Washington, DC, is the nation’s capital, and thus has been a natural meeting place dating back to the country’s founding. For years it has brought together some of the brightest minds and most important industries to collaborate, innovate and effectively change the world. It’s this rich history and tradition that continues to lure meetings and groups today.
While the country’s heritage is woven throughout DC’s fabric, it’s also a city that is always looking to the future. Washington, DC’s commitment to sustainability, for example, makes the destination desirable for all stakeholders. It’s the first designated LEED Platinum city, with a goal to be carbon neutral by 2050.
There’s more to entice meetings programs. World-class venues double as free attractions. Constant hotel development keeps the lodging options fresh. And air connectivity to DC is almost unmatched.
Three major airports serve the capital city, making it easily accessible from hundreds of national and international destinations.
Getting around is easy for attendees. Spanning 68 square miles and dubbed the third-most walkable city by Condé Nast Traveler, moving around on foot is easy, and the Metrorail, Metrobus and bike-sharing stations provide convenient alternatives.
All of this and more makes DC a singular destination—there’s no place in the world like it, and attendees will feel it when they gather. Where else can you meet with former West Wing speechwriters, host events in embassies or go behind the scenes with a curator at a Smithsonian museum?
“Washington, DC, offers an unrivaled combination of access to policymakers, unique networking opportunities and world-class educational experiences,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO of Destination DC (DDC). “With vibrant neighborhoods and endless ‘bleisure’ options, DC is a city that creates memorable meetings, inspiring attendees to return again and again.”
Connected Campus
The Walter E. Washington Convention Center is a premier venue in DC. It is one of only four LEED Platinum-certified convention centers in the U.S., offers 2.3 million total square feet of flexible space and resides in the heart of DC with access to entertainment, restaurants, shops and more.
But there’s much beyond the convention center for meeting planners to tap, too. Through DDC’s Connected Campus initiative, planners can explore a network of non-traditional spaces and flexible venues within six distinct campuses in DC. These campuses include the Convention Center, Downtown DC, Capitol Riverfront, The Wharf, The National Mall and Connecticut Avenue.
Each campus offers hotels, unique offsite venues and walkable attractions helping planners deliver holistic, impressive event experiences to attendees within DC’s dynamic neighborhoods. To learn about Connected Campus go to washington.org/campus.
[Related: Washington, DC, Offers a Mosaic of Meetings Options for Planners]
Exclusive Opportunities
In DC, events have access to some of the most iconic landmarks in the country that double as attractions and unforgettable event spaces. Host a gathering amongst the world’s largest book collection in the circa 1890s Library of Congress; bring attendees together for a special event in the towering Washington National Cathedral, famed for its Gothic architecture; or marvel at the same space that has hosted presidential inaugural balls since 1885 at the National Building Museum.
Many of DC’s attractions are free to enjoy, too. During meetings breaks, attendees can explore Smithsonian museums, the National Gallery of Art and various monuments and memorials all at no cost.
“I want people to experience the American history in and around every corner of the city,” said Brian Cutler, convention chairman for OTAKON. “And every time that I visit, I find something new to do or see.”
Washington, DC has more than 135 hotels, many of them ready-made for events with their own historic stories, rooftop venues and waterfront views.
Such range makes it possible for DC to accommodate everything from intimate board meetings to large-scale conventions.
Meeting of the Minds
The intellectual capital available in DC is unparalleled. The destination serves as home base for 175 embassies, hundreds of international organizations, think tanks, medical institutions, research universities and more.
This access to expert speakers and thought leaders in critical industries provides a wealth of on-the-ground knowledge that planners can leverage for keynotes, panels and more at their events.
“DC stands out as a global center for innovation and collaboration, providing distinctive access to leaders in industries like technology, healthcare, biotech, education and transportation,” said Melissa A. Riley, senior vice president, convention sales and services for DDC. “The city’s blend of free world-class museums and the intellectual power of the nation’s capital makes DC the ideal destination for meetings that deliver real impact.”
[Related: Destination DC's Elliott Ferguson on Major Meetings Developments in the U.S. Capital]
Partner With Destination DC
Partnering with a DMO is always valuable when planning an event, and DC is no exception. In fact, given the wealth of venues and experiences in DC, working with the DMO can make the planning process a seamless experience.
DDC offers complimentary resources and a team of professionals that have been in the industry for 30-plus years, holding incredible expertise in city events. They know how to create thoughtful itineraries that can help give meetings a sense of place. This is possible through deep-rooted relationships and insider access to DC’s hotels, venues and service providers. DDC has over 1,000 member businesses and can help secure competitive pricing and recommend cost-saving strategies for planners on a strict budget, and act as a single point of contact to help simplify the whole planning process.
“Our team’s expertise ensures that you can confidently explore beyond the usual attractions to craft an event that stands out,” Riley said. “We know the city inside and out and are here to help you navigate every option available.
“Think of DDC as an extension of your team,” she continued. “Our goal is to make the planning process stress-free so you can focus on delivering a successful event.”
DDC can also help events stay in line with their company values. Incorporating sustainability, accessibility and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) into events is more important than ever for many groups, and DDC initiatives, such as the Sustainability District and DEI District, can connect planners to eco-friendly venues, diverse businesses and unique experiences that reflect your organization’s mission.
“One of our core values is inclusivity,” said Willie Benjami, vice president of meetings and events experiences for America’s Credit Union. “So, it is a part of what we teach. We do take our members into different parts of the city to see the diversity that DC has to offer.”
Read more meeting and event news in Washington, DC.
This article was created in partnership with Destination DC.
