Learn about DDC initiatives and updates on meeting in the nation’s capital.
DDC highlights top reasons to visit Washington, DC for meetings and events.
DDC Attracts International Meetings at IMEX Frankfurt
DDC’s sales team showcased ways to capitalize connections from leveraging expert speakers to meeting sustainably in Washington, DC during the IMEX Frankfurt 2024 conference in May. Read the full release here.
DDC and Partners Celebrated the Impact of Group Tours and Honored Motorcoach Drivers
DDC proudly hosted the annual DC Loves Buses Day. The event is dedicated to honoring the motorcoach drivers who play a pivotal role in the success of group tourism in the capital, significantly contributing to the local economy. This year marked the 13th anniversary of DC Loves Buses Day, a campaign that underscores the importance of group tour operators and bus companies in making Washington, DC one of the premier group tour destinations in the U.S. Read the full release here.
Washington, DC contingent helped build excitement for NATO Summit
As the U.S. capital prepares to host thousands of delegates for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s July Summit, local tourism and hospitality leaders joined U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, NATO leaders and celebrated chefs in Brussels, Belgium, to generate buzz and drive attendance. Read the full release here.
DDC Announces Visitation at Travel Rally
In May, DDC, Mayor Bowser, U.S. Travel Association, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian and partners joined for the annual Travel Rally event where DDC shared the economic impact of our industry in 2023 including visitation numbers, local jobs and visitor spending. The event was held at the National Museum of American Indian in honor of its 20th anniversary. Read the full release here.
American Experience Foundation
In May, the American Experience Foundation awarded more than $47,000 in scholarships to the recipients of its 2024 AEF Scholarship Award. AEF invests in Washington, DC high school students through educational opportunities to cultivate the next generation of hospitality industry professionals. AEF has provided over 90 scholarships since 2015, totaling over $175,000 in awards. AEF partnered with the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan’s Educated Eats, the Hotel Association of Washington, DC's Washington Hospitality Foundation and the Washington Area Concierge Association to celebrate DC’s hospitality scholars during an event at the Westin Washington DC City Center on May 29.
DDC continues its commitment to sustainability and works with local industry and city partners on impactful initiatives.
- In March, DDC hosted the first Sustainability Summit at the Capital Turnaround. The Summit brought together a panel of local, federal and business leaders and highlighted the city’s dedication to sustainability and its key initiatives. Keith Anderson, the District’s Deputy Mayor for Operations and Infrastructure, presented the DOEE’s District Sustainability Awards recognizing DDC member businesses, organizations and individuals for their achievements.
- DDC is the first urban top-tier destination to have a staff member dedicated to sustainability. In September, the Sustainability District launched so meeting and event attendees can easily find sustainability initiatives at local hotels, restaurants and convention services.
- The Walter E. Washington Convention Center is certified LEED Gold.
DEI Business Fellowship 2024
DDC welcomed 45 new DEI Business Fellowship members. The DEI Business Fellowship program supports local businesses owned by people of color, LGBTQ+, women, veterans and disabled persons. Fellows receive a free, one-year membership to DDC, which provides access to marketing support, new business opportunities and networking. Read the full release here.
DC Hosts WorldPride in 2025
WorldPride, which takes place every two years, is massive: About five million people attended New York City’s WorldPride celebration in 2019. DC WorldPride will run from May 23 to June 8, 2025 and coincides with the 50th anniversary of DC's annual Pride celebration.
DDC is Hiring Interested in helping promote the nation’s capital to the world? Check out current openings at DDC.