Destination DC highlights impactful role in hosting global meetings at IMEX Frankfurt

DDC showcases ways to capitalize connections from leveraging expert speakers to meeting sustainably in Washington, DC.

The article Destination DC highlights impactful role in hosting global meetings at IMEX Frankfurt first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

WASHINGTON, DC – Destination DC (DDC), the official destination marketing organization for Washington, DC, shared its ongoing commitment to attracting international groups at IMEX Frankfurt.

“Meeting with event organizers at IMEX Frankfurt allows us to showcase the economic and social impact of hosting events in Washington, DC,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO of DDC. “Whether you’re in DC for a congress or corporate meeting, our ‘Connected’ positioning adds value to events with access to policy makers, expert keynote speakers, networking and education experiences.”

DDC’s convention sales and services team attracts customers by focusing on the benefits of the Connected Capital and the added value for group access to leaders 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.”  

Meetings Outlook

• Meetings and events play a critical role in bringing economic impact to Washington, DC. In (calendar year) 2024, there are an estimated 483,894 total room nights stemming from convention center business, with an estimated 452,527 total room nights from non-convention center business.
• International meetings in 2024 include:
  – International Microwave Symposium (June)
  – The 75th NATO Summit (July)
  – The International Baccalaureate (B) Global Conference and 36th World Convention (July)
  – The Institute of Internal Auditors International Conference (July)
• 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, 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.

The article Destination DC highlights impactful role in hosting global meetings at IMEX Frankfurt first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.