Washington, D.C.'s 'Connected Capital' Concept Featured Again at IMEX America
(Washington, D.C. News) Washington, D.C.'s official destination marketing organization, Destination DC, recently announced at IMEX America that it will continue to invest to attract more conferences and conventions to Washington, D.C. Elliott L. Ferguson, President and CEO of Destination DC, outlined new developments and attractions in Washington, D.C. for meeting planners. Melissa A. Riley, Vice President of Convention Sales and Services, pointed out that as a meeting destination, Washington, D.C. has unique advantages in meeting various meeting objectives and enhancing the impact of conferences.
President Ferguson said, 'As an economic development organization, we will be more proactive in attracting more international conferences to Washington, D.C. These meetings will bring significant benefits to the city's thriving industries and intellectual capital. The perfect leisure destination makes Washington, D.C. an ideal meeting destination. As more people combine business and leisure travel, Washington, D.C. is becoming increasingly compelling in terms of new investments, hotels, arts and culture, dining and nightlife, and free activities.'
'We think, what makes our organization different?' Ms. Riley said. 'In Washington, D.C., our positioning focuses on offering products and services that you can't find elsewhere, so potential delegates can see the value and significance of coming to Washington, D.C. for meetings through us. Our clients can engage industry leaders, provide top-tier speakers, and find opportunities to voice their concerns on issues they care about in Washington, D.C.'
There are over 26 new hotel or renovation projects underway in Washington, D.C., adding more than 5,892 new or renovated rooms across eight blocks. In addition, the National Gallery of Art's East Building reopened in June; the Kennedy Center debuted its first interactive permanent exhibition dedicated to President John F. Kennedy (September 17); The Wharf's second phase opened (October), bringing a new Pendry Hotel and refined dining (October); the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum reopened with eight new galleries (October 14); the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden broke ground on renovations (November 16); in fall 2023, the National Museum of Women in the Arts will reopen after a major renovation. The soon-to-be-completed Silver Line Metro will connect Washington Dulles International Airport to downtown Washington, D.C., and the airport will add a $675 million LEED Silver-certified concourse by 2026 — good news keeps coming.
Washington, D.C.'s Meeting Outlook
In 2022, the city hosted 19 citywide conferences (those that generate 2,500 peak room nights), estimated to produce 394,000 hotel room nights and an economic impact of over $265 million. In 2023 and 2024, Washington, D.C. is expected to welcome 18 and 20 citywide conferences, respectively. The team's 'connected' positioning makes it easy for clients to understand how to host more purposeful meetings in Washington, D.C. The concept of 'connection' is reinforced in written marketing materials with partners and industry publications. Washington, D.C.'s unique assets add content to meetings, provide exclusive benefits, and contribute to meeting success. Due to shorter booking windows, Destination DC is aggressively pursuing corporate partnership opportunities to help fill hotel room business during needed periods and generate direct revenue. Destination DC will also maximize the city's sustainability offerings to attract group visitors.
Meeting planners can find a variety of content related to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) on Destination DC's website, as well as sustainable meeting venues and itineraries, guides for accompanying friends and family, monthly and weekend getaway guides, fall free tour guides, and more.
Destination DC is the official destination marketing organization for Washington, D.C., a non-profit membership-based organization. Destination DC is committed to promoting Washington, D.C. as the premier global destination for meetings, tourism, and unique events, especially arts, culture, history, and community activities. For more details, please visit the official website.
