The mission of Events DC is to promote the District as a location for conventions, trade shows, meetings, sports, entertainment and recreational events; promote tourism and leisure travel to the District; and encourage and support youth activities, including through sports. Through these activities, Events DC serves as an economic engine for the Nation’s Capital.
Summary of Services
In 1994, the Washington Convention Center Authority (WCCA) was created as a corporate body and an independent authority of the District of Columbia government responsible for managing and operating the District’s convention center and for bringing national and international conventions, trade shows, and meetings to the District of Columbia. [“Washington Convention Center Authority Act of 1994,” D.C. Law 10-188, effective September 28, 1994]. Pursuant to the Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Support Second Emergency Act of 2009 and the Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Support Act, the District of Columbia Sports and Entertainment Commission was merged into WCCA to form a new organization known as the Washington Convention and Sports Authority (WCSA). The merger created one umbrella organization with a broadened charter to also promote the District as a key sports, entertainment and special events destination. Also, as part of the merger, WCSA gained control over the Nationals Park, the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium (RFK), and the non-military portions of the DC Armory. Facility maintenance for RFK and the Armory, previously performed by the D.C. Sports and Entertainment Commission, was assumed by the Department of Real Estate Services, now the Department of General Services.
In June 2011, the Washington Convention and Sports Authority launched a new brand name, “Events DC.” The new brand entity fully encompasses the event experience in the city, elevates the organization’s core assets and portfolio, and perhaps most importantly, aligns with the existing brands for Washington, DC and the city’s promotional arm, Destination DC.
Events DC is governed by a 12-member Board of Directors. Three members, including the Chief Financial Officer of the District, the chief executive of the Hotel Association of Washington DC, and the third person designated by the Mayor, serve as voting ex-officio members. The remaining nine public members are appointed by the Mayor with the advice and consent of the Council of the District of Columbia and represent certain sectors of the community. The Mayor designates one public member as chairperson with the advice and consent of the Council.
