Top 100 Events in the United States 2015 - Political Events
1. White House Correspondents' Association Dinner
Washington
#1 Political Event
Standing just feet from President Obama, Saturday Night Live comedian Cecily Strong roasted him, other politicians, and the media at this year’s annual dinner hosted by the White House Correspondents’ Association. Media brands such as Politico, The New Yorker, and Yahoo News use the event as an opportunity to host events during a packed weekend. Next: Spring 2016
2. Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting
New York
#2 Political Event
The profile and scrutiny of the Clinton Foundation’s annual meeting has only heightened as Hillary Clinton has launched her presidential campaign. But the event, timed to the opening session of the United Nations, has continued to focus on global challenges. The 2015 theme is “the Future of Impact.” Next: September 26-29, 2015
3. National Rifle Association Annual Meeting & Exhibits
National
#3 Political Event
Several Republican presidential candidates, including Jeb Bush, Scott Walker, and Rick Perry, spoke at the 2015 event, which took place in Nashville. Some 70,000 attendees attended the gun advocacy event and trade show, which next year marks its 145th meeting. Next: May 19-22, 2016, Louisville, Kentucky
4. State of the Union
Washington
#4 Political Event (up from #5)
The president’s annual address to Congress lays out priorities and celebrates triumphs of the past year. President Obama’s 2015 address was noted for his optimistic tone on issues such as national security, climate change, and education. Nearly 32 million Americans watched the speech on television, although ratings were down. Next: January 2016
5. Aspen Ideas Festival
Aspen, Colorado
#5 Political Event
Provocative speakers from the worlds of politics, health, the arts, technology, and more present to some 3,000 attendees at the event. This year’s theme was “Smart Solutions to the World’s Toughest Challenges,” and new this year was the Aspen Ideas Award, given to festival presenters and scholars who provide the most compelling solutions to challenges such as “promoting tolerance” or “addressing global sustainability.” Three winners were each awarded $25,000. Next: Summer 2016
6. American Israel Public Affairs Committee Policy Conference
Washington
#6 Political Event
A record 16,000 people attended the conference, which promotes a strong relationship between the United States and Israel. Addressing the conference this year were Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power, and U.S. National Security Adviser Susan Rice. Next: March 20-22, 2016
