901 7th Street NW, Suite 400

washington.org

Convention Bureau - North America, Event Venue - North America

Embrace the Washington, DC Difference! 🏛️🌟 Elevate your next meeting or incentive to extraordinary heights by choosing the vibrant pulse of the U.S. capital. Beyond the iconic monuments and museums lies a tapestry of unique venues, dynamic neighborhoods, and unforgettable experiences awaiting your guests. With over $9.3 billion invested in major development projects and more than 3,500 new hotel rooms on the horizon, Washington, DC is constantly evolving, ensuring there's always something fresh and noteworthy to explore. Indulge in the culinary delights of our Michelin-starred restaurants, while immersing yourself in the rich tapestry of local, national, and international cultures that define our city. 🍽️🎉 🤝 Dedicated Partnership: We're not just a contact; we're your partners every step of the way. Destination DC serves as the lead organization to successfully manage and market Washington, DC as a premier global convention, tourism and special events destination, with a special emphasis on the arts, cultural and historical communities. What Sets Us Apart? ✨ Value: As the official Destination Marketing Organization and Convention Bureau for the nation’s capital, our services come to you entirely free of charge. 📣Customized Assistance: Our convention sales and services team tailors support for events of all sizes, ensuring success. 🤓 Innovative Thinking: We don't just consider new ideas; we collaborate with you to implement them effectively. 🌐 Global Network: Leverage our extensive network and access to experts for an unforgettable event experience. Services and Support We Offer: 🔗 Liaison Services: Connect with our members and partners to plan your event seamlessly. 🏰 Venue Recommendations: Choose distinctive venues and book cool hotels with our expert guidance. 🌳 Outdoor Meeting Options: Discover unique outdoor venues with landmark views for memorable gatherings. 👥 Dynamic Staffing Services: Our knowledgeable team provides local insights, leadership and expertise as an extension of your on-site team.

CONNECTED for Conferences/Congresses: 💼🤝 Step into the heart of innovation and knowledge exchange in the greater Washington region. Our city serves as a thriving nexus, connecting you with top-tier thought leaders and expanding your reach to new heights. With a proven track record in industries ranging from tech to biotech/pharma, sustainability, education, and medical, DC offers unparalleled opportunities to elevate your organization's impact and success. 🚀💡 Access, Ideas and Innovation. Meet in Washington, DC. Washington, DC is a top city for social entrepreneurs, the most educated city in the U.S., and offers unmatched access to federal government and policy leaders. These factors and many more have helped establish the nation’s capital as a leader in key industries including technology, sustainability, biotech/pharma, education and medical. “As a hub for reconnection, collaboration and immersive workshops with global counterparts, Washington, DC offers unparalleled access to intellectual capital,” said Melissa A. Riley, SVP, Convention Sales and Services. “From every corner of the globe, attendees converge here to harness the unique assets of the nation’s capital and tap into the collective wisdom of industry leaders, associations and advocacy groups, enriching their initiatives with insights and expertise.” Learn why Washington, DC is an industry knowledge hub that will add value and enhance your program. 🔗 washington.org/meetings/connected-capital

