8th Annual Winternational Embassy Showcase Draws Over 5,000 Guests

61 Embassies Were Represented, Showcasing Their Culture and Traditions at the Reagan Building

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Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center

Dec 09, 2019, 15:42 ET

WASHINGTON, Dec. 9, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- On Thursday, December 5, the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center (RRB/ITC) hosted the 8^th Annual Embassy Showcase, Winternational. Presented by World Trade Center Washington, DC (WTCDC) 61 embassies and over 5,000 visitors took part in the lively midday celebration of international culture, travel, tourism and trade. Secretary of State of the District of Columbia, Kimberly A. Bassett, delivered Mayor Muriel Bowser's proclamation declaring December 5, 2019 as "Winternational Day" and Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs, Marie Royce provided keynote remarks highlighting the importance of cultural diplomacy in U.S. foreign policy: "It provides vivid, compelling examples of openness, tolerance and creative expression as is so vibrantly displayed among today's exhibitors."

Seated (Left to Right): John P. Drew, President and CEO, TCMA (A Drew Company); Andrew Gelfuso, Director of WTCDC; Marie Royce, Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs; Kimberly A. Bassett, Secretary of State of the District of Columbia; Susan Carmel, President of Carmel Cultural Endowment of the Arts, along with Ambassadors and representatives from the 2019 Winternational Embassy Showcase

"Today we have convened [61] embassies to showcase the arts, cuisine, trade, travel and tourism of these diverse countries. Today's event brings together [thousands of] diplomats, embassy exhibitors, sponsors, special guests and visitors from around the world. Together, we have developed the Reagan Building into a hub for government, business, global commerce and cultural exchange," said John P. Drew, President and CEO of TCMA (A Drew Company), the group that manages RRB/ITC and organizes the annual event.

Event sponsor, Susan Carmel, president of Carmel Cultural Endowment of the Arts, offered special remarks, "We are building bridges to set the stage for tomorrow – the tomorrow of international relations, the tomorrow of international trade and hopefully one day, the tomorrow of international peace."

This year's participating embassies included Afghanistan, African Union Mission, Armenia, Australia, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Bolivia, Botswana, Bulgaria, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Czech Republic, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, European Union, Fiji, Georgia, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malawi, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Moldova, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, St. Kitts & Nevis, Tajikistan, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.

Each embassy promoted their country through vibrant and interactive displays of visual art, food, handicrafts as well as travel and tourism exhibits. Items were available for purchase from embassy booths that spanned two of the largest event spaces at RRB/ITC. Event sponsors included TCMA (A Drew Company); Carmel Cultural Endowment of the Arts; World Trade Center Washington, DC; 80M Signs; TriVision; WebPort Global; The Washington Diplomat; Washington Life Magazine; A10 Associates; The Azar Foundation for Children of the World; HSBC and Edie Fraser.

More information about the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center can be found here.

About Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center (RRB/ITC)
Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center is a dynamic hub for government, business, culture and community, in the heart of the nation's capital. As the first and only federal building dedicated to both public and private use, the Reagan Building is the official World Trade Center Washington, DC (WTCDC), and a premier conference and event venue with executive office space, attractions, dining, retail, parking, and community activities.

Through the World Trade Centers Association, WTCDC utilizes a global network of 750,000 affiliated business from 300 trade centers in over 100 countries to maximize its connections and capabilities. With this extended network, WTCDC works diligently to ensure the RRB/ITC offers a rich mix of signature events such as high profile economic summits, conferences and cultural programs. These initiatives foster international dialogue, enhance diplomacy, and generate business opportunities. Visit www.rrbitc.com or follow us @ReaganITCDC.

TCMA (A Drew Company)
Trade Center Management Associates (TCMA) is the exclusive manager of Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center (RRB/ITC). TCMA's team specializes in International Trade Services, Real-Estate Management and Hospitality. For more information, visit www.drewcompany.com.

SOURCE Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center