The DC-based event planning company is one of 45 businesses chosen as part of Destination DC’s initiative to grow tourism by supporting minority-owned businesses.
Andrew Roby Events, a black-owned event planning company based in Washington, DC, is one of just 45 local businesses selected for Destination DC’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Fellowship Program. The program supports businesses in the tourism and hospitality spaces that are owned by people of color, LGBTQ+, women, veterans, and disabled persons.
Destination DC (DDC) is known as the official destination marketing organization for the nation’s capital. Their DEI fellowship boosts minority-owned businesses by giving them greater access to marketing resources, including DDC’s own marketing channels.
According to DDC president and CEO, Elliott L. Ferguson, II, “We are dedicated to fostering economic development through tourism, engaging with the local community, and fostering the revitalization of a sustainable tourism and hospitality industry in Washington, DC, with a focus on equity and inclusivity.”
The fellowship allows DDC to heighten awareness among visitors and meeting planners about DC’s small businesses while preserving the local culture.
“There are some truly exceptional minority-owned tourism and hospitality businesses right in DC’s backyard that are too often overlooked,” said Roby. “As a black-owned event planning company in DC, we have found that it can be hard to break onto the A-list. This fellowship gives us a fair shake at showing potential clients what we have to offer.”
Roby said he is proud to be associated with a fellowship that champions an issue near to his heart. While heading up his own events company with hubs in DC, Los Angeles, and Dallas, Roby also serves as president and founder of the National Events Council, which advocates for greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in the events industry.
The 45 DDC fellows were selected from the following tourism-related industries:
- Transportation
- Convention service providers,
- Dining, food, and beverage
- Attractions
Roby said the fellowship will bring a new level of visibility to his luxury wedding, party, and corporate event planning services in DC. He will receive a free one-year membership to DDC as part of the fellowship. That membership will give him access to marketing support and networking and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Andrew Roby Events has been featured on WeddingChicks.com, The Knot, Modern Luxury, CNN, FOX, and CBS. The company won Wedding Wire’s Couple’s Choice Award and was chosen as one of Brides’ Best Wedding Planners in America and BizBash’s Top 500 Event Professionals in America. Roby was named to Eventex’s list of 100 most influential people in the events industry. To learn more about Roby’s selection to the DEI Business Fellowship Program or his event planning services in DC, visit AndrewRobyEvents.com.
About Andrew Roby Events
Andrew Roby Events is a one-stop-shop that offers a wide array of Event and Wedding planning services. Whether it’s a wedding, a government or corporate event, or any social event, they know what to do and how to make the event perfect and memorable.