2014 Annual Review
nationalcherryblossomfestival.org
“ The 1912 gift from Japan is celebrated each year during the National Cherry Blossom Festival, an iconic spring event in Washington, DC.” — President Obama and Prime Minister Abe, in a U.S.- Japan joint statement on April 25, 2014
2
nationalcherryblossomfestival.org
2014 National Cherry Blossom Festival Steps into Spring The National Cherry Blossom Festival offered area residents, along with visitors from across the nation and around the world, fresh and innovative programming, inviting them to Step into Spring. For 25 days, from March 20 to April 13—four weekends and more than three weeks—the Festival drew people to participate in its inspiring and engaging events, highlighting all things active. Honoring the 1912 gift of cherry trees from Tokyo to Washington, DC, the nation’s greatest springtime celebration enticed local visitors and tourists to its predominantly free and open to the public events across the capital. Partners, supporters, and volunteers worked together to create a Festival that: • Welcomed over 1.5 million people to the nation’s capital, fueling the local economy • Presented creative and entertaining events, featuring notable personalities and world-class entertainment • Reached an audience of billions through local, national, and international media coverage and publicity efforts, generating viral buzz through compelling content • Presented exceptional arts exhibits, cross-cultural experiences, and exchanges with Japan • Created new active participation opportunities for a broad spectrum of visitors and residents • Engaged business, government, civic, and youth organizations to unite the community Always highly anticipated, the National Cherry Blossom Festival brought new ideas and activities to the winter-weary city and region, signifying the arrival of spring.
National NationalCherry Cherry Blossom Blossom Festival: Festival: Annual Annual Review
1
Stepping into Spring in DC
Exceptional Exposure and Economic Impact
Each year, the National Cherry Blossom Festival draws international attention to the DC area, bringing millions of tourism dollars to the local economy. Engaging the Public Online New contests and exciting content on social media increased exposure to attendees and fans. • 52,260 likes on Facebook, a 45% increase, reaching more than 12.1 million people • 7,830 Twitter followers, a 33% increase • Fans shared pictures of Capital Bikeshare’s #bikeinbloom, resulting in more than 1 million impressions
$15+ Million in Public Relations and Marketing Campaign Value* • Over 3,100 local and national television media mentions reached an estimated audience of more than 178 million, not including international audiences
Mobile App Navigates the Festival with Ease Thousands used the free Festival app, which included a re-designed interface and new selfguided walking tour, sponsored by Sucampo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The streamlined app helped attendees access event updates, plan a custom schedule, find nearby restaurants, and enjoy the Festival to the utmost.
• 704 Instagram followers, a 101% increase, with 5,000 interactions • Fans showed how they #StepIntoSpring for the chance to win tickets to National Cherry Blossom Festival night with the Washington Nationals, reaching more than 155,000
• Print circulation reached more than 37 million • Internet coverage yielded more than 2.9 billion unique pageviews *Source: Vocus, TV Eyes
“ I used to take #CherryBlossomDC for granted. Never again.” — Shomari Stone, a reporter for NBC Washington 2
nationalcherryblossomfestival.org
Festival Website Continues to Bloom From January 1 – April 13, the website received over 1.6 million visits from more than 1.1 million unique visitors.
Awards and Accolades Visitors from Around the World Over 1.5 million people enjoyed the National Cherry Blossom Festival. An estimated 55% of Festival attendees were from DC, Maryland and Virginia, 45% come from out of town.* *Source: Alexander Babbage
Record Metrorail Ridership Partners Bolster Marketing and Promotional Efforts Co-branding efforts brought the Festival to highimpact locations throughout the city, across the region and further afield. • Expanded and new local media partners reached diverse audiences, including readers of The Washington Informer, The Washington Blade and The Washington City Paper • In New York City, a 30-second video on the Toshiba screen in Times Square earned 1.5 million impressions daily for 30 days • In partnership with goDCgo, signage and information was displayed on the Circulator and bus shelters • New signage appeared on the plaza at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center for five weeks • Branding was exhibited at Ronald Reagan National Airport and Dulles International Airport • 90 area Safeway stores featured Festival information and brochures • 164 Capital One Bank®branches promoted the Festival
On Saturday, April 12, Metrorail ridership was 638,474, making it the busiest Saturday since October 30, 2010, and nearly doubling the numbers for an average Saturday. On the last day of the Festival, Sunday, April 13, ridership was 405,154 trips – 83% higher than an average Sunday – making it the busiest Sunday on Metrorail since July 4, 2010.
