Washington DC Event

Washington, DC started the year off as a much sought-after destination thanks to the well-attended presidential inauguration. Now, the city will no doubt keep its popularity high as it kicks off one of its most celebrated annual traditions.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival starts Saturday, March 28, and runs through April 12 (peak dates are April 1-4). More than a million visitors are expected to visit the city to enjoy the 3,700 cherry trees lining the banks of the Tidal Basin and to take part in a number of celebratory DC events. Among the most popular are the Smithsonian Kite Festival (March 28), the Grand Sushi & Sake Tasting (April 1), the Parade of the National Cherry Blossom Festival (April 4), the Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival (April 4) and the Cherry Blossom 10-Mile Run (April 5).

This year's Festival marks the 97th celebration of the original gift of 3,000 cherry trees by the city of Tokyo to the people of Washington, DC. Not surprisingly, Washington, DC hotels, DC restaurants and more are getting in on the action, so make sure to check back next week to read about great options for your Festival events!

Cvent will be attending the Young Hospitality Industry Professionals’ "State of the Industry" networking forum held in Washington, DC on Thursday, March 26. The DC event marks the last in a line of three networking meetings hosted by YHIP; the first was held March 11 in Chicago and the second will be held March 24 in Boston.

The series of two-hour forums gives meeting and event professionals a chance to discuss the current state of the economy and to exchange ideas on cost-saving strategies, improving current practices and building industry relationships. Stop by the Lotus Lounge restaurant in downtown DC from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM to chat with Cvent professionals and other industry experts.

Young Hospitality Industry Professionals is a nationwide organization representing thousands of the nation’s premier meeting and event professionals. This membership provides fresh-faced professionals with an opportunity to learn about current market developments, gain new industry relationships, and support professional growth within the meetings and events marketplace.

Admission to this DC event is complimentary for meeting and event planners. We hope to see you there!

A while back we blogged about how some restaurants were trying to stimulate business by offering recession specials to both diners and meeting planners. Not surprisingly, however, the poor economy continues to make it tough for restaurants. In fact, according to a recent USA Today article, shares of the top 26 restaurant companies have seen their stocks lose an average 49.3 percent of their value from their highest points over the past 52 weeks.

Many restaurants are expanding their efforts to get more patronage by hosting special events. Morton's, The Steakhouse, for example, is hosting its "Lunch with a Legend" series in cities across the nation. Bringing together "legendary food, drinks and area sports icons into a prime slice of the Good Life," the series invites guests to a three-course lunch where they can meet famous sports legends. The upcoming Washington, DC event, for example, features Washington Redskins Super Bowl Champion Joe Theismann, while the Pittsburgh event featured former Steelers Andy Russell and Mike Wagner.

What types of things have you seen restaurants doing to boost business? Would you visit restaurants you normally wouldn't go to if they were hosting intriguing events?

President Barack Obama received a lot of criticism from the meetings and events industry when he made the remark, "You can’t get corporate jets. You can’t go take a trip to Las Vegas or go down to the Super Bowl on the taxpayer’s dime," referring to events held by corporations receiving bailout funds. Now, however, industry professionals are happy to know they have the President's support.

After his meeting with 13 travel industry executives this week, Obama expressed his support for travel to and within the United States, according to the U.S. Travel Association. In the meeting, leaders focused on two key topics: the need to welcome more international visitors and the business community's concerns about the dramatic nationwide downturn in meetings and events.

"We are pleased that President Obama recognizes the power of travel to strengthen America's economy," said Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, in a statement. "The travel community has an ally in President Obama and we appreciate the leadership he intends to bring to increasing travel to, and within, the United States."

Participants at the meeting in Washington, DC also discussed the need to pass the Travel Promotion Act. This legislation would establish the first-ever U.S. promotion and communications campaign to attract millions of international visitors to the United States, also creating thousands of jobs.

Jonathon Tisch, chairman of Loews Hotels and chairman emeritus of USTA, said of the meeting, "We are pleased to have the support of President Obama and his team, and look forward to working with them in the days ahead."

