Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1421252
I N T H E N E W S B M & T ••• September/October 2021 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 6 WASHINGTON, DC WELCOMES AMERICAN SOCIETY OF ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVES TO THE WALTER E. WASHINGTON CONVENTION CENTER Approximately 300 top association executives gathered in Washington, DC as part of the return of in-person and hybrid events with the American Society of Association Executives' (ASAE) Annual Meeting Community Pop-UP in Studio 801 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on Aug. 16, 2021. Destination DC (DDC), the official destination marketing organization for Washington, DC, and Events DC, the official convention and sports authority for the District of Columbia, partnered on creative activations for the meeting's DChub, inspired by "Experience DC," a joint tourism recovery advertis- ing campaign in market now. Attendees enjoyed Ben's Chili Bowl and performances byElijah Jamal Balbed, a prominent DC jazz and go-go musician and local ballerina Nya Cunningham. The Keynote was delivered by Ambassador Capricia Penavic Marshall, former Chief of Protocol for the Obama Administration. "ASAE is thrilled to create an in-person opportunity in the Nation's Capital for mem- bers to reconnect and build on their sense of community around Annual Meeting," said Robb Lee, ASAE's chief strategy officer. "ASAE members in the DMV area are very familiar with the seamless, state-of-the-art meeting experience at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and this promises to be a memorable, long-overdue event for DC-area associa- tion professionals. We also know how seriously our partners in DC take COVID-19 protocols and precautions, so we're fully confident that our Community Pop-UP attendees will be able to focus on the learning and engagement opportunities knowing that their safety is top-of-mind for ASAE and Destination DC." "We are delighted to welcome ASAE to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and provide the innovative technology required for hosting events in today's ever-changing environment," said Greg O'Dell president and CEO of Events DC. "Our partnership with ASAE demonstrates how we can continue to create successful event experiences while keeping the health, safety and well-being of our visitors and staff as the highest priority." "ASAE is a perfect example of groups getting creative to continue holding their annual meeting despite the many challenges of navigating the pandemic," said Elliott L. Ferguson II, president and CEO, Destination DC. "Partnering with them is an opportunity for us to highlight the culture that DC is known for, in addition to our commitment to work with associations on the health proto- cols and valuable content that will make their meeting a success." Washington, DC hosted Awesome Con (Aug. 20-22), and looking ahead, looks forward to welcoming groups including the Association of the United States Army (Oct. 11-13), Association for Financial Professionals (Nov. 7-10) and American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (Nov. 18-20). In 2022, the city anticipates hosting 20 citywide meetings at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and other venues. DOUGLAS MATTHEWS JOINS JUNE 19 MUSEUM, INC. AS AN ADVISOR TO PREPARE FOR THE 2022 JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION The Custom House – Juneteenth Museum is Coming to the Commercial Center of Downtown Galveston, Texas June 19 Museum, Inc. announces the appointment of Mr. Douglas Matthews to its Board of Advisors. Mr. Matthews' involvement with Galveston Juneteenth Celebration started on June 19, 1980, when he served as Galveston Assistant City Manager, celebrating with Texas State Representative Al Edwards at Galveston's Ashton Villa. ROBB LEE GREG O' DELL ELLIOTT L. FERGUSON II