With unmatched access to the federal government and policy leaders, Washington, DC 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 DC, which benefit their attendees, sponsors and bottom line.
There are copious reasons why hosting your next meeting in DC will be valuable for your attendees and your organization. Here are just a few ways DC is a leading city:
- Named 1st LEED Platinum City in the World (United States Green Building Council, 2017)
- Local government commitment to the nation’s first 100% renewable energy bill, which requires DC utilities to source all electricity from wind and solar by 2032.
- 2nd largest subway system by ridership in the U.S. (SmartAsset, 2018)
- Home to the second most educated population in the U.S. (WalletHub, 2018)
- Fourth city in which Ford will debut its self-driving vehicles (CNN, 2018)
- Approximately one out of every 10 jobs in the DC region is in the federal government (WTOP, 2018)
- Access to 11,270 lobbyists in industries including pharmaceuticals/health products, insurance, electronics and business associations. Lobbyists spent $2.59 billion in 2018. (Center for Responsive Politics, 2018)
Washington, DC is dedicated to developing initiatives and investing in new opportunities by adding to its strong industries with $11.2 billion in development underway, 16 hotels in the pipeline and many new and renovated special events venues in the works. The city’s appeal and ease of access are unparalleled, making it a hot spot for the international business community. In 2020, DC will welcome many international hotel brands for the first time, including Mob Hotels, a Paris-based chain, and Dutch hospitality brand, citizenM.
The ease of travel continues to add to DC’s appeal for business travelers. A $1 billion investment at Reagan National Airport called “Project Journey” will add new security checkpoints and a 14-gate concourse to replace busing operations by 2021. Dulles International Airport provides daily nonstop service from over 50 international destinations with new nonstop air service launching from Tel Aviv on United Airlines (May 2019), Rome on Alitalia (May 2019) and Lisbon on TAP Air (June 2019).
“We welcome more international association business and hope the new flights, unique hotel inventory and thriving restaurant scene help make it easy to choose Washington, DC for your meeting,” said Elliott L. Ferguson II, president and CEO of Destination DC. “Business travelers can access lawmakers relevant to their cause, find a delegate base that helps grow their bottom line and meet in incredible venues throughout some of the city’s most exciting new developments.”
To learn more about meetings and conventions succeeding in Washington, DC or submit an RFP, visit washington.org/meetings.