DC Delivers More Than You Expect
This isn’t the DC of only politics and monuments. It is a city where influence meets imagination, where strategy sessions take place on rooftops, dinners unfold behind unmarked doors and art-filled evenings spark meaningful connections.
Whether you're planning a board retreat, a leadership summit or a celebration that calls for something more than a ballroom, DC offers a blend of global perspective and local authenticity. It is a place where your agenda can be as ambitious as your vision, while still feeling grounded, inspired and refreshingly unbuttoned.
Why DC Works
Getting here is easy—three major airports (DCA, IAD, and BWI) connect the city to the world, and once you arrive, the Metro and walkable neighborhoods make navigating a breeze. But what really sets DC apart is its access to intellectual capital. With institutions like Georgetown and George Washington University, as well as a network of think tanks and NGOs, the city offers a deep bench of expert speakers and facilitators who can elevate any agenda.
Hotel Zena
Stay Somewhere That Says Something
DC’s boutique hotel scene is rewriting the rules of where business gets done. In Adams Morgan, The LINE DC transforms a historic church into a creative hub with rooftop views and in-house podcast studios. Hotel Zena in Logan Circle is bold and art-driven, designed to spark conversation and challenge convention. At Eaton DC, just off K Street, wellness, activism and entrepreneurship converge—think co-working spaces, a community radio station and a rooftop bar that doubles as a cultural salon. Down by the water, Pendry DC at The Wharf offers sleek luxury and curated group experiences, while The Dupont Circle Hotel brings European polish and private terrace suites to one of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods.
Beyond the Ballroom, Without Leaving the Prestige
DC’s event venues are as distinctive as the city itself. Host a high-level retreat at Meridian House, a historic mansion with French-style gardens and a legacy of diplomacy. Decatur House, just steps from the White House, offers a blend of history and modern amenities in a setting with gravitas. HQO in Navy Yard delivers sleek, sustainable design with LEED Platinum certification and rooftop views of the Anacostia River. Looking for something iconic? The Library of Congress provides a setting like no other—marble columns, literary history and a sense of grandeur that’s impossible to replicate.
Experiences That Elevate the Agenda
In DC, the offsite becomes a highlight, not merely a break in the schedule. Start the day with sunrise rowing on the Potomac, no suits required. Go undercover at the International Spy Museum with a private mission followed by rooftop cocktails. Explore Embassy Row through a culinary lens, where chef-led tastings and embassy-hosted dinners turn diplomacy into a delightful dining experience. Reimagine the museum experience with a curator-led tour at the National Gallery of Art, where hidden histories and insider access bring the collection to life. Then close the day with a moonlit monuments tour with an after-hours look at the city’s most iconic landmarks glowing against the night sky.
Rock Creek Park
Team Building That’s Actually Fun
DC redefines what team building can be. Try forest bathing in Rock Creek Park, where guided mindfulness walks offer a peaceful reset in the heart of the city. At Planet Word, storytelling workshops turn communication into a creative and engaging experience. Take the field at Nationals Park for private batting practice, complete with a visit from the racing presidents. Work on public speaking with a speechwriting session led by the West Wing Writers. Capture the Lincoln Memorial at sunrise during a photographer-led shoot. Or learn to make classic cocktails at the Round Robin Bar in the historic Willard Hotel, where the mint julep comes with a side of DC history.
Culture That Connects
DC’s cultural scene isperfect for teams looking to connect over unforgettable experiences. Dine at Moon Rabbit, where Chef Kevin Tien reimagines Vietnamese cuisine with bold, modern flair. Explore the globally inspired menu at Marcus DC, the new restaurant from Marcus Samuelsson at the Morrow Hotel, where dishes like crab rice with uni béarnaise and “Swediopian” salmon reflect both local roots and international influences. For a taste of culinary creativity from one of DC’s most celebrated chefs, book a table at one of José Andrés’ signature spots, including the avant-garde tasting menu at minibar, vibrant Spanish tapas at Jaleo and bold Peruvian Chinese fusion at China Chilcano.
After dinner, catch a Broadway-caliber show at the historic National Theatre or the innovative Arena Stage, known for championing new American voices. Then let the night play on at The Anthem, DC’s premier waterfront music venue or enjoy a more intimate set at Blues Alley, a storied Georgetown jazz club that’s hosted legends since 1965.
Wellness That Works
In DC, wellness is built into the experience. The city’s top spa hotels offer a range of options, from the Himalayan salt therapy room at the Waldorf Astoria to the private night spa at the Four Seasons. Salamander DC adds a holistic approach with yoga, meditation and seasonal treatments. Beyond the spa, wellness takes many forms, including morning jogs and sunrise yoga on the National Mall, biking along the waterfront and private cruises on the Potomac with curated local fare. Whether for recovery or reconnection, DC offers space to recharge.
Ready to plan something unforgettable? Let’s make DC your next best decision.
