Destination DC (DDC), the official destination marketing organisation for the US capital, has recognised nine industry experts for creating a positive impact in the city and for bringing meetings there. The 2025 Ambassador Circle Award recipients were recognised at a luncheon at the Willard InterContinental.
The DC Tech & Venture Coalition and Washington DC Economic Partnership also presented awards for ambassadors who champion the District. Honorees include some of the region’s major medical, technology and education experts.
“Our Ambassador Circle members have community connections that allow them to advocate for Washington, DC in the competitive meetings arena,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO, DDC. “Their deep knowledge and network, whether that be in healthcare, sustainability, biotechnology or education, shows the vast intellectual capital in our city. Their partnership allows meetings and events to positively impact the local economy, the community and put DC on the short list of premier destinations.”
Not only did the ambassadors generate events with nearly $34m of direct economic impact in the DC region this year, but they continue to position DC as a global leader in innovation and collaboration. The Ambassador Circle volunteer network of professionals includes experts in a variety of sectors such as medical, biotech/pharma, technology, sustainability, education, transportation and fintech working together to amplify DC’s appeal.
The 2025 awards and awardees are:
Impact Award: International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) for ISTH 2025 Congress Thomas Reiser, executive director, International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis Lisa Astorga, director of meetings, International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis
Connector Award: Andrew Flagel, PhD, president and CEO, Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area
Leadership Award: American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and World Veterinary Association (WVA) for AVMA Convention 2025 and the 40th WVA Congress Michael V. Wilson, director, Convention and Meeting Planning Division, American Veterinary Medical Association Dr. John de Jong, president, World Veterinary Association
Destination DC Ambassador(s) of the Year: IMS2024 Co-Chairs for IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium Scott Barker, general co-chair, IMS2024, Washington, DC Sanjay Raman, general co-chair, IMS2024, Washington, DC
DC Tech & Venture Coalition Ambassador of the Year: Michelle Boquiren Urben, managing and general partner, The Synergos Fund Washington DC Economic Partnership Ambassador of the Year: Olivia S. Byrne, J.D., LLM, Partner, K&L Gates LLP
DDC is recruiting ambassadors who wish to make a positive impact in shaping DC’s future. Learn more about the Ambassador Circle here.
