Find out what's happening in the Washington, DC tourism and hospitality industry.
Staff Highlights
In March, DDC welcomed Frances Golla to the tourism, sports & visitor experience department as destination program manager, and Derrick Collins to conventions sales & services as convention sales manager. Lauren Kieltyka and Daria Eisenbrei joined marketing & communications as advertising coordinator and photo & video specialist, respectively.
Member Highlights
Tudor Place Honored with Prestigious Outstanding Public History Project Award
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.
Marriott Opens 1 Millionth U.S. Guestroom
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, in addition to the history of one of DC’s iconic neighborhoods, providing tourists and travelers with a unique, hospitable experience.
World 50 Impact Awards: Winners Announced
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.
Mayor Bowser and Events DC Award $3.5 Million to Support Large Events that Bring More People to DC
Mayor Muriel Bowser and Events DC announced that 11 events that occur across the city will be awarded $3.5 million in connection with the Large Event Grant Program, which helps support the District’s economy by giving funding to nonprofits that host events with over 10,000 attendees. Organizations that have been recognized include the Capital Pride Alliance, Woolly Mammoth Theater Company and Broccoli City, INC.
Roosevelt High to Represent DC in ProStart National Culinary Competition
Roosevelt High School, a DC public school, will represent the District in the Prostart National Invitation Competition in Baltimore, MD, from May 2-4. This comes as a result of Roosevelt’s students winning at the ProStart Student Invitational, a competition bred from an alliance between DCPS and the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW), which allows DCPS students to showcase their skills through culinary arts and restaurant management.
DDC Members as Finalists for RAMMY Gala and Awards
The RAMMY Gala and Awards, hosted by RAMW and presented by Events DC, recognize those who work tirelessly and diligently within DC’s restaurant community. On April 14, finalists were announced; winners will be confirmed on Aug. 3. Several finalists are DDC members, including Founding Farmers, Ama, KYOJIN Sushi and others.
Business Accelerator Opportunities and Trainings for WorldPride 2025
The Equality Chamber of Commerce, a non-profit organization based in DC, serves as a network for businesses that align and identify themselves with the LGBTQ+ community. The organization offers opportunities for WorldPride training and workshops for businesses around DC. Trainings include ways to provide a safe environment for LGBTQ+ employees, how to address belonging in social spaces, etc.
The city hosted the inaugural DC Climate Week, April 28 – May 2. DDC partnered with DC's Department of Energy and Environment to discuss the importance of keeping DC cool in temperature and style, for both residents and visitors. The event showcased venues around the city and brought thousands of attendees hoping to engage with policymakers, fund climate solutions and showcase cutting-edge technologies.
Upcoming Events and Programs at Arts & Culture at Georgetown Heritage
Georgetown Heritage will host exciting events for the Spring 2025 season. Some are new, some resuming; either way, locals and tourists will enjoy the weather while engaging in these fun activities including Fête de la Musique - World Music Day and C&O Canal Walking Tours.
Distress In DC Restaurant Industry Has Landlords Offering Better Deal
Within the last year, DC has seen a rise in cancellations among several restaurant licenses, which has resulted in many within the restaurant industry fearing that they may be next. However, DC has also experienced an overall growth in restaurants, where 122 new licenses have been established, primarily due to the advantage that tenants have to offer.
WorldPride Capital Cup Sports Festival Announces Full Schedule
In conjunction with WorldPride events, DC will also host the Capital Cup Sports Festival. From May 30 – June 4, LGBTQ+ athletes and sports leagues will compete across multiple venues throughout the city. The full schedule for the festival has been announced, with the purpose of creating a sense of belongingness and equality for those in the community.
New DDC Members
Convention Services
Whether you're building a brand, hosting a conference or planning a trip to an exotic location, DC Curated Creatives can make the experience memorable.
Mixing inventive menus, world-class cuisine, seamless service and trendsetting design, Main Event Caterers will produce an event to remember.
Helping to build better live, virtual and hybrid events. Providing staging, audio, video, lighting and production management.
Partnership for Public Service
Premiere event space in downtown DC. We can host functions from your Ted Talk to your TikTok and everything in between.
A full scale production company offering an array of event services with a focus on live sound, video projection and lighting.
Fresh, modern, farm-to-table catering.
Restaurants
A celebration of the fishing communities and traditions that are at the heart of Chesapeake Bay. A collection of private rooms for unique meetings and event settings.
Non-traditional omakase. A common Japanese dining-out practice in which diners allow their chefs to exert complete creative freedom in curating their meals.
See and Do
Offering unique, team-building activities featuring flying trapeze, aerial silks and more for all skill levels.
Immerse your events in DC's culinary scene at DC Sweet Potato Cake, downtown's choice for unique baked goods.
American Experience Foundation
Check out AEF's recent newsletters for the latest updates and happenings.
DDC Careers
Check out DDC's job openings and share with your networks and colleagues.
Industry Careers
Search or add your job openings to the DC travel, tourism and hospitality careers page. Email your company name, job title and link to jobboard@washington.org. Positions will be posted for 30 days. If you have any questions, please contact membership@washington.org. Additionally, visit the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington's foodjobsdc.com for more hospitality jobs.
Check out the full Destination DC Member News to learn more about what's going on this month.
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