Capital Bikeshare Breaks Records On Saturday, April 12, Capital Bikeshare had a record 15,746 daily trips, topping the previous daily record by more than 4,000 trips. On weekends during the Festival, more than 70,000 trips were taken, a 10% increase over the highest year to date.
PINNACLE AWARDS Each year, the International Festival & Events Association (IFEA) recognizes outstanding accomplishments by festivals and events around the world through its prestigious Pinnacle Awards Competition. The National Cherry Blossom Festival is thrilled to have won Bronze in the Grand Pinnacle category, IFEA’s highest award. The Festival also won: GOLD Best Children’s Programming: Family Days presented with the National Building Museum and sponsored by Safeway Best Event Website: nationalcherryblossomfestival.org SILVER Best Mobile App Best Media Relations Campaign Best Miscellaneous Printed Item: 2013 Annual Review BRONZE Best Single Magazine Display Ad: Pink Tie Party, seen in Capitol File magazine Best Commemorative Poster
“ Guest Services saw an impressive level of sales, second only to 2013, when the Welcome Area was open an additional week.” — Gerry Gabrys, Chief Executive Officer, Guest Services, Inc. (official concessionaire for the National Park Service)
Honors also Include: Top 100 Event in the United States by BizBash op 100 Event in North America for 2014 T by the American Bus Association pecial Citation for Community Engagement with S Lighting from Architectural Lighting magazine for the 2013 Lantern Field installation (in partnership with the Freer Gallery of Art and Virginia Tech) National Cherry Blossom Festival: Annual Review
3
City in Bloom The City in Bloom campaign, presented by Capital One BankŽ, gave participants ways to Step into Spring with pink lighting and blossom projections, decals, and more. Over 1,000 entities took part in the program, including two area airports, the D.C. Taxicab Commission, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, and goDCgo. The trail of blossom decals went from hotel, restaurant and shop windows, to taxis and Metro stations, to Capital Bikeshare’s fleet of 2,000+ bikes around the city. Among lighting displays, the Government of the District of Columbia lit the historic John A. Wilson Building. The NEWSEUM, the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, and the brand new CityCenterDC lit and projected blossoms. City in Bloom went global when the iconic Tokyo Tower was lit up in pink on April 5 and April 12, to coincide with the peak bloom of the cherry trees in Tokyo and Washington, DC. The popular jazz venue Blue Note Tokyo in Japan also joined. This simultaneous springtime celebration between countries made City in Bloom truly extraordinary.
4
nationalcherryblossomfestival.org
Stepping into the Springtime Spirit
Uniting the DC Region and Beyond
Tidal Basin Welcome Area and Performance Stage The National Park Service, National Cherry Blossom Festival, and Deals for Petal Pass Holders Guest Services, Inc., Local attractions, restaurants, retail stores, welcomed over one fitness centers, museums, and more offered million people to the deals and discounts to Petal Pass holders Tidal Basin Welcome as part of this second annual program. 164 Area. National Park ® Capital One Bank branches offered the free Service rangers offered Pass that featured springtime savings from a multitude of jogging, 56 participants at more than 845 locations. walking, and lanternlit tours, including a “Pups’n Petals” dog walk. Spring Menus Delighted Diners Merchandise, visitor services, and paddle boat Produced with Restaurant Association rides were also available. Each day, the National Metropolitan Washington, and now in its 12th Cherry Blossom Festival offered hours of eclectic year, Cherry Picks showcased DC’s vibrant dining free entertainment featuring talented artists and scene at 101 venues throughout the region. groups, as guests relaxed amidst the blossoms Chefs and mixologists created innovative entrées, and monuments. appetizers, desserts, cocktails, and even entire multi-course menus inspired by the blossoms.
