#1 Trade Show & Convention
The show brings together industry leaders with public policy makers before a 10-day consumer show at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Mark Rosekind, administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, is scheduled to give the keynote in 2016. Next: January 22-31, 2016
#2 Trade Show & Convention
Meredith Vieira headlined the list of special guests, and the show floor included numerous health tests, screenings, products, and services. The family-friendly event had activities for kids that included representatives of the Washington Nationals baseball team and the Marine Corps Marathon. About 85,000 people attended. Next: January 9-10, 2016
#3 Trade Show & Convention (up from #4)
The professional development event for members of the Army as well as veterans and military families draws some 26,000 attendees and covers 300,000 square feet of display space. It may also be one of the only events that has a regular shuttle from the Pentagon to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Next: October 2016
#4 Trade Show & Convention (up from #5)
Now heading into its 12th year, the consumer expo has a trade show floor featuring destinations across the globe, major cruise lines, and tour operators. Several stages offer diversions such as the Travel Channel Theater and the Taste of Travel Stage with culinary demos. The event draws about 7,000 people to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Next: February 20-21, 2016
#5 Trade Show & Convention (up from #6)
Produced by the Smithsonian Women’s Committee, the show featured 121 artists this year, 37 of whom were new to the show. About 7,000 people attended the event, which returned to the National Building Museum and has a strong educational component with a lecture series. In a service for craft aficionados who couldn’t attend the show, items were available to browse and buy online. All proceeds from the show benefit the Smithsonian. Next: April 21-24, 2016
#6 Trade Show & Convention (up from #7)
One of the city’s enduring cultural traditions, the 76th annual flower mart had an Asian theme and drew about 10,000 people over two days. A new component of the 2015 event was an “Iron Florist” competition. Next: May 7-8, 2016
#7 Trade Show & Convention (up from #8)
The theme of this year’s antiques show was “Ports of Call,” celebrating all things nautical. As part of its loan exhibit, "Vessels of Victory," the America’s Cup trophy was on display and a lecture featured members of Oracle Team USA. The event takes place each year at the Katzen Arts Center at American University; proceeds benefit charities that help at-risk children and families. Next: January 8-10, 2016
#8 Trade Show & Convention (new to the list)
Some 44,300 people came to the third edition of the pop culture convention, which took place at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Celebrities at the fast-growing event included William Shatner, George Takei, and the creator of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. In September, the event was acquired by LeftField Media. Next: June 3-5, 2016