St. Patrick's Day is only a week away, and in honor of this celebration of all things Irish, we'll be blogging about some of the best Irish restaurants, pubs and bars across the nation for hosting an event. Check out a few of the most popular venues for DC events:

Ireland's Four Fields

Located one block south of Cleveland Park, Ireland's Four Fields is the six-time winner of Best Irish Pub in Washington, DC. In addition to its American and Irish fare, guests enjoy a number of brews and a selection of Irish whiskeys.

The pub can host corporate events of up to 200 people inside, and its outside patio can accommodate 40 guests. Audio-visual equipment makes presentations a breeze.

McFadden's Restaurant and Saloon

Having opened on St. Patrick's Day in 2003, this popular hangout on Pennsylvania Avenue knows a thing or two about the holiday. Guests enjoy Irish favorites such as Shepard's Pie and Irish stew in addition to live music representing a number of genres, from reggae to Top 40.

With seating for over 100 guests and four party rooms, McFadden's is a popular choice for Washington, DC party venue for business events, reunions, receptions and more.

Fado Irish Pub & Restaurant

Don't let its location in Chinatown mislead you—Fado is a true escape to Ireland in the heart of DC. This eatery is the place to watch Irish sporting events, from rugby to Gaelic football; it even sponsors the local DC Gaels sports league.

Events in DC can enjoy a number of meeting spaces at Fado, including the Library, filled with Irish literature and paintings, and the semi-private Victorian, boasting rich dark wood, red accents and comfortable seating.

Although defending the value of meetings has been on the forefront of many planners' minds lately, it's important to not let other issues in the industry fall by the wayside. Green meetings, for example, should remain a top priority . After all, aside from helping they environment, they can save money on your meetings, too.

The Accepted Practices Exchange (APEX) is giving you a chance to get involved in developing accepted industry practices for green meetings. Its City Discussion Groups (CDGs), similar to town hall meetings, invite participants to review and comment on the recommendations of the APEX Green Meetings and Events Practices Panel.

In partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and ASTM International, APEX works to establish green meeting standards. As part of its efforts, APEX has nine volunteer-based committees that review green standards and compile a baseline of accepted practices. Committees range in scope from Accommodations to Transportation.

The CDGs kick off March 16 with meetings in Washington, DC, Atlanta, Vancouver, Portland and San Diego. Chicago, Gainesville, Fla., Louisville, Ky., Baltimore, and Seattle are among the meeting locations to follow.

Registration is free. For those interested, visit the APEX website to learn more and register for an upcoming CDG.

Though it was a world-class destination before January 20, 2009, there's no doubt that the much-publicized inauguration of President Barack Obama brought a new level of fame to Washington, DC. Consider a few of the statistics released by Destination DC on the Inauguration Day proceedings:

• 1.8 million people celebrating on the National Mall
• 1.544 trips on the Metro public transportation system
• 98 percent hotel occupancy in the District of Columbia on January 19
• 555 gallons of chili served at Ben's Chili Bowl during Inauguration Week

Another interesting stat from the Association of British Travel Agents finds that 21 percent of British travelers ages 18 to 34 are more likely to visit the United States now that Obama has been elected.

Has your desire to host a meeting or event in Washington, DC increased since all the inauguration coverage? Are you planning on booking a DC venue any time soon as a result? Make sure to check out DC meeting stats and more at the Cvent Destination Guide.

After its most extensive renovation since 1968, the historic Ford's Theatre re-opens this February, bringing a new level of excitement to Washington, DC events. Coinciding with the bicentennial of Lincoln's birth, the re-opening of this DC attraction also launches a number of special events and celebrations that commemorate the former president.

The 144-year-old theatre, where Lincoln was assassinated in 1865, was closed in August 2007. Following an 18-month renovation, the theatre has received a number of upgrades: new seats; upgraded sound and lighting systems; improved heating and air conditioning systems; renovated restrooms; enhanced accessibility with elevators to each level; a new lobby; and updated stage capabilities. Also included was the construction of a new "parlor" room that can serve as a DC special event facility.

