Destination DC (DDC), the official destination marketing organization for the nation’s capital, today announced its 2025 Ambassador Circle Award recipients at a luncheon at the Willard InterContinental. The DC Tech & Venture Coalition and Washington DC Economic Partnership also presented awards for ambassadors who champion the District. Honorees include some of the region’s major medical, technology and education experts.
“Our Ambassador Circle members have community connections that allow them to advocate for Washington, DC in the competitive meetings arena,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO, DDC. “Their deep knowledge and network, whether that be in healthcare, sustainability, biotechnology or education, shows the vast intellectual capital in our city. Their partnership allows meetings and events to positively impact the local economy, the community and put DC on the short list of premier destinations.”
The awards recognize leaders, researchers and visionaries who elevate Washington, DC as an impactful destination for meetings and events and showcase DC’s talent, culture and heritage. These ambassadors leverage their expertise and networks in diverse sectors to bring influential and transformative conferences to the nation’s capital. Not only did the ambassadors generate events with nearly $34 million of direct economic impact in the DC region this year, but they continue to position DC as a global leader in innovation and collaboration.
The Ambassador Circle works with Destination DC to endorse the nation’s capital as a leader in multiple industries, to drive the DC economy and to create awareness of Destination DC’s services. The volunteer network of professionals includes experts in a variety of sectors such as medical, biotech/pharma, technology, sustainability, education, transportation and fintech working together to amplify DC’s appeal.
Connector Award
Andrew Flagel, PhD, President and CEO, Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area
Recognizes an individual in the community who eagerly helps DDC make connections through their existing networks. A champion of DDC’s work and a steadfast supporter of the Ambassador Circle program.
“I am honored to receive the Connector Award from Destination DC on behalf of our Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area representing over 300,000 students and more than 100,000 employees,” said Andrew Flagel, PhD, President and CEO, Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area. “We are deeply proud of our region, and passionate about encouraging organizations worldwide to join us for conferences and events in this vibrant center of innovation and culture, as they have for the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities annual meeting and the American Council for Education national conference.”