Learn about DDC initiatives and updates on meeting in the nation’s capital.
DDC highlights top reasons to visit Washington, DC for meetings and events.
Marketing Outlook Meeting 2025
On Aug. 26 at Capital Turnaround, DDC hosted its largest annual member event. Members enjoyed breakfast and networking while hearing industry updates, 2026 travel forecast and our plans to boost visitation ahead of America’s 250th anniversary. Read the full release.
DC Rated the Nation’s Best Park System for 5th Year
In May, the Trust for Public Land announced that Washington, DC, was rated the nation’s best big-city park system by the 2025 ParkScore® index. Washington has now held the top spot for five consecutive years. Ninety-nine percent of DC residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park. The District reserves 21.5 percent of the city's area for parks, including federal parks, which is well above the national average of 9.3 percent.
DC Highlighted for Hosting International Meetings
Washington, DC has been ranked #1 in the U.S. and #6 in the Americas for hosting the most International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA)-qualified international association meetings in 2024. Released in May, the 2024 ICCA Rankings Report highlights the nation’s capital bringing in 47 international meetings, nearly doubling 2023 numbers.
DDC and Partners Kick Off DC 250
DDC unveiled a dedicated microsite showcasing why the nation's capital is the best place to celebrate America's 250th anniversary. The site includes member and partner events, inspirational content and more. Read the full release.
American Experience Foundation
For the first time since 2019, the American Experience Foundation (AEF), the SYTA Youth Foundation (SYF) and Educational Tours, Inc (ETI) awarded thirty-five students from Waterbury, Connecticut’s Wallace Middle School, a three-day trip to the nation’s capital through the Rite of Passage field trip. The students and seven chaperones explored Washington, DC in June. Read the full release.
Member/Partner Updates
Celebrate the 2025 RAMW RAMMY Winners and Finalists
Congratulations to our member businesses Atlas Brew Works, 2Fifty BBQ, Jetties, Cafe du Parc and Founding Farmers on their wins. See the full list of winners on RAMMY’s website.
Ben’s Chili Bowl Closes for Renovations - Popup Location Open
Ben’s Chili Bowl closed for repairs in July and is set to reopen in late November. In the meantime, a pop-up is open near the restaurant at 1208 U Street NW.
Pisco y Nazca Honored With Prestigious Award in Celebration of Peru’s 204th Independence
Day Pisco y Nazca received the Promotion and Diffusion of Peruvian Culture in the United States Award, presented by the Embassy of Peru, in appreciation for the restaurant’s success in sharing Peruvian heritage with the DC community.
DDC Members, Partners Contribute to Sustainability Successes at WorldPride
WorldPride may be behind us, but its impacts continue to be felt. This year, Capital Pride partnered with Food Rescue US-DC to prevent food waste and redistribute meals to those in need. In total, 4,880 meals were “rescued” from WorldPride events and redistributed to local nonprofits supporting the LGBTQ+ community. DDC thanks its participating members and partners, including Tatte, JW Marriott, Four Seasons Hotel and DC Public Schools. WorldPride saw a 40% reduction in the amount of waste going to landfill compared to last year’s Capital Pride celebrations, and a 33% drop in carbon emissions.
DC Leaders Announce Plan to Increase Waterfront Access in Georgetown
Georgetown will donate a parcel of land on the Potomac River to the National Park Service to allow for a continuous path from the Capital Crescent Trail to the Georgetown Waterfront Park.
Fairmont Washington, DC Installs Solar Panels
Sustainability District member Fairmont has completed the installation of 275 solar panels to offset the property’s energy consumption. The panels share the roof with the hotel’s resident bee hives, which produce 150 pounds of honey annually. The Fairmont has been awarded 5 of 5 Green Keys as part of their Green Key Global certification.
Sustainability Updates
DDC continues its commitment to sustainability and works with local industry and city partners on impactful initiatives. DDC’s Sustainability District, with over 75 members, helps planners connect with sustainable hotels, venues, DMC, and convention services. Washington, DC proudly ranks 1st among U.S. destinations in the Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS-Index) for the fourth year in a row, reflecting the city’s ongoing commitment to transparency and continuous improvement.
DDC is Hiring
Interested in helping promote the nation’s capital to the world? Check out current openings at DDC.