On the outskirts of the Washington, D.C., suburbs, Visit Loudoun, the destination marketing company for Virginia’s Loudoun County, is putting a twist on a timeless marketing classic. As it turns out, Virginia is not just for lovers; it’s also for wine lovers.
By branding itself as “D.C.’s Wine Country,” Loudoun County—with 50 wineries throughout the region—has captured a distinct buzz at a time when meeting attendees expect unique, authentic experiences beyond the traditional ballroom setting. According to Cvent, 48% of event organizers say they are sourcing special event venues (non-hotels), and 35% note their decision to source special venues comes down to attendee experience.
Loudoun County’s association with vineyards and other spirit houses, combined with its mix of natural assets and big-city amenities, including Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) and technology centers, is contributing to the region’s appeal. “Our destination pairs rolling hills, scenic vineyard landscapes, spacious rural breweries, distilleries, and barns with the infrastructure and convenience today’s meetings demand,” says Ann Hayes, Visit Loudoun director of sales. “The result is a setting that delivers a true sense of place without sacrificing ease of travel, making it an appealing alternative to traditional urban and suburban venues.”…