Washington, DC

Key Highlights

Hotels 116
Total Sleeping Rooms 27,800
Committable Meeting Rooms* 77
Largest Exhibit Space 703,000 Sq. Ft.
Largest Ballroom 52,000 Sq. Ft.
Average Hotel Room Rate USD $202
Average Daily Meal Cost USD $71
Average Weekly Car Rental USD $310
*Maximum for a single hotel

Washington, DC Meeting Planning Overview

Washington DC meeting planning offers planners some of the most unique and historic settings and event locations. Home to some of the most recognizable monuments and buildings in the world, Washington, DC offers endless opportunities for meeting and event planning. From the 2.3-million-square-foot Walter E. Washington Convention Center to chic restaurants and unique Washington DC event venues within the various museums of the Smithsonian Institution, a plethora of meeting and event facilities await in the nation's capital. Washington, DC is also home to more than 150 embassies, chancelleries and diplomatic residencies - many of which are available for private events.

Located within close proximity to several growing cities such as Alexandria and Arlington, Washington, DC offers several alternatives to the usual downtown DC event planning. Host your next meeting in Alexandria and take pleasure in a historic waterfront community with 18th- and 19th-century architecture, unique shops, galleries, restaurants and major hotels. Select from more than 9,000 hotel rooms and 400 restaurants located in Arlington and enjoy the luxury of a small-town meeting while situated only minutes from Reagan Washington National Airport, Arlington National Cemetery and all major Washington, DC attractions.

There is no lack of transportation options when it comes to DC meeting planning. Access to the city's many attractions, DC meeting hotels, and neighborhoods is readily available through its efficient transportation system: Metro and bus service touch almost every point of interest within the city. The DC Circulator bus provides another transportation option, serving as a connection between the National Mall, Union Station, Georgetown, and the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The District also prides itself in being one of the most accessible cities in the world for the physically challenged. Metro and Smithsonian guides are available to help handicapped individuals utilize public transportation, while City Scooter Tours provide wheelchair and mobility scooter rentals for any length of time.

Well-planned from its inception, the District is dotted with beautiful parks, gardens and public spaces. West and East Potomac parks comprise more than 720 riverside acres that are divided by the Tidal Basin. In addition to 1,600 cherry trees, West Potomac Park is home to many of the city's major memorials. East Potomac Park showcases more than 11 different types of cherry trees and serves as an outdoor activity center with picnic grounds, tennis courts, three golf courses, bike paths and a large swimming pool. Rock Creek Park offers an outdoor amphitheater, playgrounds, the remains of Civil War battlements and endless acres of wooded parkland to explore and outdoor locations for Washington DC meeting planning professionals to choose from. Approximately 91 acres of wilderness preserve can be found on Theodore Roosevelt Island, dedicated to the memory of the nation's 26th president. This public park is now a habitat for numerous animals including rabbits, great owls, fox, turtles and groundhogs and has over two miles of foot trails for visitors to wander.

Planning events in Washington, DC gives you options that you would be hard-pressed to find in many other cities. Washington, DC's flourishing cultural scene is influenced by people from around the world. Whether your taste buds are craving Asian, Mediterranean, Portuguese or something else entirely, choose from an eclectic blend of restaurants such as Zengo, TenPenh, Zola, Citronelle, Rasika, DC Coast and the Old Ebbitt Grill. Catch a world-class performance at the Kennedy Center, Wolftrap, Ford's Theater or Verizon Center. Watch the Nationals play ball at Nationals Park in southeast Washington along the fast-developing Capitol Riverfront adjacent to the Navy Yard, or check out a DC United game at RFK Stadium.

Secondary to the federal government, Washington, DC's primary industry is tourism. However, there are several other notable industries thriving within this metropolitan city. The law, higher education, medical research, publishing and government research industries are booming. The city also serves as the world headquarters for many well-known companies including Atlantic Media Company, Special Olympics, Inc., AARP, Inc., Gallup, Inc. and the International Monetary Fund.

View the other pages in the Washington, DC Destination Guide to learn more information about event and meeting planning in Washington, DC.

Washington, DC Area Destinations

Alexandria, VA Alexandria, VA Annapolis, MD Annapolis, MD Arlington, VA Arlington, VA Bethesda, MD Bethesda, MD
Capital Beltway, DC Capital Beltway, DC Capitol Hill, DC Capitol Hill, DC Chevy Chase, MD Chevy Chase, MD Dulles Technology Corridor, VA Dulles Technology Corridor, VA
Dupont Circle, DC Dupont Circle, DC Fairfax County, VA Fairfax County, VA Gaithersburg, MD Gaithersburg, MD Georgetown, DC Georgetown, DC
Loudoun County, VA Loudoun County, VA Montgomery County, MD Montgomery County, MD National Harbor, DC National Harbor, DC Old Town Alexandria, VA Old Town Alexandria, VA
Rockville, MD Rockville, MD Tysons Corner, VA Tysons Corner, VA Washington, DC Convention Center Washington, DC Convention Center Woodley Park, DC Woodley Park, DC

About Washington, DC / Additional Info

Defined by its role as the capital of the United States, Washington, DC offers visitors the unique opportunity to experience a thriving multi-cultural city while being fully immersed in the deep history of this great nation. The District is situated on the banks of the beautiful Potomac River and has a metro area population of approximately 6 million people. Characterized by lush green spaces and magnificent architecture formed by blocks of glittering limestone and granite, this metropolitan city allures over 16 million visitors every year.

Take a stroll along the National Mall and visit one of more than 10 free museums offered by the Smithsonian Institution, such as the American History Museum, the Natural History Museum, the American Indian Museum and the Air and Space Museum. For those who prefer the outdoors, get a breath of fresh air and reflect on the trials and accomplishments of the nation's forefathers while standing at the foot of the Jefferson Memorial, Franklin Memorial, World War II Memorial or Vietnam Memorial.

In the fall, brightly colored leaves, flag football games, picnickers, runners, fundraising events and concerts bring the National Mall to life. During the spring, busloads of people flock to the area for the annual Cherry Blossom Festival, enjoying the stunning sight of thousands of blossoming cherry trees, which were gifted to the city by Tokyo, Japan, as a gesture of friendship in 1912. Other notable attractions along the National Mall include the White House, the U.S. Capitol and the Washington Monument.

The National Mall is certainly only one of many areas in the city to explore; every neighborhood within this 67-square-mile city has its own personality and unique appeal. Take a Sunday afternoon outing to the neighborhood of Capitol Hill to admire the architecture of one of the city's oldest communities and to explore the sites, sounds and rich aromas of the Eastern Market - the last of DC's 19th-century markets to remain in operation. Discover Georgetown: sip a cocktail, grab a bite to eat or people watch on the streets of this delightful waterfront neighborhood. Georgetown's streets are also lined in a diverse mix of unique boutiques and high-end retailers, sure to provide an afternoon of enjoyable shopping.

Slightly to the northwest, the colorful neighborhood of Adams Morgan boasts an eclectic mix of international restaurants, sidewalk cafes, ethnic stores and late-night entertainment. Challenge the mind in Penn Quarter's modern restaurants, contemporary galleries, innovative theaters and captivating museums. Or, head out for a night on the town in Dupont Circle, known for its hip clubs and swanky bars.

From its celebrated past and patriotism to its bright future as a thriving metropolis, Washington, DC has it all. From unique neighborhoods and spectacular monuments to enlightening museums, lively festivals and award-winning restaurants, the District offers lucky visitors the opportunity to experience America and its past, while making memories that will last long into the future.

 
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