DAYTON, Ohio — As Dayton gears up to host the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in 2025, local organizations are working diligently to ensure delegates and visitors feel welcomed and ready to explore the city. This marks the first time in over two decades that the United States will host the assembly.
Jacquelyn Powell, President and CEO of Destination Dayton, emphasized the importance of showcasing the city. “We want them to see what America is like. This is America, Dayton, Ohio. So, it’s very important for us to show them the kind of welcoming community that they would expect when they come here,” she said.
Destination Dayton is preparing to welcome over 1,000 attendees, offering a specialized app and website that highlights local restaurants, shops, and landmarks. Powell noted the necessity of accessibility, stating, “We’re dealing with representatives from over 30 countries, so we knew it had to be something that was easy to get to and use.”
A key feature of the upcoming assembly is the “Show Your NATO PA Badge” discount program, which provides exclusive deals to credentialed attendees at local businesses. Additionally, Destination Dayton is coordinating with transportation services to facilitate rides to and from airports and shuttles within the NATO Village.
During the assembly, staff members from Destination Dayton will be on hand to assist attendees with any information they may need. “Lots of hard work has been put into this by our large number of partner organizations and we feel very prepared, we’re ready,” Powell said.