Arlington Concierge College - Overview

An Ongoing Education Program for Arlington Hotel Concierge and Guest Services/Front Desk Personnel

The Arlington Concierge College is an educational program for concierges and guest services/front desk staff within the Arlington hotel community. Each quarter participants can attend a two four-hour session hosted by the Arlington Convention and Visitors Service (ACVS). The program informs local concierges and front-line hotel personnel about Arlington’s wealth of attractions, restaurants, stores, and transportation options so that they may better serve business and leisure travelers and direct spending toward Arlington businesses. The Arlington Concierge College features content from ACVS and has included representatives from the following:

• The Washington Area Concierge Association (WACA)
• Major Arlington attractions such as Arlington National Cemetery, the Air Force Memorial, the Marine Corps War Memorial, Arlington House, Signature Theatre and the Kettler Capitals Iceplex
• Arlington hotels
• Large retail developments such as Pentagon Row, the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City, Market Common Clarendon, and The Village at Shirlington, as well as smaller retailers
• The Arlington restaurant community
• Public/private partnerships such as the Rosslyn and Crystal City Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), the Ballston-Virginia Square Partnership, the Clarendon Alliance, and the Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization
• The Commuter Store
• WalkArlington

Each class consists of the following:

• Classroom-style presentations by various speakers; topics may include overviews of attractions, Arlington history, professional tips, current happenings in Arlington, etc.
• Indepth neighborhood walking tours with stops at stores, restaurants, and historic site.
• A networking reception
• Presentation of a certificate of completion plus information and contacts for Arlington hospitality resources

Benefits:

• An Arlington concierge/guest services community that is well-informed and enthused about local shopping, dining, attractions, and events will help increase discretionary spending by visitors and result in a positive economic impact for Arlington.
• Development/strengthening of ongoing relationships among ACVS, Arlington concierges/guest services personnel, and tourism-related businesses.
• Introduction of concierges to an array of professional resources such as ACVS, WACA, local businesses, etc.

Upcoming Session:

• Fall 2010