Political & Press Events Washington 2019

The most highly anticipated political event of the year continues to be the president’s annual address to the joint-session of Congress, delivered at the beginning of each calendar year. Donald Trump gave his latest address last February, the theme of which was “Choosing Greatness.” He honored various special guests, such as Tree of Life Synagogue shooting survivor Judah Samet and rehabilitated former inmate Matthew Charles. Democratic female lawmakers famously attended the 2019 address clad in suffragette white to celebrate the record number of women holding office at the time. Next: January or February 2020

The annual dinner, which fêtes the media who cover the executive branch, is now virtually devoid of any kind of celebrity star power. An unexpected move to forgo a comedian in 2019 helped shift the focus of the event back on journalism. As President Trump once again skipped out on the night’s festivities, historian Ron Chernow, who delivered the show’s remarks, ended up being the belle of the ball. Next: April 25, 2020

See more: White House Correspondents' Association Dinner: Elegant Design and Catering Ideas From Washington's Biggest Weekend

Up from #4
The conference, commonly referred to as CPAC, this year drew 19,000 guests across four stages, and tens of millions of television and online viewers. Republican power players such as Senator Ted Cruz (Republican of Texas), Representative Dan Crenshaw (Republican of Texas), Vice President Mike Pence, and, of course, President Donald Trump addressed the crowd through remarks or panels. An “Activism Boot Camp” provided on-site training for activists, preparing them for political volunteer opportunities. Next: February 26-29, 2020

More than 18,000 people attended 2019’s conference making the three-day event the nation’s largest gathering of pro-Israel Americans. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Vice President Mike Pence were among the speakers at the event, which promotes a positive relationship between America and Israel. This year’s event was the first time the conference was live-streamed, making it accessible to online viewers. Next: March 1-3, 2020

One of the oldest and most revered events in D.C., the Gridiron Club often proves to be one of the city's only social events that President Trump attends. In 2019, however, the president sent his daughter Ivanka in his place. Ivanka Trump delivered remarks to the crowd of about 700 guests who attended the dinner, held at the Renaissance Hotel. The annual white-tie event, during which top media names and politico boldfacers poke fun at once another in a “roast” manner, is hosted by the Gridiron Club and Foundation.
Next: March 2020

Transgender actress, author, and model Dominique Jackson was honored with the HRC National Equality Award, and Latin music superstar Ricky Martin was given the HRC National Visibility Award at the 23rd annual dinner, which drew more than 3,600 guests. The gala, held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, aimed to increase support for the L.G.B.T.Q. community and attracted sponsors such as Marriott International, Macy's, and Wells Fargo. Next: September 26, 2020

For four days in September, more than 10,000 people convene at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center for the leading conference on issues impacting the African-American and black communities worldwide. Representatives Frederica Wilson (Democrat of Florida) and G. K. Butterfield (Democrat of North Carolina) served as honorary co-chairs for the conference, the theme for which was “400 Years: Our Legacy, Our Possibilities,” paying homage to the 400-year anniversary since African slaves were first brought to American in 1619. Next: September 15-20, 2020

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, former governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and General Jim Mattis were among the bold-face names that spoke during this year’s Atlantic Festival, hosted by The Atlantic magazine. On September 24, the first day of the conference, Pelosi engaged in an onstage talk with editor in chief Jeffrey Goldberg, ahead of announcing the impeachment probe of President Trump later that night. More than 3,000 people stopped by the festival’s various events, held in Penn Quarter, over the conference’s two-day span. Next: Fall 2020

See more: How The Atlantic Festival Created a Headline-Making Event

The press club’s major fund-raising event celebrated journalists who cover Capitol Hill at a bipartisan dinner that featured Representatives Cheri Bustos (Democrat of Illinois) and Dan Crenshaw (Republican of Texas) sharing lighthearted jokes. Journalist Elizabeth Drew was honored at the event with the foundation’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Next: Spring 2020

