Destination DC Highlights Impact of Hosting Meetings and Conventions at IMEX America

WASHINGTON, DC — Destination DC (DDC), the official destination marketing organization for Washington, DC, reinforced its commitment to attracting meetings and events during IMEX America.

“IMEX America offers a critical platform to demonstrate the economic and social benefits of hosting events in Washington, DC,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, President and CEO of DDC. “From large conventions to small and impactful meetings, Washington, DC is the only place that delivers access to policymakers, networking and educational experiences. Coupled with the city’s dynamic neighborhoods and abundant ‘bleisure’ offerings, DC creates memorable meetings that keep attendees coming back.”
 

Melissa A. Riley, Senior Vice President of Convention Sales and Services, added, “Washington, DC is a global hub for innovation and collaboration, offering singular access to leaders in key industries like technology, healthcare, biotech, education and transportation. No other city combines destination advantages like free access to world-class museums with the intellectual capital of the nation’s capital, ensuring meetings in DC drive meaningful outcomes.”

DDC’s award-winning “There’s Only One DC” campaign spotlights the city’s diverse venues and experiences, positioning Washington, DC as a unique destination for meetings. The messaging taps into the assets that set DC apart.

For example, during the American Institute of Architects’ annual conference, more than 85 architect- and historian-led tours engaged attendees across DC’s neighborhoods. Additionally, NATO’s 75th anniversary summit brought 7,000 guests to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and approximately 18,000 total room nights in July 2024. Beyond its total city economic impact, NATO directly invested over $250,000 in local small businesses.
 

DC’s Meetings Outlook

Citywide conventions and meetings are vital to DDC’s strategy as an economic engine for Washington, DC. In 2025, citywide conventions will generate 341,803 total room nights and $344 million in economic impact. An additional 334 non-convention center meetings will contribute 280,854 room nights, with up to 170,000 more expected based on DDC projections. Notable 2025 meetings include:

•    International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis Congress – June 20-24, 2025
•    Delta Sigma Theta Sorority National Convention – Summer
•    American Veterinary Medical Association Annual Convention – July 18-20, 2025
•    American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention – Nov. 19-21, 2025

International Development Strategy
DDC has capitalized on small and in-house meetings and diversified market segments, strengthening its presence in international markets, including the United Kingdom and Latin America. Canada is an additional key market. New international development has led to more than 30 leads and 17,221 tentative room nights.
 

“In Latin America, short-term incentive opportunities have boosted business for hotels with immediate ROI,” said Riley.
 

Connected Campus

One new strategy to layer groups in Washington, DC beyond the Walter E. Washington Convention Center is the “Connected Campus” initiative. By providing meeting planners with interesting ways to use space clustered outside of the traditional downtown area, groups have more flexibility on date availability and their meetings help create compression for hotels in all areas of the city.
 

The positioning now includes five new campuses that center around meeting hubs that stretch the city. The campuses feature a creative meeting hub, surrounding hotels and supportive event spaces. The new campuses include:
•    Capitol Riverfront
•    The Wharf
•    The National Mall
•    Connecticut Avenue Collection
•    Downtown DC
 

Prioritizing Sustainability
DDC is the first urban top-tier destination with a staff member dedicated to sustainability. The Sustainability District has over 50 members and helps meeting planners find sustainable hotels, restaurants, DMCs and convention services. In September, the Walter E. Washington Convention Center earned LEED Platinum certification, one of only four convention centers in North America with the distinction.

Access to Washington, DC
Washington, DC’s accessibility is a draw. Dulles International Airport serves 62 international destinations, while Baltimore/Washington International connects to 24. By 2026, Dulles will add a LEED Silver-certified, $675 million 14-gate concourse.
 

About Destination DC: Destination DC, the official destination marketing organization for the nation’s capital, is a private, non-profit membership organization committed to marketing the area as a premier global convention, tourism and special events destination with a special emphasis on the arts, cultural and historic communities.

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