Thousands Visited Festival Headquarters at Union Station Continuing a tradition, thousands stopped for official merchandise at the National Cherry Blossom Festival® Headquarters located inside Union Station’s West Hall. Evelia Sowash created this year’s official artwork, which appeared on the 2014 poster and Festival merchandise, and quickly became a best-selling design. Known for flora-inspired creations, Sowash was inspired by the blossoms, and calls them “nature’s confectionery delight for the eyes.”
National Cherry Blossom Festival: Annual Review
5
Opening Ceremony The Opening Ceremony celebrated the 102nd anniversary of the gift of trees with spirited performances by American and Japanese talent at the Warner Theatre. City officials, dignitaries, and Festival leaders joined renowned performers representing a variety of classic and contemporary backgrounds, including R&B singer and songwriter Judith Hill, tango singer Anna Saeki, Okinawan pop star Rimi Natsukawa, jazz musician Kaori Kobayashi with the Mao Sone Quartet, Juilliard School baritone Takaoki Onishi, and the Howard University Step Team.
6
nationalcherryblossomfestival.org
Stepping into the Spotlight
Signature Events and Favorite Traditions
The Festival presented exciting programming that entertained and educated with an active twist on classic events. The Festival also introduced new, innovative activities that engaged audiences in creative ways— encouraging them to participate on a more personal level. Step into Spring Fitness Programming sponsored by Sucampo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Hundreds of exercise enthusiasts participated in free group activities at both the Jefferson Memorial and the Washington Monument on two Festival Saturdays. Classes included cardio kickboxing, world beat dance, and Zumba. Approximately 2,000 yogis came together with lululemon athletica on the Washington Monument grounds to participate in one of the largest community yoga classes in DC.
Pink Tie Party Guests Celebrated the Blossoms in Style The 8th annual stylish Festival fundraiser welcomed more than 800 party revelers who donned “Pink Tie” attire for this year’s focus on fashion, with displays from The Collection at Chevy Chase, Macy’s, Brooks Brothers, and Capitol File magazine. Guests played games of chance including a ring toss and balloon darts, and also bid in a high-end silent auction. Delicious cuisine and libations, surprise entertainment, and music had people celebrating the season of blossoms well into the evening. The Pink Tie Party was held at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center for the first time, and the successful fundraiser will be held there again in 2015. The event is supported by Trade Center Management Associates (TCMA), the exclusive real estate and hospitality service provider for the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center.
National Cherry Blossom Festival: Annual Review
7
Family Days Families enjoyed a weekend-long event with fun for all ages, presented with the National Building Museum and sponsored by Safeway. Over 10,500 attendees participated in hands-on activities inspired by spring, Japanese arts, design, and architecture. Visitors enjoyed a friendly dance competition and built a balloon garden. National Building Museum volunteers led children in constructing cha-shitsu teahouses and Japanese gardens. Safeway returned to sponsor a bustling craft zone where attendees made cherry trees out of popcorn. The performance stage turned the spotlight on lively youth acts, including the Nen Daiko drummers, Shizumi Kodomo Dance troupe, Blues Alley Youth Orchestra, the Howard University Step Team, the Georgetown University Tappin’ Jacks, and more.
8
nationalcherryblossomfestival.org
Severe Weather: Blossom Kite Festival Called Off Plans to Soar Into Spring were put on hold as a weekend of unrelenting rain forced the cancellation of the ever-popular Blossom Kite Festival, an extremely rare occurance.
Grand Sake Tasting For one night only at the historic Carnegie Library, master brewers from Japan offered attendees the rare opportunity to taste a variety of world-famous sake, shochu, and beer. Guests mingled with celebrity chef Candice Kumai, ate Japanese food, watched traditional performances, and bid on favorite bottles of sake to take home.
