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What’s on the agenda after the meeting is over? Plenty, if you’re in Washington, D.C.
It’s easy to get excited about a work trip when there’s fun on the agenda. Bleisure travel, the art of mixing a little leisure time into a business trip, is a trend that more and more professionals are adopting, and meeting planners should take notice. Keeping your attendees happy, inspired and engaged is key for any successful event, and choosing a host city like Washington, DC—where modern meeting venues mingle with stylish eateries and world-class cultural attractions—makes that valuable transition between work and leisure a seamless move.
Meet
You’ve got your keynote speakers and presenters all lined up, but what about those in-between moments on your agenda? Mindful Meetings by Mandarin Oriental offers group yoga as well as massage and movement breaks, while The Darcy Hotel offers a custom shrub bar, allowing guests to choose their own refreshing fizzy beverage to take with them into their next session. If you’re hosting an event at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, there are also a ton of hip coffeehouses and express lunch options within walking distance where your attendees can find the perfect latte or grab a quick bite.
Eat
DC’s burgeoning Michelin-starred restaurant scene offers a bevy of options for the foodies in your group, whether it’s an official meet-and-greet at Kinship or an off-the-clock dinner with their spouse at Métier. Treating your attendees to a celebration dinner at one of the capital’s unique private dining venues can act as both a thoughtful send-off and bonding experience before everyone switches gears to vacation mode.
Explore
Sustainability is more than just a buzzword in D.C. As the first LEED Platinum city in the world, green meeting venues and activities are par for the course. Your attendees can extend their stay in one of the city’s numerous LEED-certified hotels, then set out to explore the capital on foot, bicycle or stand-up paddleboard on an eco-friendly guided tour. These experiences are great for team building or as recommendations for those planning to bring the family along.
See
Washington, D.C. is home to an amazing collection of museums, but an all-day conference schedule can often prohibit your guests from enjoying these cultural treasures. Luckily, a number of museums are now offering after-hours events such as special tours and live music performances for some post-meeting, early evening fun. Put one of these offerings on your group’s itinerary as an optional networking event or let them soak up the history and works of art on their own time.
Need even more inspiration to meet in the U.S. capital? Destination DC has everything ready for you, all in one place.