5 Ways to Incorporate Washington’s Cultural Diversity into Meetings

This content was created in partnership with Destination DC and SkiftX, Skift’s branded content studio.

As the capital of the United States, Washington, D.C., is uniquely positioned to make its communities, neighborhoods, and culture vibrant. Home to embassies, museums, unique venues and other iconic locations, the district has a wealth of facilities that meeting planners can take advantage of to create a truly memorable agenda.

This walkable city allows you to explore the world within a few blocks. While the restaurant scene is diverse and filled with next-level experiences, city landmarks and attractions are the cornerstone of monumental experiences.

The district never settles and continues to evolve so that returning organizations can enjoy new experiences – as if attendees were visiting Washington for the first time.

Here, we explore tips on how Washington’s culture and traditions can make meetings productive.

Make it a global experience

Washington, D.C. is one of the most diverse cities in the world. Leaders and travelers from around the world come here every day for work and leisure. Many stayed and added to the capital’s fabric, creating new opportunities for planners to incorporate unique opportunities into their agendas.

One of the most unique advantages of holding a conference in Washington is access to 175 embassies located throughout the city. The venues are as diverse as the countries represented. Some are outstanding urban buildings; some have stunning riverside views, and some are located on sprawling campuses.

Many embassies can host meetings and receptions, and offer tours explaining their country’s cultural heritage. Few other destinations offer planners the opportunity to book international leaders, representatives and leading diplomats as speakers who can provide a global perspective on issues important to your organization.

These embassies immerse attendees in world culture and give them the opportunity to leave the city center and explore parts of the city cherished by locals and tourists alike.

• For example, the Embassy Row on Massachusetts Avenue is close to several attractive group tour locations, including the Washington National Cathedral, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, and the vibrant retail and dining center of Dupont Circle.
• The Swedish Embassy in Port Washington and the German Embassy on Reservoir Road are both located in historic Georgetown, home to the university of the same name as well as top restaurants, bars, and event venues.

Not only does Washington showcase cultures from around the world, but the products it offers are some of the best. The dining scene is exciting and eclectic, from acclaimed Spanish tapas to innovative Asian and Mediterranean cuisine, vibrant African cuisine and more. World-class museums also add thoughtful content for attendees, as discussed in the next section.

Spend Days and Nights at the Smithsonian Museum

Many Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo are available to host meetings and events as well as attendee tours. Like embassies, these venues are located throughout Washington, D.C., providing opportunities to experience more than just the city’s federal government.

did you know?

Although the Smithsonian is often thought of as one entity, the museum has 17 museums in Washington, including the zoo.

Museum venues enrich the visitor experience by showcasing the country’s culture, history, scientific achievements and natural resources. Many Smithsonian museums (all free) are located on and around the National Mall, within walking distance of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, or by subway, bus, shuttle, or bicycle.

celebrate culture

Opened in 2016, the National Museum of African American History and Culture is one of the Smithsonian’s newest expansions. Event spaces include the Atrium, Theater and Heritage Hall, which can accommodate up to 2,500 people in reception and 400 in dining.

The National Museum of the American Indian has one of the most iconic facades of any Smithsonian site. Inside, its food and drink selections receive rave reviews. There are meeting spaces both indoors and outdoors, including an amphitheater and the Senator Daniel K. Inouye Memorial Terrace facing the U.S. Capitol. The entire building can be rented to accommodate up to 1,500 attendees, and the intimate space is ideal for board meetings of up to 10 VIPs.

Be inspired by innovation

The National Air and Space Museum is one of the most popular venues in the area, and for good reason. As the multi-year renovation project comes to an end, including the redesign of all 20 exhibition spaces and more, the experience just got even better. The downtown residence and the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA provide a dramatic backdrop for receptions and special events.

First opened in 1881, the Arts and Industries Building has stood the test of time within the mall. After renovation, it has become a perfect venue for celebrations, awards dinners and other events. Accommodates 2,200 attendees on full hire; 500 in various halls and 200 in the rotunda for receptions.

natural selection

Highlights for receptions at the National Museum of Natural History include dinosaurs, fossils and other artifacts, and the museum’s reception space can accommodate as few as 20 people to as many as 2,500 people.