Cherry Blast: Art + Music Dance Party Blind Whino, a dedicated art space in Southwest DC that is housed in a former church and is itself a piece of art with elaborate outdoor murals, was the perfect venue for this multi-media, multi-sensory extravaganza. More than 1,100 partiers enjoyed visual programming provided by Art Whino, including a curated blossom exhibit featuring hundreds of themed visual pieces, performance art, live bands, and DJs. National Cherry Blossom Festival: Annual Review
9
Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival The National Cherry Blossom Festival and Southwest Waterfront community welcomed more than 55,000 visitors for a day of music, family-centric activities for all ages, cultural experiences, live entertainment, and delicious food. Attendees enjoyed three stages with eclectic music, hands-on activities for children, the Very Cherry Marketplace with fine arts and crafts, a beer garden, food trucks, the Cherry Blossom Beach with games and activities, and more. Lighted boat displays and floating lanterns led up to the spectacular Fireworks Show to end the day. The Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival was supported by The Wharf: HoffmanMadison Waterfront, with community leadership from the Washington Waterfront Association. 10
nationalcherryblossomfestival.org
National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade® Presented by Events DC Continuing a tradition of more than 60 years, on Saturday, April 12, the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade® presented by Events DC stepped down Constitution Avenue with vibrant fanfare – including floats, marching bands from across the country, giant helium balloons, blossominspired décor, and colorful costumes. Approximately 150,000 people enjoyed outstanding celebrity entertainment including American Idol winner Candice Glover, Grammy winning artists Sheena Easton and Regina Belle, pop star Aaron Carter, and many more. Norah O’Donnell, coanchor of CBS This Morning, joined WUSA 9 News anchors Andrea Roane and Mike Hydeck to host, and WASH-FM’s Loo Katz and Matt Bosso hosted the second performance area. The Parade is nationally syndicated to more than 76% of the U.S. with the support of Events DC. National Cherry Blossom Festival: Annual Review
11
New Traditions Begin at Tysons Corner Center In a spectacular display, Tysons Corner Center featured Voyo Woo’s paper-cutting exhibit, Blossoming Paper. Cut and folded paper cherry blossoms on trees made for a thrilling expression of a traditional Japanese art form, and set the atmosphere for the month-long celebration at a central hub.
12
nationalcherryblossomfestival.org
Stepping into Blossoms Creatively Arts and Culture Continue to Bring Diversity
Performances and events from outstanding Japanese and American artists celebrated Japanese cultural influences as the National Cherry Blossom Festival honored the friendship between the United States and Japan. AUN-J Classic Orchestra The AUN-J Classic Orchestra enlivened the Festival with multiple performances. The group of young musicians is known for their energetic, bold style on traditional, sustainable Japanese instruments. AUN-J played the official closing concert on the Tidal Basin Stage for thousands Sunday, April 13, coinciding with peak bloom of the cherry blossom trees. They also performed during the screening of the documentary Umi Yama Aida (In Between Mountains and Oceans) at the National Archives, and for students at Turner Elementary School.
Emerging Japanese Jazz Series Blues Alley Jazz Club in historic Georgetown presented a new series of jazz concerts, showcasing aspiring Japanese artists from America’s most prominent music conservatories. Concerts included Chihiro Yamanaka; New School Night, featuring Martha Kato; and Berklee College Night, featuring Mao Sone.
Contemporary Japanese Ceramics by Living National Treasures and Other Masters At the Japan Information and Culture Center, run by the Embassy of Japan, visitors enjoyed an exhibition of the finest contemporary Japanese ceramics, showcasing works and techniques spanning generations.
The Smithsonian’s Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
Sakura Matsuri – Japanese Street Festival Approximately 43,000 people flocked to Pennsylvania Avenue for The Japan-America Society of Washington DC’s 54th Sakura Matsuri. This family-friendly event is the largest Japanese cultural festival in the United States, and featured over 20 hours of live performances on three stages, arts and cultural activities, food, a marketplace, and much more. The new Culinary Arts Pavilion offered cooking demonstrations throughout the day, with a special demonstration from Chef Tatsuo Saito, celebrity host of Dining with the Chef on NHK World.
