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been magnified“ instead of focusing on regular success”.
Destination DC says it is continuing to work closely with US Travel Association and Brand USA to decrease visa wait times for meeting attendees. The nation’ s capital is home to more than 175 embassies, which makes it easier to obtain up-to-date visa guidance. Destination DC can also help facilitate official letters of invitation for international delegates.
And, regardless of the political climate, Destination DC says the city“ remains a neutral ground where organisations come together to discuss important issues”.
Destination DC adds that its team is happy to provide guidance on safe, enjoyable experiences that make the most of DC’ s world-class attractions and venues.“ The city is used to welcoming high-level international visitors and heads of state – the city’ s infrastructure, protocols and hospitality services are well-practised in meeting the needs of global attendees,” they say.
The bureau notes that, for those meeting in the convention centre, overall estimated economic impact and hotel bedroom tax revenue are evaluated to offer discounts on the venue rental.
Sustainability Washington, DC is the second US city on the list of most energy star certified buildings( US Environmental Protection Agency, 2024) and boasts the fifth best public transportation( US News, 2024). It is also the number one sustainable destination among US participants in the Global Destination Sustainability-Index 2021-2024) and the first LEED-certified city in the world.
Destination DC’ s Sustainability District serves as a gateway for working with suppliers throughout the hospitality industry committed to promoting a more sustainable place to live, visit and meet.
DC was also the first jurisdiction in North America to launch a bike-share system and there are more than 800
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Top 5 DC conference venues:
• Walter E. Washington Convention Center( LEED Platinum Certified)
• Westin DC Downtown( renovation and rebrand in 2023)
• Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center
• The Washington Hilton
• Marriott Marquis
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stations and 8,000 bikes. DC’ s hybrid Metrobuses have a 90 % hybrid fleet.
In 2024, the American Geophysical Union( AGU) hosted over 25,000 attendees in DC and opted for a shuttlefree conference to highlight its core value of sustainability.
“ We wanted a destination where we’ ve got great airlift and public transportation. We’ re spread out across 57 different hotels and our folks are walking and taking public transportation – out and about in the community getting to know the city as the destination. We ' re also looking for green space. In DC all that is baked in so that we can come and show from an AGU perspective that we have partnered with the folks that are doing work that we as scientists support,” says Sara Haywood, interim VP of meetings & learning, American Geophysical Union.
Legacy Destination DC’ s Connected Community initiative works to connect meeting organisations with partners that
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Above: Downtown Campus Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center, Washington DC |
Five quirky‘ new’ venues:
• Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium( renovated 2023)
• National Air and Space Museum( renovation and new exhibits opening in 2025 and 2026)
• National Musuem of Women in the Arts( renovated in 2023)
• The Kogod Courtyard( exciting event space)
• Destination DC’ s Connected Campus( launched 2024)
Additionaly, six distinct campuses across DC offer an array of meeting and event spaces tailored to accommodate groups of all sizes. Each campus is composed of hotels, venues and attractions.
align with their event’ s messaging to leave a local legacy. In collaboration with Serve DC, Connected Community can connect oganisers with community- and faith-based organisations, the private sector, and local and federal government. Progammes are personally tailored and examples include:
• Creating volunteer opportunities for delegates.
• Developing a values-focused scholarship for local schools( American Experience Foundation)
• Developing a programme to ensure your conference creates zero waste.
Robin Preston, American Institute of Architects managing director of events for the AIA Conference on Architecture & Design 2024 said their delegates took part in 85 tours taking place over three days in the city, including a trip to DC Central Kitchen“ to provide some catering for some of our tours.”
The 20,000 members and 13,000 virtual attendees of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority National Convention this year took part in an Impact Day, packing and donating nearly 3,000 menstrual hygiene kits as well as supporting local charitable organisations. n
n All photos courtesy of washington. org
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