Biggest Partner Event of 2014 Expected to
Attract more than 15K Attendees from over 150 Countries
(Washington, DC) – 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.
