usa bid for the 25th world gas conference

wgc2018usabid.com

The American Gas Association

Representing the United States of America

Respectfully submits this bid to the

International Gas Union

For the

IGU PReSIdency, 2015 – 2018 TRIennIUm

Including the

2018 WoRld GAS conFeRence

Dave McCurdyCandidate for Chairman, WGC National Organizing Committee President & CEOAmerican Gas AssociationPh: +1 202 824 [email protected]

David C. CarrollCandidate for President, IGU President & CEOGTI – Gas Technology InstitutePh: +1 847 768 [email protected]

Mel YdreosCandidate for Chairman, Coordinating Committee, IGU Vice President, Marketing & Customer CareUnion Gas Ltd | A Spectra Energy CompanyPh: +1 416 496 5229 [email protected]

Jay A. CopanSenior AdvisorAmerican Gas AssociationPh: +1 919 740 [email protected]

Contacts:

VISIon:

Recognising that natural gas has an important part to play

in satisfying the global need for an environment-friendly

energy source, IGU will be the most influential, effective

and independent non-profit organisation, while serving as

the spokesman for the gas industry world-wide.

Supplemented by:

mISSIon:

• IGU will actively, directly and through its members promote the technical and economic progress of the global gas industry

• IGU will work towards improving the competitiveness of gas in the world energy markets. By promoting the development and application of new technologies and best practises, IGU will help optimise the economics of the entire gas chain, while emphasising sound environmental performance, safety and reliability

• IGU - serving as a global information clearing house - will promote transfer of technology and know-how.

• In carrying out this mission, IGU will maximise value to its members and to gas customers

objecTIVeS:

In striving towards the vision and fulfilling the mission, IGU

will regarding:

ECONOMY: Promote all activities within the entire gas chain, which can add to the technical and economic progress of gas;

CUSTOMERS: Encourage development of good customer services and customer relations;

TECHNOLOGY: Encourage research and development towards new and better technologies for the gas community;

SAFETY: Promote the safe production, transmission, distribution and utilisation of gas;

ENVIRONMENT: Encourage and promote development of clean technology, renewable energy applications and other activities, which will add to the environmental benefits of gas;

INTERNATIONAL GAS TRADE: Encourage international trade in gas by supporting non-discriminatory policies and sound contracting principles and practises;

LEGAL: Promote and contribute to the development of legislation concerning:

• establishing equitable, non-discriminatory and reasonable environmental and energy efficiency regulations, and

• efforts to establish appropriate and relevant international standards,

as well as

• promote and participate in the exchange of information relating to regulatory processes;

CO-OPERATION: Enhance partnership with industry and manufacturers, and co-operation with Governments, policy makers and international energy related organisations, and

Promote the exchange of information among members in order to help them improving the efficiency and safety of gas operations.

contentsWhy USA

United States Platform: What Can We Do For You? ... 6

Our North American Team ..... 8

Why the USA for the 2015 – 2018 Triennium ........................... 12

Facts About Natural Gas in the United States .............................. 13

The Integrated North American Gas Market .............. 14

2018 World Gas Conference: Washington, D.C., USA ............. 18

Letters of InvitationVincent C. Gray, Mayor of the District of Columbia .................. 21

Gregory A. O’Dell, President & CEO of Events DC ..................... 22

Elliott Ferguson, President & CEO of Destination DC ........... 22

Traveling to AmericaVisa Information ...................... 24

Getting Here By Air .................. 26

Airlift - Washington, DC Metro Area Airports .............................. 27

About DCDestination Overview .............. 29

Weather Report ........................ 30

An Eco-Capital ........................... 31

Unique Spaces .......................... 32

Welcome Ambassadors: Safety and Security ................. 33

Restaurants & Private Dining 34

Nightlife & Entertainment / DC After Dark ............................ 35

Shopping ..................................... 36

Attractions .................................. 37

TransportationGetting Around .......................... 39

HotelsDowntown Hotel District ...... 41

Hotel Map ..................................... 42

Walter E. Washington Convention Center

Walter E. Washington Convention Center ................... 44

Green Center ............................... 45

Floor Plans & Specs ...........46-55

why usa

By serving in the leadership of the International Gas

Union (IGU) we hope to advance the Vision of IGU

by raising the IGU Voice, increasing its Visibility, and

providing even greater Value to the IGU membership.

Our goal is to further IGU’s vision to become the most

influential and effective global national gas industry

association, representing the entire gas value chain from

upstream to downstream.

We are very passionate about the role that natural gas can

play in the future global energy mix, and we are deeply

committed to championing the cause of gas around the

world by focusing on three core principles:

• RAISInG The IGU VoIce Our team has a wealth of experience listening to the feedback of the gas industry throughout North America, translating that information into action, and speaking out on behalf of our industry. We will not only continue that tradition but will take it to the next level, so that the gas industry can be heard and respected around the world.

• IncReASInG The VISIbIlITy oF IGU We will draw upon the long advocacy experience of the United States gas industry to continue IGU’s activities promoting natural gas globally as the fuel of not just today, but tomorrow as well. We will work tirelessly to ensure that the energy industry, the general public and policy makers around the world are fully aware of the compelling facts that make natural gas the most viable fuel of the future, especially as we move toward a low-carbon economy.

• PRoVIdInG VAlUe To IGU membeRS By focusing on the IGU Vision, and raising the Voice and Visibility of the organization, we believe that we can bring even greater Value to the IGU membership. Providing a return on your investment in IGU will be a critical goal of the U.S. team.

The activities of the leadership of IGU, in particular the

leadership of the Malaysian Triennium, have provided

natural gas the opportunity to achieve its most prominent

position ever. With the release of the IEA report in June

of this year, and other recent global events, it is clear that

2011 will be seen as a transformational year for the natural

gas industry. Resource estimates around the world are at

an all-time high and there is potential demand growth in all

sectors. That is why we believe that natural gas is not just

a bridge fuel to our energy future, but a global foundation

fuel that can help power economic growth, reduce

greenhouse gas emissions and enhance energy security

around the world. Because of these developments, the IGU

has never had a better opportunity to lead the global gas

industry, while at the same time serving its members.

Energy is the lifeblood of the world economy. As

economies around the world recover from the global

recession and begin to grow, they will require more energy.

Combine the global abundance of natural gas with the

reality of an increasingly carbon-constrained world, and

natural gas becomes the fuel of choice in homes and

businesses, for transportation purposes, and for electric

united states Platform: what can we do for you?

power generation. And as we begin to develop new

technologies to take further advantage of our abundant

supply and the inherent efficiencies of natural gas, our

growth opportunities are virtually unlimited. The key is to

effectively advocate the many advantages of our clean-

burning, abundant fuel.

WhAT We hAVe leARned FRom yoU. Over the past six

months, our U.S. bid team has been meeting with natural

gas industries around the world to better understand the

issues they face. These meetings will continue because we

believe that understanding the needs and issues facing the

entire gas value chain is critical to positioning IGU to take

advantage of its tremendous opportunity as the global gas

industry organization. One thing we have learned is that

our integrated North American gas market is dealing with

the same issues that IGU members around the globe are

facing. These five key issues are being discussed by all gas

industries around the world:

• Convincing policy makers that natural gas can play a key role in a carbon-constrained, clean-energy future.

• Helping grow the traditional and new markets for natural gas.

• Developing new technologies for the entire gas value chain, from upstream to downstream.

• Ensuring that gas is delivered in the safest and most efficient manner to end-use customers.

