Your Event Planning Toolkit
Convention Center Facts
Building Highlights
The Walter E. Washington Convention Center is located in the Shaw and Mt. Vernon Square neighborhoods in northwest Washington DC. The Center opened in 2003 and features:
- Five exhibit halls on two levels with a total of 703,000 square feet of prime exhibit space
- 66 individual meeting rooms totaling 150,000 square feet, located in two major groupings
- 40,000 square feet of dedicated registration space
- 52,000-square-foot ballroom which can be subdivided into three separate rooms
- 120-piece permanent art collection
- 65 loading docks
- Metro (subway) station
Governance
The Walter E. Washington Convention Center is governed by the Washington Convention Center Authority, a corporate body and independent authority of the District of Columbia government established in 1994 for the purpose of acquiring, constructing, equipping, maintaining and operating a new convention center in the District of Columbia. Our nine-member Board of Directors includes two governmental ex-officio voting members and seven public members appointed by the mayor who represent specific business segments of the community.
Commitment to the District of Columbia Community
The Walter E. Washington Convention Center is committed to hiring DC residents and to supporting local businesses through the active participation in DC’s Local, Small and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (LSDBE) program.
Safety Features
The Walter E. Washington Convention Center is equipped with sophisticated fire detection and protection systems. When an alarm is activated, the system automatically transmits a signal to local emergency communications centers that initiate an immediate response from the DC Fire Department.
In the event of a power failure, generators power all emergency lighting and other critical systems. Exit doors are clearly marked and illuminated. Exit stairwells contain emergency lighting and illuminated graphics for greater visibility and accessibility.
All public safety officers receive training in basic first aid and CPR, and in the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs). There are several AEDs located throughout the building. In the event of an evacuation, adaptive escape chairs are strategically located to transport persons with disabilities, or those who need assistance walking down several flights of stairs.
Services and Amenities
- a. ATMs Several ATM machines are conveniently located in public areas in the building for our guests use.
- b. Business Center The Capital Business Center services include copying, computer rental, faxing and limited shipping services via Federal Express, UPS and DHL for small packages.
- c. Dining Options Several dining options are available for you and your guests, along with permanent and portable retail food choices. Centerplate/NBSE will work with you to design a retail program for your event.
- d. Internet Kiosks Two Internet kiosks that provide access for checking email and surfing the web are located in the Grand Lobby, South Building next to the lounge areas. Internet access at the kiosks is available at a nominal charge. The kiosks accept major credit card.
- e. Laptop Link Laptop Link is located in the L Street Lobby, South Building outside of Meeting Room 103A. Laptop Link can accommodate a maximum of eight individual users at one time. Laptop Link enables you to connect your own laptop and purchase internet access at a nominal charge.
- f. Permanent Art Collection The Walter E. Washington Convention Center has the largest public art collection in a U.S. convention center. We are proud of our diverse permanent collection, which includes over 120 pieces featuring a variety of media. While our collection features many national and international artists, we are proud that over half of the artists represented are from the Washington DC region.
- g. Public Telephones We provide complimentary local telephone calls (area code 202, 301 and 703) from our public telephones. Long distance calls may be made by using calling cards and operator assistance.
- h. Public Transportation In addition to the “Mt.VernonSquare /7th Street,/ Convention Center” Metrorail (subway) stop on the yellow and green line, and several Metrobus stops on 7th and 9th Streets, the Circulator, a public transit system designed to take riders to the city’s cultural, shopping, dining and business destinations has stops near the Center. For more information, visit the websites www.metropensdoors.com and www.dccirculator.com
- i. Shoe Shine Services Shoe shine services are available during your event. Consult your event manager if you would like to schedule this service.
- j. TV Monitors Permanently installed television monitors are located in pairs throughout the center. We display your daily event schedule on one monitor and cable news broadcasts on the other monitor. Our audio-visual partner, Projection Presentation Technology, can arrange for broadcasting event-related videos, video graphics, event video programming or other video programming at prevailing rates.
- k. Visitor Information Desk and Ambassadors. The visitor information desk is located in the Grand Lobby. Our visitor information specialists provide a wealth of information including event, restaurant, entertainment and shopping suggestions. In addition, we position our ambassadors at “Ask Me” desks in key areas of the building to provide directions and general city information to attendees
- l. Wireless Internet Guests who have a laptop or handheld device with 802.11b or 802.11g compatible wireless access can utilize our wireless internet service to perform basic functions at prevailing rates. This service is available throughout the center. Wireless access cards can also be purchased from Smart City Washington. Our Grand Lobby lounge area offers free wireless.