Warm weather has officially arrived in DC, and we're looking forward to the many summertime activities and events our members have to offer. Browse our list of 100 Free (and Almost Free) Things to Do in DC for ideas to help kick off your summer season.

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

Witness the action as host Tiger Woods brings golf’s finest stars together to compete in the third annual AT&T National, June 30 – July 5 at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md.  Tickets start at just $15, and limited group hospitality options remain. Visit the AT&T National website or call 800-594-TIXX for tickets.  Proceeds from the AT&T National benefit the Tiger Woods Foundation and various youth education programs in the greater DC area.

American Express® Summer Savings Program
Destination DC has teamed up with American Express to feature participating members in a summer savings program exclusively for their cardmembers. Take advantage of these offers here.

The Embassy Series
The Embassy Series performances offer an inside look into DC’s embassies and the cultures they represent. Performances are held in the embassies themselves or the ambassadors’ residences, and highlight their music and culture while showcasing American and international artists. Upcoming performances and events include “The Art of Fado in Portugal” at the Portugese Ambassador’s Residence, and the Binelli/Ferman duo at the Embassy of Argentina. For tickets and more information, visit The Embassy Series website.

June Member Orientation
The next Member Orientation for new members and new employees will be on June 10 from 2-4pm in the Destination DC boardroom. For more information, contact Alison Rittenberg at 202-789-7034.

June Monthly Forum
The June Monthly Forum will be at the Corcoran Gallery of Art on Tuesday, June 30 from 9-11am. For more information, or if you are interested in obtaining the May Monthly Forum presentation The Power of the International Market, contact Ashley Richards at 202-789-7009.

Host a Business Exchange
Interested in hosting a Business Exchange? Please contact Ashley Richards at 202-789-7009 for more information.

Upcoming Member Events
View our Member Events Calendar. It lists all upcoming events and has a direct link to the invites.

Chris Matthews to Deliver Keynote Address at Marketing Outlook Meeting
As host of MSNBC’s Hardball with Chris Matthews, NBC News’ The Chris Matthews Show and as a frequent commentator and expert analyst on NBC’s Today, Matthews is as entertaining as he is insightful. Matthews learned the political game while working on the frontlines as a speechwriter for President Carter and as top aide to the legendary House Speaker Tip O’Neill. (Provided by the Washington Speakers Bureau)
Register here for the 2009 Marketing Outlook Meeting on July 23. For more information, contact Ashley Richards at 202-789-7099.

Increase Your Exposure in the Hospitality Industry
Destination DC’s Annual Marketing Outlook Meeting on July 23 offers many opportunities for company sponsorship. Download the sponsorship & exhibit brochure here. For more information or to secure sponsorship, please contact Damelia Shaw at 202-789-7052.

Advertise in official Washington, DC publications
Interested in sending your message out to 50,000 meeting planners? Advertise in the Meetings & Destination Planning Guide, printed in mid-September. To purchase advertising space, please contact Troy Barton at Essential Media Partners. 

Advertise in the Newly Expanded DC Circulator Bus
The DC Circulator has built a loyal following for its existing routes. With new routes, the Circulator now reaches Woodley Park, Adams Morgan, Columbia Heights and the U Street Corridor.  The bus also serves the Capitol Hill, Barracks Row and Capitol Riverfront areas.  The bus has carried over 8 million passengers since its inception in 2005.  For interior bus advertising, please contact Bela Saini at 202-789-7088.

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Washington Business Journal: “Jefferson Plans Big Comeback after Years-long Redo”
May 22, 2009

The New York Times: “Hotel Review: Dupont Hotel"
May 31, 2009

Washington Business Journal: "D.C. Mayor Taps Valerie Santos as Deputy Mayor"
June 3, 2009

IMEX
Destination DC’s Elliott Ferguson, Sr. VP of Sales and Services, and several hospitality partners exhibited May 26-28 in Frankfurt, Germany at IMEX 2009 – the worldwide exhibition for meetings and incentive travel. This year’s show experienced record attendance numbers, giving the Destination DC team an opportunity to foster existing client relationships in addition to meeting with many potential international customers.
Parnters: CSI, Walter E. Washington Convention Center

Step Afrika!
On May 27, fifteen customers joined the Destination DC team at the Atlas Performing Arts Center to see Step Afrika!, the first professional company in the world dedicated to the tradition of stepping. Customers were wowed by the electrifying and high energy performance as the DC-based dance group used kicks, stomps and chants to make music linked to African and modern dance traditions.

Power List

• Mayor Fenty has tapped Valerie Santos as the new DC Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development.
• Long-time Board member Angela Franco has been named as the new Interim Executive Director of the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
• Ici Urban Bistro has announced the appointment of new Executive Chef Olivier Perret, who has come to Ici from Café des Architectes, a modern French brasserie housed in the Water Tower neighborhood of Chicago.
• Owner Jared Rager has named Blake Schumpert as the new Executive Chef of Redwood Restaurant and Bar in Bethesda.