The U.S. Capital has long been a magnet for groups sharing innovative ideas, debating global issues and defining the future. Those essential activities can take many forms from scientific symposiums and eloquent speeches in massive stadiums to executive board meetings and bustling trade show floors.
A record 27.2 million people visited the nation’s capital in 2024, spending $11.4 billion. Tourism Economics is forecasting a 5.1% decrease in international visitation to D.C. in 2025, a sunnier projection than the 8.2% predicted for the country as a whole. That would still result in more than 2 million international visitors coming to the city.
Walter E. Washington Convention Center, alone, is expected to generate 470,316 hotel room nights in 2026. Non-Convention Center meetings could bring 227,885 hotel room nights. Destination DC is targeting growth markets such as tech and finding success in filling the pipeline.
Learn More: Love Letter to DC
After reading headlines about camouflaged National Guard troops in the District of Columbia over the last six weeks despite a 30-year low crime rate, we were curious what was happening behind convention center and hotel glass doors. We spied a lot of lanyards in the wild over the summer doing important work. Take a look.
The Lifeblood of Medical Advances
From June 21-25, the International Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) 2025 Congress activated Walter E. Washington Convention Center with 5,000 attendees representing 120 countries. It was the first in-person ISTH congress in 16 years in the United States and emphasized diversity of topics, speaker gender, age and geography. Topics for discussion included an introduction to AI for scientists and clinicians, cures in gene therapy and a focus on early career development. Onsite childcare was available to make the event more inclusive and accessible.
Read More: Notes from the Road: Washington, D.C.
Feedback from Guy Young, M.D. Chair of the ISTH 2025 Annual Congress Planning Committee, lauded the free, world-class museums and abundance of public transportation and attractions for pre- and post-event stays. “Washington, D.C., is a truly fantastic city. It is fairly central from a global perspective and it has great international airline service with direct flights from most major cities in Europe, Latin America and even some cities in Asia. It is a cosmopolitan city with fantastic museums, restaurants and theaters, as well as many small little clubs for live music. There is beautiful architecture all around the city that is well worth seeing,” he said.
Post-event, ISTH President Thomas Reiser praised the experience. “Our international attendees shared how smooth and welcoming their arrival experience was at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) with no issues reported and some even commenting on the friendliness and efficiency of the process.
That set the tone for what turned out to be a truly positive experience in Washington, D.C. The Walter E. Washington Convention Center left a strong impression with its light-filled spaces, integrated artwork and areas for informal networking. Attendees valued the flexible layout of the convention center and reliable air conditioning, as most activities were kept indoors due to the summer heat. We were also proud to host our meeting in a facility that shares our commitment to sustainability, including tracking and reporting carbon impact. Washington, D.C., itself is also exceptionally walkable, clean and safe, which made our experience that much more enjoyable. Overall, the city and venue proved to be the ideal setting for meaningful scientific exchange and international collaboration.”
Global Jurisprudence
In August, the 63rd International Young Lawyers Congress (AIJA) convened at Waldorf Astoria Washington DC. The theme was “Empower NextGen: Meeting Young Lawyers Where They Are,” and the goal was to help lawyers and in-house legal counsel under 45 grow, connect and make a difference in a rapidly evolving legal landscape.
The city was chosen because it is home to more than 80,000 lawyers, is a global hub for law, governance and policy and offers a unique backdrop for young lawyers to expand their knowledge, gain new perspectives and connect with the pulse of the legal profession, according to AIJA President Kato Aerts. “The city’s rich legal community makes it the perfect place to explore new opportunities and build relationships that can propel your career forward,” she added.
Open and Ready
Destination DC President and CEO Elliott L. Ferguson, II called the successful gatherings of ISTH, AIJA and American Chemical Society examples of the value the city delivers year-round.
“Washington, D.C. continues to welcome visitors and host successful meetings of every size. These events underscore the strength and resilience of D.C. as a meetings destination—and show that the city is open and ready to welcome attendees from around the world.”