Chigusa and the Art of Tea explored objects used in tea gatherings, as well as diaries, calligraphy displays, and Japanese stoneware. Kiyochika: Master of the Night showcased a portion of the artist’s extensive print series. Thousands of visitors enjoyed a range of free public programs including a performance by the Tamagawa University Taiko Drumming & Dance Troupe.
National Cherry Blossom Festival: Annual Review
13
Sing into Spring Competition
Youth Art Contest & Community Art Show Coordinated in partnership with the DC Arts & Humanities Education Collaborative, the program accepted entries from 36 DC public and charter schools spanning grades K-12. Through their entries, students depicted how they “Step into Spring” with the National Cherry Blossom Festival. The public selected the overall winner from the finalists within each grade category by voting at the art show held at PEPCO Edison Place, or by “liking” an image in the Facebook gallery. 14
nationalcherryblossomfestival.org
In the first annual Sing into Spring competition, the Festival engaged hundreds of local singers who competed for the chance to perform in the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade® presented by Events DC. The top performers were chosen to audition at an event hosted by American Idol’s Justin Guarini. Five solo and group vocalists were selected: The GW Vibes and Reverb, two a cappella groups from Washington, DC; Ashley from Mount Rainier, Maryland; Alan Gendreau from Washington, DC; and eight-yearold Kelvin Dukes from Burtonsville, Maryland. The judges included Joe Coleman, former lead vocalist of The Platters; Louise Robinson of Sweet Honey and the Rock; and Darik Kristofer, host for 94.7 Fresh FM.
Stepping into the Community ENGAGING THE COMMUNITY
Expanding Reach and Ensuring the Future
Blossoms and Baseball
Furthering the Gift of Trees
A springtime tradition, Blossoms and Baseball celebrated National Cherry Blossom Festival night at Nationals Park. People wore pink to the park to cheer on the Washington Nationals and participated in pregame activities. A portion of the proceeds from tickets purchased at nationals.com/blossomsandbaseball benefit the Festival throughout the season.
Continuing the circle of giving, the Festival and Casey Trees planted cherry trees throughout Washington, DC. Tree plantings spread the gift of trees beyond the Tidal Basin, creating neighborhood traditions for years to come. Plantings occurred at Turner Elementary School, Canal Park, Kingman Island in the Anacostia River, and will continue into the fall. A portion of the trees planted were donated by Macy’s.
Blossom Kids The new Blossom Kids page introduced in 2014 offered three different sections – Play, Create, and Explore – for children to learn about the Festival all year long with fun, interactive activities.
Increasing Accessibility Through a new partnership with the Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind, the National Cherry Blossom Festival offered expanded services to people who are blind, visually impaired, and DeafBlind. Volunteers accompanied those in need to the Tidal Basin, and customizable maps gave walking directions.
Goodwill Ambassadors Goodwill Ambassadors are talented, energetic young adults who have a true passion for international relations, community involvement, and the Festival. They acted as cultural liaisons, led educational presentations at DC schools, and interacted with attendees. In June, the National Cherry Blossom Festival Goodwill Ambassadors are invited to Japan as part of the “KAKEHASHI Project – The Bridge for Tomorrow,” to further US-Japan relations and promote cross-cultural exchange.
Evening at the Ambassador’s Residence Business leaders and notable Washingtonians came together for a dinner at the residence of the Ambassador of Japan to raise support and awareness of the Festival. The dinner, hosted by Ambassador and Mrs. Sasae and chaired by General Richard Myers, USAF (Ret.) and Mrs. Mary Jo Myers, highlighted the importance of the Festival’s mission to promote and preserve the legacy of the gift of trees and the close relationship between the U.S. and Japan.
Gift of Trees Patch Program Over 600 patches were earned upon completion of the program with the Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital. The Festival also participated in the Girl Scout’s DC Step Showcase.
