Events DC, the official convention and sports authority for Washington, DC announced that the Walter E. Washington Convention Center was named one of North America’s best convention centers for trade shows and events by Exhibitor Group for the fifth year in a row. The Walter E. Washington Convention Center is also a finalist for the Best Convention Center Award (500,000 – 1 million square-feet of exhibit space) and Best Customer Service Award.
“Being named to EXHIBITOR’s Centers of Excellence list for the fifth year in a row is remarkable,” said Events DC President and CEO Angie M. Gates. “This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, and we continue to ensure our center stands out amongst our competitors, while showcasing the District as a one-of-a-kind destination for tourists near and far. I truly thank EXHIBITOR Magazine for recognizing the tireless work of the Events DC team to provide world-class service to all our guests.”
The news comes after the Walter E. Washington Convention Center achieved LEED Gold certification in September, recognizing Events DC’s commitment to sustainability, operational excellence, efficiency and high-performance design. In October, the Walter E. Washington Convention Center received a Silver Stella Award for Best Convention Center in the Northeast region by Northstar Meetings Group.
“Exhibit managers rarely have a say in where trade shows are held, but they are often the ones most impacted by that decision. The Centers of Excellence Awards allows them to recognize the exhibitor-friendly venues that make their experiences at trade shows and events smooth and successful,” said Emily Olson, editor of EXHIBITOR magazine, noting that everything from health and safety protocols to the cost and quality of Wi-Fi access can have a significant impact on exhibiting companies’ experiences at events. “The facilities on this list have proven their ability to host trade shows and events of all sizes while providing world-class service and state-of-the-art accommodations.”
The awards are based on five criteria: facility and functionality; location and accommodations; service and execution; expansions and upgrades; and awards and industry participation. The evaluation process also includes a survey of event planners, show organizers and exhibit managers who have recently hosted or exhibited at events within each facility, as well as a review of entrants’ event spaces, selling points and innovations conducted by a panel of corporate exhibit managers.
In addition to naming North America’s 30 best venues for trade shows and events, EXHIBITOR will announce the finalists for five special awards in November, including Best Convention Center in four size-based categories, as well as Best Customer Service and On-Site Support.
In addition, the Convention Center will host the 2024 Business Events Industry Week from April 9 through 11 in partnership with Events DC and Destination DC. The inaugural BEIW in March 2022 had more than 2,000 business event professionals in attendance.
