Crystal City, Virginia, was the winner of the Amazon headquarters sweepstakes held in late 2018. In 2020, Amazon workers will begin moving in earnest to HQ2, as it's unofficially known. As a result, the entire Washington, D.C., region seems primed to attract businesses and associations focused on technology and innovation. Fortunately, the DMV (D.C./Maryland/Virginia) is in a good position to meet the growing demand with these new venues.
1. National Law Enforcement Museum
Opened in October 2018, the museum includes many interactive exhibits encouraging guests to walk a mile in the shoes of law enforcement. Located blocks from the National Mall, NLEM has a half-dozen event spaces allowing for intimate cocktail receptions, small seated dinners, large-scale receptions and buffets.
2. Conrad Washington, DC
Part of the second phase of the revitalization of CityCenterDC, this is the most celebrated of 18 hotels coming online in Washington. It includes 360 guest rooms and 32,000 square feet of meeting space, including a grand ballroom, a conservatory ballroom and an outdoor venue for 200 attendees.
3. International Spy Museum
The popular, interactive collection (pictured above) devoted to espionage has decamped from Gallery Place to L’Enfant Plaza, just off the National Mall and not far from The Wharf. Its new 140,000-sq.-ft. facility looks a bit like an inverted pyramid and has event spaces including a dazzling roof terrace with monument views and high-tech features.
4. National Museum of the United States Army
Set to open in the first half of 2020 inside Fort Belvoir in Fairfax County, Virginia, the 185,000-sq.-ft. museum will feature thousands of artifacts, artwork and ephemera, as well as space for up to 450 attendees. The Army Theater will host 122 for an immersive 4D experience, and the outdoor Medal of Honor Garden will be available for receptions and function space.
