Winternational made its highly anticipated return on December 5, 2024, bringing together global culture, trade, and diplomacy for a one-of-a-kind event in Washington, DC. Hosted at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center (RRB/ITC), this year marked the 11th Annual Embassy Showcase, presented by the World Trade Center Washington, DC (WTCDC).
A true celebration of international connection, it offers a rare opportunity to explore the world in a single day. “Winternational is a vibrant celebration of culture, diplomacy, and connection,” said Allyson Browne McKithen, Executive Director of World Trade Center Washington, DC, Vice President of International Programs for TCMA, and the event’s founder. “With over 8,000 attendees and 68 embassies and cultural organizations represented, this year’s event showcased the power of global collaboration and the impact of cultural exchange to bring people together. Only possible in Washington, it provides a unique opportunity to explore the rich traditions from around the world while fostering deeper understanding and relationships across nations. Winternational serves as a reminder that through shared experiences, we can build lasting bridges that connect us all.”
As a cornerstone event for international collaboration in the nation’s capital, Winternational provides a platform for fostering meaningful connections and celebrating cultural diversity. After a brief hiatus during the pandemic, its return marked an exciting resurgence of cross-cultural engagement, reaffirming its significance in uniting communities through art, cuisine, and commerce.
Event Highlights
As the exhibit halls opened, a private reception took place concurrently in RRB/ITC’s Upper Oculus, uniting ambassadors from participating countries, along with sponsors and partners. Next, the opening ceremony in the Atrium marked the official kickoff of Winternational’s return and embodied the spirit of global unity. Event organizers and over 20 ambassadors joined Kimberly A. Bassett, Secretary of State of the District of Columbia, as she proclaimed December 5, 2024, “Winternational Day” on behalf of Mayor Muriel Bowser.
The ceremony continued with insightful speeches from H. E. Mohamed Siad Doualeh, Ambassador of Djibouti to the United States, on behalf of the Council of Arab Ambassadors, and Jonathan Arons, External Communications and Community Relations Manager for Giant Foods. To conclude the ceremony, John P. Drew, President and CEO of TCMA, energized the crowd with a spirited “Roll Call of Nations,” announcing each participating embassy and inviting representatives and diasporic communities to cheer for their respective countries. The atmosphere was jovial, setting the tone for a day filled with cultural pride and global celebration.
Attendees explore the bustling exhibit hall.
Ambassadors, partners, and sponsors come together in RRBITC’s Oculus.
Ambassadors, partners, and sponsors come together in RRBITC’s Oculus.
Ambassadors, partners, and sponsors come together in RRBITC’s Oculus.
Ambassadors, partners, and sponsors come together in RRBITC’s Oculus.
Allyson Browne McKithen, Executive Director of World Trade Center Washington, kicks off the opening ceremony.
H.E. Mohamed Siad Doualeh, Ambassador of Djibouti to the United States, on behalf of the Council of Arab Ambassadors delivers remarks.
Jonathan Arons, External Communications and Community Relations Manager for Giant Food, speaks on the company’s dedication to community.
John P. Drew, President and CEO of TCMA, leads the “Roll Call of Nations.”
Attendees experienced an immersive journey through interactive embassy exhibits featuring stunning visual art, authentic cuisine, intricate handicrafts, and exciting tourism opportunities. From Bolivia’s dazzling carnival masks and costumes to the League of Arab States’ energetic performances showcasing regional heritage, each display offered a unique cultural perspective. Guests explored an array of handcrafted goods, including Honduras’ elegant jewelry, Rwanda’s colorful Agaseke baskets, Guatemala’s beaded accessories and textiles, Paraguay’s delicate Ñandutí lace art, Uzbekistan’s intricate Gulnor silk embroidery, and Mexico’s cherished Lele dolls.
Food enthusiasts delighted in the opportunity to sample and purchase a variety of international delicacies, such as Jamaica’s famous rum cakes and beef patties, Saudi Arabia’s exquisite truffles, Azerbaijan’s premium caviar, Costa Rica’s flavorful honey, and an assortment of global beverages, condiments, and spices featured at the Giant Food pop-up market.
This year’s participating embassies
This year’s event was the largest to date, with an impressive 68 embassies showcasing their unique heritage and traditions. Each participating nation brought a piece of its homeland to Winternational, creating an immersive experience for attendees. Among the embassies and organizations represented were:
Winternational has established itself as a vital platform for diplomacy and cultural exchange in Washington, D.C., bringing together embassies, businesses, and the public to celebrate the richness of global traditions. As John P. Drew, President and CEO of Trade Center Management Associates, noted, “Each year, Winternational continues to grow and thrive, welcoming more countries, exhibitors, and visitors. This annual showcase has become a cornerstone event for international diplomacy in Washington, providing a unique platform for cultural exchange, trade, and tourism promotion. This year, we're proud to have many sister world trade centers join us, further strengthening our network and mission of making the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center a destination for global commerce and cultural dialogue."
Sponsor and Partner Contributions
The success of Winternational was made possible through the generous support of its sponsors, including:
- Presenting Sponsors: World Trade Center Washington, DC, Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center and TCMA
- Platinum Sponsors: Giant Food and the League of Arab States
- Gold Sponsors: World Trade Centers Arkansas, Baltimore, Boston, Delaware, Denver, Dublin, Kansas City, Kentucky, Philadelphia, and Savannah
- Silver Sponsors: 80M Signs, Black Professionals in International Affairs and Ibero-American Cultural Association
- Media Sponsors: Tiempo Latino and The Washington Diplomat
Giant Pharmacy team members distribute tote bags and community resources.
Exhibitors greet guests at the League of Arab States Pavilion.
Staff from sister World Trade Centers host an informational table.
A staff member from a sister World Trade Center interacts with guests.
Winners of the World Trade Center Association raffle celebrate their prizes.
Over the years, Winternational has experienced remarkable growth; what started as a modest outdoor event with just four embassies in 2011 has evolved into a signature event for Washington’s diplomatic community. Its triumphant return underscores its enduring impact, reaffirming its role in uniting diverse cultures and promoting international collaboration.
Media Coverage
Want to learn more about Winternational? Check out news coverage and articles capturing the excitement and power of this annual event’s return.
Watch FOX 5's DMV Zone
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- The Washington Informer: Winternational Embassy Showcase Brings the World to D.C.
- Washington Diplomat: Winternational Unites Cultures for 11th Year, Welcomes New Countries
- Sri Lanka participates in Annual “Winternational” Embassy Showcase 2024, in Washington DC
- The Chinese Embassy in the U.S. Participated in the "Winternational" Event
- Saint Kitts and Nevis Shines at Resplendent 11th Winternational Embassy Showcase, Hosted by the Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center After Four-Year Hiatus
- Winternational 2024: Peruvian Diversity Shines at Cultural Fair In D.C.
- Pakistan Stall a Standout Attraction at the 11th Winternational Embassy Showcase
Interested in participating in the 12th Annual Winternational Embassy Showcase?
As plans and recruitment are underway, please reach out to the World Trade Center Washington DC (WTCDC) team at tradeinfo@rrbitc.com to express interest and receive more information.
