This year, the U.S. commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and there might not be a more fitting time to take your group to the nation’s capital—one-of-a-kind Washington, D.C. Several hotels in the city are offering special perks throughout the year in honor of the milestone, including reduced nightly rates and free or lower-cost food and beverage add-ons. But no matter when you host your event, attendees might marvel at the National Mall with its 2-mile stretch of monuments, memorials, sculpture gardens, and Smithsonian museums; see original historic items like the Declaration of Independence and the actual Star-Spangled Banner that inspired the national anthem; and enjoy an acclaimed dining scene full of flavor.
“D.C. places meetings at the center of policy, research, and global decision-making,” says Elliott L. Ferguson II, president and CEO of Destination DC. “Federal agencies, universities, medical institutions, associations, and international organizations all are based here, giving planners access to speakers and participants who shape industry conversations. That proximity strengthens attendance, content, and outcomes.”
The city’s convenience, culture, and dining scene also stand out. Ferguson notes many of D.C.’s most recognized attractions are free, and its walkable layout simplifies transportation. Its distinctive neighborhoods showcase diverse cultures and cultural elements, from the U Street Corridor, the heart and soul of D.C.’s jazz scene, to Adams Morgan, known for its nightlife and global restaurants along 18th Street, which range from Ethiopian to Salvadoran.
The Draw of History
Its place in U.S. history and its identity as the nation’s center of government are
undeniably the district’s appeal, and some prominent government buildings offer tours and venue rentals for immersive experiences. Large groups can reserve timed-entry tickets for guided tours of the National Archives Museum, which is home to originals of the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights, and other historically important U.S. documents. Its awe-inspiring Rotunda Galleries & Public Vaults space accommodates up to 225 attendees standing underneath 75-foot vaulted ceilings, and the dedicated event staff assists with catering, audiovisual setup, and event management. The Library of Congress, founded in 1800, also offers beautiful rental spaces within its Jefferson and Madison buildings for evening events. While not a government building, the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on Constitution Avenue has hosted everything from presidential inaugural balls to fashion shows and corporate galas since its opening in 1935.
When it comes to activities, groups might embark on walking, trolley, or bus tours of the National Mall, home to the Washington Monument, U.S. Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and many more landmarks. You also can bring groups to the fascinating Ford’s Theatre, the site of former President Abraham Lincoln’s 1865 assassination, which offers a museum, bulk tickets for performances, and guided narrative tours.
Of course, the nation’s capital also has its fair share of historic lodging. For example, The Hay-Adams, designed and built as a residential hotel in the 1920s, was named after John Hay, personal secretary to former President Lincoln, and Henry Adams, a historian, Harvard professor, and descendant of former Presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams. Its Top of the Hay venue is a highly sought-after space, a top-floor venue with stunning views of D.C. institutions and monuments, plus capacity for up to 340 attendees.
“Top of the Hay lends itself to creativity,” says Sarah Deam, director of sales and marketing at the hotel. “Many of our planners know the backdrop alone can take guests’ breath away, and it inspires our groups to think outside the box.” She notes one group built a custom table in the space to host a “state dinner,” while another created interview pods to film live feedback from attendees during sessions. Other historic hotels include Willard InterContinental Washington on Pennsylvania Avenue; Washington Hilton; and The Mayflower Hotel, Autograph Collection, the longest continuously operating hotel in the Washington, D.C., area.
If you need a break from the historic, two Convene venues with a modern design offer brandable spaces in desirable areas: Convene Hamilton Square, steps from the White House, and Convene 1201 Wilson Boulevard in nearby Arlington, Virginia. “Rather than managing multiple third-party vendors, our partners have access to our on-site culinary team focused on seasonal menus, as well as dedicated in-house audiovisual and technology experts,” says Jill McCluskey, vice president of sales for New York City-based Convene Hospitality Group, which owns the venues. “[Convene venues are] a one-stop shop for event planners.”
Museums for Days
Whether your group contains arts and culture aficionados, history buffs, science experts, or those intrigued by the gadgets and tactics of spies from around the world, Washington, D.C., has a museum for you. Notably, the district’s dozens of museums include 17 that are part of the Smithsonian Institution, 11 of which sit along the National Mall.
The National Air and Space Museum is one of the Smithsonian facilities on the National Mall, boasting iconic aircraft, spacecraft, missles, rockets, and other artifacts documenting historical and technical flight achievements. Its America by Air Gallery and Hall is available to book for dinners and receptions; the venue showcases how the federal government
shaped the airline industry, improvements in air-travel tech, how the flying experience changed over the years, and more.
“When hosting events at the National Air and Space Museum, the entire museum is available for attendees to explore,” says Kevin Lamparter, senior special events manager at the museum. “[Planners] have the opportunity to work with area caterers and entertainment vendors to curate a memorable experience for eventgoers as they enjoy the museum’s exhibitions in a unique, private setting.” Set to open at the museum this July, The RTX Living in the Space Age Hall will offer a new space for events amid an exhibit that covers the history of the Space Age, from the mid-20th century to the present. Other popular Smithsonian museums that host events include the National Museum of African American History and Culture with its Heritage Hall for up to 2,500, the Arts and Industries Building with its elegant Enid A. Haupt Garden, and the National Postal Museum, among others.
Beyond the Smithsonian institutions, the International Spy Museum is another intriguing venue. This museum guides attendees through the tradecraft, history, and contemporary role of espionage, with exhibits on code-cracking, famous spies, and plenty of interactive games to test your own spy skills. Its seventh-floor ballroom, rooftop terrace, and new “Camouflage: Designed to Deceive” exhibit all present unforgettable event settings. For an inside peek at the president’s residence, The People’s House: A White House Experience, allows visitors to interact with replicas of the White House Rose Garden and the Oval Office, learn stories of presidents past, and more. The People’s House offers timed-entry passes for large groups, as well as educational sessions.
Dining & Culture
“Washington, D.C., is often known for its politics and monuments, but it’s also a vibrant, diverse city with thriving arts, food, and cultural scenes,” says Safie Traore, catering sales manager at Eaton DC, a boutique hotel downtown. Describing itself as a hub for innovators and artists, Eaton DC offers a cozy lodging and venue option with a modern, community-driven vibe. It features the rooftop Wild Days venue with panoramic views of the district; on-site media facilities, such as a radio station and podcast studio; wellness offerings, including yoga and meditation; and more.
When it comes to dining, you will find the works in this city, from Michelin-starred spots to places where you can indulge in a classic D.C. “half-smoke,” the district’s signature sausage, a blend of coarsely ground pork and beef that is smoked and then grilled and topped with chili, onions, and mustard. One such place is Ben’s Chili Bowl, a must-try for half-smokes, burgers, chili, and more. It boasts several locations—including one inside the Walter E. Washington Convention Center—that welcome large group bookings, and the staple eatery also provides boxed-meal and buffet-style catering.
On the Michelin scene, Fiola from Chef Fabio Trabocchi is a Michelin one-star Italian restaurant with a menu that includes handmade potato gnocchi, wild-caught sea bream, and charcoal-grilled Rocky Mountain lamb, with several elegant private event spaces full of artwork. A Washingtonian favorite, Chercher Restaurant serves up Ethiopian cuisine and provides catering and function space.
