#1 Political & Press Event
Viewers have more opportunities than ever to watch the president’s annual address to Congress, from network television to live streams of his remarks. This year President Obama told the nation that “middle-class economics works” and focused on child care, paid sick leave and maternity leave, and a higher minimum wage, before covering topics like international terrorism, cyber security, and Ebola. Next: Winter 2016
#2 Political & Press Event
Saturday Night Live comedian Cecily Strong was just the fourth woman to serve as the featured entertainer in the scholarship dinner’s 82-year history. She performed before the crowd of journalists and politicians, including President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. Media companies such as The New Yorker and MSNBC as well as Google and Netflix hosted events during one of the capital’s most star-filled weekends. Next: April 30, 2016
#3 Political & Press Event
Republican presidential hopefuls flocked to the conference of the American Conservative Union, which this year featured candidates Jeb Bush, Ben Carson, Carly Fiorina, and Ted Cruz, among others. Next: March 2-5, 2016
#4 Political & Press Event
The American Israel Public Affairs Committee, which identifies as America’s pro-Israel lobby, continues to grow its policy conference. It now counts some 16,000 attendees—including more than two-thirds of Congress—who pack the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. On its roster of speakers 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
#7 Political & Press Event
Featuring remarks from Vice President Joe Biden, Apple C.E.O. Tim Cook, and actress Ellen Page, the annual dinner celebrated achievements of the past year including the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision that legalized same-sex marriage and laid out plans for the future. A Great Big World and Futuristic also performed at the 19th edition of massive event, which took place at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Next: Fall 2016
#10 Political & Press Event
The conference reached a milestone this year, marking its 45th anniversary, and featured President Obama as the keynote speaker at its Phoenix Awards Dinner. The 9,000-person conference explores public policy issues affecting African-Americans and also has become a key event for networking with unofficial events taking place during the main event. Next: September 2016
#11 Political & Press Event
The event, which always focuses on the nation’s long-term debt, this year featured speakers including Michael Bloomberg, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Julián Castro, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, and former Chairman of the Federal Reserve Board Alan Greenspan. It began in 2010. Next: May 2016
#13 Political & Press Event (new to the list)
A companion event to the Aspen Ideas Festival and New York Ideas, the gathering marked its seventh and largest event this year. The forum is a partnership between The Atlantic and the Aspen Institute that drew 1,500 attendees over the two-day gathering. Speakers included former Vice President Al Gore, Attorney General Loretta Lynch, several United States senators and cabinet members, and other names prominent both inside and outside of the Beltway. Next: Fall 2016
#15 Political & Press Event
The awards from the National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation recognize local TV and radio broadcasters dedicated to public service. This year the black-tie gala honored actor Gary Sinise with its Leadership Award, Unilever with its Corporate Leadership Award, and iHeartMedia with the foundation President’s Special Award. Next: Spring 2016
#17 Political & Press Event
First Lady Michelle Obama helped present the awards to 10 women whom the Secretary of State recognized as advocates for human rights, women’s equality, and social progress throughout the world. Recipients included Marie Claire Tchecola, a nurse, Ebola survivor, and activist from Guinea and Captain Niloofar Rahmani of the Afghan Air Force. Next: Spring 2016
#18 Political & Press Event
Education, cybersecurity, and health care topped the priorities for the business meeting of the nation’s governors. The opening session featured a keynote speech from restaurateur Danny Meyer, C.E.O. of Union Square Hospitality Group. The gathering also included a dinner at the White House and a meeting with President Obama. Next: February 19-22, 2016
#19 Political & Press Event
Mayors, from New York’s Bill de Blasio to Los Angeles’s Eric Garcetti, gathered for the 83rd annual event in which municipal leaders shared best practices and heard from speakers who included cabinet secretaries, Congressional leaders, and corporate executives. Next: January 20-22, 2016
