Nine industry experts are recognized for creating a positive impact in the nation’s capital and for bringing meetings to the city
WASHINGTON, DC – 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.
The 2025 awards and awardees:
Impact Award: International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) for ISTH 2025 Congress
Honors an organization hosting an upcoming conference that promises to deliver significant economic and social benefits, leaving a lasting positive impact on Washington, DC.
• Thomas Reiser, Executive Director, International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis
• Lisa Astorga, CMP, Director of Meetings, International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis
“The ISTH is honored to be recognized with Destination DC’s Ambassador Circle Award,” said Lisa Astorga, ISTH Director of Meetings. “We are excited to host the ISTH 2025 Congress in Washington, DC, where thousands of the world’s leading experts on thrombosis, hemostasis and vascular biology will convene for an extensive scientific program, from educational sessions to industry exhibits and professional networking opportunities. Destination DC has been an excellent collaborative partner, and we look forward to our international attendees experiencing the vibrant and unique culture of Washington, DC.”
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.”
Leadership Award: American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and World Veterinary Association (WVA) for AVMA Convention 2025 and the 40th WVA Congress
Recognizes ambassadors who have demonstrated exceptional guidance, strategic vision and impactful leadership in collaboratively organizing a global conference.
• Michael V. Wilson, CMP, Director, Convention and Meeting Planning Division, American Veterinary Medical Association
• Dr. John de Jong, President, World Veterinary Association
Destination DC Ambassador(s) of the Year: IMS2024 Co-Chairs for IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium
Recognizes an ambassador who has excelled in chairing a major conference and passionately represented our destination, significantly enhancing its profile and appeal.
• Scott Barker, General Co-Chair, IMS2024, Washington, DC
• Sanjay Raman, General Co-Chair, IMS2024, Washington, DC
“We were thrilled to partner with Destination DC to bring the IEEE International Microwave Symposium (IMS) back to Washington, DC after more than 40 years,” Scott Barker, the General Co-Chair of IMS2024, said. “Washington, DC is an incredible city with a wealth of outstanding venues for hosting an event like the IMS. Our attendees come from around the world and thoroughly enjoyed both the conference and the opportunity to explore DC. The only challenge is that with so many great venues, it's impossible to see them all in one visit. Fortunately, we look forward to bringing the IEEE IMS back to Washington, DC in 2029.”
DC Tech & Venture Coalition Ambassador of the Year: Michelle Boquiren Urben, Managing and General Partner, The Synergos Fund
Honors an extraordinary champion of the District whose tireless efforts develop critical business and investment connections worldwide, accelerating growth and positioning Washington, DC, as a premier destination for global innovation and opportunity.
Washington DC Economic Partnership Ambassador of the Year: Olivia S. Byrne, J.D., LLM, Partner, K&L Gates LLP
Recognizes a dedicated ambassador and advocate who has championed inclusive economic development throughout the District.
DDC is recruiting ambassadors who wish to make a positive impact in shaping DC’s future. Learn more about the Ambassador Circle here.
About Destination DC: Destination DC, the official destination marketing organization for the nation’s capital, is a private, non-profit membership organization committed to marketing the area as a premier global convention, tourism and special events destination with a special emphasis on the arts, cultural and historic communities.
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February 5, 2025