National Cherry Blossom Festival: Annual Review
15
2014 National Cherry Blossom Festival Events & Programs Blossom Kite Festival Cherry Blast: Art + Music Dance Party Cherry Picks Restaurant Program in partnership with Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington City in Bloom presented by Capital One Bank®
Goodwill Ambassadors Program Grand Sake Tasting National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade® presented by Events DC Neighborhood Tree Planting Program
Family Days presented with the National Building Museum, sponsored by Safeway
Opening Ceremony
Official Participating Organizations
Environmental Film Festival in the Nation’s Capital
AUN-J Classic Orchestra Arise Bazaar The Art and Drama Therapy Institute, Inc. (ADTI)
Events DC Fairfax County Park Authority Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
Petal Pass Program presented by Capital One Bank®
Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival
Pink Tie Party
Tidal Basin Performance Stage
Postcards to the Troops
Youth Ambassador Program
Sing into Spring Competition
Youth Art Contest and Community Art Show presented with the DC Arts & Humanities Education Collaborative
Step into Spring Fitness Programming sponsored by Sucampo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Sakura Matsuri – Japanese Street Festival produced by The JapanAmerica Society of Washington DC National Conference of State Societies
Tour Providers
National Japanese American Memorial Foundation
Big Bus Tours
National Museum of Women in the Arts
Capital Yacht Charters
The Phillips Collection
Guest Services, Inc.
S&R Foundation
The Japan-America Society of Washington DC
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Capitol Riverfront BID
Japan Information and Culture Center/ Embassy of Japan
U.S. National Arboretum
Cherry Blossom, Inc.
Joy of Motion Dance Center
Colvin Run Mills Historic Site
United States Navy Memorial Foundation
Library of Congress
Corcoran Gallery of Art
Visit Fairfax
lululemon athletica
DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities
Washington Nationals
Macy’s
Washington Rugby Football Club
Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic
Washington Waterfront Association
Blind Whino: SW Arts Club Blues Alley Jazz Society Cantate Chamber Singers
District Sports 16
Gift of Trees Patch Program in partnership with the Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital
nationalcherryblossomfestival.org
National Building Museum
Tysons Corner Center
Bike and Roll Washington DC DC Cruises DC Metro Food Tours Entertainment Cruises National Pedicabs Washington Photo Safari
Hotel Partners Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants Mandarin Oriental, Washington D.C.
Sponsors
Sakura Circle
Leadership Circle
agencyQ
Events DC
Allison+Partners
Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Microsoft
ANA–All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd.
Host Sponsors
Arena Stage
Capital One Bank
AT&T
Safeway Inc.
Beringer Vineyards
Sucampo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Brooks Brothers
Big Bus Tours
Centerplate/NBSE
DowntownDC Business Improvement District
The Collection at Chevy Chase
®
Mitsubishi International Corporation The National Press Club
Media Partners WUSA 9 ABC7/WJLA-TV Comcast WHERE Magazine
NEWSEUM
Washington City Paper
Odyssey Cruises
Washingtonian Media
Pentagon Federal Credit Union
Capitol File Magazine
Pepsi-Cola
On Tap Magazine
Premier Plantscapes
Washington Blade
Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd.
Procter & Gamble premium brands: Tide, Bounty, Charmin, Pantene, Pampers, and Crest
Donate Life – Be a Donor
S&R Foundation
The Washington Post
Dunkin’ Donuts
Spirit Cruises
WASH-FM
Eastern National
98.7 WMZQ
EventEQ
SUBWAY® Restaurants of the greater Washington DC area
Festival Associates
Georgetown Cupcake
Toshiba
HOT 99.5
Destination DC
Geppetto Catering, Inc.
TOYOTA
94.7 Fresh FM
Guest Services, Inc.
Turkish Airlines
El Zol 107.9
Hair Cuttery
Tysons Corner Center
WPGC 95.5
Uber
Social Sightings
Union Station
CultureCapital.com
Trade Center Management Associates (TCMA)
CSI Printing & Graphics
Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center National Building Museum
The Japan-America Society of Washington DC The Jorgensen Law Firm, PLLC
Linder & Associates
The Japan-America Society of Washington DC
Sage Communications
JCAW Foundation, Inc.
