Walter E. Washington Convention Center is a Finalist for Best Convention Center by EXHIBITOR Magazine

The Walter E. Washington Convention Center is a finalist for Best Convention Center with 500,000 to 1 Million Square-Feet of Exhibit Space.

Events DC, the official convention and sports authority of Washington, DC announced that the Walter E. Washington Convention Center won a 2026 Center of Excellence Award and is one of three finalists for the Best Convention Center (500,000 - 1 million square-feet of Exhibit Space) Award by Exhibitor Group for the seventh year in a row.

"We are proud to be at the top of this year's EXHIBITOR Magazine Centers of Excellence Awards. The Events DC team always strives to create a world-class experience for all of our customers and visitors at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center," said Events DC President and CEO Angie M. Gates. "We are thrilled to be a finalist for Best Convention Center as we remain at the forefront of innovation and excellence. We thank EXHIBITOR Magazine for this incredible honor."

In addition to being named to the Centers of Excellence List, the Walter E. Washington Convention Center received its LEED Platinum certification in 2025, recognizing Events DC's commitment to sustainability, operational excellence, efficiency and high-performance design.

"The Centers of Excellence Awards allows exhibit managers to identify exhibitor-friendly venues that make their experiences at trade shows and events smooth and successful," said Emily Olson, editor of EXHIBITOR magazine, noting that everything from the number and size of the bays on the loading dock to the cost and quality of internet service can significantly impact exhibitors' experiences. "The facilities on this list have proven their ability to host trade shows and events of all sizes while providing world-class service and state-of-the-art accommodations."

The EXHIBITOR Magazine awards are based on five criteria: facility and functionality; location and accommodations; service and execution; expansions and upgrades; and awards and industry honors. The evaluation process also includes a survey of event planners, show organizers and exhibit managers who have recently hosted or exhibited at events within each facility, as well as a review of entrants' event spaces, selling points and innovations conducted by a panel of corporate exhibit managers. Finalists for the special awards will be announced in December.

For more information about the EXHIBITOR Magazine awards, visit https://www.exhibitoronline.com.