A New Venue & Date Announced for 2014 RAMMY Awards

Washington, DC [December 19, 2013]—Today, Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) announced it has selected the Walter E. Washington Convention Center to host the 2014 RAMMY Awards Gala on Sunday, June 22.  The new venue reflects the continued growth of the annual event celebrating the best in the area’s outstanding foodservice industry.  The Convention Center is large enough to accommodate the bigger than ever audience of talented professionals, sponsors and guests, and it also provides organizers a dynamic new event flow and countless fresh opportunities for event sponsor exposure.

“The Convention Center is the perfect venue for the 2014 RAMMYS, which promises to be the biggest and best yet,” said RAMW President & CEO Kathy E. Hollinger.  “The move represents the strength of our local industry as an economic driver – one that, like the Convention Center itself, has become central to our city’s visibility and vitality.  We look forward to welcoming our friends to a new space in celebration of the food and beverage professionals working in DC, Maryland and Virginia.”

Gregory A. O’Dell, President and CEO of Events DC, the city’s official convention and sports authority, continued, “Our restaurant scene is one of the hottest in the nation, so it’s an honor for Events DC to host the industry’s signature annual event at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.  RAMW and their members are a vital part of our local hospitality community and we are excited to partner with them to create an unforgettable event celebrating their contribution to the regional economy.”

Earlier this year, Events DC and RAMW announced a strategic partnership to highlight the local restaurant industry. Through the agreement, the organizations work together to promote conventions, meetings and special events to restaurant guests, while also encouraging out-of-town attendees to enjoy the city’s diverse food and beverage establishments.

The RAMMY Awards Gala is a signature annual fundraiser for Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington that recognizes the best and brightest in the region’s burgeoning restaurant industry. In 2014, Events DC will proudly serve as the official “Event Sponsor.” Guests can expect a lively awards ceremony preceding a bountiful dinner reception presented by key foodservice sponsors and prepared by Centerplate/NBSE, Events DC’s exclusive catering partner, at the Convention Center.

Sponsors are an integral part of the annual event. With Events DC, the first sponsors announced for the 2014 event include Acme Paper and Supply Co, Adams-Burch, Amaryllis Inc. Floral and Event Design, American Express, American Summits, Belair Produce/Watermark Foods, DC Modern Luxury, DC Sustainable Energy Utility, Design Army, Guest Services, Linda Roth Associates, Meat and Livestock Australia, RJ Whyte Event Production, Saul Ewing LLP, Theatre Washington, and Washington City Paper as the official media sponsor.

For more information about The RAMMYS, sponsorship opportunities, or previous winners, please contact RAMW therammys@ramw.org at 202-331-5990.

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The RAMMYS

Presented by the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW), The RAMMY Awards Gala honors the exceptional ability and accomplishments of the hard-working individuals and organizations of the region’s restaurants and foodservice community. Named the #1 Food & Restaurant event by BIZBASH Magazine in 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013, The RAMMYS celebrate one of Metropolitan Washington’s greatest assets: Its restaurants.

Events DC

Events DC, the official convention and sports authority for the District of Columbia, delivers 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 www.eventsdc.com.

Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW)

The Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) is the regional trade association representing restaurants and the foodservice industry in the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area. Established in 1920, RAMW is an advocate, resource and community for its members. The Association works to promote and sustain the growth and development of the industry while providing its members legislative and regulatory representation, marketing and small business support, programming and events. RAMW strives to serve its members with professionalism and integrity, and provide them the training, education and support they need to grow a successful business.