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WASHINGTON DC AREA AREA GUIDES HISTORICAL SITES & WORLD-CLASS FACILITIES MAKES MEETING IN NATION'S CAPITAL TOP CHOICE BY CHARLES MORPHDON Meeting Planners and travelers in general are constantly looking for new developments and venues to hold their meetings and reunions around the country. The nation's capitol is so full of rich history and enhanced meeting space that it's sure to grab your atten- tion while searching for the right place. You'll find the perfect backdrop for your event at one of the many unique ven- ues in Washington, DC and surround- ing areas. Comprised of 2.3 million total sq. ft. with more than 700,000 sq. ft. of prime exhibit space, the new Walter E. WashingtonConventionCenter is an out- standing architectural and cultural treas- ure in a city that already harbors so many remarkable buildings. The venue contains 125,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and nearly 70 meeting rooms. This facility is located between the historic Shaw / U Street district and the revitalized down- town district. Located just a half a mile away from the white house is the Amphitheater at the Ronald Reagan Building.With a seat- ing capacity of 625 this venue is the per- fect choice for conferences, panel discus- sions, or movie screenings. Another facil- ity to consider, located on Capitol Hill, is the 20 F Street NW Conference Center. This brand newfacility is comprised of one large 700-sq. ft. conference room, divisi- ble into two, an executive boardroom, a video-conference room, and rooftop ter- racewith a viewof TheCapitolDome and WashingtonMonument. The DC hotel scene is constantly changing. New and re-flagged properties are ready to welcome guests with high- tech amenities and spectacular historic hotels are adding newtouches ofmodern luxury. Several excellent options can be found in close proximity to the convention center, including the 807-room Rena- issance Washington DC Downtown Hotel, 888-room Grand Hyatt Washing- ton, 318-room Crowne Plaza Hamilton, and 544-room Capital Hilton. While in the city, attendees are encouraged to explore the historic sites and cultural museums in the area. Experience the stirring power of DC's newest monument, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, which is dedicated to Dr. King's vision and timeless beliefs of peace and non-violent protest. Another site to see is the Frederick Douglass House. This restored Anacostia estate of the abolitionist, statesman and advisor to Lincoln offers a glimpse into life during the civilwar era.Other notable attractions are the George Washington Carver Nature Trail, the Mary McLeod Bethune Statue at Lincoln Park and the A f r i c a n American Civil WarMemorial. Destination Elliott Ferguson DC CEO and P r e s i d e n t , Elliott Ferguson, leads the sales and marketing organization and man- ages the finance and business develop- ment operations for the company. Leading convention sales & services efforts for Destination DC is seasoned industry buff, Ronnie Burt. If you are looking to plan your next event in the DC area be sure and contact the sales dept. at Destin- ation DC for assistance. Getting into the city is extre- mely easy with the three conve- niently located airports in the near area. Ronnie Burt Located just 6 miles from most hotels and offering a full range of domestic flights is DC's closest airport, the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Balti-more/Washington International Thur-good Marshall Airport, commonly known as BWI, is 32 miles northeast of DC, while located 26 miles west of Washington, DC and offering a full range of domestic and international flights is the Washington Dulles International Airport. HOTEL • • • STATS • • • Embassy SuitesWashington, DC Convention Center The Capital Hilton Crowne Plaza Hamilton ROOMS 384 544 318 Four Points by Sheraton Washington, DC Downtown 265 Grand HyattWashington EXHIBITION FACILITIES 888 RenaissanceWashington DC 807 Hilton Garden InnWashington, DC – Downtown Walter E. Washington Convention Center total exhibit space WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Destination DC – (202) 789-7000 www.washington.org National Black Chamber of Commerce (202) 466-6888 Black Meetings & Tourism March/April 2012: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 65 300 total meeting space 125,000 sq. ft. meeting rooms 700,000 sq. ft. 70