Destination DC Names William Adams as Dir. of Convention Sales

Destination DC (DDC), the official destination marketing organization for Washington, D.C., has appointed William Adams as director of convention sales. In his new position, Adams will attract convention business and develop sales policies and programs to bring meetings of all sizes to D.C. His work will drive local hotel room nights and economic impact from business events, which is a crucial element of pandemic recovery. He will also oversee DDC’s convention sales team and work alongside Melissa A. Riley, DDC’s vice president of convention sales and services.

Adams joins DDC with more than 20 years of experience in the attraction, tourism and hospitality industry and a successful career in convention sales. In his most recent role as national sales manager with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, Adams oversaw 800 active accounts and generated 16 percent growth while bringing in business with an economic impact of $473 million, which represented nearly one million hotel room nights. He also spearheaded LVCVA events, sales missions, site inspections and fly-ins that contributed to the overall environment for hotel partner success.

“I’m thrilled to join the Destination DC team,” said Adams in a press release. “Early in my career, as a member of the group sales team at the Newseum, working with DDC was a huge part of the strategy for attracting visitors. So to have the opportunity to represent my hometown of Washington, D.C. is a full circle moment in my professional career. I truly look forward to serving our hotel community and the many customers seeking the perfect home for their next meeting, conference or convention.”

Adams has had several other roles in the industry. He promoted Norfolk, VA as a national sales manager for Norfolk Convention & Visitor’s Bureau where he focused on associations. He has also led sales efforts for conventions, meetings and group accounts with the Syracuse Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Annapolis Convention and Visitors Bureau. Adams lives in Bowie, Maryland with his wife and three kids. He is a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and enjoys playing basketball and spending time outdoors. 

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