As the nation’s capital, Washington, DC is a global destination that embraces and promotes diversity, equity, and inclusivity. Destination DC encourages event planners and meeting attendees to learn about DC’s diverse makeup and to support local businesses and create a lasting impact in DC.
Washington, DC’s variety of cultures, races, and backgrounds truly embody its character and identity, influenced also by 180 local embassies and eight Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) regionally. The city empowers event planners to discover socially-minded and sustainable venues. Unique venues with iconic DC landmarks as the backdrop include the architecturally stunning National Museum of African American History and Culture with its inverted pyramid shape building and detailed exhibits that tell the story of African American life to the art-filled Great Hall and rooftop terrace at the newly renovated Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library. The updated Kimpton Banneker Hotel, named for Benjamin Banneker, the Black mathematician and astronomer who helped survey the land that would become Washington, DC, features a year-round open-air deck with unobstructed views of the White House and Black Lives Matter Plaza.
Expand your organization’s legacy footprint on Washington, DC through Destination DC’s Connected Community, an initiative that aligns your group’s mission with enriching experiences and locally rooted social-impact opportunities.
“We encourage visitors and meeting planners alike to genuinely engage in Washington, DC’s community and to look for meaningful ways to embrace diversity in the city,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO, Destination DC. “Whether that’s through the vendors and venues or the speakers and experiences, it’s about connecting on a human level and being inclusive.”
Event organizers can access some of DC’s many DEI resources through The DEI District content hub on washington.org that spotlights the city as an inclusive destination and promotes venues and businesses while showcasing the city’s performing arts, rich culture, and local history. Throughout DC’s vibrant neighborhoods there are also Black-, women-, and immigrant-owned businesses that can incorporate local flavor at events. At Uncle Chip’s Cookies, order DC flag-embossed cookies to sweeten the attendee experience or get a full barbecue spread from pitmaster Shawn McWhirter of DCity Smokehouse (make sure your catering order includes their signature mac and cheese.)
“Travel has the opportunity to unite people and provide an understanding that we have more similarities than differences,” said Ferguson. “One of the advantages of visiting Washington, DC is its access to different cultures and vibrant neighborhoods, global cuisine and multi-cultural arts, and most of all, its diverse people. We can’t wait to welcome you.”