• Dealing with the myriad regulatory issues relating to all aspects of the gas value chain.

hoW cAn oUR noRTh AmeRIcAn TeAm helP

yoU? Our candidate team to lead IGU for the 2015-2018

triennium has a proven track record of success. Our team

offers IGU members years of energy industry expertise,

successful association leadership, vast knowledge and

natural gas industry advocacy experience. Together we

hope to work with you to develop sound approaches to

the many challenges and opportunities that exist. We

believe that by sharing information and ideas, and gaining

consensus among all IGU member countries, we can grow

the natural gas industry around the globe.

Why ShoUld WAShInGTon, d.c., USA, be The SITe

oF The 27Th WoRld GAS conFeRence? We are

excited about the opportunity to bid on representing

IGU during the 2015-2018 triennium, and we believe that

Washington, D.C., will serve as an outstanding host for the

2018 World Gas Conference. Please note the map of the

central Washington, D.C. area included behind the Hotels

tab. It showcases the location of our Convention Center,

the thousands of hotel rooms within walking distance, and

the short walking distance to all monuments, museums,

restaurants, galleries and much more! Not included on

the map, but important to note, are the more than 170

embassies and consulates based in Washington.

It is a special honor for us to bid for the IGU presidency

and the World Gas Conference, as 2018 will mark the 100th

anniversary of the American Gas Association, one of the

earliest members of IGU. With your support, we hope to

raise the Voice of IGU around the world, increase Visibility,

and provide even greater Value to you, the IGU member.

The USA/North American bid has the explicit support of

the Boards of Directors of the American Gas Association

(AGA), the Canadian Gas Association (CGA) and the Gas

Technology Institute (GTI). Members of these three entities

represent the gas distribution and transmission industries,

and equipment and service suppliers in both the USA and

Canada. These organizations have amongst themselves

over 260 years of experience serving the natural gas

industry and represent companies that provide natural

gas service to over 70 million customers in North America,

through a pipeline network of over 4 million kilometers.

The market capitalization of the corporations belonging to

AGA, CGA and GTI is in excess of US$500bn.

The North American team for the 2015-2018 triennium is

well positioned to both serve the IGU membership and lead

IGU and the world-wide gas industry. This team has years

of energy industry experience, an extensive IGU history,

association leadership knowledge and advocacy expertise.

dAVId cARRoll,

PReSIdenT And ceo, GAS TechnoloGy InSTITUTe

Candidate for President, IGU

David Carroll joined Gas Technology Institute (GTI) in 2001,

and has served as its president and CEO since 2006. GTI

is a not-for-profit research, development, and training

organization. For 70 years, GTI has been the leader in the

development and deployment of technology solutions

that contribute to a secure, abundant, and affordable

energy future. GTI provides quantifiable economic value

to the energy industry and its customers, while supporting

government in achieving policy objectives. To date, GTI

programs have resulted in nearly 500 products, 750

licenses, and more than 1,200 associated patents.

Mr. Carroll oversees the company’s operations and directs

its programs for developing technologies, products and

services that create exceptional value for customers in the

natural gas industry and related industries.

Mr. Carroll is currently chairman of the Steering Committee

for the 17th International Conference & Exhibition on

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG 17), due to take place in

Houston, TX, in 2013.

He has previously served as president of two not-

for-profit research funding organizations: Operations

Technology Development, NFP, and Utilization Technology

Development, NFP. He has also served as a board member

of Changing World Technologies, Inc. and WestStart /

CALSTART.

Prior to joining GTI, he held various technical and

management positions with Praxair, Inc., Liquid Carbonic

Industries (a subsidiary of Chicago Bridge & Iron), and Air

Products and Chemicals, Inc. He is a member of the Society

of Gas Lighting, the Executives’ Club of Chicago, and

serves on the board of Versa Power Systems.

Mr. Carroll earned a B.S. in chemical engineering from the

University of Pittsburgh, a master’s degree in business

administration from Lehigh University, and has completed

the Stanford Executive Program at Stanford University’s

Graduate School of Business.

our north american team

dAVe mccURdy,

PReSIdenT And ceo, AmeRIcAn GAS ASSocIATIon

Candidate for Chairman, WGC National Organizing Committee

Dave McCurdy joined AGA as president and CEO in

February 2011. AGA, founded in 1918, represents 201 local

energy companies committed to the safe delivery of

natural gas to more than 64 million customers throughout

the United States. AGA members also include natural gas

transmission companies and service providers. He joined

AGA after serving for four years as president and CEO of

the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (Alliance). He led

the Alliance during a period of unprecedented economic,

environmental and regulatory challenges for the auto

industry. During his tenure, the Alliance recorded significant

achievements and McCurdy was instrumental in developing

the historic agreement between automakers and the

Obama administration establishing the national program to

increase fuel economy by 40% and decrease greenhouse

gas emissions by 30% by 2016.

Prior to his work at the Alliance, McCurdy served for

eight years as president and CEO of the Electronic

Industries Alliance (EIA), where he helped promote

the market development and competitiveness of the

U.S. high-tech industry by crafting both domestic and

international programs and policies for EIA’s nearly 1,300

member companies.

Before his tenure at EIA, McCurdy also had a distinguished

career in Congress, spending 14 years (1981-1995) in the

House of Representatives as the Member from the Fourth

Congressional District of Oklahoma. As chairman and

CEO of the McCurdy Group, L.L.C., he also led a successful

business consulting and investment practice.

McCurdy is a 1972 graduate of the University of Oklahoma

and received his J.D. in 1975 from Oklahoma Law School.

As a Rotary International Graduate Fellow, he studied

international economics at the University of Edinburgh,

Scotland. He also held a commission in the United States

Air Force Reserve, attaining the rank of major and serving

as a Judge Advocate General (JAG).

mel ydReoS,

VIce PReSIdenT oF oPeRATIonS, UnIon GAS lTd | A SPecTRA eneRGy comPAny

Candidate for Chairman, Coordinating Committee, IGU

Mel Ydreos is vice president of marketing and customer

care for Union Gas Limited. In his current capacity, Mr.

Ydreos is responsible for Union’s marketing activities with

its residential, commercial and industrial markets, and for

Union’s Demand Side Management programs. Mr. Ydreos

is also accountable for the entire revenue cycle through

Union’s Customer Care operation.

In a career that spans over 30 years at Union Gas, Mr. Ydreos

has gained extensive experience in engineering, field operations,

marketing and energy conservation. Prior to his current role, Mr.

Ydreos held the position of vice president, operations, and vice

president, engineering and gas supply operations.

Mr. Ydreos also served as interim president and CEO of the

Canadian Gas Association (CGA) in the summer of 2010.

Founded in 1907, CGA is the voice of Canada’s natural

gas distribution industry, with a membership of natural

gas distribution companies, transmission companies,

equipment manufacturers and other service providers.

Mr. Ydreos joined Union Gas after graduating from the

University of Waterloo with a civil engineering degree. Mr.

Ydreos has been very active in the natural gas industry

through his participation with the International Gas

Union, and currently serves as chair of the Special Task

Force on Geopolitics and Natural Gas for the 2009-

2012 Malaysian Triennium. In the previous 2006-2009

Argentinean Triennium he served as the vice chair of

the Special Task Force on Research and Development

and led the IGU’s Best Practices Initiative. Previously,

he was an active participant in the WOC-4 Distribution

Committee and acted as chair of the Distribution Pipeline

Integrity Working Group. He is also past chair of the

Standing Committee on Operations for the Canadian

Gas Association. He has served on the board of directors

of Canadian Standards International and the Canadian

Standards Association Group. Mr. Ydreos is also past chair

of the Technical Standards and Safety Authority’s Natural

Gas Advisory Council, and past chair of the Canadian Gas

Association’s Eastern Workshop.

