Washington's Top 100 Events 2013 - Political & Press Events
1. State of the Union
#1 Political & Press Event
The president's annual address to Congress remains the top political event for its policy announcements, pageantry, and endless dissection by news networks and publications. Next: January-February 2014
2. White House Correspondents' Association Dinner
#2 Political & Press Event
Media brands such as The New Yorker, MSNBC, and BuzzFeed host dozens of events during the long weekend celebrating the press and the president. At this year's black-tie dinner at the Washington Hilton, the first lady, Michelle Obama, congratulated student scholarship winners and President Obama nearly upstaged headliner Conan O'Brien with his one-liners. Next: May 3, 2014
3. Washington Press Club Foundation's Congressional Dinner
#3 Political & Press Event
Members of Congress and the journalists who cover them meet at the annual dinner, this year held at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Next year marks the 70th edition of the event. Next: February 5, 2014
4. Conservative Political Action Conference
#4 Political & Press Event
The conference from the American Conservative Union—which marked its 40th year in 2013—reliably draws the biggest names in Republican politics including Representative Paul Ryan, Senators Marco Rubio and Rand Paul, and former vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin. Next: March 6-8, 2014
5. AIPAC Policy Conference
#5 Political & Press Event
Heads of state, as many as 350 members of Congress, and about 12,000 delegates attend the American Israel Public Affairs Committee conference. The event vets its attendee list carefully and often sees more than 1,000 people submit their registration for the following year before they leave. Next: March 2-4, 2014
6. Human Rights Campaign National Dinner
#7 Political & Press Event (up from #9)
The Human Rights Campaign’s 17th annual national dinner lost keynote speaker Vice President Joe Biden because of the federal government shutdown, but the event still had star wattage: Jennifer Lopez received the Ally for Equality Award for her support of the L.G.B.T. community, and singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles performed. The dinner is becoming more popular, growing by 400 guests and selling out three weeks earlier than last year. Next: October 25, 2014
7. Africare Bishop John T. Walker Memorial Dinner
#8 Political & Press Event
More than 1,000 guests attended Africare's annual dinner, which honors humanitarian efforts in Africa. This year's event honored Mo Ibrahim for the work of his foundation as well as President Obama, whose award was accepted by White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough. Next: April 5, 2014
8. Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Legislative Conference
#11 Political & Press Event
The annual conference tackles legislative and policy issues impacting the African-American community and this year looked at voter rights, racial profiling following the death of teenager Trayvon Martin, and immigration reform. President Obama was the keynote speaker. Next: September 24-27, 2014
9. Atlantic Council Distinguished Leadership Awards
#12 Political & Press Event
The event, renamed this year as the Atlantic Council Distinguished Leadership Awards, brought together an eclectic but accomplished group of honorees: former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Chevron chairman and C.E.O. John S. Watson, singer Tony Bennett, and Colombian rock star Juanes. Next: April 30, 2014
10. National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation Celebration of Service to America Award
#13 Political & Press Event
This year's event honored local television and radio broadcasters as well as singer-songwriter and social activist Stevie Wonder and Lowe’s Home Improvement, which received a corporate leadership award. Next: June 17, 2014
11. International Women of Courage Awards
#14 Political & Press Event
The U.S. State Department honored nine women from around the world with its International Women of Courage Awards for their efforts to advocate for women's rights and empowerment. First Lady Michelle Obama joined Secretary of State John Kerry at the ceremony. Next: March 2014
12. National Governors Association Winter Meeting
#15 Political & Press Event
The organization of the nation's governors always convenes its winter meeting in Washington where members cement their relationships with the federal government through events such as a reception with the president and first lady and a meeting with the president and vice president. This year's agenda had a special focus on employing people with disabilities. Next: February 22-25, 2014
13. U.S. Conference of Mayors Winter Meeting
#16 Political & Press Event
The annual meeting featured remarks from big-city mayors including Chicago's Rahm Emanuel and New York's Michael Bloomberg. Policy discussions focused on issues such as gun control, civil rights, the arts, and city employee benefits. Next: January 22-24, 2014
14. Make Progress National Summit
#17 Political & Press Event
Following a rebranding, the Campus Progress National Conference became the Make Progress National Summit. Hosted by Generation Progress and other progressive organizations, the event drew hundreds of young people to tackle major issues important to millennials such as voting rights, marriage equality, and student loan debt. Next: July 2014
