Destination DC (DDC), the official destination marketing organisation for Washington, DC, has been highlighting its ongoing commitment to attracting international groups at IMEX America in Las Vegas.
“There’s no greater event than IMEX to connect with event organisers and highlight the benefits of meeting in Washington, DC,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO, DDC. “Our investment in international MICE is important because of economics, as international travellers typically make up seven percent of visitation but 27% of spending.” At the show, which runs to 19 October, DDC unveiled a new campaign called ‘There’s Only One DC’, showcasing everything that sets DC apart for visitors.
“The campaign was purposefully designed with all our audiences in mind, so it works for leisure travellers as well as the international MICE market,” said Robin A. McClain, chief marketing officer.
The message is also supported by DDC’s current ‘Connected Capital’ sales positioning. The common goal is to share why a meeting will be successful in Washington, DC, from destination attractiveness to destination assets.
“Washington, DC is a Connected Capital that adds value for groups because of access to policymakers, impactful speakers and leaders in key industries, including technology, medical, biotech/pharma, technology, education and transportation,” said Melissa A. Riley, senior vice-president, convention sales and services. “There’s no other city where attendees can tap into DC’s intellectual capital and benefit from the breadth of expertise here.”
Washington, DC recently joined the BestCities Global Alliance – one of two US cities in membership.
Meetings and events continue to play a critical role in the capital city’s recovery from the pandemic. In 2024, there are an estimated 510,806 total room nights stemming from convention centre business, with an estimated 273,178 total room nights from non-convention centre business. “To drive growth, we’re prioritising large and small in-house meetings, as well as international meetings that make a global impact in Washington, DC,” said Riley.
DC’s international markets are projected to rebound by 2025 and Dulles International Airport will add a LEED Silver-certified, $675m 14-gate concourse in 2026.
Other news the DMO is bringing to IMEX America includes information on 19 new hotels or renovations in the pipeline, adding over 3,506 new or renovated rooms to the city stock.
The National Museum of Women in the Arts opens. 21 October 2023, the world’s only major museum solely dedicated to championing women artists. The Capital Jewish Museum opened June 2023 and the Folger Shakespeare Theater’s 1932 building is undergoing a major renovation to expand public space and improve accessibility. Opening in 2024, the project adds a 12,000-square-foot public pavilion under the Folger’s front lawn with two accessible entry plazas.
