Washington, DC Welcomes Microsoft's 2014 Worldwide Partner Conference

WASHINGTON, July 9, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Washington, DC is proud to welcome back Microsoft's Worldwide Partner Conference, one of the meeting and event industry's most prestigious summer gatherings, July 13 – 17. 

More than 16,000 Microsoft partners and employees will convene in DC for this five-day long celebration. Throughout the conference, the District will roll-out the red carpet for attendees gathering from nearly all 50 states and more than 150 countries, while generating an estimated $29 million for the local economy during a traditionally slower period for the city. 

"I am pleased to welcome Microsoft partners from around the world to our great city," said DC Mayor Vincent C. Gray. "This global gathering is another great example of how hard the District government and its partners have worked to make DC a premier destination."

The Mayor and city leadership have been strong proponents of expanding WiFi coverage throughout the city and making it a more tech-friendly environment, an initiative that will be much appreciated by the well-connected conference attendees.

Held annually, the Worldwide Partner Conference (WPC) is a four-day event that celebrates the accomplishments of Microsoft's global partners and offers them the chance to network, drive business growth and identify new profitability opportunities.  In addition to learning from experts and their peers, partners will hear from Microsoft executives on vision and strategy and get an inside look at new products in the pipeline.

"We are thrilled to welcome Microsoft's Worldwide Partner Conference back to Washington, DC," said Elliott L. Ferguson, president and CEO of Destination DC. "Since hosting the conference in 2010, our city has seen significant revitalization with more than $8.5 billion in development in just about every sector, including hotels, restaurants, attractions, retail and transportation. We are pleased to welcome visitors from around the world to experience our city during this important conference."

Microsoft attendees will attend various networking events and receptions across the city as well as business sessions at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.  Their presence will have an impact on every part of the hospitality sector throughout the city, from restaurants and attractions to retail and transportation.

"Events DC is honored to welcome Microsoft's Worldwide Partner Conference back to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center," said Gregory A. O'Dell president and CEO of Events DC.  "Our team has worked diligently with city officials and community partners across the District to ensure that Microsoft's return visit is even more unforgettable than their last one in 2010 – with superior customer service to be delivered across the city, new and innovative digital engagement within the Convention Center and a one-of-a kind block party celebration extending into the downtown neighborhood."

Notable initiatives and activities across the District will start with something new: remote conference registration offered at Reagan National Airport to add an extra layer of convenience for conference attendees. On Monday and Wednesday, there will be vision keynote sessions at the Verizon Center featuring new CEO Satya Nadella, who will address Microsoft employees and partners for the first time since assuming the role in February. The conference will culminate with a two-day outdoor celebration at the Carnegie Library at Mt. Vernon Square for all attendees.  The WPC partner celebration will include carnival-esque games and activities, an outdoor cooling station, food trucks and entertainment featuring of-the-moment pop group, Neon Trees. 

About Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference
Microsoft's Worldwide Partner Conference provides Microsoft's partner community with access to key marketing and business strategies, leadership, and information regarding specific customer solutions designed to help partners succeed in the marketplace. More information can be found at www.digitalwpc.com and on the Partner Network home page at http://microsoftpartnernetwork.com.

About Destination DC
Destination DC, the lead destination marketing organization for the nation's capital, is a private, non-profit membership organization of more than 850 businesses committed to marketing the District as a premier global convention, tourism and special events destination with a special emphasis on the arts, cultural and historic communities. Visit www.Washington.org for more information. 

About Events DC
Events DC, the official convention and sports authority for the District of Columbia, deliver premier event services and flexible venues across the nation's capital. Leveraging the power of a world-class destination and creating amazing attendee experiences, Events DC generates economic and community benefits through the attraction and promotion of business, athletic, entertainment and cultural activities. Events DC oversees the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, an anchor of the District's hospitality and tourism economy that generates over $400 million annually in total economic impact, and the historic Carnegie Library at Mt. Vernon Square. Events DC manages the Stadium-Armory campus, which includes Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium and surrounding Festival Grounds, the non-military functions of the DC Armory and Maloof Skate Park at RFK Stadium. Events DC also built and now serves as landlord for Nationals Park, the first LEED-certified major professional sports stadium in the United States. For more information, please visit EventsDC.com.

SOURCE Destination DC