Cultural Tourism D.C. hosted its inaugural conference entitled “Arts, Culture, and Tourism: Strategies for Success,” Jan. 26. The event included four productive workshops focusing on communications, customer service, social media and fundraising. Johnetta Betsch Cole, director of the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, delivered the keynote address highlighting the museum’s efforts to think outside of the box and market to a younger generation through the use of technology. Cultural Tourism D.C.’s annual meeting followed the conference focusing on 2011’s accomplishments. The Fourth Embassy Chef’s Challenge, which will be held at the Reagan Building on Mar. 8, was all the talk at the evening’s networking reception at Nage in the Courtyard Marriott. The annual fundraising event is a friendly competition among embassy chefs, which features international tastings, awards, entertainment and a world-class silent auction.