Despite Government Shutdown, Washington, D.C. is Open for Business
January 23, 2019
With the U.S. government shutdown still in effect — and stretched longer than any other in history — many association meeting planners and trade show organizers are concerned about how this might impact their events.
Destination DC has been actively campaigning to let the world know that the city is open for business and ready to welcome both events and leisure travelers.
The “DC is Open” campaign was first launched during a previous shutdown in October 2013, and has been redeployed to help visitors navigate the city.
While the Smithsonian museums, National Zoo, National Gallery of Art and National Archives are closed, there are plenty of other great options for activities, according to Elliott Ferguson, president and CEO of Destination DC.
“While DC has always been known for its monuments, museums and memorials, the reality is the city has even more to offer throughout its various neighborhoods that remain open during a government shutdown,” Ferguson said. “It’s a great time to find deals on hotels and attractions.”
He recommends activities such as watching a hockey or basketball game, seeing a show in one of D.C.’s many theaters and exploring the city’s Michelin-rated dining scene.
According to Ferguson, no events have been impacted by the shutdown thus far; it helps that January is not peak convention or tourism season for the city. Destination DC has been in constant communication with planners who are hosting events here this month to make sure they have all the information they need.
For example, the American Physical Therapy Association is holding its Combined Sections Meeting this week, Jan. 23-26, anticipating about 16,000 attendees — only a thousand less than New Orleans last year, which was a record attendance. APTA will not be affected by the government shutdown.
Similarly, the Transportation Research Board held its annual meeting from Jan. 13–17 with over 5,000 rooms on peak and approximately 5,000 attendees. It was unaffected by the government shutdown.
For any planners who may have upcoming activities booked at venues affected by the shutdown, Destination DC can help.
“If a planner was utilizing a museum funded by the federal government, we will facilitate other options, such as new venues at The Wharf or the Newseum,” Ferguson said.
Planners and prospective visitors can find real-time updates and shutdown deals here, or follow the hashtag #DCisOpen on Destination DC’s social media channels.
Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE and engage with us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram!
Partner Voices
Just when it seems like Las Vegas can’t get any bigger, brighter or more exciting for groups, MGM Resorts raises the bar again. The company continues to invest and innovate across its portfolio of Las Vegas resorts, with new attractions and upgraded experiences for attendees of all interests.
Remodeled Guest Rooms
MGM Grand is the largest single hotel in the world with over 5,000 guest rooms and an 850,000-square-foot conference center. It is home to the newly remodeled MGM Grand Studio Tower—700 reimagined guest rooms with a fun mid-century vibe. Nearby, the iconic New York-New York Las Vegas Hotel & Casino recently completed a $63M redesign and remodel of its 1,830 guest rooms and 155 suites.
Down the street, Bellagio Las Vegas is sporting renovated rooms in the Spa Tower with sunrise-inspired decor and luxurious soaking tubs in Premier King rooms after a $110-million transformation.
Reinvented Luxury Experiences
The Luxury Meetings District, made up of Bellagio Las Vegas, ARIA Resort & Casino, Vdara Hotel & Spa, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Park MGM and NoMad Las Vegas, is now more connected than ever before. A new interior walkway opened this October for a seamless attendee experience – connecting Vdara, Bellagio, and The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, guests can now walk from Park MGM to Bellagio in around 15 minutes.
New on the scene in the Luxury Meetings District is Cathedrale at ARIA, TAO Group’s upscale establishment specializing in exquisite French-Mediterranean cuisine offering elevated private dining experiences that opened in May.
Heralded by World’s Best 50 Restaurants, GQ and VOGUE, LPM at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is opening this fall and will deliver its signature spontaneity and imaginative celebration of France’s Mediterranean cuisine, art, and culture to the unique luxury resort in impeccable fashion.
A “New Wave for Mandalay Bay
A new wave of enhancements and experiences has arrived at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, including Flanker Kitchen + Sports Bar, an 8,445-square-foot restaurant that opened this June, perfect for pre- and post-game eats and drinks. Event planner’s favorite, Chef Michael Mina’s StripSteak, received a full renovation and now includes one of the largest private dining rooms on The Strip. Retro by Voltaggio debuts a one-year residency with a fun take on pop culture of the 80s and 90s with classic American dishes. An exciting addition planned for 2024 is Swingers, a 40,000-square-foot oasis of street food, miniature golf and art at Mandalay Bay.
Most exciting for meeting planners, the 2.1 million-square-foot Mandalay Bay Convention Center is undergoing a complete refresh, with lightened space, added eye-catching art, and improved technology infrastructure for even more flexible space. Energy-efficient digital signage now leads the way with faster internet speeds and new AV options.
From renovated guest rooms and meeting spaces to celebrated dining options and dedicated teams, MGM Resorts is dedicated to delivering exceptional and innovative meeting experiences.
Add new comment