Ford's Theatre officially re-opens February 11 with a special performance at which filmmaker George Lucas will receive the Lincoln Medal. A series of public programs scheduled February 12 will commemorate Lincoln's 200th birthday. Ford's Theatre will host an all-day open house February 16, and it opens its doors to public tours February 17.

Also part of the re-opening celebration, the theatre will present the world premiere of The Heavens are Hung in Black, a play about Lincoln in 1862. In spring 2009, visitors to Washington, DC can look forward to even more ways to learn about Lincoln when the theatre re-opens its renovated museum.

Millions of Americans gathered on the National Mall yesterday for the big inauguration event in DC. Watching President Barack Obama give his inauguration speech made us think about how powerful and motivating an event speaker can be. Yet at the same time, poorly selected speakers can have the opposite effect.

Speakers don't have to be a hit-or-miss addition to your meeting or conference. Consider a few of the following tips for successfully finding an event speaker:

• Be an early bird. Start your speaker search as soon as you start planning your event. Many speakers, especially in-demand ones, book up to a year in advance.

• Ask for recommendations. One of the best ways to find a great speaker is to ask fellow meeting planners in your industry for advice. Who have your colleagues booked for events or seen at events they've attended? Who was good? Who was not so good? First-hand accounts of a speaker are an invaluable measurement of a speaker.

• Do your research. In addition to asking other planners, search the web for more information on your speaker possibilities. Find out if he or she has addressed other groups similar to yours. Look for reviews of the speaker. Read his or her biography. You may even be able to find audio or visual clips of his or her past speeches.

• Don't fit a speaker, pick a fitting one. You may think picking a hot celebrity, best-selling author or some other big name would be cool for your event, and certainly it'd gain some buzz. But in the end, your attendees want to hear a speaker that can actually offer something useful and relevant. Stretching a speaker to your event is a disservice to both you and your attendees.

• Review the content. Even if your speaker looks good on paper, make sure to discuss what exactly they'll say. Some speakers might prefer to not provide a speech ahead of time, but at the very least take some time to discuss their key talking points. Let them know what your attendees are really interested in learning about. Most speakers want to succeed and excite the audience; giving them background on how to do so will be appreciated.

Events in DC are being taken to a whole new level thanks to the unprecedented excitement over President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration ceremony. Check out some of the most outrageous offerings by hotels in DC that are meant to give guests a presidential experience.

Omni Shoreham Hotel

As a host to presidents, world leaders and inaugural balls, the 834-room Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington DC is a fitting location for taking advantage of its plush "Live Like the President" packages. The 44th Commander-in-Chief Package features a private jet for arrival and departure, a private in-room dinner for four, a personal concierge and chauffeur 24 hours a day, a $44,000 shopping spree from the Lambros Jewelry Inauguration Collection and more. Guests can even work on their foreign policy experience with a five-night gift certificate to Russia's Kempinski Hotel Moika 22 in St. Petersburg.

The Omni Shoreham's second package, the 58th Inauguration Package, features a four-night stay in the one-bedroom Presidential Suite, two first-class airline tickets for arrival and departure, private breakfast served daily and a private in-room dinner, among other perks.

Mandarin Oriental

The Presidential Privilege package at DC's Mandarin Oriental includes a four-night stay at the 3,500-square-foot presidential suite. In addition to floor-to-ceiling windows and two balconies, the suite boasts three rooms, three bathrooms, a grand piano and a 60-inch flat-screen television.

As if the accommodations weren't enough, the package includes a number of unique and impressive amenities. Guests are treated to a private dinner for eight at the hotel's on-site restaurant CityZen plus daily treatments at its spa. Outfits by designer Ralph Lauren will be on hand to wear to the inaugural balls, to which guests are driven in a chauffeured Maserati Quattroporte, stocked with snacks and Champagne.

