October 8, 2008

FROM THE PRESIDENT
Destination DC has been busy traveling, both domestically and internationally, to let people know about Washington, DC and all of the wonderful things the city has to offer.

Read on for industry updates, special offers, recent DC media coverage and more.

Members are invited to a free briefing on the European Union on Oct. 17 at 11am at the Delegation of the European Commission. Please contact Maricar Donato, of WashingTours & Events, if you would like to attend.

Worldwide, U.S. Tops Australia as Next Travel Destination
Travelers have decided that the U.S. is the country they are most likely to travel to next, according to a survey by Lonely Planet. 


Union Station Ranks as One of the 10 Best Places in America
The American Planning Association (APA) honored Union Station as one of the 10 Great Public Spaces in America for 2008 through APA's Great Places in America program. An Oct. 8 ceremony featuring Mayor Adrian Fenty and APA President Robert Hunter recognized the historic station’s achievement.

October Breakfast with Bill
Join Destination DC's President and CEO, Bill Hanbury, for breakfast at 15 Squares Restaurant in the Renaissance Washington, DC hotel on Oct. 22 from 8:30-10am. Space is limited and RSVPs are required. Register here. For more information, contact Alison Rittenberg at Alison.rittenberg@destinationdc.com or 202-789-7034.

October Monthly Forum
The next Monthly Forum will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 28, from 9-11am at the National Museum of the American Indian on the National Mall. If you are interested in hosting a Monthly Forum or have questions, contact Ashley Richards at ashley.richards@destinationdc.com or 202-789-7009.

December Member Orientation
The next Member Orientation for new members and new employees will be on Dec. 10 in the Destination DC boardroom. For more information, contact Alison Rittenberg at Alison.rittenberg@destinationdc.com or 202-789-7034.

Save the Date: 2009 Marketing Outlook Meeting
Destination DC's 2009 Marketing Outlook Meeting is scheduled for July 23 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Stay tuned for more details.

Official Visitors Guide
Don’t forget to update your information for our Official Visitors Guide by this Friday, Oct. 10. Descriptions can be updated via the Member Extranet.

Door Prizes and Exhibit Tables
If you are interested in having an exhibit table or donating a door prize for the next Business Exchange, please contact Ashley Richards. This is a great opportunity to showcase your company to Destination DC members.

Root for Washington, DC
American Express® Cardmembers can help bring more trees to Washington, DC's streets.  DC is one of eight cities competing for the largest portion of the American Express $1 million tree-planting grant. To participate, pay with any American Express Card when you see the ROOT FOR DC tree icon displayed at participating businesses to vote for DC through Oct. 31. The city with the most votes gets the most funding for trees...>>

Sponsorship and Volunteer Opportunities with ABA
Sponsorship opportunities are now available for the American Bus Association Annual Marketplace 2009 Capital Region and Gaylord National Dinner which comes to the region in Jan. 2010.  Please click here or contact Katie Berkon at 202-789-7027 or katie.berkon@destinationdc.com for additional information. The Capital Region and Gaylord National are looking for volunteers to assist on various committees for the American Bus Association Annual Marketplace convention.  Please click here or contact Theresa Belpulsi at 202-789-7033 or theresa.belpulsi@destinationdc.com for additional information.

Oct. 5, The Sunday Times, U.K.: “The American Museums of Dirty Tricks”

Oct.  2008, Better Homes & Gardens:  “Citizen Kids”

Oct. 2008, Southern Living: “D.C. After Dark”

Oct. 13-15: Cardiovascular Research Foundation
Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics Annual Meeting
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Attendance: 12,000 Peak Rooms: 5,000

Oct. 11-15: INFORMS
INFORMS Fall 2008 Meeting
Marriott Wardman Park
Attendance: 1,500 Peak rooms: 983

AT HOME & ON THE ROAD	back to top

Destination DC Works Domestically…
Convention Sales Manager Devon Whitaker attended the Virginia Society of Association Executives Fall Marketplace on Oct. 2 in Richmond, Va. to speak with nearly 300 meeting planners about the benefits of hosting events in DC. 

…And Abroad
Destination DC executive staff joined The Washington Auto Show, Chairman Vincent Gray and City Administrator Daniel Tangherlini in Paris Sept. 29 – Oct. 3.  The Destination DC team conducted sales calls & media appointments in addition to hosting a dinner to honor U.S. Ambassador Christopher Egan, Chairman Vincent Gray and City Administrator Daniel Tangherlini at Lapérouse Restaurant on the Seine River.

International Tourism Manager Letizia Sirtori has been doing some traveling as well, representing CRUSA at Top Resa in Paris, a major trade event in France, Sept. 16 – 19. The event attracted more than 26,000 travel professionals over four days. Letizia also attended Discover America Day in Toronto on Sept. 29, the only marketplace held in Canada that focuses purely on inbound tourism to the USA, and provided Letizia the opportunity to meet with Canadian journalists and travel operators.

Power List: Who's New & Notable

• Brad Weaber has been named President of Courtesy Associates.
• Destination DC’s own Senior National Sales Manager Melissa Riley has been selected to serve on the Professional Convention Management Association Capital Chapter’s Board of Directors.
• National Sales manger Caroline Gardner will serve as a Committee Member for the PCMA Capital Chapter.
• The new Executive Chef of Bourbon Steak in Four Seasons Georgetown is David Varley.
• Karen Corbin is the new Chief Operating Officer at the Spy Museum.
• Ford’s Theatre has snagged Liza Lorenz as their Director of Communications and Marketing.
• The Naval Academy is well on its way to having a spot in the inaugural EagleBank Bowsl on Dec. 20 at RFK Stadium. The EagleBank Bowl will be Washington, DC’s first intercollegiate Division 1A bowl game.

Know of a new hire or promotion?  Email Koelling Borneman at koelling.borneman@destinationdc.com