Washington, DC – connected

As the capital of the United States, Washington, DC, offers meeting planners unparalleled access to intellectual capital, historic landmarks and distinctive venues — all set against the iconic backdrop of the nation’s capital. From global thought leaders to cutting-edge innovation, DC is where international influence and local expertise intersect, creating an inspiring environment to elevate any event. There's truly only one DC, a city that brings ideas to life at the heart of global leadership.

Blending global leadership and local innovation, Washington, DC, offers a unique position and distinctive advantages for business and meetings.

An event in Washington, DC, guarantees a place in the heart of the action. The interconnected epicentre of government, industry, academia and non-profits, plus institutions including the World Bank, offers unrivalled access to leaders, funders and policy makers. Connect with an industry knowledge hub expanding in key sectors such as tech, biotech/pharma, education and medical, and access top academics in some of the world’s premier institutions.

Washington, DC, the capital of the United States, is a dynamic hub for innovation and opportunity, located strategically on the East Coast between Maryland and Virginia. Home to 700,000 residents in DC proper and over 6.2 million in the greater National Capital Region (known as the DMV for DC, Maryland and Virginia), the city has earned its place on the global stage. Recognised as the #1 State for Tech Careers by Forbes in 2024, and the #1 Global Cybersecurity Talent Market by CBRE, DC is a city for visionaries and trailblazers. With accolades like #1 Most Innovative State (Wallethub), #1 Best US City for Black Entrepreneurs (Incfile) and a Top 15 Global Startup Ecosystem (Startup Genome), Washington, DC, attracts a diverse range of international professionals, investors and innovators. As one of the most educated cities in the U.S. and a leader in venture-capital investment, DC is an ideal destination for events and meetings that thrive in a forward-thinking, globally connected environment.

Atmospheric image with purple tones to sky and water of the Tidal Basin and Jefferson Memorial, Washington, DC

Why Washington, DC?

“Washington, DC, and the greater region are at the epicentre of the dramatic transformation taking place in the global economy. This affects how we think about and solve our greatest challenges with everybody working in partnership. Washington, DC, is a place that brings the business community, non-profits, government and academia together in a way unlike anywhere else. We are at the cutting edge of what the economy could and should look like for the next century. Anyone that wants to get in on the ground floor needs to come here.”

Jack McDougle
President and CEO, Greater Washington Board of Trade

Exceptional venues

DC offers exceptional venues for all group sizes and all kinds of events. Choose from iconic attractions, distinctive spaces and more than 135 hotels, many of which feature historic and memorable meeting spaces or amazing waterfront views. DC boasts more than 34,000 hotel rooms, Michelin-starred restaurants, and vendors ready to make your next meeting, event or convention unforgettable. It’s no surprise that DC is one of the top destinations to host a meeting.

A key venue in DC is the LEED Platinum Walter E. Washington Convention Center, accessible by Metro and walkable from downtown’s bustling cultural and restaurant scene.

Beyond the convention centre, Connected Campus offers meeting planners access to more than 40 unique venues across five distinct hubs in Washington, DC. These venues range from iconic landmarks to scenic waterfront spaces and are paired with nearby hotels, dining and entertainment options.

Walter E. Washington Convention Center

Walter E. Washington Convention Center

“In DC, we have amazing monuments, museums and memorials, but beyond those, visitors discover abundant green spaces, vibrant cultural experiences and distinctive neighbourhoods. The city offers incredible restaurants, local shops and a fantastic sports scene, all complemented by a well-established infrastructure with plentiful hotels and three nearby airports. But what I love most about DC is the people. We are diverse, international and enriched by 175 embassies, making our local experience a truly global one. That’s the essence of Only One DC — an unmatched blend of history, culture and community you won’t find anywhere else.”

Elliott L. Ferguson II
President & CEO, Destination DC

Contact the Destination DC sales team to start planning your meeting

[email protected]
+1 (202) 789-7000

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