Hilton Washington

Like many hotel packages at DC venues, the Hilton Washington's package includes posh accommodations in its Presidential Suite, daily breakfast, etc. What really makes its Inaugural Presidential Package stand out, though, is the exclusive, one-of-a-kind VIP tour of its Presidential Holding Facility.

Here, guests get an up-close view of the private quarters that the President, Vice President and First Lady use for one of the over 50 events they attend at the Hilton each year. The room features a rotunda with a marble and granite floor, a sitting room, a powder room and a private elevator.

Did you, or are you, planning an event in Washington, DC for the presidential inauguration? If so, you're not alone. In addition to 10 official inaugural balls, several DC events will be held today and throughout the week. As a professional meeting or event planner, you likely put a lot of time into the preparation of your DC event, crafting email invitations, setting up online registration, determining an event budget and so on. What about everyday citizens who wanted to get in on the inauguration celebration?

The official website for the Inauguration of Barack Obama has an interesting feature that lets visitors create and host a party in their area. The simple two-step process begins with registrants entering their event location's zip code and type (environment, civic & community, etc.). Then, a registrant enters an event title and description, date and location. People can search for your event, and sign up should they choose to attend.

Though too basic for professional use, the feature could be yet another avenue for free event promotion. If anything, it's certainly a fun way to put event planning in the hands of an average web user.

Looking for budget-friendly destinations for your 2009 events? Budget Travel has compiled a list of some of the hottest value spots across the globe. Consider a few of the following U.S. destinations when looking to get the most bang for your buck at meetings and events.

• Austin With temperate weather, eclectic cultural attractions and plenty of free events such as the 1,700-band South by Southwest music festival, Austin is the ideal setting for meetings and events that will be remembered for years to come.

• Washington, DC Invigorated with a new sense for life and vibrancy from DC events such as the 2009 presidential inauguration, the nation's capital is events-ready with new attractions; the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center and National Museum of American History are among the newest things to do in Washington, DC.

• Hawaii In response to the economic downtown, this always-sought-after but not always budget-friendly tropical paradise is more accessible thanks to competitive package deals.

If international events are on your radar, the cities of Budapest, Hungary, Reykjavik, Iceland, Berlin, Germany, Vancouver, B.C., and countries of Mexico, Cambodia and Panama also made it on Budget Travel's list as great spots to make the most of your meeting budgeting.

Start researching event destinations all over the world today with the Cvent Destination Guide.

The countdown to the 2009 presidential inauguration is in full swing. We've already mentioned a few of the top politico dining hotspots for events in Washington, DC. Now, let's explore a few first-class eateries that are memorable spots for private functions, thanks in part to their unique presidential offerings.

Nage

Located in Scott Circle in the Marriott Courtyard Embassy Row, Nage DC is an East Coast Eatery that offers fine fare in a casual environment. As inauguration day approaches, Nage celebrates with its Biden Brunch, which honors Vice President Elect Joe Biden with Delaware specialties such as Sussex County Pun'kin Chunkin Pancakes and Southern Delaware-style Chicken in a Blanket.

Patrons can wash down breakfast with a cup of "Can I Call You Joe" as they enjoy a Biden impersonator's comedy show—talk about memorable DC entertainment! The brunch is available January 18 and January 21.

Three private dining spaces are available for events at Nage restaurant in DC, accommodating groups of up to 70 guests. Valet parking and special group menus can be arranged.

Acadiana

A contemporary Louisiana Fish House, Acadiana's coastal cuisine features flavors of the South. From January 16 to January 22, Acadiana will offer a four-course dinner menu in honor of the inauguration, complemented by red and white wines. Guests can also enjoy "The Dream," an intoxicating libation of bourbon, apple cider, honey and caramel, to toast President Elect Barack Obama's swearing in.

With an elegant decor the captures the spirit of New Orleans, Acadiana is a great DC banque facility, capable of hosting up to 100 guests. Custom menus range from three to five courses.

