Dulles Technology Corridor is an industrial powerhouse in Virginia with easy access to all points on the Eastern Seaboard; and it is practically next door to the real power of Washington, DC. Internet, cable and tech companies abound here, as do their executives, and there are many association headquarters in situ, as well. Meeting venues in the Dulles Technology Corridor benefit from this rich conference environment.
The corridor essentially follows Rte. 267 in Virginia in Fairfax and Loudon counties; it includes the huge Washington Dulles International Airport. As stated, Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is the main entry point for the corridor. It is in the district of Dulles and is home to numerous domestic and international airlines.
Dulles Technology Corridor convention venues lead with Dulles Expo & Conference Center in Chantilly, which has 100,000 square feet of convention space; followed by the 10,000-seat Patriot Center arena in George Mason University, which is able to host very large gatherings.
Abundant hotel venues in the Dulles Technology Corridor area include the 314-room Westin Washington Dulles Airport in Herndon, with 14,000 square feet of meeting space (including an 8,400-square-foot ballroom); the 296-room Landsdowne Resort, in Leesburg, which has a 50,000-square-foot convention center; the 245-room Holiday Inn Chantilly-Dulles Expo, which is adjacent to the Dulles Expo & Conference Center; the 148-room Mason Inn Conference Center & Hotel, which has 13,000 square feet of meeting space; and the 99-room Best Western Leesburg Hotel & Conference Center, in Leesburg, which has space for up to 150 persons.
There are many choice venues for special events in this area, including Cabell's Mill in Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, Centerville, an 18th-century mill that operated until 1916 and which has space for functions of up to 125 persons; Collingwood Library & Museum on Americanism in Alexandria, with space for up to 150 persons indoors and 800 on the grounds; Belmont Country Club in Ashburn, which combines an 18th-century building and with an 18-hole, Arnold Palmer-designed golf course and 11 meeting and function spaces that all attempt to outdo one another in grand sumptuousness; and Hillsborough Vineyards in Purcellville, which has gorgeous grounds suitable for events.
Groups will also eat well. Restaurant to choose between include 2941 Restaurant in Falls Church, which overlooks a koi pond and has can host groups of up to 200 persons; J.R. Stockyards Inn in McLean, with steak on the menu and private dining space that has been fully renovated and is expected to reopen in 2012; the incredibly historic Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant in Mount Vernon, which has six private rooms for up to 100 persons; the Italian spot Pane e Vino ("Bread and Wine"), which can cater to 65 persons in a private room; and Grandale Farm Restaurant in Neersville, which both grows and cooks food for private events of up to 65 persons on 38 lush acres.
Dulles a bit too far from DC for you? Check out our pages about meeting planning in DC or search for event venues in DC
