WASHINGTON, DC – As global organizations seek dynamic and influential destinations to convene, Washington, DC stands as the unrivaled epicenter for international meetings. At IMEX Frankfurt 2025, Destination DC (DDC), the official destination marketing organization for Washington, DC reinforced its commitment to attracting international events that drive economic growth and global engagement.
"Washington, DC is the place where decisions are made, ideas are exchanged and connections shape the future," said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO of Destination DC. "With direct access to policymakers, thought leaders and a rich cultural landscape, our city is uniquely positioned to host impactful international gatherings. Now is the time to meet in DC to take advantage of its unrivalled resources and showcase the nation's capital as the world’s ultimate host city."
Through strategic investment in international marketing and sales, DDC is ensuring that Washington, DC remains at the forefront of global collaboration, reinforcing its role as the premier destination for transformative events.
Record Visitation and Economic Impact
Washington, DC’s growing appeal as a global destination for meetings and conventions is evident in the steady rise in visitation. Business travel continues to drive industry connections and economic impact, reinforcing the city’s role as a hub for international engagement.
- Record Total Visitors in 2024: 27.2M (up 5% over 2023)
- International Visitors: 2.2M (up 10% over 2023)
- Business Travel: 30% of domestic visitors traveled for business (up 7% over 2023)
- Visitor Spending: $11.4B (up 12% over 2023)
- Jobs Supported: 111,500K (up 8% over 2023)
*Sources: MMGY Travel Intelligence, S&P Global Market Intelligence, National Travel & Tourism Office, U.S. Department of Commerce
Driving International Meetings and Events
Washington, DC continues to excel in attracting international associations, as highlighted in the 2024 ICCA Ranking Report. In 2024, DC hosted 47 ICCA-qualified international association meetings, securing the top position among U.S. cities and ranking sixth in the Americas. It was an outstanding year for welcoming international associations to the capital, nearly doubling the number of international meetings from 2023. The achievement reinforces DC’s leadership in the global meetings industry and underscores its appeal as a premier destination for association events.
“Following a successful 2024 for international meetings in Washington, DC, we recognize the challenges ahead,” said Melissa A. Riley, SVP of Convention Sales and Services. “Yet, Washington, DC’s unique positioning as a global hub for commerce, networking and education remains strong, powered by the intellectual capital in our backyard. By investing in the future, we will ensure DC remains a premier destination for international engagement."
Meetings Outlook
In 2025, an estimated 399,409 total room nights will be generated from convention center business, with an additional estimated 349,507 room nights from non-convention center business. The projected citywide economic impact for 2025 is $233,749,587.
Washington, DC continues to be the premier destination for high-level gatherings, ranging from exclusive executive summits and board meetings to influential global congresses. By strategically engaging small and diversified market segments, DDC has strengthened its international presence, particularly in key markets such as the United Kingdom and Latin America.
As summer approaches, DC will host a diverse range of international association meetings across critical fields that drive global progress:
- International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis (ISTH) 2025 Congress (June 2025)
- Estimated economic impact: $17,759,075
- International Association of Young Lawyers Congress (August 2025)
- Estimated economic impact: $1,011,574
- International Society for Pharmacoepidemiology Annual Meeting (August 2025)
- Estimated economic impact: $1,515,173
“The ISTH 2025 Congress marks a significant moment for the global thrombosis and hemostasis community,” said Lisa Astorga, ISTH Director of Meetings. “With thousands of experts from over 100 countries gathering in Washington, DC and a record-breaking 2,192 abstract submissions, this event reflects an extraordinary level of scientific enthusiasm and international collaboration. Washington, DC provides the perfect stage for meaningful dialogue and cutting-edge discoveries, and we are grateful to Destination DC for their ongoing partnership and support in making this Congress a world-class experience.”
Beyond the Ballroom
Washington, DC continues to redefine the meeting experience through innovation and flexibility. DDC is leading the charge with its Connected Campus initiative, offering planners dynamic alternatives beyond the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Spanning some of DC’s most vibrant neighborhoods, five distinct campuses integrate hotels, creative meeting spaces and supporting venues to accommodate a variety of events. These include Capitol Riverfront, the Wharf, the National Mall, Connecticut Avenue Collection and Downtown DC.
New Hotels in Washington, DC
The city’s robust pipeline of hotels and venues continues to elevate its global appeal. With 23 new hotels or renovations adding 4,000 rooms, meeting planners gain access to exceptional accommodation and event spaces. Recent openings include the Canal House of Georgetown and the Arlo Washington, Sixty DC and CitizenM Georgetown are slated to open later this year.
Sustainability
Washington, DC leads in sustainability practices for meetings and events.
- Washington, DC is the first city in the world to achieve the Platinum level LEED for Cities certification.
- The Walter E. Washington Convention Center has achieved LEED Platinum certification.
- More than 40 associations, policy groups and advocacy organizations in the Metro area focus on sustainability.
- DDC’s Sustainability District connects meeting planners with 75 local businesses committed to sustainable practices, making it easier to plan environmentally responsible events in Washington, DC.
About Destination DC
Destination DC, the official destination marketing organization for the nation’s capital, is a private, non-profit membership organization committed to marketing the area as a premier global convention, tourism and special events destination with a special emphasis on the arts, cultural and historic communities.
May 20, 2025