Events DC & Destination DC honored with national industry award by Sports ETA for Event Marketing Campaign of the Year

Event Marketing Campaign of the Year

Events DC and Destination DC were honored today by Sports ETA, the national trade association for the sports events and tourism industry, for the Event Marketing Campaign of the Year, population 500,000 and above. The award was presented by John David, President & CEO of Sports ETA at the association's annual 4S Summit event held here.

The integrated campaign powering WorldPride DC 2025, a three-week celebration held May 17-June 8, 2025 supported a citywide lineup of 400+ events, including 18 Sports Festival events, a two-day Pride Festival, and the Pride Parade, uniting partners and audiences across the District. It delivered measurable results: 1.2 million attendees and $310.7 million in economic impact, with $1.07 billion in total publicity and advertising value.

Destination DC led a paid media plan across the United States and 10 international markets with 32 partners, generating 14.85M+ paid impressions and 175+ earned placements reaching 1.5B, all while outperforming channel benchmarks across audio, digital, email, social, and influencer activations and amplifying DC's "There's Only One DC" brand.

"WorldPride DC 2025 showcased how a destination can mobilize partners, elevate inclusion, and deliver world-class results," said John David, President & CEO of Sports ETA. "Destination DC and Events DC executed a sophisticated, multi-market plan that not only met ambitious results but also spotlighted Washington, D.C., on a truly global stage."

"Events DC is always proud to partner with Destination DC on a campaign showcasing the best city in the world, Washington, DC. We are thrilled to receive recognition for our team's dedication and effort during WorldPride 2025," said Angie M. Gates, President and CEO of Events DC. "Throughout the event, the District hosted an incredible lineup of activities, allowing participants from across the globe to celebrate Pride while immersing themselves in the vibrant culture, community, and spirit of our city. Through these efforts, we achieved a robust economic impact and demonstrated our capacity to deliver exceptional results for Washington, DC."

"We were proud to partner with Capital Pride, the District of Columbia government, Events DC and many other partners to promote WorldPride and DC's welcoming message around the globe. We used all our marketing channels to inspire visitors from all over the world to experience why there is Only One DC and join us to celebrate acceptance, equality and love," said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, President and CEO, Destination DC, the official destination marketing organization for Washington, DC.

The Sports ETA Member Awards, powered by Team Travel Source, recognize outstanding contributions that advance the sports events and tourism industry each year.

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About Sports ETA

As the only trade association for the sports events and tourism industry, Sports ETA is the most trusted resource for sports commissions, destination marketing organizations (DMOs), and sports event owners. Sports ETA is committed to the success of more than 750 member organizations and 2,400 sports event professionals. We promise to deliver quality education, ample networking opportunities, and exceptional event management and marketing know-how to our members to protect the integrity of the sports events and tourism industry. For more information, visit SportsETA.org.

Contact: Jackie Reau, Game Day

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