July 16, 2024
Washington, D.C. – (July 17th, 2024) – Capitol Interactive, in partnership with Events DC, today announced the successful launch of Destination Pass, an augmented reality (AR) technology platform created by and for the Washington, D.C., tourism and events communities. Destination Pass capitalizes on the top travel tech trends: mobile innovation; the use of technology as a competitive advantage; smart design; and data-driven curation.
Destination Pass enhanced Events DC’s Passport DC, an around the world embassy tour and month-long celebration of the District’s diplomatic community and diverse cultures, Use of the “Passport DC app” allowed attendees to use AR to explore and interact with embassy open houses, programs by some of DC’s most well-known and respected cultural institutions, street festivals, performances, exhibitions, workshops, and more.
During Passport DC, the customized app was downloaded 20,000 times, during which participants earned points and passport stamps and took part in a rewards-based scavenger hunt throughout their journeys and experiences. Through the app, they interacted with unique AR camera effects at each embassy stop, enabling attendees to experience iconic locations from the respective country in the background behind them.
“Partnering with Events DC to create the Passport DC app was the perfect opportunity to marry the strength and creativity of our local tech community with the reach and impact of Events DC programming,” said Joseph Cathey, Chief Experience Designer at Capitol Interactive. “We wanted to enhance the cultural exploration experience and make it more interactive for participants while showcasing the innovative capabilities that AR has to offer.”
The Passport DC application is the outcome of a months-long pilot program between Capitol Interactive, a local virtual and augmented reality product development agency, and Events DC, Washington DC’s preeminent events, sports, and conferences authority. This marks the first wide-scale deployment of Capitol Interactive’s Destination Pass platform, a tool that leverages vertical video and gamified AR experiences to inspire users to explore and engage with local businesses and destinations.
“Passport DC is a month-long series of incredible events celebrating the diverse international communities in Washington, DC,” said Events DC President and CEO Angie M. Gates. “This year, we were able to take it to greater heights thanks to the Passport DC App, which allowed thousands of residents, tourists and guests to learn about countries, explore embassies and visit international landmarks with ease from their phones.”
Capitol Interactive and Events DC will leverage the success of the application by incorporating the technology into future events and programs at Events DC venues throughout the Nation’s Capital. The organizations will evolve the app to include additional interactive elements to enhance user experience and engagement, and create additional value for Events DC partners with unique tie-in and sponsorship opportunities.
“By continuing to collaborate with local tech innovators like Capitol Interactive, Events DC is doubling down on its commitment to foster a vibrant, tech-savvy culture within the DC community, benefiting both residents and visitors alike,” said Zack Schwartz, Chief Information & Technology Officer of Events DC. “The success of the Passport DC app marks a significant milestone for our tech community here in D.C. It embodies the spirit of innovation that’s increasingly defining our city’s approach to technology and culture.”
“By continuing to collaborate with local tech innovators like Capitol Interactive, Events DC is doubling down on its commitment to foster a vibrant, tech-savvy culture within the DC community, benefiting both residents and visitors alike.”
-Zack Schwartz, Chief Information & Technology Officer of Events DC
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About Capitol Interactive
Capitol Interactive, a DC-based product development agency, creates immersive digital experiences that give viewers a front row seat to new places, faces, and ideas. From games and entertainment, to training and education tools, Capitol Interactive is a leading innovator in the VR and AR industry. Our award-winning team is comprised of industry veterans with clients ranging from Discovery Communications and NASA to the US Postal Service, Google, Kennedy Center and more.
For more information, visit our website at https://www.capitol-interactive.com/
About Events DC
Events DC, the official convention and sports authority for Washington, DC, 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 LEED Gold-certified Walter E. Washington Convention Center, an anchor of the District’s hospitality and tourism economy and the historic Carnegie Library at Mt. Vernon Square. Events DC manages the RFK Stadium-Armory Campus (RFK Campus), including Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, Festival Grounds at RFK Campus, The Fields at RFK, the non-military functions of the DC Armory and the Skate Park at RFK Stadium. Events DC also built and serves as landlord for Nationals Park, the first LEED-certified major professional sports stadium in the United States. Events DC manages Gateway DC, R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center and Entertainment & Sports Arena all conveniently located in the Congress Heights neighborhood of Washington, DC.
For more information, please visit www.eventsdc.com and find us on social media – Facebook, Instagram and YouTube (Events DC), and Twitter (@TheEventsDC) — and on our new hub for on-demand event programming on GATHER by Events DC at www.gatherbyeventsdc.com
About Destination Pass
Destination Pass is building more resilient downtowns. The Pokemon Go of travel apps, Destination Pass gamifies discovery and exploration of nearby places . By leveraging location-based AR and hyperlocal vertical video feeds with with rewards for user interaction, the platform aims to boost engagement, generate new opportunities for participating organizations, and support local businesses.
To learn more, visit www.thedestinationpass.com
Contact Information
Capitol Interactive For more information, please contact: Joseph Cathey | Events DC For more information, please contact: Shayne Wells |