Mr. Ydreos is also the founding chair of the Board of

Directors of Energy Technology and Innovation Canada.

He is a member of the Advisory Board of the University

of Waterloo’s Sustainability Institute, a member of the

Advisory Board of the International Bio-fuels Institute at

Brookhaven National Laboratory, and a member of the

Advisory Board of the Mowat Centre’s Energy Fellow.

Mr. Ydreos has also volunteered his services to

organizations such as United Way and is a past member

of a number of Rotary Clubs.

Union Gas Limited is a major Canadian natural gas

storage, transmission and distribution company based in

Ontario with nearly 100 years of experience and service

to customers. The distribution business serves 1.3 million

residential, commercial and industrial customers in more

than 400 communities across northern, south-western

and eastern Ontario. Union Gas’s growing storage and

transmission business offers premium storage and

transportation services to customers at the Dawn Hub,

the largest underground storage facility in Canada and

one of the largest in North America. It offers customers

an important link in the movement of natural gas from

Western Canadian and U.S. supply basins to markets in

central Canada and the northeast United States. A Spectra

Energy (NYSE: SE) company, Union Gas has assets of

$5 billion and approximately 2,200 employees. For more

information, visit uniongas.com.

jAy A. coPAn

SenIoR AdVISoR, AmeRIcAn GAS ASSocIATIon

On behalf of the American Gas Association (AGA), Jay

Copan is currently serving as executive director of the 17th

International Conference and Exhibition on Liquefied Natural

Gas (LNG 17), and he is managing the bidding process

designed to place AGA in the presidency of the International

Gas Union 2012-2015, while simultaneously hosting the

World Gas Conference in Washington, D.C., in 2018.

Mr. Copan served in a variety of capacities for AGA from

September 1982-February 2010.

At AGA, he was the senior association executive

responsible for AGA’s financial community outreach

activities, its membership operations, its meeting services

business unit, and its international activities. Since 1999,

he has represented the interests of the United States

natural gas industry on the International Gas Union

(IGU), an organization representing the gas industries of

76 countries. Through IGU, Mr. Copan assisted with the

workings of Task Force B, which restructured IGU in the

early 2000s. He has been actively engaged in hosting IGU

executive meetings, and providing speakers for a number

of IGU meetings in the past twelve years. Mr. Copan has

represented the United States gas industry in presentations

before audiences around the globe.

Mr. Copan previously served as the executive director of

the American Gas Foundation, where he was responsible

for that organization’s activities as an independent

source of research and programs on energy and

environmental issues that affect public policy, with a

particular emphasis on natural gas.

Prior to joining AGA, he served as chief economist with the

Federal Maritime Commission. He has published a variety of

articles and has been active in numerous civic affairs.

Mr. Copan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business

administration from Bryant University in Smithfield, Rhode

Island, and a Masters degree in business administration

from the University of Maryland. He has taken post-

graduate courses in economics at George Mason University.

He and his wife, Maureen (also an active participant in IGU

activities since 1999), have two daughters, two son-in-laws,

and four grandchildren.

2018 WIll be The 100Th AnnIVeRSARy oF AGA! What

better way to mark this key milestone than by hosting

the 27th World Gas Conference.

Because the United States represents the entire gas

industry value chain — from producer to consumer — and

because of its pivotal role in the development of new,

game-changing technologies on both the supply and

consumption sides of the industry, the United States is

uniquely positioned to serve IGU and the global gas industry,

while leading the industry into a low-carbon future.

North America is the laboratory that will continue to set

technical and operational standards worldwide. Shale gas

is truly a revolution, unlocked by American technology that

will continue to advance — the story is by no means over.

We believe that North America is uniquely positioned

to lead and serve IGU and the global gas industry.

The privilege of leading IGU is really about who is

best positioned to continue to promote the long-term

strategic vision of IGU, and to truly position gas as the

fuel of today and tomorrow. We believe that around the

globe, natural gas should be considered as a foundation

fuel — a fuel that represents the long-term foundation of

an affordable, lower carbon energy supply.

The IGU vision is to be the leading global gas industry

association by advocating on behalf of the industry.

Both the exciting developments in the United States

with respect to unconventional gas — not to mention

our wealth of experience in both LNG and conventional

gas — lead us to believe that we are both ready and able

to advance that vision.

Additionally:

• The United States team brings vast experience to the table, including: 1.) Our role as the advocate for natural gas in North America; 2.) Our service, through AGA, as a charter member of IGU almost since its inception; 3.) AGA’s track record of having served IGU in many capacities, including hosting three IGU Executive Committee meetings in the last 20 years, providing leadership on Task Force B and other task forces to restructure and refocus IGU, AGA’s leadership on IGU Distribution and Strategy Committees and support for IGU meetings held in the United States.

• AGA and its members have been engaged in extensive strategic planning and scenario planning to 2030, and beyond, to ensure that natural gas continues to be the fuel of today and tomorrow.

• AGA has a proven track record raising the associations’ Voice, increasing its Visibility and providing Value to its membership.

why the usa for the 2015 – 2018 triennium

GeneRAl

• 175 million North Americans depend on natural gas every day, consuming 1.77 billion cubic meters of natural gas daily

• Natural gas comprises one-quarter of all energy used in the USA

• There are over 3.8 million kilometers of pipeline of varying sizes and pressures that transport natural gas throughout the USA

SUPPly

• The domestic natural gas resource base in the USA is large, estimated to be 61.5 trillion cubic meters, enough to meet current production for another 100 years

• Shale gas now accounts for 25% of all USA production, up from 3% in 2000

• The USA imports 106 bcm of natural gas annually and exports 30 bcm

conSeRVATIon & eFFIcIency

• Despite a significant increase in the number of homes using natural gas, greenhouse gas emissions have decreased 40% per household since 1970

• Natural gas currently generates approximately 23% of total USA electricity

• Natural gas is a vital ingredient for production of many alternative and renewable energy sources. It is used to manufacture lightweight steel for fuel-efficient cars and trucks, to produce hydrogen for fuel cells, as a component of windmill blades for wind energy, and to grow the corn needed for ethanol

cleAn FUel

• Natural gas is efficient – 92% of the natural gas produced is delivered to customers as usable energy

• Natural gas, on an energy equivalent basis, emits 45% less CO2 than coal and 27% less CO2 than oil

• It is the best fossil fuel source available to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

The North American natural gas market stands as one

of the most integrated systems in the world. From

wellhead to burner tip, across the United States, Canada,

and Mexico, natural gas flows from producing regions along

millions of kilometres of transmission pipelines to cities and

towns where local distribution companies deliver the gas to

millions of industrial, commercial and residential customers.

North America has 100 years of operating experience in

an increasingly integrated natural gas marketplace. Indeed

many of the natural gas companies that produce, transport

or distribute natural gas across the North American

borders have assets across the continent.

The world is beginning to embrace the critical role that

natural gas will play as an integral part of a long-term

energy solution. Not surprisingly many of the issues

currently being faced in the broader international

natural gas market are also present in the North

American marketplace.

Upstream issues, such as access to the resource base, the

impacts of shale gas, and the positioning of LNG in the

market; Midstream issues, such as regulatory approvals

for new transmission pipelines, pipeline safety and

integrity management systems, and the environmental

footprint of gas processing; Downstream issues, such as

the growing demand for natural gas for power generation

and as a transportation fuel as well as issues regarding

the contracting and sale of natural gas. All are part of the

daily life of the North American natural gas sector.

