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
Where José Andrés eats in Washington DC
Chef José Andrés shares his personal guide to Washington, DC, focusing on where to eat, visit and experience the city beyond politics. He highlights his favorite restaurants, cultural spots and community spaces while explaining why DC remains a vibrant and worthwhile destination, even during a tourism slowdown.
How a stress-baking GW Law student built one of DC’s bustling holiday bakeries
Yael Krigman, owner and founder of Baked by Yael, a nut-free, kosher bakery in Northwest DC, focuses on how she built the business, expanded its offerings and made it a trusted, community-focused bakery known for accessibility and inclusivity.
Jayden Daniels gives bikes away for the holidays with Raising Cane's
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels partners with Raising Cane’s to give bikes to local kids during the holiday season, highlighting Daniels’ community involvement and his goal to spread holiday cheer off the field.
Apply to win a 2026 District Sustainability Award
Just fill out a short form explaining how you address the environmental, economic and social needs of the District. Applications must be submitted online by Jan. 23. Winners will be recognized at DDC’s Sustainability Summit in March, receive an award of locally-reclaimed wood, be featured in newsletters and case studies and more!
Congratulations to 2025 Smart Meetings Platinum Choice Awards winners
Hotel Washington and Waldorf Astoria Washington DC join DDC as the winners from the District of Columbia. The Platinum Choice Awards recognize businesses that excel at what they do and that deserve to be celebrated for their innovation, ability to accommodate meeting planners and their attendees and contributions to the event community. Winners are voted on by Smart Meetings readers based on actual experiences.
College and university Sustainability Pledge case study published
When originally signed in 2012, the College and University Sustainability Pledge (CUSP) was a first-of-its-kind compact between the District’s entire higher education sector and district government to advance sustainability. In 2019, both parties re-signed the pledge and sustainability staff at local universities regularly meet to learn from each other and collaborate on initiatives. Included in the report are DDC members American University, Catholic University of America and Gallaudet University.
Chef-owner Johanna Hellrigl of Ama delivers national TEDx Talk
In “The Plastic You Eat,” Hellrigl reveals the invisible ingredient no one realizes they’re eating: plastic. Taking audiences into the kitchen, she exposes the silent ways plastic enters our food through heat, fat, acid and time, and how “industry-standard” tools have been overlooked for decades. She calls for radical transparency and a new definition of sustainability: one where human health and environmental health finally go hand in hand.
Dawn Owen appointed as new CEO at Christie's Photographic Solutions
Christie’s Photographic Solutions announced the appointment of longtime leader Dawn Owen as president and owner, coinciding with the retirement of founder Bob Christie after more than four decades of leadership. With nearly 30 years at the company, Owen will carry forward Christie’s legacy while focusing on national growth, industry partnerships and continued investment in talent, technology and service excellence.
New DDC Members
Convention Services
DC’s premier panoramic group photography for meetings and large events—fast, polished and transforming your attendees’ experience into an iconic moment.
Permanent jewelry in VA, DC & MD. Learn more about private permanent jewelry parties and corporate events at our website.
Restaurants
Host your next celebration in style. Enjoy vibrant Peruvian flavors and warm hospitality in our bar, Iquitos Room or heated rooftop patio.
Host your next event at Barbouzard, featuring elegant private dining, flexible spaces and seasonal French-Mediterranean cuisine.
Mindblasting James Beard Award-winning restaurant by Meherwan Irani, known internationally for broadening the representation of Indian street food.
Bar with lush patio bar and beautiful rooftop oasis located in Blagden Alley.
Join us for an innovative cocktail or our take on the classics. We share our space with Studio Theatre and Slipstream Coffee, and value being a vibrant, community focused space where creativity is paramount.
Celebrated Lebanese + Mexican cuisine, craft cocktails, welcoming atmosphere, distinguished service, lively entertainment, flexible event space.
See & Do
Known for state-of-the-art simulators, premium amenities and delectable food, Five Iron offers top-tier technology and social engagement for golf enthusiasts.
The only 19th-century gristmill operated by the National Park Service. Today the mill serves as a historic site and offers monthly community events. Check the website for upcoming events and operating hours.
Top-rated DC gift shop across from Ford’s Theatre, perfect for meeting groups seeking souvenirs, apparel and local gifts.
DC’s most dynamic choral ensemble—2-time Grammy-Award winners and 200 voices strong!
Transportation
Chauffeurs trained specifically to ensure that they will be able to transport clients in the most efficient and safest routes possible.
DC's premier provider offers high quality transportation, experience and a proven record of service and safety for convention clients.
The world’s leading fully autonomous ride-hailing service, ready for riders in the nation’s capital on the Waymo One app in 2026.
NEXTDC (American Experience Foundation)
Check out recent newsletters for the latest updates and happenings.
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.
