Black Meetings and Tourism

Black Meetings & Tourism February/March 2009: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 118 ft. of name brand restaurant and retail space including Starbucks; the latest technology and telecommunications infrastructure; nearly 60 enclosed freight docks to ensure smooth set-up and move-out operations; its own Metrorail station (subway) at Mt. Vernon Square; a rich index of green features: low emission glass that con- trols heat gain and loss and maximizes natural lighting; energy-conserving heating, ventilation and air condition- ing systems that operate in zones; high- efficiency lighting; automatic controls on restroom fixtures; plus recycling programs and environmentally-friend- ly cleaning products. With so many glorious monuments and beautiful neighborhoods, finding a unique venue for your event is also a viable option in DC. Elegant museums, eclectic embassies and various galleries play host to gala dinners, board meetings, weddings and more. From state-of-the- art offerings at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center to historic homes and foreign embassies, DC offers a wide variety of venues to meet an equally wide variety of needs. Finding a hotel in the city should be relatively easy. There are approximately 110 properties and 27,500 hotel rooms located in Washington, DC. The Greater Washington Metropolitan Region is home to approximately 600 properties and 95,000 rooms (including those locat- ed within DC proper). There are 18 properties currently in the construction pipeline that are expected to be deliv- ered in 2010 and beyond, including four that are currently under construction. The conveniently located downtown Capital Hilton is within walking distance to the convention center, monuments and museums. The 566 room historic property is just two blocks from the White House and also offers several meeting rooms. The four-diamond Omni Shoreham Hotel is a true Washington landmark nestled in 11 acres of pictur- esque Rock Creek Park. The opulent property offers 834 guest rooms in a beautiful resort environment. Another excellent choice is Marriott at Metro Center, a charming and inviting down- town property with over 450 rooms and more than 10,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. The warm and welcoming environment and signature Marriott service make this property a top selection among area hotels. Properties like the new Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center are also able to provide both excellent accommodations and top quality meet- ing facilities. DC is home to many famous monu- ments and sites that most travelers will want to check out. The White House often tops the list of must-sees. Rising 555 ft. above the National Mall is the Washington Monument, a powerful trib- ute to our first president, George Washington. One of the city's most familiar landmarks is the mesmerizing Lincoln Memorial. Overlooking the Reflecting Pool, the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol, the 19- ft. statue of Lincoln is flanked with inscriptions of the famous Gettysburg Address. The DC area is served by several airports: Washington Dulles Inter- national which is 26 miles west, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport just south of the city, and Baltimore/Washington International Airport some 30 miles away. For fur- ther assistance when booking in Washington, D.C. contact Elliott Ferguson, II, senior VP, Convention Sales and Services for the Washington DC CTC. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Destination DC - (202) 789-7000 www.washington.org AREA GUIDES Musuem at night Photo Credit: Destination DC CTC MLK Jr. mural Photo Credit: Destination DC CTC

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