As the gas market becomes more global in dimension,

North America’s experience in developing its own

continental integrated natural gas market can provide

valuable insights. The experience garnered from

establishing an integrated set of regulations governing

the production, transmission, distribution and trade

of natural gas across its many jurisdictions make it an

opportune time for North America to take on a leading

role for the IGU for the 2015 – 2018 period.

The following is a brief summary the extent to which

the U.S., Canada, and Mexico operate in an integrated

continental market to meet the demands of end users

across North America.

one conTInenT, one mARkeT

The North American gas market is connected by over

4 million kilometres of natural gas transmission and

distribution pipelines that fuel over 200 million homes,

businesses, institutions, and industries all over the

continent. This pipeline transmission and distribution

grid allows for instantaneous trading and delivery

of natural gas almost anywhere in the continent. A

fully integrated, highly liquid, natural gas commodity

marketplace, including forward markets, allows for the

efficient discovery of supply and demand information and

allows reliable price signals to flow between producers,

transporters, buyers, sellers and investors. The result is

an efficient, dynamic and effective natural gas market.

the integrated north american gas market

The North American system includes a total of 48 natural

gas pipelines, representing approximately 28 billion cubic

feet (Bcf) per day of capacity that can import and export

natural gas between the United States and Canada or

Mexico (see Figure 1 ). The existing infrastructure also

consists of over 4,600 billion cubic feet (Bcf) of natural

gas storage capacity in the United States and Canada

that helps to ensure a continuous supply to natural gas

to users even in times of peak demand or when supply

lines are interrupted.

FIGUre 1

North America Natural Gas Import/export Locations, as of the end of 2008 (Source: eIA)

mATURe comPeTITIVe mARkeT PReSence

Natural gas prices are established by free trade in open and

competitive markets across North America at major pricing

hubs including; AECO-C, Dawn, Henry Hub, & Chicago. These

hubs, located at points where multiple pipeline connections

provide ample supply, underpin a robust physical and forward

trade in natural gas. This trade provides price reference

points allowing market participants and others a reliable

indicator of the current market balance in support of natural

gas purchasing and investment decisions.

GRoWTh And SUSTAInAbIlITy

The resource base of natural gas in North America is

currently estimated at close to 100 times the annual

consumption . Recent large additions of shale and tight

gas to the North American resource picture underscore the

longevity of the market’s supply outlook.

• The United States The United States is the largest consumer of natural gas in the world with demand of 683 billion cubic metres (bcm) last year. The United States is also one of the largest producers of natural gas with domestic production of 611 bcm last year. About 3 per cent of U.S. production is exported to Canada and 1.5 per cent to Mexico.

• Canada Natural gas is Canada’s second most commonly used form of fuel (94 bcm last year). Canada produces 160 bcm/year of which over 50 percent is exported for use in the United States making it the world`s second largest exporter of natural gas, behind Russia . Natural gas has generated an average of about $25 billion in export revenues for Canada over the past decade.

• Mexico Although Mexico is a small producer by comparison to Canada or the United States, it is still a very active North American trading partner and net importer of gas from the United States. Mexico produces 55 bcm/y of natural gas, of which about 1.5 per cent is exported to the United States. Recent plans have been announced in Mexico to add considerable amounts of gas-fired power generation.

A major challenge facing the Mexican gas industry is

building sufficient infrastructure to support gas demand

and economic growth. Approximately 40 percent of

the new power generation capacity required by 2024 is

expected to be natural gas fuelled.

coheSIVe PolIcIeS, PolITIcAl lAndScAPeS, And common cUlTUReS

The United States, Canada, and Mexico are more than

strategically placed trading partners, they are neighbours

and share a common commitment to free trade, energy

security, safety and environmental performance. US

Ambassador to Canada Jacobson recently noted that,

“The United States sees Canada as a pillar of our energy

security. Canada, the largest supplier of energy to the US,

provides more than 20 per cent of US oil and upwards of

80 perAMcent of the natural gas flowing into the country.”

The United States, Canada and Mexico also share the same

carbon reduction targets as each country has signed the

Copenhagen Accord to reduce carbon emissions by 17

per cent of 2005 levels by 2020. Together, North America

continues to seek an integrated solution to climate and air

pollution. Initiatives such as the Clean Energy Dialogue have

provided a platform for our countries to work together on

these issues. Canada and Mexico are continuing to work

closely with the United States in their effort to establish a

regulatory framework for climate change and air emissions.

Educational outreach and collaboration between the

industry and policymakers continues to be fundamental

to a truly sustainable energy future for North America.

A growing complexity between public pressures vs.

public interest is shared across North America. There

is a strong awareness of “green” issues as they relate to

energy, in addition to a continued strong demand for

a reliable, low cost energy services. The challenge for

the natural gas industry is to bring consumer concerns,

politics, and energy realities together in a fashion to best

serve the long term public interest and not just short

dated interests and pressures.

i EIA.

ii Energy Information Administration. U.S. Natural GasImport/Export Locations. 2008 http://www.eia.gov/pub/oil_gas/natural_gas/analysis_publications/ngpipeline/impex_map.html

iii EIA.

iv BP. Statistical Review of World Energy. 2011

v BP. Statistical Review of World Energy. 2011.

vi BP. Statistical Review of World Energy. 2011.

vii National Energy Board. Energy Future Report. 2011(not yet released).

Offering an incredible experience, Washington, D.C. is

one of the most international and multicultural cities

in the world and we are proud to put it forward as our

candidate host city. Washington can bring together the

world’s energy leaders to celebrate the 2018 World Gas

Conference, to build on IGU’s 80-year tradition, and to

develop the global gas industry for the future.

Worldly but accessible, international but with

neighborhood color, it offers just the right blend of

business and pleasure. Voted the most walkable city in

America, Washington is safe and easy to get around.

You can walk out of a world-class museum on our

green National Mall and visit memorials overlooking the

Potomac River. You can take a boat trip into historical

Georgetown for some shopping, enjoy a sporting event

or the theatre, and explore great restaurants and nightlife

in our diverse neighborhoods.

• Plug into the energy of a city that makes history every day, a city where you can access world leaders and leading experts, and secure spectacular special event venues.

• Washington is a city with the ability to boost attendance, attract exhibitors and even inspire delegates to bring along their families to share in the experience.

• People of all different cultures walk the streets and neighborhoods of this city every day, while more than 150 embassies add to its beautiful architectural landscape.

• The Walter e. Washington Convention Center is an eco-friendly facility outfitted with features like low emission glass, energy-conserving heating and air conditioning, recycling programs and more.

• restaurants abound to satisfy the tastes and cuisines of a very diverse population.

An incredible experience for delegates and guests to

WGC, Washington is one of the top tourist destinations

for visitors from around the globe. The United States

ranks second only to France in numbers of tourists, and,

within the United States, Washington ranks third in terms

of tourist destinations. There is something for everyone,

regardless of age, and the museums operated by the

Smithsonian Institution are all free of charge!!

Washington is close to numerous natural gas industry-

related tour options for WGC delegates, including tours

of the Cove Point LNG terminal, the Marcellus Shale

formation outside of Pittsburgh, PA, numerous gas utility

company training centers, and even a tour of the U.S.

Department of Energy’s laboratory in West Virginia.

Washington is also home to over 170 foreign embassies,

residences, chanceries and diplomatic missions, as well

as high profile international organizations like the IMF

and World Bank, and energy agencies such as FERC, EPA

and DOE. There is even easy train access to / from New

York City with its a very large financial community.

2018 world gas conference: washington, d.c., usa

conVenTIon cenTeR

The city has a centrally-located, state-of-the-art

convention center — the Walter E. Washington

Convention Center — right in the heart of the city’s

vibrant downtown.

