We examine the 2025 meeting offer in the capital, Washington DC, which continues to invest in its strong suits for events despite some serious challenges.

Strong performance amid turbulence

Despite ongoing turbulent times politically, the US capital Washington, DC, reports welcoming 2.2m international visitors in 2024, a 10% increase year-on-year, amid significant growth recorded from India, Mexico, Japan, Brazil, Australia and China (visitation up 15, 16, 10, 10, 9 and 80%, respectively).

In 2024, DC also hosted 47 ICCA-qualified international association meetings, securing the top position among US cities. At the time of writing, there were nine first-time international association meetings happening in DC in 2025, although the CVB, Destination DC, is forecasting a decline in international business travel in 2025, with a rebound projected in 2027.

Big events pipeline

DC is the capital of a country that has some giant global events in the pipeline including: the 2025 Ryder Cup, America250, FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Initiatives such as the Commission on Seamless & Secure Travel, which in collaboration with the US Travel Association aims to smooth the experiences of the 40m visitors expected in the US over the next four years, point to a $100bn economic opportunity ahead.

Destination DC says meetings continue to find success in the city. The IMF/World Bank annual meeting in October is set to attract up to 11,000 attendees and organisers of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) conference in June reported a positive experience.

However, there are still frustrations such as funding cuts for organisations planning meetings and the loss of funding for US CVBs/DMOs due to city/state governments redirecting tax dollars. Dollars in DC are, however, continuing to flow into some big development projects: $10.2bn in total, with 3,000 new hotel rooms in the pipeline.

Washington, DC is a dynamic, welcoming city with vibrant neighbourhoods, passionate locals and a deep history that extends beyond politics. Meetings and events in DC can also tap into the city’s thriving arts and culture scene.

Cultural and intellectual capital

DC is home to more than 75 museums and monuments – many free to access – and has a vibrant culinary scene fuelled with flavours from Michelin-starred restaurants.

The city is also home to more than a dozen universities, hundreds of think tanks, and a strong presence of Fortune 500 companies and global NGOs. Such access to top-tier talent, research and thought leadership can elevate any event.

Globally connected

Three major airports (IAD, DCA, BWI), public transit and a walkable downtown make DC easy to navigate for conference attendees. IAD alone serves more than 50 destinations.

“Washington, DC is the place where decisions are made, ideas are exchanged and connections shape the future. With direct access to policymakers, thought leaders and a rich cultural landscape, our city is uniquely positioned to host impactful international gatherings,” says Destination DC president and CEO, Elliott L. Ferguson, II.

Challenges

DC has also hit headlines recently due to its crime statistics and the Trump administration’s attempted crackdown. The CVB, however, has said concerns about the city based on outliers have been magnified “instead of focusing on regular success.”

Destination DC says it is continuing to work closely with US Travel Association and Brand USA to decrease visa wait times for meeting attendees. The nation’s capital is home to more than 175 embassies, which makes it easier to obtain up-to-date visa guidance. Destination DC can also help facilitate official letters of invitation for international delegates.

And, regardless of the political climate, Destination DC says the city “remains a neutral ground where organisations come together to discuss important issues.”

The bureau adds that its team is happy to provide guidance on safe, enjoyable experiences that make the most of DC’s world-class attractions and venues. “The city is used to welcoming high-level international visitors and heads of state – the city’s infrastructure, protocols and hospitality services are well-practised in meeting the needs of global attendees,” they say.

For those meeting in the convention centre, overall estimated economic impact and hotel bedroom tax revenue are evaluated to offer discounts on the venue rental.

Sustainability

Washington, DC is the second US city on the list of most energy star certified buildings (US Environmental Protection Agency, 2024) and boasts the fifth best public transportation (US News, 2024). It is also the number one sustainable destination among US participants in the Global Destination Sustainability Index (2021–2024) and the first LEED-certified city in the world.

Destination DC’s Sustainability District serves as a gateway for working with suppliers throughout the hospitality industry committed to promoting a more sustainable place to live, visit and meet.

Downtown Campus Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center, Washington DC

DC was also the first jurisdiction in North America to launch a bike-share system and there are more than 800 stations and 8,000 bikes. DC’s hybrid Metrobuses have a 90% hybrid fleet.

In 2024, the American Geophysical Union (AGU) hosted over 25,000 attendees in DC and opted for a shuttle-free conference to highlight its core value of sustainability.

“We wanted a destination where we’ve got great airlift and public transportation. We’re spread out across 57 different hotels and our folks are walking and taking public transportation – out and about in the community getting to know the city as the destination. We’re also looking for green space. In DC all that is baked in so that we can come and show from an AGU perspective that we have partnered with the folks that are doing work that we as scientists support,” says Sara Haywood, interim VP of meetings & learning, American Geophysical Union.

Top 5 DC conference venues

• Walter E. Washington Convention Center (LEED Platinum Certified)

• Westin DC Downtown (renovation and rebrand in 2023)

• Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center

• The Washington Hilton

• Marriott Marquis

Five quirky ‘new’ venues

• Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium (renovated 2023)

• National Air and Space Museum (renovation and new exhibits opening in 2025 and 2026)

• National Museum of Women in the Arts (renovated in 2023)

• The Kogod Courtyard (exciting event space)

• Destination DC’s Connected Campus (launched 2024)

Additionally, six distinct campuses across DC offer an array of meeting and event spaces tailored to accommodate groups of all sizes. Each campus is composed of hotels, venues and attractions.

Legacy

Destination DC’s Connected Community initiative works to connect meeting organisations with partners that align with their event’s messaging to leave a local legacy. In collaboration with Serve DC, Connected Community can connect organisers with community- and faith-based organisations, the private sector, and local and federal government.

Programmes are personally tailored and examples include:

• Creating volunteer opportunities for delegates

• Developing a values-focused scholarship for local schools (American Experience Foundation)

• Developing a programme to ensure your conference creates zero waste

Robin Preston, American Institute of Architects managing director of events for the AIA Conference on Architecture & Design 2024, said their delegates took part in 85 tours taking place over three days in the city, including a trip to DC Central Kitchen “to provide some catering for some of our tours.”

The 20,000 members and 13,000 virtual attendees of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority National Convention this year took part in an Impact Day, packing and donating nearly 3,000 menstrual hygiene kits as well as supporting local charitable organisations.

All photos courtesy of washington.org