The Alfalfa Club exists solely for one reason: to hold an annual banquet. Since 1913, the exclusive club, comprised of about 200 members, has gathered annually to celebrate General Robert E. Lee’s birthday. Several presidents throughout history have been members of the social organization. The dinner is closed to the press, but local reporters are tipped off to the quips from the barbed speeches. Next: January 2020

The 10th annual summit focused around the theme “Building America’s Future,” or how the nation can best use its resources to allow for a prosperous future. Top leaders in our nation, such as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Budget Chairman John Yarmuth, came together to discuss economic best practices. Next: Spring 2020

The association, which represents journalists covering politics on Capitol Hill, celebrated 75 years at its 2019 dinner. Held at the Anthem, the event included a presentation of four awards for excellence in political reporting to NBC News Correspondent Kelly O’Donnell, BBC Correspondent Clive Myrie, CNN Photojournalist Kim Uhl, and ABC Correspondent Mary Bruce. Next: Fall 2020

Each year, the Atlantic Council honors four leaders at its annual awards dinner. In 2019, awards were presented to NATO, Adrienne Arsht (philanthropist and the council’s executive vice chair), Christine Lagarde (president of the European Central Bank and managing director of the International Monetary Fund), and FedEx chairman and C.E.O. Frederick W. Smith. Next: Fall 2020

Presented annually by the N.A.B. Leadership Foundation, the Celebration of Service to America Awards honor outstanding television and radio broadcasters. This year’s black-tie gala awarded Beasley Media Group, Hearst Television Inc., WMMR-FM of Philadelphia, WKMG-TV of Orlando, WYCT-FM of Pensacola, Florida, WREG-TV of Memphis, WLEN-FM of Adrian, Michigan, and WCTV of Tallahassee. Next: June 2020

The 36th annual dinner held at the Marriott Marquis honored veteran journalists and broadcasters with awards spanning 11 categories, such as innovative storytelling and distinguished reporting on trade. Honorees in 2019 included journalists Lester Holt (NBC News), Al Hunt (Bloomberg), Judy Woodruff (PBS NewsHour), Rick Hutzell (Capital Gazette), John Donnelly (CQ Roll Call), Christopher Flavelle (Bloomberg News), Elisabeth Bumiller (The New York Times), political cartoonist Nancy Ohanian, The Washington Post, and Kashmir Hill and Surya Mattu of Gizmodo Media Group. Next: February 13, 2020

Forty-eight governors were among the 1,911 attendees of the 2019 edition of the National Governors Association Winter Meeting—the second highest attendance recorded since the event’s start. Leaders from around the world convened at the 111th annual event to discuss pressing issues and spent time meeting with lawmakers including President Trump. Next: February 7-10, 2020

Since 2007, the Secretary of State’s International Women of Courage Award has honored more than 120 women who have exemplified outstanding courage and leadership. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo hosted 2019’s edition, which was supplemented by remarks from first lady Melania Trump. Among this year’s nominees were Razia Sultana of Bangladesh, Naw K’nyaw Paw of Burma, Moumina Houssein Darar of Djibouti, Mama Maggie of Egypt, Colonel Khalida Khalaf Hanna al-Twal of Jordan, Sister Orla Treacy of Ireland, Olivera Lakic of Montenegro, Flor de Maria Vega Zapata of Peru, Marini de Livera of Sri Lanka and Anna Aloys Henga of Tanzania. Next: March 2020

Mayor Steve Benjamin of Columbia, South Carolina, presided over the organization’s 87th meeting, held last January. Power players such as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and 2020 presidential candidates Cory Booker and Joe Biden delivered remarks to attendees over the course of the two-day conference. Next: January 22-24, 2020

Each year, the Vital Voices Awards honors female leaders across various spheres. About 1,200 people attended the 18th annual awards, held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in April, which honored fashion designer Diane Von Furstenberg, activist Rouba Mhaissen, Mexican prison reform advocate Saskia Nino de Rivera, renewable energy entrepreneur Habiba Ali, and civil rights advocate Amanda Nguyen. Next: Spring 2020