The convention center boasts:

• 5 exhibition halls with a total of 703,000 sq. ft. (65,000 m2) of prime exhibition space

• 66 individual meeting rooms totaling 150,000 sq. ft (13,500 m2)

• 52,000 sq. ft. (4,830 m2) ballroom

• Metro (subway) station

hoTelS

All official hotels will be in walking distance of the

venue, offering over 5,000 rooms within one mile of the

convention center. All total, 95,000 rooms are available

in the entire Washington metro area.

While hotel rates in Washington, DC are generally lower

than their peer cities around the world, the USA team is

also working with all hotels to ensure the best possible

rates for delegates and guests to the WGC in 2018.

GeTTInG TheRe

Washington has three airports with non-stop service

to nearly 100 cities around the world, plus Amtrak train

service and easy driving access via I-95, I-66 and I-70.

WAShInGTon, d.c. A TRUly UnIqUe WoRld cAPITAl PeRFecT FoR conclUdInG The UnITed STATeS TRIennIUm And bUIldInG The IGU leGAcy FoR nATURAl GAS The FoUndATIon FUel FoR TodAy And TomoRRoW.

letters of invitation

traveling to america

Officials have made giant strides in recent times to

assist with visa applications and entry into the USA. In

addition to the highly successful Visa Waiver Program,

we are working with the U.S. immigration departments

and our embassies around the world to provide solutions

for WGC participants.

2010 InTeRnATIonAl VISITATIon To The UnITed STATeS SeT A neW RecoRd

The U.S. Department of Commerce has announced that

60 million international visitors traveled to the United

States in 2010, a 9 percent increase over 2009.

hIGhlIGhTS

oVeRSeAS ReSIdenT VISITATIon SURPASSeS 2000 leVelS

• In 2010, overseas resident visits (26 million) were up 1 percent compared to 2000, creating a new record level of overseas visits for the United States.

• Overseas resident visits were up 11 percent compared to 2009.

ToP 15 coUnTRIeS

• Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, France, Brazil, South Korea, Australia, Italy, People’s Republic of China, India, Spain, Netherlands, and Colombia.

• In 2010, nine of the top 15 countries posted record visitation to the United States: Canada, France, Brazil, South Korea, Australia, Italy, the People’s Republic of China, India and Colombia.

The United States recognizes that international visitors add

greatly to our nation’s cultural, educational and economic

life. Travelers from other countries do need to apply for a

nonimmigrant visa for entry to the United States. Although

there may be wait times involved for issuance of a visa, the

United States welcomes business and conference attendees

regularly and there are few issues with visa approvals

for this type of trip. On a typical day our Customs and

Border Protection (CPB) service welcomes nearly 1 million

international travelers into the country. (See www.travel.

state.gov to locate embassies and for virtually all information

relating to obtaining visas.)

VISA WAIVeR PRoGRAm (VWP)

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables nationals of

36 participating countries to travel to the United States

for tourism or business (visitor [B] visa purposes only)

for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa.

The program was established to eliminate unnecessary

barriers to travel, thereby stimulating the tourism industry

and permitting the Department of State to focus consular

resources in other areas. VWP eligible travelers may

apply for a visa if they prefer to do so. Nationals of VWP

countries must meet eligibility requirements to travel

without a visa on VWP, and therefore some travelers

from VWP countries are not eligible to use the program.

VWP travelers are required to have a valid authorization

through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization

(ESTA) prior to travel, are screened at the port of entry

into the United States, and are enrolled in the Department

of Homeland Security’s US-VISIT program.

visa information

VISA WAIVeR PRoGRAm PARTIcIPAnTS

Andorra Hungary New Zealand

Australia Iceland Norway

Austria Ireland Portugal

Belgium Italy San Marino

Brunei Japan Singapore

Czech Republic Latvia Slovakia

Denmark Liechtenstein Slovenia

Estonia Lithuania South Korea

Finland Luxembourg Spain

France Malta Sweden

Germany Monaco Switzerland

Greece the Netherlands United Kingdom

http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html#countries

Most Canadian citizens and many citizens from Visa

Waiver Program countries can come to the United States

(U.S.) without a visa if they meet certain requirements.

Visa Waiver Program travelers must present a machine-

readable passport at the U.S. port of entry to enter

without a visa; otherwise a U.S. visa is required.

ASIA-PAcIFIc economIc cooPeRATIon (APec)

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) provides

business travelers expedited visa interview appointments

at embassies and consulates, and access to express

immigration lines at all international airports.

Business Mobility Group handles the

APEC Business Travel Cards

URL: http://www.businessmobility.org

The United States is a Transitional Member of the

APEC Business Travel Card scheme. Card holders are

provided expedited appointments for visa interviews

at US embassies and consulates and access to express

immigration lanes in all international airports. (http://

travel.state.gov/visa/temp/info/info_5205.html)

APeC Participants:

Fully Participating: Australia, Brunei Darussalam,

China, Chile, Hong Kong, Korea, Indonesia, Japan, Peru,

Philippines, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New

Guinea, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, Vietnam

The remaining three countries (Canada, Russia, United

States) are transitional members; they only provide fast

track immigration processing lanes.

bUSIneSS VISA cenTeR

As part of an ongoing effort, the U.S. Department of

State continues its work to support business-related

travel to the United States through its Business Visa

Center (BVC). This group also assists conference

organizers expecting a large number of international

attendees such as the World Gas Conference.

APPly FoR A U.S. nonImmIGRAnT VISA onlIne

You can apply for a U.S. nonimmigrant visa online at this

link: https://ceac.state.gov/genniv. Once you submit

your application you may sign up for an interview.

getting here By air

GeTTInG heRe by AIR. Travelers enjoy non-stop fl ight

service to DC from nearly 100 cities around the world. The

region’s three major airports, Ronald Reagan Washington

National (DCA), Washington Dulles International (IAD) and

Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall

(BWI), are serviced by major national and international

airlines as well as budget carriers.

GoT connecTIonS? More than 1,300 domestic fl ights

depart from DC’s three airports each day and more than

420 international fl ights depart each week.

ronald reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is

located just 5 miles south of the convention center. The

airport has its own Metrorail station with direct service

to downtown DC, or you can take a taxi for about $15.

Limousine service is approximately $75. Airlines: Air

Canada, Air Tran, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines,

American Eagle, Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines, Frontier

Airlines, Jet Blue Airways, Spirit Airlines, United Airlines, US

Airways, US Airways Express and Shuttle.

Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) sits about

25 miles west of DC and is a major hub for international

arrivals and departures. Reach the airport by taking

Metrobus Route 5A from the L’Enfant Plaza and Rosslyn

Metrorail stations, Washington Flyer coach service from

the West Falls Church Metrorail station, or by taxi (about

$60 to downtown DC). A Metrorail extension to Dulles

is currently under construction. Limousine service is

approximately $115. Airlines: Aerofl ot, Air Canada, Air

France, Air Tran, ANA, American Airlines, American Eagle,

Austrian Airlines, Avianca, British Airways, Cayman Airlines,

Continental Airlines, Copa Airlines, Delta, Ethiopian Airlines,

Jet Blue, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Korean Air, Lufthansa,

Open Skies, Qatar Airways, Saudi Arabian Airlines, SAS,

South African Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Sun Country

Airlines, Grupo Taca, United Airlines, United Airlines

Express, US Airways, US Airways Express, Virgin America,

Virgin Atlantic.

Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall

Airport (BWI) lies about 30 miles north of DC. Amtrak and

MARC (Maryland Area Rail Commuter) trains off er easy

connections to the airport. The BWI Express Metrobus

runs between BWI and the Greenbelt Metrorail station

approximately every 40 minutes. Taxi fare to downtown DC

is approximately $70. Limousine service is approximately

$150. Airlines: Air Canada, Air Mobility Command, Air Tran,

American Airlines, British Airways, Cape Air, Continental

Airlines, Delta Airlines, Jet Blue, RY, Southwest Airlines,

United Airlines, US Airways, US Airways Express.

metwashairports.com

bwiairport.com

WAShInGTon dUlleS InTeRnATIonAl AIRPoRT (IAd)Weekly FlIGhTS

Accra/Lagos 5Addis Ababa 7Amsterdam 14Aruba 2Beijing 7Bogota 5Brussels 7Buenos Aires 6Cancun 9Copenhagen 7Dakar /Johanesburg 7 Doha 7 Dubai 7Frankfurt 34Geneva 7Grand Cayman 1Halifax 7Istanbul 7Jeddah 3Kuwait/Bahrain 7London 56Madrid 7Mexico City 7Montreal 21Moscow (DME) 7Moscow (SVO) 1Munich 14Ottawa 14Panama City 7Paris (CDG) 28Paris (ORY) 5Reykjavik 4Riyadh 1Rome 7St. Maarten 1San Salvador 17Sao Paulo/Rio de Janeiro 7Seoul 7Tokyo 14Toronto 39Vienna 7Zurich 7

RonAld ReAGAn WAShInGTon nATIonAl AIRPoRT (dcA)Weekly dePARTUReS

Bermuda 2Nassau 7Montreal 20Toronto 27Ottawa 13Halifax 1

bAlTImoRe WAShInGTon InTeRnATIonAl AIRPoRT (bWI)Weekly dePARTUReS

CANCUN, MEXICO 7LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM 7 MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA 7 NASSAU, BAHAMAS 4 PUNTA CANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 2 TORONTO, CANADA 28

The above chart reflects 2011 dates.

airlift - washington, dc metro area airPorts

aBout dc

destination overview

A crossroads of history, culture and contemporary style, DC

inspires like no other destination. Worldly but accessible,

international with neighborhood color, DC off ers just the

right blend of business and pleasure to let you and your

delegates create your own experience.

memoRAble momenTS. Plug into the energy of a city

that makes history every day, where you can access world

leaders and leading experts and secure spectacular special

event venues.

deSTInATIon APPeAl. Choose a destination with the

ability to boost attendance, attract exhibitors and inspire

delegates to bring along their families.

InTeRnATIonAl InTRIGUe. People of all diff erent

cultures walk the streets and neighborhoods of this city

every day, while more than 150 embassies add to DC’s

beautiful architectural landscape.

AFFoRdAble exPeRIence. DC delivers dynamic

entertainment, with dozens of world-class museums and

exciting attractions that are free of charge.

destinationdc.com

hotels: 600 in the metro area, including 110 in the District.

hotel Rooms: 95,000 in the metro area, including 29,000 in DC and more than 4,500 committable rooms within 8 blocks of the convention center.

Getting there: 3 airports with nonstop service to nearly 100 cities around the world, plus Amtrak train service and easy access via I-95, I-66 and I-70

Where: Located in the heart of the mid-Atlantic, within 100 miles of the Atlantic Ocean and the Shenandoah Valley.

weather rePort

Washington, DC enjoys a temperate climate with four

distinct seasons. Nothing compares with each season’s

natural treasures: the cherry blossoms blooming in spring,

flower gardens full of color in the summer, the brilliance

of the changing leaves in fall and the crisp, clear air and

holiday magic in winter. Spring, early summer and fall are

the most comfortable seasons, although moderate winters

are not uncommon, with more rain than snow.

June, the traditional month for the World Gas Conference,

generally has very moderate temperatures.

clImATe

Monthly high and low average temperatures:

(Fahrenheit/Celsius)

an eco-caPital

Home to organizations like the Environmental Protection

Agency, the Nature Conservancy and the U.S. Green

Building Council, DC makes a perfect backdrop for earth-

friendly events. We will endeavor to make the 2018 WGC

as environmentally friendly as possible.

meeTInG GReen. The Walter e. Washington Convention

Center is outfi tted with features like low emission glass

for temperature control and natural lighting, energy-

conserving heating, ventilation and air conditioning

systems, high-effi ciency lighting, automatic controls on

restroom fi xtures, recycling programs and direct access to

public transportation on Metro or the DC Circulator.

Stage your meeting or event at an eco-minded venue like

Nationals Park, the fi rst green-certifi ed ballpark in the

U.S., the ronald reagan Building and International Trade

Center or the National Geographic Society.

STAyInG GReen. Many DC hotels cater to green-

minded planners and guests with extensive environmental

programs. A leader in environmentalism, the Willard

InterContinental Washington off ers a Green Meeting

package that incorporates sustainable food, beverages,

supplies, amenities and team-building eco-opportunities.

The Fairmont Washington, D.C. does its part to alleviate

the worldwide bee shortage by raising bees on its rooftop.

GoInG GReen. Recently named the “most walkable city” in

America by the Brookings Institute, DC boasts 40 new miles

of bike lanes. The region is home to more than 234,000

acres of parkland and more than 800 miles of trails.

Within DC’s top-notch public transportation system you’ll

fi nd many Metrobuses and Circulator buses running on

clean-burning natural gas. Even some private transportation

companies have shown their commitment to environmental

stewardship through maintenance and emission reductions

for their vehicles as well as their operations centers.

dInInG GReen. Keeping in line with Michelle Obama’s

passion for healthy foods and fresh fl avors, DC restaurants

focus on local, sustainable and organic products. The city

is home to restaurant Nora, the fi rst certifi ed organic

restaurant in the U.S., as well as eco-minded hotspots like

LEED-certifi ed and farmer-owned Founding Farmers.

unique sPaces

When the WGC is welcomed to DC, the unique venues

will delight and inspire attendees and guests alike.

AmAzInG SPAceS. Museums, galleries, theatres and even

embassies moonlight as special event venues in DC. Stage

an after-hours event at stunning performing arts venues like

the Harman Center or the Warner Theatre. Let the intriguing

artworks at the National Portrait Gallery or the Corcoran

Gallery light up your events with sparks of creative firepower.

UnFoRGeTTAble VIeWS. DC’s

memorable cityscape serves as

an inspiring backdrop for special

events. Plan a formal dinner or

a casual cocktail reception on

the terrace of the Newseum or

the Kennedy Center, or enjoy

waterside views on board a

Potomac River cruise.

PeRSonAl momenTS. Kick off your event with an

experience your guests will never forget. Tour the

magnificent Library of Congress or step behind the scenes

at the National Archives. Engage in a top-secret mission

at the International Spy Museum or take a tour with a

curator at the National Gallery of Art. Let a professional

photographer show you how to capture the city’s finest

views on film. Take your delegates on a tour of DC’s

monuments and memorials by bike or Segway.

welcome amBassadors: safety and security

As the nation’s capital, Washington, DC is home to major

agencies including the Metropolitan Police Department, FBI,

Secret Service, the National Park Police and the U.S. Capitol

Police that work closely together to ensure that visitors and

locals feel safe and secure. The most intricate, high-profile

events run smoothly. Local businesses and residents also

play a role in creating neighborhoods where you can shop,

dine and explore with comfort and ease.

Welcome AmbASSAdoRS. DC’s Business Improvement

Districts (BIDs) are designed to support economic

development and urban revitalization, and they recognize

that meetings and tourism play a powerful role in their

mission. When you leave the Convention Center or a

downtown hotel, you’re bound to see the Safety and

Maintenance Workers (SAMs) dressed in bright red jackets.

