Event Planners’ Guide to Washington, D.C.

For large citywide conventions, small, impactful meetings, or events requiring extra security or special attention to protocol, Washington, D.C., delivers, says Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO of Destination DC, the official destination marketing organization of the nation’s capital city.
“Washington, D.C., is the only place that delivers access to policymakers, networking, and educational experiences. Coupled with the city’s dynamic neighborhoods and abundant ‘bleisure’ offerings, D.C. creates memorable meetings that keep attendees coming back. As we say, ‘There’s only one D.C.’”

D.C. is an epicenter for think tanks, national and international associations, lobbying firms, Fortune 500 companies, and premier institutions. “Access and knowledge are valuable currencies for meetings, and D.C. provides direct connections to industry experts, policymakers, academics, and global leaders across a multitude of sectors,” Ferguson adds. “These factors and many more have helped establish our nation’s capital as a leader in key industries, such as technology, biotech/pharma, education, and medical.”

D.C. is not just a political city, says Melissa A. Riley, senior vice president of convention sales and services for Destination DC. “It is a place where change happens, voices are amplified, and events become part of a larger narrative of impact.”

Ferguson says D.C.’s global prominence gives it a unique position on the world stage, making it a natural hub for high-impact conversations and historical gatherings. “Advantages for meetings include visibility, ensuring international recognition and media coverage for events, plus unparalleled opportunities for engagement with policymakers, regulators, and thought leaders, enabling organizations to amplify their mission.” D.C. is home to more than 175 embassies and the headquarters for hundreds of think tanks, national and international organizations, and nonprofits.

One strategy for groups gathering in D.C. goes beyond the confines of Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Destination DC’s Connected Campus initiative allows planners to take advantage of spaces outside traditional downtown locations, increasing availability and options. The Connected Campus includes hotels and event spaces in five areas of D.C.’s varied but cohesive neighborhoods, including Capitol Riverfront, The Wharf, The National Mall, Connecticut Avenue, and Downtown D.C.

Three major airports provide travelers with options. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), with a recently opened 14-gate concourse and plans for a new 1,500-space parking garage; Dulles International Airport (IAD), with construction underway on a new 400,000-square-foot concourse to open in 2026; and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) all have rail connections to the city. Visitors arriving in the area by train will disembark at Union Station, the country’s second-busiest Amtrak station. Once in D.C., Metro Transit services include citywide bus and underground rail services, with Metrorail stops near most major hotels and attractions. Ranked as one of the most walkable cities in the country, D.C. boasts countless public parks and pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods inviting exploration on foot. Capital Bikeshare has more than 700 stations and 7,000 rental bikes available in the city with single-trip or day passes.

Planners will find much to keep event and meeting attendees occupied during their off hours, with free access to world-class attractions, including the Smithsonian museums, National Gallery of Art, monuments and memorials, parks and public spaces, and many events and festivals throughout the year, such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, held each spring.

Outdoor entertainment is abundant. Along the Potomac and Anacostia rivers are dozens of waterfront activities, including river walks, boat tours, and paddling adventures. One of D.C.’s newest developments is The Wharf, an entertainment, dining, and retail destination. Rock Creek Park, a rustic expanse of 1,754 acres and the third national park designated by the federal government, provides visitors a refuge from the city, with hiking and biking trails, fishing, horseback riding, golf, ranger-led programs, a nature center, planetarium, and other attractions.

D.C. comprises many distinctive, historic neighborhoods, some with more commercial offerings, restaurants, and tourist attractions and others more residential. Each provides its own unique experience, and all are easily accessed on foot, by rail, or by car. There are also more than 34,000 hotel rooms in the city.