DC
Conferencing DC style: connecting at the highest levels
WE EXAMINE THE 2025 MEETING OFFER IN THE CAPITAL, WASHINGTON DC, WHICH CONTINUES TO INVEST IN ITS STRONG SUITS FOR EVENTS DESPITE SOME SERIOUS CHALLENGES
D espite ongoing turbulent
times politically, the US capital Washington, DC, reports welcoming 2.2m international visitors in 2024, a 10 % increase y-o-y, amid significant growth recorded from India, Mexico, Japan, Brazil, Australia and China( visitation up 15, 16, 10, 10, 9 and 80 %, respectively).
In 2024, DC also hosted 47 ICCAqualified international association meetings, securing the top position among US cities. At time of writing, there were nine first-time international association meetings happening in DC in 2025, although the CVB, Destination DC, is forecasting a decline in international business travel in 2025, with a rebound projected in 2027.
Big events pipeline DC is the capital of a country that has some giant global events in the
pipeline including: 2025 Ryder Cup, America250, FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Initiatives such as the Commisson on Seamless & Secure Travel which, in collaboration with the US Travel Association, aims to smooth the experiences of the 40m visitors expected in the US over the next four years, says there is a $ 100bn economic opportunity ahead.
Destination DC says meetings continue to find success in the city. The IMF / World Bank annual meeting in October is set to attract up to 11,000 attendees and organisers of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis( ISTH) conference in June reported a positive experience. However, there are still frustrations such as funding cuts for organisations planning meetings and the loss of funding for US CVBs /
Left: The AIA Conference on Architecture & Design in June held a sparkling event at Kogod Courtyard- Portrait Gallery
DMOs due to city / state governments redirecting tax dollars.
Dollars in DC are, however, continuing to flow into some big development projects: $ 10.2bn in total, with 3,000 new hotel rooms in the pipeline.
Washington, DC is a dynamic, welcoming city with vibrant neighbourhoods, passionate locals and a deep history that extends beyond politics. Meetings and events in DC can also tap into the city’ s thriving arts and culture scene.
Cultural and intellectual capital DC is home to more than 75 museums and monuments – many free to access – and has a vibrant culinary scene fuelled with flavours fom Michelin-starred restaurants. The city also is home to more than a dozen universities, hundreds of think tanks, and a strong presence of Fortune 500 companies and global NGOs. Such access to top-tier talent, research and thought leadership can elevate any event.
Globally connected Three major airports( IAD, DCA, BWI), public transit and a walkable downtown make DC easy to navigate for conference attendees. IAD alone serves more than 50 destinations.
“ Washington, DC is the place where decisions are made, ideas are exchanged and connections shape the future. With direct access to policymakers, thought leaders and a rich cultural landscape, our city is uniquely positioned to host impactful international gatherings,” is how Destination DC president and CEO, Elliott L. Ferguson, II sees his city’ s power of connectivity for conferencing.
Challenges DC has also hit headlines recently due to its crime statistics and the Trump administration’ s attempted crackdown. The CVB, however, has said concerns about the city based on outliers have
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