SAMs are there to maintain the cleanliness and beauty of

Downtown DC, but they’re also front-line ambassadors

who can point delegates to restaurants, hotels, shops and

attractions throughout the city.

BIDs in other neighborhoods,

including Adams Morgan,

Capitol Hill, Georgetown and

the Golden Triangle, also staff

their streets with uniformed

workers who help to keep DC

clean and inviting.

DC BIDs work hand in hand with their

supporting businesses, residents other

community organizations to put on

festivals, concerts and special events

throughout the year. The Downtown BID

helps to stage blockbuster annual events

like the National Cherry Blossom Festival,

Capital Fringe Festival and Downtown

Holiday Market. The Golden Triangle BID

entices summer visitors with its outdoor

concert series, while the Georgetown

BID’s annual Taste of Georgetown

attracts foodies from across the region.

restaurants & Private dining

DC has hundreds of restaurants, from classic and elegant to

ethnic and traditional cuisines for every palette.

dInInG oUT. Private dining spaces in DC’s restaurants on

Capitol Hill, Downtown, and in star-studded Georgetown

are made for making connections and deals as well as

spotting Senators and celebrities.

cAPITAl clASSIcS.

When it comes to DC

dining mainstays, you can’t

beat the piping-hot chili

half-smokes at Ben’s Chili

Bowl, the lively happy hour

scene at the Old ebbitt

Grill or the smooth sounds

and southern fare at Blues

Alley Jazz Supper Club.

conTemPoRARy cUISIne. Celebrity chefs like

Wolfgang Puck, Laurent Tourondel and eric ripert have

tapped into the energy of the DC dining scene, opening

up stylish eateries in downtown and the West End. They

join homegrown culinary talents like José Andrés, Michel

richard and rising culinary stars such as Johnny Monis and

Barton Seaver in changing the face of the DC culinary scene.

nightlife & entertainment / dc after dark

From themed bars and luxe lounges to local music, theatre

and sporting events, the District is not just powerful – it’s

powerfully entertaining.

neIGhboRhood VIbeS. Just blocks from the Convention

Center, smooth music and cool cocktails set the stage at

stylish Downtown lounges. For jazz lovers, the destination

is U Street, while salsa beats and international sounds

spill out of Adams Morgan’s bars and restaurants. Wine

and spirits lovers can share an interesting bottle at a

Logan Circle wine bar. For edgy entertainment and fun,

funky themed bars, head north of Capitol Hill to the Atlas

District.

dATe nIGhTS. Visitors can take a cue from the Obamas

and check out acclaimed dining destinations like equinox

or Citronelle, take in a performance at the Kennedy Center

or catch a game at the Verizon Center. Destination DC’s

Obama itinerary guides you to some of the locations

where they’ve been spotted.

SoUl. DC strikes a chord with live music

fans thanks to venues like the 9:30 Club

and Blues Alley. Homegrown talents such

as Duke Ellington, Shirley Horne, Roberta

Flack, Chuck Brown (the Godfather of

Go-Go), Wale and electronica DJ team,

Thievery Corporation, also put DC on the

music map.

SPoRTS. Score points with your sports

fans by planning a group outing to a

Wizards or Capitals game at the Verizon Center. Rent a

private box to catch the Nationals in action at baseball’s

newest –and greenest – stadium, Nationals Park. Impress

football fans with hard-to-snag seats to watch the

redskins.

In The SPoTlIGhT. Cap off your day of meetings and

programs with a night at the theatre. Choose from classic

and contemporary performances at award-winning venues

like Arena Stage and the Shakespeare Theatre Company,

or catch a touring musical at Warner Theatre or National

Theatre. Introduce your delegates to DC’s fresh and edgy

theatre scene at Studio Theatre or Woolly Mammoth.

Josh

Mar

ks

entertainment Link

shoPPing

Boutiques that speak to

DC’s emerging fashion and

design scene are popping

up all over the city. Visitors

can also find major malls

and designer collections

just minutes away from

downtown.

deSTInATIon: doWnToWn. In downtown, new

developments like Gallery Place and the historic Woodward

& Lothrop Building have attracted tenants like Urban

Outfitters, H&M, Zara and Anthropologie. A multilevel Macy’s

houses its own visitors center and welcomes out-of-town

shoppers with passes for discounted shopping. Or, hop on

the Metro or Circulator and head to Union Station for dozens

of shops under one roof.

chIc boUTIqUeS. Hip and historic Georgetown attracts

serious shoppers to its one-of-a-kind boutiques and

internationally-known retailers clustered on M Street and

Wisconsin Avenue. Antiques shops and independent

retailers hold sway on Capitol Hill and Barracks row.

Nearby, locals are drawn to eastern Market for fresh fare

and hand-crafted gifts on weekends. Art galleries and

book shops match the funky feel of Dupont Circle, while

14th Street and Logan Circle appeal to fashion-forward

shoppers in search of stylish home furnishings and vintage

clothing.

cAPITAl keePSAkeS. Find unique thank you gifts

for your VIPs or shop for souvenirs for yourself in DC’s

museum shops. Locals love the accessories and home

accents at the National Museum of Women in the Arts,

National Building Museum and Smithsonian American Art

Museum & National Portrait Gallery.

Power Shopping Link

attractions

DC is home to a playground of treasures designed to

intrigue and delight visitors of all ages and interests. Many

of the city’s most celebrated sights and must-see museums

are free of charge.

Inspiring landmarks such as the Washington Monument

and Lincoln Memorial set the stage for exciting moments.

Fascinating collections of art and artifacts abound in

the Smithsonian Institution’s world-famous—and free—

museums, including the National Air and Space Museum

and National Museum of American History.

Art lovers can browse celebrated museums like The Phillips

Collection, National Gallery of Art and the Corcoran

Gallery of Art or smaller galleries like The Textile Museum

and the Kreeger Museum.

High-tech and interactive attractions like the Newseum and

the International Spy Museum have brought entertaining

new experiences to downtown.

Travelers looking for ways to unwind can get to know

DC’s parks, gardens and peaceful places like the stunning

Washington National Cathedral or picturesque rock

Creek Park.

And of course, no trip to DC would be complete without

a visit to iconic places like the National Archives, the

Library of Congress, the U.S. Capitol and the stunning

Capitol Visitor Center.

100 Free Things to do in DC

transPortation

getting around

DC’s safe, clean and efficient public transportation system

is world-renowned. Metrorail and Metrobus offer quick

and easy connections to hotels, meeting spaces and

transportation hubs, as well as attractions, neighborhoods

and nightlife destinations.

While virtually all hotels for WGC 2018 are within walking

distance to convention center, shuttle buses will be

provided.

meTRo FAcTS

rail Lines: 5, named for colors (Red, Blue, Orange, Yellow, Green)

Stations: 86, including stops at Reagan National Airport, Union Station and the convention center

Bus routes: 340, with 12,000 stops

Hours: Metrobus operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, but service intervals vary by time of day and by weekday/weekend to best meet demand. Metrorail operates from 5AM Weekdays & 7AM Weekends. Services stops at midnight Sun.-Thur. & 3AM Fri.-Sat.

Cost: Metrorail minimum fare is $1.95, daily passes are $9. Rail rates increase during rush hour and for longer trips. Farecards and passes can be purchased at vending machines located inside the stations. Metrobus fare starts at $1.70 cash/$1.50 SmarTrip. Bus fare can be paid by cash or by using a SmarTrip card. Bulk tickets can be purchased on at www.wmata.com.

