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Medical Meetings Advantage
There’s no better place to host a medical convention than in Washington, DC – where 40 percent of all meetings and conventions in the city are medical-related. Medical thought-leaders, decision makers, stakeholders and potential delegates comprise the industry landscape in Washington, DC, while access to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the nation’s top hospitals, makes the region fully equipped to host a successful meeting, convention or event. Learn how to grow your delegate base, sponsorship dollars and exhibitor footprint to gain a competitive advantage for your organization. Connect with Destination DC staff, submit a meetings RFP or learn more about medical-focused meetings and conventions in our medical white paper Access to Innovators & Influencers Connect directly with members of congress, policy makers and government experts for your event. The Healthcare Leadership Council is a national coalition of CEOs from all medical disciplines based in Washington, DC. Washington, DC is home to 180+ medical associations, organizations and foundations. As one of the nation’s leading cities in data confidentiality, DC is uniquely positioned to inform the future of health information management. Top Medical Centers & Hospitals 16 medical centers and hospitals form the District of Columbia Hospital Association, including Howard University Hospital, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, George Washington University Hospital and Bridge Point Hospital. Children’s National Medical Center is recognized as a leader in 10 pediatrics specialties: cancer, cardiology and heart surgery, diabetes and endocrinology, gastroenterology and GI surgery, neonatology, nephrology, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, pulmonology and urology. The Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital is a designated comprehensive cancer center by the National Cancer Institute. Medical centers like the Advanced Surgical Technology and Education Center, the most technologically advanced surgery simulation facility in the region, work with associations to conduct or participate in surgical simulation events. Local Initiatives Local government is committed to research and programs to benefit underserved communities such as Thrive by Five DC, which makes available to families early childhood health and education resources. Considered a leader among U.S. cities for policies that improve the health and well-being of its residents, according to CityHealth. The DC eHealth Initiative is a nonprofit committed to improving the quality, safety and efficiency of care through information and technology by connecting national government experts with associations and advocacy groups. National Institutes of Health The National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) 27+ institutes offer in-depth resources and expert speakers who can address visiting groups and associations interested in discussing the expansion and efficiency of medical research practices. NIH is the largest public funder of biomedical research in the world at $30 billion. Located within 10 miles of DC, the National Cancer Institute, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute and National Human Genome Research Institute are some of the institutes and centers that comprise NIH. Qualified Medical Professionals DC ranks 8th in the nation for the highest amount of health care practitioners employed. Surgeon employment is nearly four times more prominent in the DC area than the national average, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Several medical teaching schools are integrated with some of the area’s best hospitals, establishing a pipeline for the industry’s future innovators. Interested in learning more about Washington, DC as a medical hub for meetings and conventions? Read our medical white paper and connect with Destination DC staff for more information.
Meeting in America’s Most Educated City
Washington, DC is a great place to host education-related meetings. With its educated workforce, commitment to lifelong learning, policymakers and industry associations, the DC region is booming with brainpower, fostering the next generation of thought leaders and innovators. Learn how to grow your delegate base, sponsorship dollars and exhibitor footprint to gain a competitive advantage for your organization. Connect with Destination DC staff, submit a meetings RFP or learn more about education-focused meetings and conventions in our education white paper. Workforce #3 most educated city in the U.S. (WalletHub, 2020) #8 for density of college students (Bloomberg CityLab) Most Bachelor’s degrees or higher than any city in the U.S. (The Washington Post) Federal government employs more highly educated workers than private sector 25,000 professionals employed at education institutions Institutions 21 higher education institutions Strong early childhood education degree programs at 17 area universities Top high school in the nation located in metro DC area Gallaudet University has consistently ranked among the top universities for deaf and hard of hearing students Innovation Education reform and innovations in school policy from early childhood education to adult New methods of learning More than 40% of DC’s public school students are enrolled in charter schools Office of State Superintendent of Education programs and agencies to ensure residents receive an education and are prepared for college, careers and life Access Federal policymakers shaping the future of education in Washington, DC Prevalence of higher education can attract attendees Proximity to Department of Education and other agencies spurs advocacy and lobbying Dozens of education associations and groups are based in DC Large availability of organizations focusing on new teaching methods such as DC Equity Lab, Citybridge Foundation and National Implementation Research Network Interested in learning more about Washington, DC as an education hub for meetings and conventions? Read our education white paper and connect with Destination DC staff for more information.
Metro Pass Group Orders
Large groups may order SmarTrip® cards by mail tailored to each group's needs. In order to do so, use Metro's Trip Planner to calculate fares and determine which fare or pass products will suit your needs. To order online: Visit https://smartrip.wmata.com/Storefront and select the number of metro cards, the type of pass that will be loaded onto them, and the design when available. You can then complete your order entirely online and expect to receive them in 10-15 business days. To order by mail: Please include the following with your order: Your name address contact information. The type and quantity of each product, e.g., 15 SmarTrip® One Day Metrorail Passes. Your organization's check, cashier's check or money order made payable to WMATA (credit cards and personal checks are not accepted for group sales). Mail your order to: Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Bulk Sales 3301 Eisenhower Avenue Alexandria, VA 22314 Note: This is a mailing address only and is not a walk up customer service location. Your order will be shipped via the U.S. Postal Service, Certified Mail. Please allow 10-15 business days for delivery. You may also call Bulk Sales at 202-962-5700 for assistance.
