Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/129161
•Pg_54-74__BMT_pg86-162 5/7/13 4:10 PM Page 66 AREA GUIDES WASHINGTON DC THE NATION'S CAPITAL AWAITS YOUR NEXT EVENT! BY SOLOMON J. HERBERT II One of the world's most talked-about destinations, DC attracts nearly 18 million visitors each year. People come from around the world to see all that the nation's capital has to offer. And in fact, many associations, corporations and travel planners report record-high attendance for their DC meetings and grouptours. This is due to one-of-a-kind facilities and venues, award-winning dining and accommodations, accessibility and history, plus services and support from Destination DC. Washington D.C. offers a unique assortment of meeting venues from huge convention centers for larger grander conferences and sporting events to smaller halls and historical venues for private dinner parties, receptions and other casual group gatherings. DC will definitely offer a host of venues that will give your guests something to talk about. The Walter E. Washington Convention Center, an extraordinary 2.3 millionsq. ft. conventions and meetings facility, is equipped to handle events of all sizes, from small groups and break-out meetings to events for 500 to 42,000 attendees. One of the most energy-efficient buildings for its size, the Convention Center includes a range of mixed-use exhibit spaces, 198,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space with a total of 77 breakout rooms and the largest ballroom in the region. Whatever the size of the event, the service of the Convention Center staff is unparalleled. DC's award-winning hotels are as well known for their attentive service as for their must-have amenities. With nearly 30,000 hotel rooms in the city, there's a style and price point for every visitor. Some of these amazing hotels planners can explore are the Capital Hilton, Grand Hyatt Washington, Renaissance May-flower Hotel, Renaissance Washington, DC Hotel, Washington Marriott Ward-man Park, and the Embassy Suites Washington, DC Convention Center. Many individuals have an urge, when in DC, to visit The White House, probably the nation's most popular household. This famous residence is centrally located near a number of major attractions. Since it's within walking distance of the National Mall, tourists are encouraged to see the Washington Monument and other memo- Aerial view of Washington DC 66 B M & T ••• March/April 2013 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com rials. You're also near some of the most popular Smithsonian museums, including the American History Museum and the Natural History Museum. Conference attendees can broaden their knowledge at the Black History National Recreation Trail. This extremely interesting and educational activity directs visitors to sites in historic neighborhoods that illustrate aspects of African-American history. Don't forget to checkout the African American Civil War Memorial. This monument is a sculpture commemorating the more than 209,145 soldiers who served in the United States Color Troupes during the Civil War. The memorial is appropriately placed in the Shaw section of the District. Visitors have the opportunity to explore The Frederick Douglass N a t i o n a l ELLIOTT FERGUSON Historic Site. This remarkable historic landmark preserves the last residence of Frederick Douglass (1818 -1895), one of the Photo Credit: Lya_Cattel