Washington, D.C. – (July 17, 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.
20,000 Downloads During Passport DC
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. 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.”
— Joseph Cathey, Chief Experience Designer at Capitol Interactive
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.
Taking It to Greater Heights
“Passport DC is a month-long series of incredible events celebrating the diverse international communities in Washington, DC. 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.”
— Angie M. Gates, President and CEO of Events DC
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.
A Milestone for DC’s Tech Community
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.
“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.”
— Zack Schwartz, Chief Information & Technology Officer of Events DC
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.
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.
About Destination Pass
Destination Pass is building more resilient downtowns. The platform gamifies discovery and exploration of nearby places by leveraging location-based AR and hyperlocal vertical video feeds with rewards for user interaction. The platform aims to boost engagement, generate new opportunities for participating organizations, and support local businesses.
Contact Information
Capitol Interactive — Joseph Cathey, Founder — Phone: (202) 540-0342
Events DC — Shayne Wells, Vice President, Communications Affairs — Phone: (202) 893-2358
Source: Capitol Interactive / Events DC