Palette

The sleek restaurant-as-gallery Palette is an ideal setting for modern American cuisine. From January 10 to January 15, guests can enjoy a three-course prix fixe lunch or dinner menu at Palette.

Chef Arnel Esposo's inauguration luncheon fare will feature a choice of appetizers, entrees and desserts served at previous official inauguration luncheons. Dining like a president, guests can enjoy cream of tomato soup with crushed popcorn from John F. Kennedy's luncheon in 1961; grilled salmon with sorrel sauce from Bill Clinton's 1997 luncheon; and brandied pear crisp with vanilla ice cream from George H. W. Bush's 1989 luncheon, among other selections.

Palette's private room seats up to 12 guests. Semi-private functions for 25 to 75 guests can be held in its dining room and lounge.

Looking for ways to keep your event attendees warm and toasty this winter? Why not book a restaurant venue that offers great atmosphere, savory food and best, of all, piping hot chocolate? Check out a few of the following locations known for their rich drinks that are excellent choices for your next event.

Oyamel

This cocina mexicana, or Mexican kitchen, is the Washington, DC restaurant to visit for authentic cuisine. Mixing pre-Hispanic, colonial and modern traditions, Oyamel's menu features an extensive list of ceviches and authentic tacos, among other selections. Its Chocolate Caliente is just as traditional, from its blend of cinnamon, vanilla beans, and cloves to its presentation in a rustic clay pot.

Whether booking the Butterfly Bar for up to 20 guests, private dining room for up to 50 guests or entire space for up to 175 guests, Oyamel is sure to add some spice to your DC events.

The City Bakery

With chocolate croissants, melted chocolate chip cookies, blueberry coconut tarts and more, The City Bakery in New York City is must-stop shop for those with a sweet tooth. Voted one of the best restaurants in New York City, its hot chocolate is thick and creamy, made from real melted bars of chocolate.

Planners can also make the most of its annual Hot Chocolate Festival for Manhattan events. From sweet (Caramel Hot Chocolate) to savory (Chili Pepper Hot Chocolate) to just plain unique (Beer Hot Chocolate), a number of hot concoctions are showcased throughout the month.

Hot Chocolate

Chocolate-brown walls, hardwood floors and sleek accents set the tone for a night of indulgence at Chicago restaurant Hot Chocolate. Served with housemade marshmallows, the hot chocolate on the menu ranges from light (white chocolate infused with cocoa and a bit of milk chocolate) to dark (72 percent French chocolate.) Creative concoctions such as a black and tan, a blend of one-third hot fudge and two-thirds medium hot chocolate, are also crowd-pleasers.

Whether it's the twinkling lights, fresh pine scent or excitement of hanging your favorite ornament, there's no doubt that Christmas trees are certainly a holiday tradition that's worth the extra cost. In fact, even though many Americans are trying to cut back this holiday season, early reports are showing that tree sales are holding steady to those of last year.

Meeting destinations across the country certainly recognize the magic of a glowing Christmas tree, and each year city trees seem to get bigger and better. What better way to add some cheer to your holiday events than to host a wintertime meeting in one of these festive locations?

Los Angeles, CA

The Los Angeles area is home to a number of Christmas trees, from the 52-foot-tall digital Christmas tree at the plaza outside the Nokia Center to the 96-foot-tall tree at the Costa Mesa mall. Certainly one of the LA stars, though, is the 110-foot tree at The Grove at Farmer's Market. Usually broadcast to televisions across the nation, the lighting of this LA favorite is spectacular event, accompanied with snowfall and fireworks.

Washington, DC

The Capitol Christmas Tree in Washington, DC has been a tradition since Calvin Coolidge's presidency in 1923. Though the tradition has certainly evolved over the years, from the original 24-foot-tall Douglas fir to this year's 70-foot-tall subalpine fir,  the sparkle this tree adds to your events in DC remains unchanged. With hundreds of ornaments and thousands of LED lights, the tree is a shining beacon of holiday cheer on the U.S. Capitol's west lawn.

