Federal agents on the streets of DC grab headlines. But real-time stories of the city show vibrant communities and a robust infrastructure for meetings.
After a federal executive order to deploy military personnel in the nation’s capital, DC has been in the news with alarming headlines. Planners want to know the real deal. Is the negative rhetoric true? Is the city safe for meetings and events? One fact that bears repeating: crime in the District is at a 30-year low. And Destination DC (DDC) has just launched a marketing campaign to meet the moment with real-time neighborhood stories and factual reporting. Their ‘Love Letter to DC’ reel launched across social media platforms has already amassed more than 1.3 million impressions and 80,000 engagements.
Elliott L. Ferguson, II, President & CEO, Destination DC, wants planners to know that the city’s robust meetings infrastructure and dynamic cultural and neighborhood experiences have not been diminished.
“Washington, DC continues to welcome visitors and host successful meetings of every size,” Ferguson told Prevue. “Even during this time, we’re seeing strong attendance and attendees enjoying all the city has to offer, from world-class venues and intellectual capital to enriching cultural experiences. The past few months have underscored how resilient and adaptable DC is as a meetings destination, with groups not only achieving impactful events but also experiencing our vibrant city.”
Conventions and meetings are important economic engines for the city. Convention Center business in 2026 is expected to generate 470,316 hotel room nights, while non-Convention Center meetings are expected to bring 227,885 hotel room nights. DDC is targeting growth markets like tech and is seeing success with major international groups booking future conferences—such as a technology association in 2028, and medical associations in 2030 and 2032.
Among what makes the District special is its people. DDC is building on the success of its award-winning marketing campaign, “There’s Only One DC,” with a new series called “We the People DC,” featuring videos of 20 locals who live, work and thrive there. Creative assets were developed over the past several months in partnership with a local, minority-and woman-owned production company, Zuri Productions. 
And DC is a welcoming and inclusive destination with diverse local experiences. An estimated 1.2 million people attended hundreds of events across the city during this year’s WorldPride celebration. This Labor Day weekend, the annual DC JazzFest presents performances at various venues. America’s 250th is expected to be a travel motivator and the nation’s capital will serve as center stage for the national commemoration throughout 2026. Planners can offer attendees opportunities to experience the story of the nation through an expanded calendar of special events, activations and exhibitions across the city’s cultural institutions, museums, attractions, restaurants and hotels. There’s a long list of renovations and new attractions on the horizon, including a $40 million renovation of the National Archives Museum—the only place to see the Declaration of Independence—due to open this fall; and the full re-opening of the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum in 2026 following extensive renovations.
The meetings and events industry has reacted to current events in DC with resounding support. “We’ve been touched by the outpouring of support and encouragement from meeting planners and other clients, members, partners and friends,” says Elliott. “It’s a reminder of the strength of our community and the pride people feel in Washington, DC. Even something as simple as our ‘Love Letter to DC’ reel has brought thousands of people together online to celebrate the people, places and experiences that make our city so special.”
You May Also Be Interested In…
The DEI Imperative: CVBs Speak Out, Part 1
CLEAR to Launch eGate Pilot Program at Select US Airports
New TSA Restrictions Target Lithium Batteries and Curling Irons