DC’s newest transportation option, the DC Circulator

connects the Downtown, Georgetown, Capitol Hill,

Southwest, Shaw and Adams Morgan neighborhoods in hip

and stylish buses for just $1 per ride.

dc cIRcUlAToR FAcTSroutes: 6

Hours: Vary by routes.

Georgetown-Union Station: 7AM-9PM Additional Night Service: Whitehaven - 17th & K St, Sun.-Thurs. til 9PM-12AM, Fri. & Sat. til 9PM-2AM

Woodley Park-Adams Morgan-McPherson Square Metro: Sun.-Thurs. 7AM-midnight, til 3:30AM Fri. & Sat.

Convention Center-SW Waterfront: 7AM-9PM

Union Station-Navy Yard via Capitol Hill: 6AM-7PM with extended service on Nationals game days

rosslyn-Georgetown-Dupont: Sun.-Thurs. 7AM-Midnight, Fri. & Sat. 7AM-2AM

Cost: $1. One-day, three-day, weekly and monthly passes are also available at commuterdirect.com

TAxIS

DC boasts one of the highest ratios of taxi cabs to

residents in the country, making it generally easy to find a

ride. Cabs operate on a meter system. The base fare is $3,

plus 25 cents for every one-sixth of a mile after the first

sixth of a mile traveled or every minute stopped in traffic.

There is a $1.50 fee for each additional passenger. The

maximum fare is $19.

metroopensdoors.com

dccirculator.com

hotels

Insider

downtown hotel district

WhAT’S In A nAme?

Downtown DC signifi es

urban revitalization and

the rise of new districts like

Penn Quarter, a dining and

entertainment hotspot.

Other downtown areas

include Gallery Place,

Chinatown, McPherson Square, Lafayette Square, Federal

Triangle, Franklin Square and Mount Vernon Square.

PoSITIon. Museums, theatres and galleries share the

streets with hot new restaurants, lounges and hotels in

downtown. The Walter e. Washington Convention Center

holds court as the neighborhood’s north anchor, and the

nearby streets are fl anked by must-see sights like the

White House, International Spy Museum, National Portrait

Gallery & Smithsonian American Art Museum, Newseum,

Madame Tussauds and the National Museum of Crime

& Punishment. Just 3 blocks from the convention center,

you’ll fi nd Gallery Place, the Verizon Center, and dozens

of restaurants, bars and shops buzzing with locals and

residents alike.

cURTAIn UP! Theatre lovers can catch classic power plays

by the Shakespeare Theatre Company, American favorites

at Ford’s Theatre or contemporary productions at Woolly

Mammoth. Touring Broadway shows are often found at the

historic Warner or National Theatres. Be sure to check out

TICKeTplace for discounted day-of-show tickets.

InSPIRATIon on A PlATe. You’ll fi nd many of the top

tables in the country right here, according to Esquire

magazine. Just one block from the convention center

Acadiana entertains with charbroiled oysters and fried

green tomatoes while crispy spinach melts in your mouth

at rasika (5 blocks). Robert Wiedmaier’s Brasserie Beck

(a mere 3 blocks) off ers frites and mussels with a multi-

page beer list and Jose Andres’ Oyamel (work up a thirst

for that margarita in 5 blocks) serves up “some of the most

sophisticated Mexican food you will ever eat.”

A PICTURE-POSTCARD MOMENT IN FRONT OF The WhITe hoUSe AT lAFAyeTTe SqUARe ★ chInAToWn’S BRIGHTLY COLORED “FRIENDSHIP

ARCH” THAT NOW ANCHORS BUSTLING GALLERY PLACE ★ SmIThSonIAn AmeRIcAn ART mUSeUm AND nATIonAl PoRTRAIT GAlleRy, OPEN

TILL 7PM NIGHTLY ★ MOVERS AND SHAKERS AT THE hAy-AdAmS’ oFF The RecoRd OR The WIllARd’S RoUnd RobIn bAR ★ AN INSPIRING VIEW

FROM The old PoST oFFIce PAVIlIon ★ FRESH OYSTERS AND HAPPY HOUR REGULARS AT old ebbITT GRIll.

Po

lly W

ied

mai

er

hotels: 35

hotel Rooms: 10,955

What’s there: Luxurious historic properties, national brands and design-driven lifestyle hotels.

Getting there: Metro-Gallery Pl-Chinatown, Metro Center, Archives-Navy Mem’l-Penn Quarter, Mount Vernon Square. Circulator east-west or north-south route.

Where: North of the National Mall between the White House and the Capitol.

convention center

Events DC owns and operates the Walter E. Washington

Convention Center, located in the heart of downtown,

accessible by metro and public transportation. The Walter

E. Washington Convention Center is equipped to handle

events of all sizes, including large events from 500 to

42,000 attendees. The state-of-the-art convention center

features more than 213,360-square-meters of exhibit

space, 45,720-square-meters of meeting space and a

15,850-square-meters ballroom (In fact, the center holds

the Guinness World Record for hosting the largest sit-down

dinner in 2009.). The innovative venue combines cutting-

edge technology with environmentally-friendly features.

With a who’s who of high-profile associations and clients,

the Walter E. Washington Convention Center knows how to

ensure your event runs seamlessly—and earn rave reviews

from your attendees.

In order to best serve you and your attendees’ needs and

requirements, the entirety of the Walter E. Washington

Convention Center has been tentatively reserved for the

dates of the World Gas Conference. The center offers

room to grow the exhibition and can host 5,000 delegates

in comfort under one roof, as well as plenary session and

expert session room requirements. Additionally, there are

50 private meeting meetings within the center enabling all

participants to remain within the venue.

walter e. washington convention center

green center

The Walter E. Washington Convention

Center management and staff

recognize are committed to maximizing

operational effi ciency while minimizing

environmental impacts.

enVIRonmenTAlly ReSPonSIble

PRocURemenT. Service providers are

required to purchase post consumer

recycled goods, eco-friendly products

are used throughout the building, from

paper to hand soap to cleaning products.

cARbon FooTPRInT/AIR qUAlITy. The convention

center boasts its own Metro station, off ering ready

access to travel within the city and throughout the

region for attendees, exhibitors and employees. The DC

Circulator bus also off ers direct service to the Center and

connections to downtown hotels, major area attractions,

and special events throughout the area. Bicycle racks are

available for guests and staff .

WATeR conSeRVATIon. The building’s infrastructure

supports storm water management, feeding rain water

from the roof into underground collection tanks. The

tanks ease the pressure on DC’s storm system by fi ltering

and releasing water at a reduced rate. All sinks and

water fountains provide fi ltered water and restrooms are

equipped with water conserving fi xtures.

eneRGy & ATmoSPheRe. The building’s exterior walls

are comprised of clear low-emission glass that maximizes

natural light and controls temperature fl uctuations. High-

effi ciency lighting is used in public areas and is calibrated to

modify lighting levels when rooms are not in use. Dimmable

theatrical-type lighting is used only for special events.

WASTe mInImIzATIon. The center’s recycles cardboard,

mixed paper, bottles and cans made from glass, aluminum,

plastic, fl uorescent bulbs, toner cartridges and batteries,

and reaches out to the business community to facilitate the

reuse of electronics, carpet, pallets and other items.

“Owning and operating one of the country’s

most energy-efficient convention centers, our

goal is to be a leader in maintaining high green

standards in convention management. We are

dedicated to working closely with our customers

and local stakeholders to have a greater impact

on reducing our carbon footprint, optimizing

waste separation, increasing recyclying rates

and saving clients money.”

- Gregory A. O’DellPresident and CEO of Events DC

floorPlans & sPecs

usa bid for the 25th world gas conference

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