Loading ...DC Convention Center Capitalizing on Obama
Capitalizing
Capitalizing (yes, capitalizing… get it?) on the buzz factor since Barack Obama took the oath of office, Destination DC, the official convention and tourism corporation for the nation’s capital, and the Walter E. Washington Convention Center have teamed up to court qualifying citywide meetings with an offer inspired by the 44th President of the United States.
“We’ve seen more interest in Washington, DC since the new administration arrived,” said Elliott Ferguson, senior vice president, Convention Sales and Services, Destination DC. “With this incentive package, we’re giving our customers a way to bring some of that excitement to their delegates while taking advantage of a great deal.”
The value-driven package serves up a slate of “44”-inspired incentives designed to motivate meeting planners to book more business in the nation’s capital.
“Travel and tourism are immensely important especially during a struggling economy. We have a strong commitment to working with our partners at Destination DC and the city’s hotel community to create attractive short-term incentives to increase booking meetings in the nation’s capital,” said Gregory A. O’Dell, CEO and general manager, Washington Convention Center Authority.
Planners who qualify for DC’s Obama-inspired meetings package by booking a meeting with 1,000 room nights or more on peak between May 2009 and March 2010 can take advantage of powerful values, including:
- 44% off convention center rental fees;
- A 44-minute reception with 44-cent beer and wine;
- 44 meal options priced at $44 each;
- 44 free tabletop exhibits;
- A free drawing for an 8×10 classic DC image at 4:44 PM daily;
- A $44 rental fee when you book multiple qualifying meetings within 18 months.
The Destination DC and Walter E. Washington Convention Center sales teams promoted the “44” package directly to local, regional and national clients during a May 14th telephone sales blitz at the Convention Center. Promotional efforts will continue at upcoming tradeshows, sales calls and events.
The direct sales effort will also highlight hotel-specific offers available to qualifying customers at 36 DC-area properties, including:
- Waived attrition
- 1 comp room per 35 rooms booked
- Free Internet within the planner’s room block
- 15% off audio visual services
- 10% off the group’s food & beverage tab
- 10% off of attendee-related personal expenses (in-room dining, restaurant dining, spa services, business center, parking)
But wait… there’s more at destinationdc.com/powersavings.
Wow… this is exciting… I never thought I’d see the day… but… hey, here we are.
It’s about DAMN TIME! Best way to keep tabs on the industry short of networking at EXHIBITOR SHOW.
I like this! Sign me up.
Why are we so passionate about trade shows? Does anyone have a definitive answer? I’d love to know.
-Patti
Thanks Jeff. It’s great to have a designation that really explains what we are – fans, believers, supporters, boosters, and enthusiasts of our industry. It’s easy to explain to clients, friends, colleagues, and instantly understood ;^)
Bob… there is no other Bob Thomas like you… you are truly a one-off. Your contributions to the business are vast and broad… and you appreciated for all you’ve done.
Congratulations Jeff! Your search is over. I know you have been looking for someone with nuanced intellect, quick wit, sex appeal and star power for the Blues Wall…and you’ve found that and more in my dear friend Art Veale. They don”t come any better than Art. It’s been said that “it’s always darkest right before it’s pitch black”. Well, if that is the case….here’s the light at the end of our tunnel. I’m signing up.
Christopher Clark
Manger-Business Development
Riverview Systems Group
Lighting-Sound-Projection-Staging-Systems Integration
Let's hear it for Harris!
Very nicely done… good luck and keep the fly on the pole!
[polldaddy 1588167 http://answers.polldaddy.com/poll/1588167/ polldaddy]
Question: Are we having fun yet?
Congrats, Ben. It's been a while since we did the AYFS gig but as usual, you pulled it together and made it happen. You certainly deserve the top honors… Bus
You had me at "Back to School."
Can't wait to add TSE to my resume….no explanation of course! I 'll get calls just to know what it is!
Thanks, Bernadette… I assume you meant CTE… Certified Tradeshow Enthusiast… We'll look forward to it…
I like your program, but complicated for old guys like me to communicate
keep up the good work.
Way to go – love when the efforts pay off
Thanks… we love it, too
To have EVOLUTION you first must create CHANGE. To create CHANGE, you must think of it as an acronym.
Collective
Human
Attributes
Nurture
Genuine
Enthusiasm
Create and go beyond!
This cartoon sucks!