Hot Off the Presses
The Wedding International Professionals Association (WIPA) and The International School of Hospitality (TISOH) announces the launch of the Certified Wedding Industry Professional certification (CWIP). This special partnership involves WIPA as the issuer of the certification, with development and learner training done by TISOH, and administration handled by Certplace. The Certified Wedding Industry Professional (CWIP) credential establishes a baseline of knowledge within the community elevating the professionalism of the entire industry. The cornerstone of the CWIP is a first-of-its-kind competency study for the wedding industry developed with research funding from the Timothy S.Y. Lam Foundation and conducted by Donnell G. Bayot Ph.D. CHE CPCE CFBE. WIPA commissioned this study towards the creation of a wedding professional certification. The study uncovered four domain bases for wedding professional competencies, namely planning, business, elements, and client management. Within the four domains are 27 sub-competencies that comprise required skills for wedding professionals.
Destination DC (DDC), the official destination marketing organization for Washington, DC, is proud to continue its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion by supporting small minority-owned local businesses and working to further expose students of color to hospitality careers. The inaugural DEI Business Fellowship program supports local businesses owned by people of color, LGBTQ+, women and disabled persons. Fellows receive a free, one-year membership to DDC, which provides access to marketing support and networking opportunities. The class of 2022 DEI fellows include: Barkado Wine Bar, BlueBoy Document Imaging, Corpora Studios, DC Sake, Fava Pot, Focus and Fabulous Events LLC, Holistically Original LLC, LayElleCee and Company LLC, Little Food Studio, Loop Now LLC, Red Bear Brewing, The Sales Liaison, Uncle Chip’s Cookies and Zurianas Elegant Occasion LLC. Applications for the DEI Fellowship 2023 cohort will be available in the fall.
Venue News
Hilton Short Hills, a AAA Four Diamond-rated hotel property, announced it will reopen on March 1, 2022, welcoming guests back for the first time since closing its doors at the height of the pandemic. Located across from The Mall at Short Hills, the 314-room hotel, which is owned by Park Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: PK), offers a welcomed respite in Northern New Jersey, 25 miles from New York City. Depending on the time of year, guests can relax by the indoor or outdoor pool, or partake in a game of tennis at the hotel’s two tennis courts. Offering more than 21,000 square feet of meeting space, including a 300-seat grand ballroom, Hilton Short Hills has hosted more than 4,000 weddings and wedding parties throughout the years. Later this spring, the property will reopen The Retreat Bar & Rooftop, where guests can sit fireside and enjoy cocktails and light fare. To provide Hilton Short Hills guests with added peace of mind, newly- elevated cleaning and disinfection processes and Team Member training have been developed with Reckitt, maker of Lysol and Dettol, for a cleaner and safer stay from check-in to check-out.
The Stanford Court Hotel is pleased to announce it will reopen to guests and the public today after being closed for nearly two years. Located atop the prized Nob Hill in San Francisco, the hotel offers spectacular views and is conveniently situated just blocks from Union Square. Boasting 2,100-square-feet of flexible gathering space with natural light, including communal workspaces, Stanford Court can accommodate up to 100 guests for gatherings any time of day. The hotel offers plug and play audiovisual technology, a la carte style menus curated by a seasoned culinary team, and preferred rates for guests staying at the hotel.
The new beautifully designed, European-inspired AC Hotel Washington DC Capitol Hill Navy Yard is now open and welcoming guests. Eleven stories of 225 guest rooms are capped with the city’s most exciting new rooftop restaurant and bar - Smoke & Mirrors. Guests can expect timeless amenities set amongst spacious King and Double Queen configurations, many with private balconies and cityscape views. Over 3,000 square feet of meeting space is welcoming groups and special events beginning this month with ample space for coworking, intimate weddings and professional gatherings. A 24-hour, 10,000 square foot fitness center is appointed with tech-forward equipment and modern touches. And those familiar with the AC experience will adore the updated lobby level AC Lounge with breakfast and all day dining options, retractable windows and indoor/outdoor dining spaces.
People on the Move
Destination DC (DDC) welcomes apprentices Jamar Root and Zoe Roberts as part of an apprenticeship program through Tourism Diversity Matters, an organization focused on creating diversity, equity and inclusion opportunities at all levels of the tourism and hospitality workforce. The program engages underrepresented and ethnically diverse college students by providing hands-on experience in tourism and hospitality. DDC’s Ferguson serves as board chair of the nonprofit.
