Learn about DDC initiatives and updates on meeting in the nation’s capital.
DDC highlights top reasons to visit Washington, DC for meetings and events.
Elliott L. Ferguson, II Joins ASAE and ASAE Research Foundation Boards of Directors
President and CEO Elliott L. Ferguson, II, will join the Center for Association Leadership board of directors and ASAE Research Foundation. Elliott will officially join the current board members during the 2025 ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition, which will be held August 9-12 in Los Angeles, CA.
Destination DC Announces Record Visitation
Nationals Park hosted DDC’s annual Travel Rally and shared the following record-breaking visitation numbers, showcasing the impact of marketing the city:
- 27.2 million visitors, up 5%
- $11.4 billion visitor spending, up 12%
- 111,500 jobs, up 8%
- $2.3 billion in tax revenue, up 11%
- Without visitors, DC households would have an additional $3,608 in taxes.
DC Rated the Nation’s Best Park System for 5th Year
In May, the Trust for Public Land announced that Washington, DC, was rated the nation’s best big-city park system by the 2025 ParkScore® index. Washington has now held the top spot for five consecutive years. Ninety-nine percent of DC residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park. The District reserves 21.5 percent of the city's area for parks, including federal parks, which is well above the national average of 9.3 percent.
DC Highlighted for Hosting International Meetings
Washington, DC has been ranked #1 in the U.S. and #6 in the Americas for hosting the most International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA)-qualified international association meetings in 2024. Released in May, the 2024 ICCA Rankings Report highlights the nation’s capital bringing in 47 international meetings, nearly doubling 2023 numbers. DC’s ranking by the numbers:
DDC Attends IMEX Frankfurt
Elliott and the convention sales and services staff attended IMEX Frankfurt to meet prospective clients, share DDC’s strategy and discuss the economic impact of hosting international meetings in Washington, DC. Elliott and Tara Miller both served on educational panels. Read more here.
DDC and Partners Kick Off America 250
DDC unveiled a dedicated microsite showcasing why the nation's capital is the best place to celebrate America's 250th anniversary. The site includes member and partner events, inspirational content and more. Read the full release.
American Experience Foundation
In May, The American Experience Foundation (AEF), the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington’s Educated Eats (RAMW) and the Washington Area Concierge Association (WACA) united for a special event at the Embassy Suites Convention Center to honor students and career professionals with over 50 scholarships and honorarium awards. The scholarships provide more than $71,000 in financial support and complement learning programs, assisting students and professionals in their educational and career journeys. Read more here.
In July, AEF will partner with SYTA and host 35 students from Wallace Middle School in Waterbury, Connecticut for a three-day Rite of Passage field trip to Washington, DC.
Member/Partner Updates
Tudor Place has been honored with the prestigious Outstanding Public History Project Award by the National Council on Public History (NCPH) for the groundbreaking 2024 installation and tour Ancestral Spaces: People of African Descent at Tudor Place. This award recognizes innovative work that contributes to a broader public reflection of the past and serves as a model of professional public history practice.
Destination DC (DDC) member Canal House of Georgetown has been recognized by Marriott International for having the millionth guestroom in Marriott’s U.S. portfolio. Constructed from an office building and two historic townhomes, the hotel’s configuration reflects luxury modernization and the history of one of DC’s iconic neighborhoods, providing tourists and travelers with a unique, hospitable experience.
The World 50 Impact Awards center on companies’ groundbreaking commitment to workplace inclusion, community leadership and lasting impact. DDC was shortlisted for the Community Impact Award, one given to companies that have notably supported their communities’ areas of need.
Sustainability Updates
DDC continues its commitment to sustainability and works with local industry and city partners on impactful initiatives. DDC’s Sustainability District, with over 75 members, helps planners connect with sustainable hotels, venues, DMC, and convention services. Washington, DC proudly ranks 1st among U.S. destinations in the Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS-Index) for the fourth year in a row, reflecting the city’s ongoing commitment to transparency and continuous improvement.
DDC is Hiring
Interested in helping promote the nation’s capital to the world? Check out current openings at DDC.