Microsoft brings convention

D.C. will be the host of the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference, an event that will bring more than 10,000 individuals to the city.

The event is expected to generate $14.5 million in spending by attendees, and require around 30,000 hotel rooms, according to city tourism officials. The event is slated from July 12-15, 2010.

Along with the convention itself, around 500 additional special events, classes and training programs will be held by Microsoft Corp. during the week.

Destination D.C. CEO Elliott Ferguson noted the booking was particularly impressive because of how soon the event is happening.

"This is a huge win for the city and a prime example of how our entire hospitality industry is working together to secure short-term business," Ferguson said.

The conference is where Redmond, Wash.-based Microsoft meets with its partners who deliver services and products to business and government customers. The company has more than 640,000 partners worldwide, and most of the company's sales to customers are done through its partner network.

This is the second major conference the Walter E. Washington Convention Center has booked in recent weeks. Tourism officials announced last week that AIDS 2012, the International AIDS Society's annual event, will be held at the location.