Washington, D.C has long been synonymous with power and policy, but in recent years, it has increasingly become recognised as a global leader in the meetings and events industry.

With an unmatched concentration of universities, think tanks, research institutions and NGOs, and able to showcase the benefit from access to top experts in fields like medical research, cybersecurity, climate science and education, Destination DC (DDC), the city’s official destination marketing organisation (DMO), has been driving this transformation through promoting the strengths of the city as a Connected Capital and has positioned Washington, DC as a world-class host for international meetings and conferences.

Since unveiling its global brand campaign, “There’s Only One DC,” in October 2023 at IMEX America and the official launch taking place on November 1 of that year, DDC has continued to build on its early success. Later that year, rising visitor numbers and increased demand for meetings and events further reinforced the city’s position as a leading destination for global gatherings. At IMEX Frankfurt 2025, DDC bolstered the capital’s status as a knowledge hub and a flexible destination for all types of events, whilst also promoting Washington as an accessible, walkable city steeped in knowledge and opportunity.

Central to the city’s appeal is the Walter E. Washington Convention Centre, a modern, technologically advanced facility that has become a favourite among planners. In 2025, events hosted at the venue are expected to contribute significantly to the local economy, with total projected impact from actualised and upcoming meetings and potential exceeding US$400 million.

The venue recently hosted the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) Congress, from 21–25 June, one of many large-scale medical and scientific events attracted to the city. The congress welcomed nearly 5,000 delegates, further cementing Washington’s role as a global centre for industry advancement.

“The Walter E. Washington Convention Centre left a strong impression with its light-filled spaces, integrated artwork and areas for informal networking. We were also proud to host our meeting in a facility that shares our commitment to sustainability, including tracking and reporting carbon impact.

“Washington, DC itself is also exceptionally walkable, clean and safe, which made our experience here that much more enjoyable. Overall, the city and venue proved to be the ideal setting for meaningful scientific exchange and international collaboration.”

Thomas Reiser, executive director of ISTH

The success of the ISTH congress was also shaped by the quality of support provided by DDC, which worked proactively to ensure that the event met both strategic and logistical objectives.

“Partnering with DDC was truly a seamless and rewarding experience. From sales and planning to destination services and communications support, their team was engaged every step of the way. They were not only responsive but also collaborative by identifying creative solutions like crossover service savings with the group that preceded us, which added real value to our event planning.”

Lisa Astorga, director of meetings at ISTH.

The fruit of this standard of engagement is reflected in the city’s standing among global association destinations. In 2024, Washington, DC hosted 47 ICCA-qualified international conferences – more than any other US city – nearly doubling its total from 2023. Several more major international events are also confirmed for 2025, including the International Association of Young Lawyers Congress and the International Society for Pharmacoepidemiology Annual Meeting. These events continue to build on the capital’s reputation for facilitating high-impact global gatherings.

The city’s meetings ecosystem is elevated by Destination DC’s Connected Campus initiative, which encourages planners to expand their events beyond the Walter E. Washington Convention Centre and explore Washington’s vibrant neighbourhoods. The initiative highlights six campus areas – including Downtown, the National Mall, Capitol Hill, the Wharf, Capitol Riverfront, and the Connecticut Avenue corridor – each offering a unique blend of hotels, flexible meeting spaces, cultural attractions, and proximity to major institutions. This approach allows organisers to design events that are both logistically seamless and rich in local character, giving delegates the chance to experience the city and its communities more fully as part of their programme.

In parallel, DDC is helping to elevate social impact as a pillar of the delegate experience. Through its Connected Community initiative, the organisation enables meeting planners to align events with local volunteer programmes, equity-focused initiatives, and sustainable development goals. Partnerships with organisations, such as DC Central Kitchen and DDC’s American Experience Foundation nonprofit affiliate, create pathways for visiting delegates to give back – whether through food security programmes, mentoring opportunities or urban conservation projects – ensuring that events leave a positive legacy within the local community.