Charleston, SC

Did you know it was a Charleston native that first discovered and cultivated the red flowering plant known as the Poinsettia? Since this iconic symbol of Christmas can be found all over the city, there's no need for real Christmas flora. Charleston, rather, boasts a 60-foot tree in Marion Square made entirely of lights.

New York, NY

Probably one of the most famous Christmas trees in the country is that of New York City's Rockefeller Center. The iconic tree is required to be, at a minimum 65 feet tall and 35 feet wide, and this year's 72-foot Norway spruce certainly makes the cut. The impressive holiday beacon shines with 30,000 energy-efficient LED lights on five miles of wire, and is topped off with a 750-pound star made of Swarovski cyrstals.

There's been a lot buzz in the Washington, DC metro area regarding the upcoming presidential inauguration in January—especially about hotel rooms for visitors, or rather, the reported lack thereof.

DC event planners and attendees will be happy to know that there are indeed hotel rooms in DC still available for this momentous event, despite the gossip that all the venues are booked solid. Destination DC has reported that over 1,400 hotel rooms within a 30-mile drive of the city still have space on January 19, the inauguration's peak night. Hundreds more hotel rooms are available within 200 miles of DC.

The rooms in the DC are pricey, ranging from $500 to $1,000, so planners working with lower budgets might want to scout out rooms farther away. At about 60 miles from the District, room rates start at about $100.

As the nation's capital, Washington, DC is a treasure trove of historic landmarks and sights. Now there's even more ways to immerse your DC event attendees in the history of this great city. Consider hosting an event in Washington, DC during a nationwide bicentennial celebration, Living the Legacy: Lincoln in DC.

In honor of former President Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday, the city is organizing over 75 exhibitions, lectures, performances and special events that explore his life and presidency. Running from January 1 to April 30, 2009, the celebration opens up a number Washington, DC entertainment opportunities for planners looking to entice guests to events.

The recently re-opened National Museum of American History plans to host an exhibition in January that features over 60 artifacts associated with Lincoln, including the top hat he wore to Ford's Theater. The Smithsonian Resident Associates will offer a number of Lincoln-centric programs, including the Assassination of Abraham Lincoln Walking Tour. Here, guests re-create the steps of that infamous night in U.S. history.

While unique venues in DC are setting the stage for one-of-a-kind events and group outings, the city's other meeting amenities are gearing up as well. A number of Washington, DC hotels are offering special celebration packages. DC restaurants such as Acadiana, DC Coast and Ceiba are getting creative with their offerings as well. The Lincoln celebration is sure to be a great way to attract guests, create memorable events and take advantage of prime deals.

In addition to being a key feature of the Washington, DC skyline (it's the fifth tallest structure in the city), the United States Capitol Building is also one of the most recognizable landmarks in the nation, even the world. Not surprisingly, millions of people visit this iconic Washington, DC attraction every year, braving cold weather and heat and humidity as they wait outside for a tour. However, this wait is about to change.

The Capitol Visitor Center opened December 2 after decades of planning and construction and over $600 million spent. At nearly 580,000 square feet, this underground complex, complete with huge skylights and a original white plaster model of the Capitol dome's statue, is the largest project in the Capitol's 215-year history. Visitors now begin their Capitol experience in the comfort of the Visitor Center, which welcomes them with exhibits, two orientation theaters, an auditorium, food services and gift shops.

Though the Visitor Complex is not available for private rentals, event and meeting planners can certainly take advantage of this one-of-a-kind attraction as part of their Washington, DC entertainment agenda. Offered Monday through Saturday from 8:45 AM to 4:15 PM, one-hour tours of the Capitol make for a unique and memorable group outing during your Washington, DC events.

Along with the opening of the Capitol Visitor Center, a new, user-friendly Web-based system launched to make tour reservations faster and easier. Planners can now register group tours online in minutes by visiting the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center's website. From the re-opening of the National Museum of American History to the stunning unveil of the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, Washington, DC's growing appeal continues to soar.

