Unionized Options for Your DC Events – Updated 2021
If you are a believer in organized labor, like I am, then you should consider giving unionized venues and suppliers your business when you’re planning a special event in Washington DC. Not every supplier category has this option, but here are some ideas for you. Some of the hotels have on-site restaurants, and I’ve noted those that are also unionized.
Unionized Options in DC: Hotels with Event Space
AC Hotel National Harbor – their largest event space is their Courtyard, which can host 120 for a cocktail reception.
Beacon Hotel (Governor’s House Hotel) can host up to 300 guests.
Capitol Skyline Hotel – the highlight here is a 16,000 sq ft pool deck.
Capital Hilton can host 900 for a cocktail reception.
Doubletree Crystal City has three 14th-floor event spaces with DC views and can host 1000 in its largest space with a cocktail reception.
Eaton Hotel can host 400 in it’s largest space for a cocktail reception.
The Ven Embassy Row Hotel advertises intimate gatherings.
Embassy Suites Crystal City can host a cocktail reception for up to 200.
Embassy Suites Hotel Washington Chevy Chase can host 100 for cocktails in the largest ballroom and up to 160 on the Mezzanine.
Embassy Suites DC Convention Center accommodates up to 700 in its largest ballroom.
Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center – at National Harbor has a space to host 10,0000. The property also features the stunning Riverview Ballroom as well as Old Hickory Steakhouse and National Pastime Sports Bar.
Hay Adams Hotel can accommodate 340 guests and there is also the Off The Record Bar – one of the world’s best bars.
Hyatt Regency Crystal City at National Airport can host up to 2500 in its largest space for a cocktail reception.
Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill can host up to 1700 in its largest space for a cocktail reception.
Jefferson Hotel can accommodate 450 at a cocktail reception and they also have three restaurants on-site: Greenhouse, Quill and Plume
Kellogg Conference Hotel at Galludet can accommodate 330 for a seated dinner at round tables but I’m not sure if that can still fit a dance floor.
Kimpton Hotel Monaco can accommodate 300 for a cocktail reception
Mandarin Oriental can host up to 1000 in a cocktail reception. There is also Empress Lounge, Cityzen, and Muze on site.
McLean Hilton Tysons Corner can host 1300 in a cocktail reception and there is also Harth.
Omni Shoreham Hotel can host 3500 for a reception in its largest ballroom.
Phoenix Park Hotel can accommodate 300 in its largest ballroom for a reception.
Mayflower Hotel can host 1100 with their two combined biggest ballrooms and there is also Edgar Bar and Kitchen
MGM National Harbor can host 1800 for a cocktail reception and they also have Fish by Jose Andres, Voltaggio Brothers Steakhouse, and Ginger and Osteria Costa
St. Regis Washington DC can have up to 300 for a cocktail reception and it also has Alhambra and Decanter.
The Fairfax at Embassy Row doesn’t advertise event space by they do have a restaurant, The Sally
The Madison can host a cocktail reception for 500 and they have Rural Society
The W Washington DC can host 700 for a reception-style event, and they have P.O.V. Roof Terrace and Pinea.
Hilton Washington DC Capitol Hill (formerly Washington Court Hotel) the largest Ballroom can host 700 for a cocktail reception.
Washington Hilton (aka the Hinkley Hilton) is an enormous property that can host 4000 people for a standing reception.
Marriott Marquis Washington DC can host 3500 for a reception and they also have Anthem, Dignitary, and High Velocity Sports Bar.
Unionized Options for DC Events: Venues
Unionized Options in DC: Museums
Anacostia Community Museum can accommodate up to 150 guests.
American Art Museum can host 1200 for a reception.
National Museum of African Art‘s largest space can host 200 for a reception
Arts & Industries Building is reopening in Spring 2021 and the entire building can accommodate 2000 for a cocktail reception.
Archives of American Art – does not appear to host private events
The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Freer Gallery of Art is not booking any events until June 30, 2021
Hirshorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
National Museum of the American Indian‘s largest event space can host 300 with a reception, and 3500 with a full building buy out.
National Museum of Natural History
National Museum of American History – 3500 guests maximum.
National Museum of African American History and Culture can accommodate 2500 with a reception-style event in the largest single event space.
National Gallery of Art and Sculpture Garden – does not appear to host private events at this time
National Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center – The Space Hangar can hold 800 plus another 300 on the Mezzanine for a cocktail reception.
National Air and Space Museum is beginning renovations, you should call for details: (202) 633-2340
National Postal Museum – available for booking after April 30, 2021 and can have 600 guests in the Lobby for a standing reception.
Renwick Gallery has over 4000 square feet of event space.
S. Dillon Ripley Center – it does not appear that they host private events.
Smithsonian The National Zoo can host up to 2000 guests in tits largest space, the Great Cats Exhibit.
Smithsonian Institution Building (The Castle) – call for details 202-633-2020
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum – it does not appear that they host private events.
Unionized Options in DC: Venues
Nationals Park – indoor and outdoor options, onsite catering, enhancements like use of the batting cages and visits from the Racing Presidents.
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Wolf Trap – multiple options for up to 400 guests standing.
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Signature Theatre – it does not appear that they offer private event rentals at this time.
Strathmore – consider the Music Hall and the Mansion
Warner Theatre – the theatre holds 1960
U.S. Botanic Garden – members of Congress can host events here.
Unionized DC Restaurants with Private Dining Options
Unionized Options for DC Events: Caterers
Unionized Options for DC Events: Lighting and Production
Unioni Unionized Options for DC Events: Printers
Eagle Designs, Printing & Promotionals
Doyle Printing & Offset Company
Color Marketing Graphics & Printing
If you are interested in supporting unions with your special events, you might also be interested in supporting eco-friendly venues and suppliers as well.