Warner Theatre
Johnson’s Florist and Garden Centers
Washington Nationals
Kawasaki Heavy Industries Kirin Brewery
The Wharf: Hoffman-Madison Waterfront
Macy’s
WUSA 9
The Washington Informer Washington Parent
BIG 100.3
Mandarin Oriental, Washington D.C. Mary Chocolate Co. Ltd. National Cherry Blossom Festival: Annual Review
17
Supporters and Donors
Gifford’s Famous Ice Cream
Mitsui Fudosan America
Special thanks to the
Alex and Ani
The Graham Georgetown
Pepco
Amtrak
Hard Rock Cafe
National Park Service,
Anonymous Donor
Hitachi, Ltd.
Restaurant Associates and Wolfgang Puck Catering
Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ
The Hotel Association of Washington, D.C.
Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington
Government of the
ITOCHU International Inc.
RideScout
District of Columbia.
The Japan Foundation, New York
The Sally Foss and James Scott Hill Foundation
BGR Group Blackstone Cantina Marina Carmine’s
The J.C.C. Fund of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of New York, Inc.
Casey Trees
JCDecaux North America
Sumitomo Corporation of America
Cherry Blossom, Inc.
The J. Williard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation
Tokyo Tower
Chevron Chrysler
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants
University of the District of Columbia
The Coca-Cola Company
KIND Healthy Snacks
U.S. Travel Association
Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind
KPMG, LLP
Visit Fairfax
Edelman
Lisa Barry
Enterprise Car Share
Lockheed Martin
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
ExxonMobil
Medieval Times
Washington Waterfront Association
FedEx Office
Melrose Georgetown Hotel
The Honorable William Webster
Capitol Riverfront BID
18
nationalcherryblossomfestival.org
STK Stonehall Farm
Tysons Galleria
Embassy of Japan, and
Board of Directors Chair Kristin M. Rohr Director, Marketing and Communications Guest Services, Inc. Vice Chair Sue Porter Director of Visitor Services Visit Fairfax Secretary Barbara Ehrlich Treasurer Christy L. Toole Senior Manager, Audit KPMG, LLP
Solomon Keene, Jr. President, Hotel Association of Washington, D.C. Dr. Sachiko Kuno President, S&R Foundation Karyn G. Le Blanc Director of Communications DowntownDC Business Improvement District Mary O’Connor LoJacono Senior Vice President & Senior Partner FleishmanHillard Inc.
Tsunehiko Yanagihara Senior Vice President & General Manager, Washington Office, Mitsubishi International Corporation David Yao Senior Vice President & General Manager, Council for International Cooperation Deborah Ziska Chief of Press & Public Information, National Gallery of Art Press Office Emerita: Ellie Harvey
Laurel Lukaszewski Artist Ambassador John Malott President & CEO, The Japan-America Society of Washington DC
National Park Service Liaison to the Board Jenn Kays Welcome Incoming 2014-2015 Members
Susan E.S. Norton CEO, Wildscreen USA
Lisa Abrams Director of Government Affairs, The Hotel Association of Washington, D.C.
Theresa Belpulsi Vice President, Tourism & Visitor Services Destination DC
Gregory O’Dell President & CEO, Events DC
Jeffery Bank CEO, The Alicart Restaurant Group
Cynthia Brock-Smith Secretary of the District of Columbia
Elizabeth Scott Eats Good Media
Katy Cannon Principle, The Cannon Group LLC
Pam Galloway-Tabb Senior Vice President, Conferences & Special Services, Newseum
Dan Sherman President & CEO, HIP Network | Sherman Hospitality
Marc Hitzig Executive Director, The Japan-America Society of Washington DC
Tony Gittens Executive Director, Filmfest DC
Michael Stevens, AICP Executive Director, Capitol Riverfront BID
Chris McGee Partner, Mercer
Kathy Hollinger President, the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington
Katie Stratton Senior Consultant, Philanthropy Leadership Council, The Advisory Board Company
Members
National Cherry Blossom Festival: Annual Review
19
Festival Staff
Congressional Committee
Representative Carolyn McCarthy
Representative Ron Barber
Representative Mark M. Meadows
Representative Joe L. Barton
Representative Grace Meng
Representative Joyce Beatty
Representative Candice S. Miller
Representative Robert A. Brady
Representative Jim P. Moran Jr.