Groups more interested in encounters with the creatures can take advantage of the National Zoo, which will welcome China’s beloved giant pandas in late 2024. .

Andrew Flank, senior vice president of sales, events and exhibitions for the American Institute of Architects (AIA), noted that the educational opportunities provided by venues add to the entertainment value these venues bring.

Explore art

There’s no better way to embrace culture than by immersing attendees in art. This gives you the option to book a group experience, see a show or musical performance, or host a private event at one of the many world-class venues.

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts hosts 2,000 events annually, regularly attracting top performers, actors and dignitaries. As visitors reveal, the building itself is a wonder. Venues including concert halls and theaters are available for group use when not being used for performances.

Events at the Freer and Sackler Galleries at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art and the Hirshhorn Museum give you access to top-tier collections that spark conversation and creativity.

Housed in a restored National Historic Landmark building, the National Portrait Gallery blends art with Washington, D.C.’s role as the headquarters of government. Hosting events for up to 1,500 attendees, it is a signature event venue for the AIA, which also hosts its inaugural ceremony at the historic Warner Theater and its awards gala at the National Building Museum.

Frank said taking advantage of unique venues is crucial for meetings. “Now more than ever, attendees want the experience they get from their investment in attending a live event,” he said. “Conference attendees spend thousands of dollars on registration, hotels and travel, and they don’t want to be stuck in a convention center all day and night when a world-class city is right outside their door.”

Experience the grand venue

Attendees experience wow moments as they approach the buildings, whose appearance is as impressive as their conference and event facilities. Some factors to consider are:

• The Great Hall of the National Building Museum is one of the most spacious and stunning venues in the city. Its massive ceiling adds a dramatic touch to any event or reception.
• The Library of Congress’s murals, mosaics, and vaulted marble ceilings make it a picturesque venue for small to medium-sized events.
• The appeal of Washington National Cathedral extends far beyond religious groups. Its grounds could be converted into classrooms or fine dining rooms, and the stained glass windows in the nave are truly stunning.
• The Andrew Mellon Auditorium on Constitution Avenue has hosted events since 1935.
• The national park is a home run for a variety of events, as it offers a variety of unique spaces, including baseball diamonds on off days. The stadium is also a shining example of Washington, D.C.’s commitment to sustainability.

Flank recommends working with Destination DC to secure a location that meets your needs, even if your organization is located in the Capital Region. “Destination DC worked closely with my team to identify some venues and entertainment facilities and showed that they truly understood our intentions for the event,” he said. “Although our team is mostly Washington natives, their knowledge is critical to saving time and ensuring the best options.” AIA uses its knowledge of the city to offer more than 80 walking, subway, bus and boat tours Tours showcase these rich areas and create an experience that can only happen in Washington.

Stroll around the neighborhood

Washington, D.C. is more than just Capitol Hill and K Street. Find the vibrant culture and heritage in some of these communities.

• Dupont Circle is a beacon of LGBTQ+ rights, home to many restaurants and venues.
• Take the group to Ben’s Chili Bowl or explore DC’s musical history along U Street.
• Just steps from the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Chinatown is rich in Asian culture and is home to Capital One Arena, one of the largest venues in Washington.
• The Marina is a waterfront destination in its own right, perfect for hosting conferences on urban planning and sustainability themes, or for planners looking for a community to explore near a bustling area.

Frank says that whether your group has met in Washington, D.C. before, or the upcoming event is the first, the experience will be refreshing: “The city has undergone tremendous transformation over the past decade, with new, vibrant Communities and developments make Washington, D.C. an ideal place to meet and explore.

in conclusion

Meeting planners can be inspired by Washington, D.C.’s international and cultural experiences. DC is defined by more than just politics. “The ability to blend learning, networking and inspiration around a destination’s unique offerings should be considered part of any conference,” Frank said.

Visit the Destination DC website to learn more about hosting unforgettable meetings in the nation’s capital.

This content was created in partnership with Destination DC and SkiftX, Skift’s branded content studio.

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