the nation’s capital, planners oſten think that D.C. is booked solid, but availability exists for short-term bookings during key pockets now through 2015, so it’s not too late to lock in meeting dates and capitalize on the benefits of bringing groups to D.C.” One group that has discovered the city’s powerful com-

Grand slam Capitol Riverfront is D.C.’s newest up-and-coming neighborhood — anchored by the Nationals Park baseball stadium, and featuring dining, shopping, museums, and unique group venues. Waterfront development will continue with projects such as Te Wharf.

bination of accessibility and global appeal is the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade (NASFT), whose Fancy Food Shows have been North America’s largest spe- cialty food and beverage marketplace since 1955. Te asso- ciation will bring the Summer Fancy Food Show to D.C. for the second time, in June 2012. In 2011, the show’s reloca- tion to D.C. helped pull in strong attendance and exhibitor numbers — almost half the buyers were new, and the show drew 197 first-time exhibitors, including 46 international newcomers such as Botswana, Bulgaria, and Kenya. “Washington, D.C., is the perfect host city for the Summer

Fancy Food Show,” said NASFT President Ann Daw. “Metro- politan Washington and the Mid-Atlantic region are particu- larly strong markets for specialty foods. Aſter considering multiple cities, we were impressed with what D.C. has to offer as a destination and we knew it was a great fit for the Fancy Food Show in 2011 and 2012.” D.C.’s burgeoning culinary scene played a role as well

Center of it all Opening in phases beginning in 2013, CityCenterDC will add five city blocks of new shopping, dining, lodging, and parks for visitors to explore in downtown. Te 10-acre development will take the spot of the city’s former convention center and also include residential and office space.

— Destination DC even created a microsite for the show, named MaîtreDC, to help attendees find everything from the hottest restaurants in the local dining scene to events and exhibitions taking place during NASFT’s stay in D.C.

BY THE NUMBERS $8 billion — Sum of major developments currently under construction 5,322 — Number of new hotel rooms by 2013 and beyond 2,230 — Number of daily flights to and from Washington, D.C. 1,962 — Number of restaurants 58 — Number of museums and art galleries 100 — Number of free (or nearly free) activities NO. 1— Rank among all museum destinations in the world

For more information: Destination DC; Melissa Riley, Director of Convention Sales; (800) 635-MEET or (202)789-7041; melissa.riley@destinationdc.com; washington.org/meetings

Latest addition Te Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture broke ground this year and will debut in 2015. Te museum will be the 16th Smithsonian institution in D.C. and will focus on how African American history has shaped the nation.

DESTINATION DC

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