Senator Richard M. Burr
Senator Lisa Murkowski
Senator Robert P. Casey Jr.
Senator Bill Nelson
Representative David N. Cicilline Representative William L. Clay Jr.
Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton
Representative Howard Coble
Representative Tom E. Petri
Representative Paul J. Cook
Representative Chellie M. Pingree
Consultants
Senator Bob P. Corker
Senator Mark L. Pryor
Alissa Maru Program Manager
Abbe Kaufmann Associates
Representative John K. Delaney
Representative Nick J. Rahall II
agencyQ
Representative Lloyd A. Doggett II
Majority Leader Harry Reid
Roz Moore Sponsorship Manager
Allison + Partners
Representative Donna F. Edwards
Senator John D. Rockefeller IV
Elissa Staley Program Manager
CrowdTorch
Senator Michael B. Enzi
Representative Bobby L. Rush
Behind the Scenes Events, LLC
Senator Charles E. Schumer
Ramona Carver
Representative Eni F.H. Faleomavaega
Jeff Dacy
Representative Sam Farr
Representative John M. Shimkus
Carol Herwig
Representative Mike G. Fitzpatrick
Representative Albio Sires
JM Best Entertainment, Inc.
Senator Chuck E. Grassley
Representative Paul D. Tonko
Joseph Cooper Senior, George Washington University
Ruby Dichirico King
Representative Ralph M. Hall
Senator Patrick J. Toomey
Linder & Associates
Senator Tim P. Johnson
Representative Rob J. Wittman
Geirrlon Dunn Senior, George Washington University
Sue Murphy
Senator Mary L. Landrieu
Representative Frank R. Wolf
Personalized Classics
Representative Cynthia M. Lummis
Representative Todd C. Young
Diana Mayhew President
Farrah Hasnain Senior, George Washington University
Kimberly Boyd-Lewis Director of Operations
Shun Ishihata Senior, American University
Lillian Iversen Director of Programming
Elena Mattione Master’s Student, American University
Nicole Breslin-Romano Acting Business Manager Danielle Davis Communications Manager Emily Garber Sponsorship & Marketing Coordinator
Remi Wallace Program Coordinator, External Relations
Goodwill Ambassadors
Chanel Grice Freshman, George Mason University
20
nationalcherryblossomfestival.org
Sarah Santana Sophomore, Georgetown University Marissa Kiyomi Young Sophomore, George Washington University
Representative Allyson Y. Schwartz
Sage Communications Under The Sun Productions The Webster Group
Annual Review Contributing Photographers: Rassi Borneo; Capital Bikeshare; Nick Eckert; Embassy of Japan; Ron Engle; Pepe Gomez; Liz Gorman; Farrah Hasnain; Steve Piacente; Margot Smirniotopoulos; Daniel Swartz
LOOKING FORWARD
Nurturing a Legacy and Lasting Impact The National Cherry Blossom Festival is dedicated to engaging the community in fresh and innovative ways each year. By providing entertaining events and unique cultural experiences, it creates a lasting and positive impact on the Washington, DC community and nation. In 2015, an emphasis centered on our green world will emerge, as the Festival focuses on parks, gardens, and green spaces from March 20 through April 12. We will continue to invite guests to Step into Spring, making Washington, DC a leading global travel destination, welcoming millions to enjoy the nation’s greatest springtime celebration for years to come.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting the beauty of nature and international friendship through year-round programs, events, and educational initiatives that enhance our environment, showcase arts and culture, and build community spirit. National Cherry Blossom Festival: Annual Review
3
National Cherry Blossom Festival 1250 H Street, NW, Suite 1000 Washington, DC 20005 202.661.7585 nationalcherryblossomfestival.org