Source Event Planner - 2024 Event Planning Guide
There’s Only One DC
2023-12-13 09:03:27
ONE CITY. MANY STORIES. CONNECTING PEOPLE.
Constantly evolving, Washington, DC thrives and inspires ideas with its iconic skyline, rich culture, vibrant culinary scene and exceptional venues. The city is also a knowledge hub with unrivaled access to policy leaders and industry experts who provide a distinctive advantage for meetings and events.
ACCESS
Navigating the City is a Breeze
Considered one of the most walkable cities in the U.S., DC’s 68 square miles are packed with attractions and experiences that invite discovery at every turn. Getting in and around the city is easy with the area’s three airports with rail access to downtown hotels and the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
DEI DISTRICT
Embrace the Diversity of DC
Differences are celebrated in the nation’s capital. Our global and inclusive community is home to more than 175 embassies and hundreds of organizations and nonprofits making a profound impact on the country. The power of DC is about making connections and creating purpose-driven events that include opportunities to meet individuals from a variety of cultures, races and backgrounds. The DEI District on washington.org provides meeting planners with resources for creating experiences that promote and validate diversity, equity and inclusion.
ADVOCACY
Add Value and Purpose with Intellectual Capital
DC is an epicenter for think tanks, national and international associations, lobbying firms, Fortune 500 companies and premier institutions. Access and knowledge are valuable currencies for meetings and DC provides direct connections to industry experts, policymakers, academics and global leaders across a multitude of sectors.
SUSTAINABILITY
Going Green is Easy
As the first LEED Platinum city in the world, Washington, DC has led the way in sustainability. Stemming from a commitment to becoming carbon-neutral by 2050, eco-friendly initiatives are being implemented throughout the city to promote shared prosperity. The Clean Energy DC Omnibus Act, the city’s commitment to 100 percent renewable energy by 2032, displays DC’s intent to become the healthiest and greenest city in the U.S.
INNOVATION
Inspire Fresh Thoughts and Ideas
A top city for social entrepreneurs and one of the most educated cities in the U.S., DC’s forward thinking has drawn thousands of tech companies to the region. World-class technology can connect your meeting attendees to the community of industry experts. Additionally, the city employs more women in the tech industry than any other U.S. city and has the highest percentage of female-owned businesses in the nation.
NEIGHBORHOODS
There’s Only One DC
DC is full of distinctive neighborhoods with innovative businesses, Michelin-starred restaurants and creative spaces supporting local artists. Washingtonians know the difference between Washington and DC. The latter is a city made up of inviting neighborhoods, where people live and friends laugh, where coffee shops and pubs buzz and where shops showcase the wares of talented makers. From the lively markets of Capitol Riverfront to the upbeat native go-go music of U Street, DC holds an array of unique experiences.
AFFORDABILITY
Welcome to the Capital of Free
No city provides as many world-class activities for free as Washington, DC. With unmatched access to the Smithsonian’s incredible free museums, the National Gallery of Art, monuments and memorials, free performances and one-of-a-kind events and festivals, meeting attendees can explore the city at no extra cost.
OUTDOORS
Get Active Outside
With dozens of national parks and public gardens, the region’s nature is as diverse as the city’s culture. Hike in Rock Creek Park, twice the size of New York City’s Central Park, or take to the waters with more than a dozen waterfront activities including paddling and boat cruises on the Potomac and Anacostia rivers. In the spring, stroll around the dazzling Tidal Basin with hundreds of blooming cherry trees and experience the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival. Nearly one-third of the city area is reserved for green spaces and 96 percent of residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park.
BLEISURE
Merge Vocation and Vacation
DC enhances meetings by providing a wide array of experiences that balance business and leisure. Close to many national parks, meeting attendees can walk, scooter or bike to their next destination. Team-build with an outdoor scavenger hunt on the National Mall or venture into Rock Creek Park. See the beauty of the Southwest Waterfront and the bustle of H Street NE. There are also performing arts in Penn Quarter, craft distilleries and BBQ joints in Ivy City and a new beer trail in up-and-coming NoMa.
"I want people to experience themselves when they come to DC. The city has so much to offer in sports, outdoor activities, history, the arts and dining. No matter who you are, it is easy to find yourself reflected in DC.
-Ron Bracco, VP of Events, Hargrove Inc.
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