Plan Your TEDMED Experience
- Location
- Where to Stay
- What to Expect
- Travel Plans
- What to Pack
The John F. Kennedy Center for The Performing Arts
TEDMED will take place in Washington, D.C. at the Opera House of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, home of the Kennedy Center Honors and memorial to the far-seeing president who sent America to the Moon.
Special Events:
TEDMED will be hosting two special evening events at Washington, D.C. landmark locations.
TEDMED 2012 Bonus! "Bring a Guest" Night We invite you to bring one guest to the second of these events, which will be held on Thursday night at the National Building Museum. Please note that all other events and TEDMED sessions are for credentialed Delegates only.
Wednesday Night - Library of CongressThe Library of Congress is the research library of the United States Congress, de facto national library of the United States, and the oldest federal cultural institution in the United States. Located in three buildings in Washington, D.C., it is the largest library in the world by shelf space and number of books. |
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Thursday Night - The National Building MuseumThe National Builders Museum, in Washington, D.C., United States, is a museum of "architecture, design, engineering, construction, and urban planning". Visitors from around the world come for exhibitions, public programs, family festivals, and tours to gain insight into the history and future of the world we create for ourselves. |
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Book Your Hotel Today
TEDMED has secured rooms at discounted rates at nearby hotels. You are responsible for booking your own hotel rooms – see below for reservation information. We will provide complimentary transportation to and from the Kennedy Center and evening events only from these five hotels.
Please be sure to use the discount code for each hotel when booking to ensure you secure the special TEDMED rate.
When booking, keep in mind that you may want to stay the weekend. This week in April is a special time in D.C. because this is when the National Cherry Blossom Festival occurs. On Saturday, April 14th the city comes alive as the National Cherry Blossom Parade marches down Constitution Avenue. We have secured the discounted hotel room rates for your weekend stay as well. To find out more, click here.
The Westin Hotel & ResortNestled in the historic Georgetown neighborhood, The Westin Georgetown, Washington D.C. is moments away from the capital's main attractions, from George Washington University to the Kennedy Center, Embassy Row, The National Mall, and The White House.
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The Park Hyatt HotelFind a sophisticated sanctuary within this elite Washington DC luxury hotel. Just steps from boutique shopping and minutes to the White House and other historic sites. Award winning dining, uncompromising service and luxurious touches like an intimate new Spa Room make this urbane Georgetown DC hotel an enclave of refined taste.
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The Fairmont HotelLocated in Washington’s fashionable West End and adjacent to historic Georgetown, The Fairmont Washington, D.C. hotel welcomes guests in capital style. A sunlit urban oasis that soothes the spirit, the Fairmont, perfect for business or leisure travel, celebrates many local Washington traditions.
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Washington MarriottExpect stylish comfort from one of the top Georgetown, Washington DC hotels at Washington Marriott. From a leisurely afternoon spent exploring monuments and museums to an evening out in trendy Foggy Bottom, our hotel near Georgetown, Washington DC, is close to everywhere you want to be.
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Renaissance HotelLocated directly across from the Washington Convention Center, this Renaissance Downtown Washington, DC luxury hotel is ideal for experiencing the history and culture of the nation's capital. We're conveniently situated in the Penn Quarter district, between Capitol Hill and the White House.
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A FULL Three and a Half Days
Though the focus of the conference is the sessions and our amazing speakers, it is important to remember that TEDMED is a fast paced, all encompassing and immersive event that will provide stimulation and exciting discourse from start to finish.
We cannot stress enough how important it is to clear your calendar before coming. TEDMED is unlike other events - our goal is not only to recruit talented and interesting speakers, but it is also to secure an equally talented audience. From breakfast through the after-dinner socials, there will always be amazing people to meet, more great ideas to talk about, and more thought-provoking speakers to enjoy. You won't want to miss a minute.
Come prepared to think; come prepared to interact -- but most of all, come prepared to have fun! You're sure to find TEDMED an unforgettable experience.
Transportation
"The closest airport is Reagan International Airport in Arlington, VA, which is a 25- to 35-minute drive to downtown D.C., depending on traffic. The airport is also a stop on the Metro rail line. Please follow these links for ground transportation options and driving directions.
Dulles International Airport in Chantilly, VA, is a 35- to 45-minute drive to downtown D.C., depending on traffic. Click here for ground transportation options and driving directions.
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall airport, just south of Baltimore, is 50 minutes to just over an hour to D.C. in non-rush-hour traffic. Click here for ground transportation options and driving directions."
When to Arrive
It's best to arrive early so that you have enough time to settle in before the conference begins. Pick up of Delegate Credentials for the event begins at 12PM on Tuesday, April 10th. We’ll send more information about how to pick up Delegate Credentials and where this will occur as the event gets closer.
The opening dinner reception starts at 5:30 PM on Tuesday, April 10th, at which time the conference will jump into full swing. You won't want to miss a moment, so be sure to leave yourself plenty of time to travel, pack and unwind before we get started!
Leaving
We stress that it is important to stay until the very end of the last session, which will be at 1PM on Friday, April 13th. All of our sessions and speakers are worth the experience and we recommend planning to leave Friday evening or Saturday morning. This way you'll have enough time to stay right through the final session on Friday and allow yourself time to decompress before beginning your journey home.
Additionally, this week in April is a special time in D.C. because this is when the National Cherry Blossom Festival occurs. On Saturday, April 14th the city comes alive as the National Cherry Blossom Parade marches down Constitution Avenue. We have secured the discounted hotel room rates for your weekend stay as well. To find out more, click here.
Be sure to consider post conference travel plans, as Washington D.C. is home to many attractions. Many folks stay over the weekend to relax and continue the conversation. Should you decide to stay, please make the appropriate hotel accommodations.
Weather
During the conference, you should expect the weather to be around 65 degrees F during the day and 40 degrees F at night. The climate in this region is quite wet at this time of year so be sure to pack your rain gear. To find out more click here.
What to Wear
Casual Dress is encouraged for TEDMED and it is important for our attendees to be comfortable. No jackets, suits or ties are expected. You should also plan on wearing comfortable shoes, as you may be walking a bit to and from sessions, breaks, meals and evening events. Remember it gets chilly at night, so you may want to carry a sweater, jacket, scarf, etc. to keep warm in case it cools down.