Private Dining Spots for Intimate Groups of 150 or Less in Washington, DC
Washington, DC hosts exclusive meetings of all types and sizes, making intimate dining spaces for groups a necessity. From Michelin-starred restaurants to museums and historic buildings, the nation’s capital does not disappoint. Check out some of our top choices for your next private dining experience for groups of 150 or less. Groups of 50 or less: CIRCA at Chinatown CIRCA at Chinatown is conveniently located right next to the Capital One Arena and two blocks from the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, making it an ideal spot for a private dinner, cocktail reception or banquet. The private dining room seats up to 34 guests or up to 20 guests for a cocktail reception, while the main bar can hold a maximum of 50 guests for any small gathering. President Woodrow Wilson House The house of the 28th U.S. president, located just off Embassy Row, offers intimate dining with classic Washington style. Groups of 36 or fewer can dine in the presidential dining room and larger groups are able to dine in the restored garden of the President Woodrow Wilson House. Guests can also tour the house with museum staff stationed to share information on the house and collection. minibar by José Andrés For an exclusive dining experience at a Michelin-starred restaurant, check out José Andrés’ minibar and reserve José’s Table. As the winner of the James Beard Award for Humanitarian of the Year in 2018, José Andrés will take your private event and kick it up a notch. José’s Table is adjacent to the kitchen and designed exclusively for parties of up to 6 people. The event space allows guests to enjoy minibar from an entirely different perspective, offering a sneak peek of José’s newest creations with rare wine pairings – it is the perfect spot for an exclusive small group experience. Dirty Habit At the epicenter of Chinatown nightlife, Dirty Habit brings a gorgeous modern twist to its private patio and alluring dining rooms. Whether it be the Birdcage, perfect for groups of 40-50 guests or the Eston Room, ideal for intimate dinners of up to 10 guests, Dirty Habit has multiple options. Visitors can look forward to globally-inspired, seasonal shared plates as well as inventive craft cocktails. Blue Duck Tavern Blue Duck Tavern offers an intimate experience for up to 20 people at the Chef’s Table. The space is ideal for hosting a small meeting, during which the restaurant’s culinary team will create a special three, four, or five-course menu. The Chef’s Table is available daily for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. Groups of 100 or less: Charlie Palmer Steak The Landscape Room at Charlie Palmer Steak features beautiful artwork and is a luxurious destination for intimate private dining. With seating for up to 20 people, the room is an ideal location for group dinners and business meetings. The Alcove has also been a favorite for many years. The room can be altered into various shapes and sizes, suiting groups from 25 to 100 people. Modena The authentic Italian fare at Modena in Northwest DC can be enjoyed by many groups with the restaurant’s abundant private space. The restaurant seats 65 in the main dining room, 12 guests seated in the semi-private dining room and 48 guests in a large private dining room. Reception style can accommodate up to 80 people. The Oval Room The Oval Room, located one block from The White House, offers modern American cuisine and plenty of dining options for groups. The restaurant has three private rooms - The Green Room can seat up to 36 guests seated or hold 65 guests for a standing reception; The Main Room can accommodate 65 guests seated or 100 guests for a standing reception; and The Curtain Room can combined accommodate up to 14 people for seated dining. Executive Chef Bryan Moscatello brings an array of options for lunch, dinner and dessert and even offers a Test Kitchen Tuesday interactive dining option for those interested in exploring his new techniques, ingredients and dishes. Groups of 150 or less: Clyde's of Gallery Place The classic American restaurant in Chinatown boasts a versatile grand room, the Piedmont Room, that allows for seated events from 20 to 130 guests or cocktail receptions for up to 200 guests. Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab offers five spaces perfect for any entertaining occasion. The Gigi Room, the largest room, can accommodate 120 seated guests or 200 guests reception style. The space can also be partitioned into two smaller rooms, while the South Beach Room features leopard print carpeting and retro-style chandelier for 30 guests seated or 50 guests reception style. Villa Yara Nestled in Georgetown, Villa Yara is a Lebanese treasure offering an enchanting setting for private events, accommodating up to 100 guests. With diverse dining spaces, Yara’s Chamber provides intimate seating for 14 guests, while Yara’s Salon accommodates 40 guests with flexible seating for larger gatherings. For a magical outdoor experience, Yara’s Covered Garden seats 60 guests amidst flowers, art and a whimsical fountain, and can be covered for any weather. Inspired by the nostalgic tale of Yara, a character drawn from the essence of Lebanese singer Fairouz, Villa Yara transforms an old Georgetown home into a vibrant piece of Lebanon. The restaurant’s cuisine, rooted in the tradition of Mezza, is designed to be shared, making it the perfect place to enjoy specialty cocktails and traditional dishes with friends. Looking for more private dining options in the nation's capital? We've got plenty more great spots for group dining in DC.