DC buzzes with new developments, renovations and neighborhood enhancements. With $9.3 billion in development, investment in the city continues to surge. Learn more about upcoming projects across the city. 🔗washington.org/press/journalist-newsletter/district-developments International Updates New nonstop service to Dulles International Airport includes Swiss Air Lines’ daily flight from Zurich, AeroMexico’s service from Mexico and United’s second daily service from Rome. In March, the federal government spending package included $50 million in funding for the U.S. Department of State to reduce visitor visa interview wait times. Sustainable Meetings In December, Destination DC (DDC) welcomed the 2024 DEI Business Fellows, a group comprising convention service providers including event production, photography and corporate catering. In March, DDC hosted an inaugural Sustainability Summit in collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the DC Department of Energy and Environment, the American Society of Association Executives and the local hospitality community to explore avenues to make Washington, DC's tourism and events industry more sustainable. DDC launched the Sustainability District so meeting and event planners and attendees can easily find sustainability initiatives at local hotels, venues and convention services. DDC is growing its accessibility information and resources for all meeting attendees and visitors in the nation’s capital. Numerous museums, theaters and restaurants schedule programming for those who need special accommodations during their visit. Adding New Hotels and Venues There are more than 19 new hotels or renovations in the pipeline, adding over 3,500 new or renovated rooms. The 234-room Washington Marriott Capitol Hill (opened January 2023) is just over one mile from the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and steps from Union Station, DC’s Amtrak hub. It features 13,000 sq. feet of intimate meeting space. The modern, glass-façade Royal Sonesta Washington DC Capitol Hill (opened September 2023) has 274 large guest rooms, 11,000 sq. feet of event space including a penthouse conference center with a wraparound terrace, and an onsite French bistro. The hotel will be LEED Gold certified and includes a green-vegetated roof. The new Arlo Hotel will incorporate a residential building constructed in the 1880s. Opening in October, the 445-room hotel will include a 12-story addition, a fitness center, a signature restaurant and bar, rooftop pool and lounge and indoor/outdoor event space. Rebranded and renovated hotels include the Salamander Washington DC (late summer 2024), the new Westin Downtown, the Marriott Metro Center, the Capital Hilton and the James DC (2025) from Royal Sonesta. The Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium has reopened after an 18-month restoration (October 2023). A quintessential gathering space since its debut in 1935, the venue is located directly next to the National Mall and steps away from the White House. The Mellon Auditorium features timeless architectural details and offers a grand space with a capacity for up to 689 seated guests and 1,000 standing. It also includes additional smaller rooms and a covered outdoor deck overlooking Constitution Avenue. The Folger Shakespeare Library’s 1932 building is undergoing a major renovation to expand public space and improve accessibility. Opening in June, the project adds a 12,000-square-foot public pavilion that includes two new exhibition halls and indoor/outdoor event space. The White House Historical Association has announced plans for “The People’s House: A White House Experience,” a 33,000-square-foot, three story educational experience including a Rose Garden replica and a full-scale replica of the Oval Office. Opening fall 2024. 2024 International Meetings Outlook: International Medical Device Regulators Forum World Vaccine Congress & Expo Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group & International Monetary Fund Quantum.Tech International Microwave Symposium International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction 75th NATO Summit The International Baccalaureate (B) Global Conference The Institute of Internal Auditors International Conference World Convention of Narcotics Anonymous IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference ISHA - The Hip Preservation Society Annual Scientific Meeting

WHERE THE WOLRD MEETS 🌎 Host a high-impact, cutting-edge meeting at the award-winning Walter E. Washington Convention Center, a 2.3-million-square foot (213,000 square meter) space in the heart of downtown Washington, DC. IMPRESSIVE DESIGN 😍 The ultra-modern convention center features soaring staircases, towering glass walls, and a public art collection that is the largest of its kind in the city outside of a museum. A multi-phase interior design upgrade enhanced the public lounge areas with new seating for connection and networking spaces. CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY 🔆 A digital signage network with more than 200 displays and 12 LED video walls is one of the numerous technology features. Free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the building to enhance attendees on-the-go experience. SUSTAINABILITY - LEED Gold Certification ♻️ Through its combination of smart building design and sustainability programs, the convention center is a leader in environmental stewardship and sustainability initiatives, which include a color-coded recycling protocol, water efficiency, green product purchasing and more. The building boasts a long list of energy-reducing features, from LED upgrades to all lighting systems to solar film-insulated windows and computerized HVAC systems. Partnering with Aramark Environmental Service, the center is working towards the proper sorting of its recycling to ensure everything is processed correctly. “Behind the scenes, we have five massive docks all prepared to receive large volumes of sorted trash recycling,” says Hootan Kaboli, senior vice president, Office of Executive for Events DC. The Center further reduces its organic waste through a robust composting program. In partnership with PepsiCo, the center has also installed a “Dream Machines” set that encourages attendees to recycle their bottles and cans. All paper products provided by the center are ECOLOGO certified and made from 100 percent recycled fiber. Additionally, the center works with the local government to recycle over 50 palettes a month many going to a furniture maker who transforms them into functional seating and platforms. Surplus food from events is redirected to the DC Central Kitchen and Capital Area Food Bank. LOCAL FLAVOR 🌭 Ben's Chili Bowl and Shop Made in DC aim to bring authentic experiences to attendees. Ben's Chili Bowl, renowned for its famous "half-smoke" chili dog, is a city landmark that began in 1958 on Washington, DC's celebrated U Street NW. Shop Made in DC showcases the District's local makers and artists. BY THE NUMBERS 🤓 2.3 million square feet 77 meeting rooms totaling 198,000 square feet 703,000 square feet of exhibition space across two levels and five exhibit halls 473,000 square feet of contiguous exhibition space across three exhibit halls 52,000 square foot ballroom that can be divided into three sections 130 piece permanent art collection featuring more than 90 local artists 🔗 eventsdc.com/venue/walter-e-washington-convention-center