Planning to travel to Washington, DC for your next event? Just in time for holiday travel, Dulles International Airport in Chantilly, Virginia, opened its new runway November 20, the first new addition of its kind in over 40 years. Now, Washington, DC event planners can anticipate greater flight options and a decrease in delays for their event attendees thanks to this addition.

As the number of aircraft at Dulles increased, officials decided in 2001 to expand its then three runway system, which all date back to the airport's opening in 1962. The 9,400-foot-long runway, which runs north to south, is the first of two additional runways intended to accommodate rising passenger and aircraft flow.

About 26 miles from downtown Washington, DC, Dulles International sees over 24.7 million passengers each year. The airport serves 88 non-stop U.S. destinations and 42 non-stop international destinations.

Guests can easily reach the nation's capital and its surrounding cities—and the wealth of unique venues found in the DC metropolitan area—from Dulles International. The airport offers Washington, DC transportation via its Washington Flyer Coach, which ferries passengers to the West Falls Church Metrorail station for about $10 in 15 to 20 minutes. The Washington Flyer Taxi and SuperShuttle also travel to the station in West Falls Church for fares of about $30 and $20, respectively. The east-bound Metrorail train travels into downtown DC.

To travel directly to downtown, guests can expect a taxi fare averaging $50. Other nearby points of interest include historic Alexandria, a $52 taxi ride away; Arlington, a $45 taxi ride away; and Tysons Corner, a $27 taxi ride away.

Washington, DC has no shortage of picturesque sites, from its world-famous monuments to its internationally-acclaimed museums to the one of the largest natural parks within the boundaries of any city in the world. With so much of the scenery to take in, it's no wonder that DC is home to several event venues with a view.

An existing backdrop of majestic architecture and the natural environment is a cost effective move for your event decor budget. From skyline to waterfront, every type of view in DC is sure to be breathtaking. Take advantage of this scenic backdrop by checking out the following venues for your events in Washington, DC:

Top of the Town

Overlooking the Potomac River and affording unparalleled views of monuments and landmarks, Top of the Town is at the top of most event planners' lists. Featuring floor-to-ceiling glass windows, this Washington, DC restaurant makes it easy for out-of-town guests and locals to enjoy the gems of the capital region.

Hay-Adams Hotel

Some say even the President doesn’t get a better view of the White House than visitors at the Hay-Adams Hotel do! Located in Lafayette Square, this Italian Renaissance-style, historic Washington, DC hotel also has views of the "Church of the Presidents," or St. John’s Church. Though the Hay-Adams rivals any 21st century hotel as far as amenities are concerned, one can't help but be taken back by this venue’s historic charm and opulence.

Tabaq Bistro

Located in the trendy U Street area, Tabaq Bistro may seem an unlikely place for amazing views. The three-story climb is well worth the effort as you stroll past the aptly-named Red Room and Art Room to the Glass Terrace. With one of the most unique rooftops on the East Coast, Tabaq Bistro features a halfway retractable, completely enclosed Washington, DC meeting room, affording panoramic views of downtown from an uptown perspective.

Sequoia

A riverside bar never looked so upscale. Situated on the Potomac River along Georgetown's harbor walk, Sequoia caters to everyone, from young singles mingling at the outdoor patio and bar to business people enjoying a meal in the two-story dining room. Virtually every wall of Sequoia is made of glass, affording fantastic views of the exquisite yachts of DC’s elite.

Cafe MoZU

Located in the luxurious Mandarin Oriental Hotel, this restaurant is named after an ancient Chinese philosopher who emphasized the idea of universal love. And after seeing the cafe's stunning views of Washington, DC attractions such as the Jefferson Memorial and Potomac Tidal Basin, you, too, will be in love. Full-length windows showcase the beauty of internationally-renowned DC cherry blossoms by day or the romantic lights of the monuments at night.