Ambassador Circle Awards

Destination DC’s Ambassador Circle Awards celebrate the achievements and contributions of individuals and organizations in attracting conferences to Washington, DC.

Business Attraction Ambassador Award
Awarded in partnership with the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development
Recognizes the contributions and support of an ambassador for the District’s business attraction, retention, and expansion activities. Serves as a champion for promoting DC as a place to do business.
2023 Award Winner: JLL

Partner Award
Recognizes a DDC member business (or team of businesses) that has leveraged resources, reach and credibility to support international meetings sales and attract visitation to DC from around the world.
2023 Award Winner: Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center 

Impact Award
Recognizes the ambassador(s) leading a bid or program associated with a recent or upcoming conference that will have a positive economic and social impact on the city.
2023 Award Winner: Andrew B. Wolff, MD | Orthopedic Surgeon | Washington Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, Chairman of the Annual Scientific Meeting for ISHA-The International Hip Preservation Society

Connector Award
Recognizes an individual in the community who eagerly helps DDC make connections through their existing networks. A champion of DDC’s work and a steadfast supporter of the Ambassador Circle program.
2023 Award Winner: Cattleya Wongkongkatap, CMP, M.B.A. | Director, University Events | The George Washington University

Leadership Award
Recognizes an ambassador who has demonstrated outstanding guidance, strategic vision and impactful leadership in the organization of a conference.
2023 Award Winner: Mitchell Cohen, MD, FACC, FHRS | Co-Director of the Heart Center and Chief of Pediatric Cardiology | Inova Children's Hospital Clinical Professor of Pediatrics | University of Virginia School of Medicine Chair Scientific Committee, 8th World Congress of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery

Ambassador of the Year
Recognizes an ambassador who has excelled in chairing a major conference and passionately represented our destination, significantly enhancing its profile and appeal.
2023 Award Winner: Gil Wernovsky, MD, FAAP, FACC | Cardiac Critical Care Physician and Pediatric Cardiologist | Children’s National Hospital, Professor of Pediatrics | George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Co-Chair, 8th World Congress of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery