF) injections for hair restoration, scar revision, skin rejuvenation, PDO thread lifts and more.

 

StitchesDC - 2026 DEI Business Fellow

Live on-site embroidery for meetings and events, creating custom-branded gifts and a memorable activation for attendees.

 

Stop, Pop & Smile Photobooth - 2026 DEI Business Fellow

Bring our EXTRA POP and personality to make your photobooth experience memorable for your events and parties.

 

Talentology - 2026 DEI Business Fellow

Production experts delivering seamless, sustainable meetings and events in Washington, DC.

 

Restaurants

Acqua Bistecca

An elevated setting for business dining—Chef Michael Mina’s Italian cuisine, fresh seafood, premium steaks and refined cocktails in City Ridge.

 

Annie's Paramount Steakhouse - 2026 DEI Business Fellow

Welcoming the LGBTQ+ community for over 76 years. We pride ourselves on our welcoming environment.


Dionne's Good Food - 2026 DEI Business Fellow

Full-service restaurant and bar ideal for meetings and events, offering curated menus, cocktails and a warm, community-centered atmosphere.

 

Hush Harbor - 2026 DEI Business Fellow

An intimate, phone-free cocktail bar ideal for small meetings, private gatherings and meaningful group connection.

 

Maltiox - 2026 DEI Business Fellow

From office lunches to serving the White House, we offer a variety of catering options to suit your needs.

 

Mixxed - 2026 DEI Business Fellow

Our menu boasts classic smashed burgers, indulgent loaded avocado toast, an enticing assortment of diverse smoothie bowls and the iconic NY bodega-style chopped cheese.

 

Shanklin Hall - 2026 DEI Business Fellow

Inspired by the rich history of Washington, DC and its people, we provide a home for collective elevation and cultural development.

 

Tsehay Ethiopian Restaurant & Bar - 2026 DEI Business Fellow

Host your next team event at our private dining space and enjoy our traditional dinner experience, including an Ethiopian coffee ceremony.


 

See & Do

Akridge - The Stacks

A vibrant mixed-use waterfront neighborhood in Buzzard Point, linking The Wharf and The Yards with homes, retail and public space.

 

Congress Heights Arts & Culture Center  - 2026 DEI Business Fellow

A unique arts venue for meetings, workshops and team events that inspire collaboration and creativity.

 

Journal Tour & Travel LLC

A multilingual tour operator that specializes in tailoring experiences and discovering the nation’s capital in a unique, historical way.

 

Merry Pin - 2026 DEI Business Fellow

Host a memorable on-site or off-site event with Merry Pin, where crafting, connection and creativity meet for all ages and skills.

 

Rose Ave Bakery - 2026 DEI Business Fellow

Offers freshly baked pastries and drinks for meetings, celebrations and other off-site gatherings.

 

Sandlot DC - 2026 DEI Business Fellow

Where culture, creativity and community meet to shape standout events and experiential activations.

 

Sip & Paint DC - 2026 DEI Business Fellow

Delivers engaging, customizable paint-and-sip events in Washington DC, perfect for meetings, conferences and team building.

 

The Spice Suite - 2026 DEI Business Fellow

Mixed spices and herbs create couture blends and spice ensembles that inspire chefs and home cooks alike.

 

Tango Pastry - 2026 DEI Business Fellow

Brings the heart of Argentine hospitality to your events with handcrafted pastries, savory bites and beloved traditional desserts.
 

Untold DC Tours - 2026 DEI Business Fellow

Add a unique touch to your meeting or convention with a private, story-rich DC tour experience.

 

Yours Cafe - 2026 DEI Business Fellow

The name “Yours Cafe” reflects our mission to create a space that feels personally yours – where every guest feels at home.


 

NEXTDC

Check out the What's Next newsletter to learn the latest happenings at NEXTDC (formerly the American Experience Foundation).


 

Careers

DDC Careers

Check out DDC's job openings and share with your networks and colleagues.
 

Destination DC's Job Board

Are you currently hiring? Interested in discovering who else is hiring within the industry? Increase your visibility by featuring your job openings on DDC’s Job Board. Submit the following details to [email protected]:

  • Company name
  • Job title
  • Job description
  • Link to job posting

Connect with top candidates and grow your team. Submit your listing today!

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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