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7 Must-See Venues and Event Spaces in the DC Area

One of the most valuable assets in an event manager’s repertoire is comprehensive knowledge of venues.  We know all the best places and spaces to host a spectacular event — whether it’s a non-profit fundraiser or a corporate expo.

So, if you’re looking for one of the best venues in the greater Washington DC area for your next event, we’ve got you covered. The TaylorMade Experience (TME) team recently toured some of DC’s most notable and sophisticated event spaces and we’re eager to share what we learned. Below are our thoughts, as well as a few pictures of the spaces.

Experience the classic façade of the Library of Congress: Thomas Jefferson Building

The Library is actually comprised of three buildings that contain a variety of meeting and event spaces. Our team visited the Great Hall in the Thomas Jefferson Building, the largest event space offered. With a classic façade signature to DC architecture, the size of the Hall is perfect for an intimate reception or VIP dinner, and the ornate interior with impressive columns and archways is certain to wow attendees.

 

Find space for any event at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center

Perhaps one of the most recognizable  venues in the DC metro area, the Ronald Reagan Building has many diverse meeting and event spaces. From the spacious Atrium, to the more private Rotunda, to the 625-seat Amphitheater and various break out rooms, the Ronald Reagan Building offers options for nearly every event.

 

Enjoy a newly renovated space at the JW Marriott

Location and renovation are two of the main features of this hotel. JW Marriott renovated its guest rooms in 2014 and the hotel itself is centrally located to many historic landmarks.  The JW Marriott has multiple levels of meeting space that can be adjusted to the perfect size.  It offers several small meeting and breakout spaces, and its various Salons that can be combined for a footprint as large as 13,680 square feet — which is perfect for multi-day conferences as well as gala dinners.

Go big at the Marriott Marquis

One of DC’s new venues, the Marriott Marquis is the largest non-convention venue in the DC Metro area. It boasts 5 floors of event space, which contain 80 Meeting Rooms. The TME team viewed the impressive Marquis Ballroom. This 29,568 ft2 space is the largest the Marquis has to offer, and can seat up to 2,800 guests with no visual obstructions. The hotel is connected to the DC Convention Center, and is a great option for large-scale events with many out-of-town guests.

Host a classy and cozy event at the Ritz-Carlton, Georgetown

The intimate and modern Ritz-Carlton in Georgetown has a great deal to offer guests and event hosts looking for a boutique setting. The hotel features interesting architecture and history, and best accommodates smaller dinners and receptions. The building was once a factory and trash incinerator, and private affairs or meetings can be held in the original smoke stack.

 

Create an opulent and stately atmosphere at the Ritz-Carlton, DC

The Ritz-Carlton, DC offers larger event spaces than its Georgetown counterpart, with the same excellent service. The hotel recently refreshed its lobby and gathering spaces, and offers a separate entrance and elevator for event guests (to help avoid confusion with overnight guests). On the event level, the ballrooms can accommodate up to 840 people for a seated dinner, and up to 1,100 for a reception – a perfect option for your next gala event.

 

See and been seen at the Omni Shoreham

The iconic Omni Shoreham offers a variety of grand event spaces, which makes this an excellent location for a convention or large fundraising dinner. The 16,000 square foot Regency Ballroom can accommodate banquet seating for up to 1,500 guests, and the Exhibit Hall has space for up to 165 8’ x 10’ booths. With space to accommodate both small and large-scale events, the Omni Shoreham is a must-see.

 

Thank you to all who met with us during our DC Venue Field Trip – your hospitality and service do not go unnoticed by event pros like us!

If you’re looking for the perfect space for your next event, let us know — we can help you find “the one”!