Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/533451
B M & T ••• March/April 2015 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 68 MAKE A STATEMENT ...BY HOLDING YOUR NEXT MEETING IN DC BY DON LITTLETON There are hundreds of reasons why Washington, DC is an ideal destination meeting planners should book their client's next event. 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, cor- porations and travel planners report record-high attendance for their DC meetings and group tours. In DC, your clients will enjoy access to leaders in politics, media, research and industry, plus dozens of colleges and uni- versities with the potential to boost atten- dance. Tap in to these DC resources to tempt your clients with an experience they can't find anywhere else. Located in the heart of downtown is The Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The center serves as DC's go to venue for conferences of any magnitude. Planners can book anything from small intimate occasions to large corporate events. The venue contains 2.3 million total sq. ft. with more than 700,000 sq. ft. of prime exhibit space , complemented by 198,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and 77 meeting rooms. The WWCC boasts the latest technology and telecommunica- tions infrastructure, including free WiFi access in all public areas and a state-of- the-art digital signage system featuring over 140 high definition LCD flat panel screens. 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. From the founding fathers to Martin Luther King, Jr. to today's president, Washington, DC is a city steeped in his- tory – and history in the making. Explore the city's museums and memorials, and discover the history of a nation. If confer- ence attendees or leisure travelers are interested in delving into DC's rich African-American history the Anacostia Historic District and Prince George's African American Museum & Cultural Center are recommended places to visit. The much anticipated National Museum of African American History and Culture along the National Mall is scheduled to open in 2016. Washington, D.C. is more than just the capital of the United States. It is a liv- ing museum and the repository of our nation's history. The federal city is one of the most visited metropolitan areas in the world. The American City Walking Guide of Washington, D.C. provides an ideal way to explore the city and learn about its history and diverse neighborhoods. There are numerous museums, monuments, historic buildings and landmarks dis- persed throughout the city. Experience the unique sights and sounds of "The Capital of the World" at your own pace. You will find intriguing city walking guides on the historic destinations that enable you to gain a unique perspective of the District of Columbia. American City Walking Guide of Washington, D.C. pro- vides information and anecdotes about famous and lesser-known sites of the city. These affordable, printable guides take you from the National Mall through neigh- borhoods, such as: DuPont Circle and Georgetown, across the Potomac River to Arlington National Cemet- ery and Old Town Alexandria. W a s h i n g t o n , DC also boasts the presence of Elliott Ferguson as the president/- CEO of Destina- tion DC, the city's official convention and tourism corporation, and Gregory A. O'Dell as the president and CEO of Events DC, the official convention and sports authority for the District of C o l u m b i a . Definitely a dyn- amic duo! The Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Balti-more/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, and the Washington Dulles International Airport all provide both national and inter- national flights to the Washington DC/Baltimore area. AREA GUIDES WA S H I N G T O N , D C GREGORY A. O'DELL ELLIOTT FERUSON • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Marriott Marquis Washington, DC 1,175 Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill 834 Renaissance Washington, DC Hotel 807 The Capital Hilton 544 Embassy Suites Washington, DC Convention Center 384 Hamilton Crowne Plaza 318 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Walter E. Washington Convention Center Total Exhibit Space 198,000 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 77 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Destination DC 800-635-MEET www.washington.org The National Black Chamber of Commerce (202) 466-6888 United States Capitol building in spring, Washington DC Photo Credit: Orhan