WASHINGTON DC

Overlooking the Potomac River, the River Terrace is the newest outdoor venue at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. This 15,000-square-foot open-air space debuted in April and offers a variety of features to customize events. On-site electrical hook-ups and designated catering staging areas are available, as is a smooth, flat surface equipped with built-in handicapped access and tent anchor points. Other upgrades include portable heaters, fire pits, Tivoli twinkle lights, marquee tenting and a private fireworks display. Accommodation is for 700 guests for a meal or 1,200 for a reception.

Located inside Avenue Suites hotel, A Bar opened in June. The 60-seat patio is outfitted with big bright umbrellas, contemporary sofas, and a fire pit to light the night. Inside is a 20-seat cocktail lounge serving small plates and panini, plus cocktails named after Hollywood celebrities.

Located in Kensington's Antique Row, FNDTN (pronounced 'foundation') has 12-foot ceilings and hardwood floors with a built-in performance stage, LED stage lighting, and a high-definition projector. Booth seating is available, and the 800-square-foot art gallery is flexible and can be arranged for up to 50 guests.

The National Children's Museum will have a two-fold opening beginning this winter with its 18,000-square-foot indoor space, followed by its 60,000-square-foot outdoor space next May. The museum has partnered with the Sesame Workshop and will integrate its characters through interactive exhibits and educational video segments. Meetings and private events can be held in their program rooms and performing space.

The Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, features stadium-style seating for more than 5,000 people. It converts to an exhibit hall with 35,000 square feet on the arena floor, and use of the concourse totals 49,000 square feet. Three banquet/meeting rooms are also available and can be rented separately. Renovations finished in March include a covered show ring for equestrian events, which can be rented for events and corporate outings.

Opening this summer, Cause Philanthropub takes a unique business approach by donating its profits to nonprofit organizations. The 2,500-square-foot space has three spaces for private events: the ground-level Innovation Lounge for 30 people, the 30-person front area called the Congregation, and the 45-person upstairs space called Stage Right.

Tryst at the Phillips Collection is a satellite location of Adams Morgan's Tryst Coffeehouse Bar Lounge that opened May 31. The cafe can seat 40, and the adjacent courtyard adds capacity for another 150 people. The adjacent patio has a standing capacity of 150.

The literal highlight of the renovated Carnegie Library at Mt. Vernon Square is the L’Enfant Map Room, which showcases an illuminated floor map of Washington, D.C. This historic landmark features a 150-seat theater and a grand exterior plaza.

Completed in May, Hilton McLean Tysons Corner’s $45 million renovation includes a new 3,000-square-foot junior ballroom that can accommodate 260 guests and an 18-hour bar, Technology Lounge, with complimentary Wi-Fi. Additional upgrades include energy efficient lighting and heating, upgraded air-conditioning system, new air walls for all meeting spaces, and 458 redesigned guest rooms.

The Madison completed a $20 million renovation this year that includes 12,000 square feet of function space, featuring flat-screen plasma TVs, Bose speakers, ergonomic chairs, and other state-of-the-art technology.