Political & Diplomatic Events New York 2020

This year, 1,000 guests will gather at the New York Hilton Downtown for the 75th annual Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner, a tentpole event that gives the country’s political leaders a forum to come together from either side of the aisle to exchange jokes and find common ground. General James Mattis served as the keynote speaker at last year’s dinner, which was hosted by Martin Short and raised $5.2 million, the largest amount generated in a non-presidential election year since the event was founded. Named for the country’s first Roman Catholic presidential candidate from a major political party, the 2020 dinner will likely include a tribute to Smith’s great-grandson, Alfred E. Smith IV, who passed away in November. Next: October 1, 2020

For nearly 100 years, New York City’s journalists have attended the Inner Circle Show to enjoy a comedic musical performance that pokes fun at politics. Mayor Bill de Blasio made a cameo appearance at the 2019 show, which raised more than $600,000 for local charities. Some 700 people are expected to attend this year’s black-tie dinner, themed “Progressively Worse,” at its new venue, the Ziegfeld Ballroom. Next: April 25, 2020

Presented by Tina Brown Live Media, the Women in the World Summit offers a platform for female leaders to share their stories, discuss pressing issues, and inspire others. This year’s two-day event at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center will celebrate the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage with a lineup of speakers including actress Demi Moore, Kurdish warrior Commander Nesrin Abdullah, journalist Gretchen Carlson, and documentarian Dream Hampton. Next: April 2-3, 2020