November 12, 2008

FROM THE PRESIDENT
Destination DC is offering new ways to stay up-to-date on DC happenings. For real-time updates, follow us on Twitter (“destinationdc”), become a fan of Washington, DC on Facebook or visit our online press room at Washington.org/pressroom.

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

DC Scores High with LGBT Travelers
A survey by Community Marketing, Inc. reports that DC is ranked #6 overall in their 13th Annual LGBT Tourism Study of the top 20 U.S. destinations, beating out cities such as San Diego, Boston, and Orlando.

December Monthly Forum
Please note that due to the holiday season there will be only one Monthly Forum for Nov. and Dec. on  Dec. 2, from 9-11am at the National Museum of Women in the Arts. Register here. For more information, or if you would like to host a Destination DC Business Exchange or Monthly forum, please 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 from 2-4pm 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.

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 at ashley.richards@destinationdc.com. This is a great opportunity to showcase your company to Destination DC members.

Inauguration Maps 
To assist the hospitality industry in properly informing inaugural celebrants about Metro Station closings, street closings, and security checkpoints for Inauguration Day, Metro has designed a special Inauguration Map. The map and delivery are free, but quantities will be limited and orders will be shipped on a first-come, first-served basis. To obtain maps, contact cmaden@wmata.com or fax orders to 202-962-6103. In orders, specify that you need Inaugural maps, how many you require and your street address.

Nov 12-26: Society for Neuroscience
Annual Convention
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Attendance: 30,000; Peak Rooms: 10,000

Nov. 17-20: MIT
Greenhouse Gas Control Technologies
Omni Shoreham Hotel
Attendance: 1,000; Peak Rooms: 400

Election Customer Promotion
During sales calls throughout October, Destination DC Sales and Tourism Officials reminded local DC customers both to vote on Election Day 2008 and that when it’s time to cast their vote for their next meeting or event location to choose a destination with the power to boost attendance, inspire your members and attract exhibitors from all over the world: Washington, DC.

SportTravel Magazine Annual Conference/Trade Show (TEAMS)
Destination DC and the Greater Washington Sports Alliance recently exhibited at the 2008 TEAMS Sports Conference and Expo from Oct. 21-25 in Pittsburgh.  This year’s expo allowed the Destination DC Sales Team to meet and engage with current clients like FLW Outdoors, ESPN Bass Fishing, and the US Olympic Committee, along with potential clients like US Lacrosse, USA Triathlon, and others.

National Pan-Hellenic Conference
While attending the NPC Conference in Stone Mountain, GA with 26 international sororities, Destination DC received 12 RFPs for events taking place from 2012-2014. During this Oct. 16-17 event, each sorority showed interested in hosting a conference in the DC area. This is the first time Destination DC has attended and plans to attend next year’s conference are in the works.

DC’s Wine County Tour
Destination DC, the Loudoun Convention & Visitors Association, and 18 meeting and event planners spent Oct. 22 in DC's Wine Country, Loudoun County, VA. The group traveled through spectacular vineyards, sampled different wines, and took in amazing views at locations such as Hill High Orchard, Bluemont Vineyards, Notaviva Vineyards, and Breaux Vineyards. The day’s events were sponsored by DC’s Wine Country, Hilton Arlington,  Holiday Inn Carrodoc Hall, Hyatt Regency Crystal City, Hyatt Regency Washington, Lansdowne Resort, Loudoun Convention & Visitors Association and The Liaison Capitol Hill.

Power List: Who's New & Notable

• Sharon Collins has been named the Director of Sales of the new National Harbor Hampton Inn & Suites Hotel.
• Mary Levkoff  has been selected as the new Curator of Sculpture and Decorative Arts at the National Gallery of Art.
• Alex McWilliams is now the Executive Chef at Ardeo.
• Brent Kroll is the new Sommelier at Barbeo.
• Ici Urban Bistro has chosen Beverly Bates as their new Pastry Chef.
• Kaitlyn McCrystal joins Dance Place as the new Press and Marketing Manager.
• Joe Palma has been appointed the new Chef de Cuisine at Westend Bistro.
• Sara Beth Walsh, formerly of the Corcoran Gallery, is now the Publicist at the National Gallery.
• Frank Otero has been promoted from Hilton General Manager to Area Vice President.
• Shakespeare Theatre Company has appointed Chris Jennings as their new Managing Director.

To view past editions of Destination DC's member e-newsletter, click here.