CMW Issue 132 132 | Page 20

Washington DC

Connecting to the corridors of power

IF YOUR BIG EVENT IS LOOKING TO CONNECT WITH THE BIG DECISION-MAKERS , YOU MAY WISH TO TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT DESTINATION DC

W ashington , DC , as a host meetings destination , offers unmatched access to the political , economic and intellectual capitals of the world . As the US capital , DC is not just a city of monuments and museums ; it is a hub of global influence , where decision-makers across industries converge to shape the future . This makes Washington , DC , a uniquely valuable destination for conferences and meetings , particularly for those looking to tap into the power of political connectivity .

A key strength of Washington , DC is its proximity to an array of thought leaders and industry experts . The city is home to national and international associations , think tanks , and lobbying firms that drive policy and innovation across sectors .
Whether your conference focuses on healthcare , sustainability , transportation , or biotechnology , DC offers direct access to experts who can provide invaluable insights and elevate the discourse .
The presence of key institutions like the National Institutes of Health , the American Medical Association , and the Biotechnology Innovation Organisation underscores the city ’ s role as a centre of medical and scientific excellence .
Sustainability The capital city is also committed to green initiatives , evidenced by its extensive public transportation network , bike-sharing programmes , and pedestrian-friendly design .
For organisations with eco-conscious goals , DC ’ s focus on sustainability provides a meaningful backdrop for discussions on environmental responsibility . This , coupled with the city ’ s walkability and abundant green
Left : DC offers a fast lane for lobbying and connecting to the knowledge hub and change makers
Photo : washington . org spaces , enhances the overall experience for connecting conference attendees .
DC is also a nexus for policy and business , with the World Bank , the International Monetary Fund and Fortune 500 companies , along with numerous start-ups and research institutions nearby , making DC not just a place to meet , but a place to innovate and drive change .
Leading universities , such as Georgetown and George Washington , and research centres also offer opportunities for knowledge exchange and collaboration , making Washington , DC , a fertile ground for intellectual growth .
In Washington , DC you can find a holistic meetings package , combining political and economic connectivity with sustainability , culture , and intellectual capital . It is a city where the world ’ s most influential minds gather to shape the future .
DMO Destination DC recently secured the 2029 American Society of Association Executives Annual Meeting & Exposition .
Elliott L . Ferguson , II , president and CEO of Destination DC , said hosting the event reaffirmed the capital ’ s commitment to delivering exceptional experiences and highlighted the collaborative spirit of local officials and hospitality leaders . “ We look forward to welcoming the association community to explore and engage with all the nation ’ s capital has to offer .”
The ASAE Annual Meeting and Exposition is expected to bring 5,500 attendees who will occupy 15,000 hotel room nights and generate over $ 8m in direct visitor spending . The average immediate economic impact of the ASAE Annual Meeting is predicted to be over $ 15m over four days . Furthermore , host cities usually expect 20 % of ASAE decision-makers in attendance to book future business in the host city within five years . n
20 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / ISSUE 132