Meet in the nation’s capital, where economics, culture, and academics unite. Washington, D.C., is where great minds gather for meetings in the technology, biotech/pharmaceutical, education, and medical sectors. As the “Connected Capital” continues to expand its knowledge economy, those working in sustainability, transportation, and government advocacy have also taken notice. Meeting planners will find major sustainability advancements, transformative public transportation initiatives, and access to the country’s leaders and lawmakers in D.C., benefiting their attendees, sponsors, and bottom line.
Groups looking to jazz up their traditional meeting layout can find seven nontraditional venues within walking distance of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. As an extension of the Connected Capital positioning, the “Connected Campus” concept shows planners how to utilize the seven spaces to expand the footprint of the convention center and create a diversified meeting layout showcasing authentic Washington. Offering 20 bookable meeting and event spaces, the seven venues can accommodate groups of all sizes in the heart of the city.
“The Connected Campus concept allows meeting planners to understand how their meeting can better succeed in D.C. by looking at meetings beyond just a traditional conference center,” said Elliott L. Ferguson II, president and CEO of Destination DC. “We hope the Connected Campus can help bring unique meeting and event visions to life as we continue to add more venues to the mix.”
The venues that are currently participating include Capital One Arena, Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church, Long View Gallery, Touchstone Gallery, Association of American Medical Colleges, AJAX, and Present Company Public House.
“The area surrounding the convention center is versatile and flexible, and these venues help planners expand their event beyond the ordinary,” said Melissa A. Riley, vice president of convention sales and services at Destination DC. “In addition to the city’s strong industries, D.C.’s new hotels, special events venues, and $13.9 billion in development, including new meeting space at several hotels, are continuously adding to our city’s appeal.”
New and upcoming hotel developments include:
AC Hotel by Marriott Washington DC Downtown (Opened December 2019)
The European-born hotel brand brings modern style and a lobby light installation by German artist Anke Neumann, designed to pay homage to the Potomac River. The hotel is perfect for intimate groups, with 2,268 square feet of meeting space, including an outdoor rooftop terrace.
Thompson Hotel (Opened January 2020)
The luxury lifestyle brand Thompson Hotels opened a 225-room hotel with 7,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, including a rooftop bar, Anchovy Social, in the heart of Capitol Riverfront. The hotel houses a full-service restaurant, Maialino Mare from Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group, which offers private dining and seasonal outdoor seating.
Riggs Washington DC (Opened February 2020)
The property is the Lore Group’s first U.S. hotel, located in Penn Quarter. Riggs Washington DC boasts 121,000 square feet, 181 guest rooms and suites, an expansive restaurant and lounge, and a rooftop event space. The hotel also houses a cocktail bar, Silver Lyan, from world-acclaimed mixologist Ryan Chetiyawardana.
CitizenM
Billing itself as “affordable luxury,” CitizenM, a Dutch hospitality brand, is expected to open a 252-room hotel at Fifth and E Streets SW. Located near The Wharf, the property will feature an open workspace with iMacs, a fitness and yoga studio, and a rooftop lounge.
Attendees will also be wowed by D.C.’s Michelin-starred restaurant scene, captivating free museums, and meeting spaces that provide unparalleled views of the city. To learn more and submit an RFP, visit washington.org/meetings.
