ADC50 is a three-day, integrated celebration of Association of Defense Communities (ADC)’s 50th anniversary, May 11–13, 2026, in Washington, DC. Bringing together a special edition of the Defense Communities National Summit and our signature anniversary event, A Celebration of America’s Defense Communities, ADC50 will convene more than 1,500 leaders from the Department of War (DOW), Congress, installations, industry, and communities. This once-in-a-generation moment will honor five decades of partnership and rally the nation around a simple truth: national security starts at home, in the defense communities whose strength, resilience, and unwavering support allow missions—and military families—to thrive.
National Security Starts at Home.TM
Two Big Events. One Historic Anniversary.
Grand Hyatt, Washington, DC
May 11–13, 2026
The Anthem @ The Wharf, Washington, DC
May 12, 2026
Hotel & Travel
The official host hotel for ADC50 is the Grand Hyatt Washington, located in the heart of downtown Washington, DC. This centrally located hotel will host the ADC50 Defense Communities National Summit and offers convenient access to key destinations—approximately 10 minutes to The Wharf, where our anniversary celebration will be held, and about 10 minutes from Capitol Hill.
At this time, the ADC50 host hotel room block is now sold out. A limited number of nearby overflow hotel options are available within a short 5‑minute walk of the venue. These rates are available through April 24, while inventory remains.
Registration
Registration is now open for ADC50. We expect this event will sell out – so we recommend registering early. Registration includes full access to Summit sessions and networking events. Click link below to begin your registration.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Be an ADC50 Supporter
This unique event will draw broad, high-level engagement from DOW leadership, Congress, national partners, and leaders from hundreds of defense communities—all coming together to celebrate America’s defense communities and shape the collaborative future of our defense installations. It is a rare opportunity to be at the center of the conversation as we define the next era of partnership that underpins our national security.
Sponsorship turns visibility into influence with premium branding, thought-leadership roles, VIP access, and year-long storytelling tied to ADC’s 50th anniversary. Partners help set the agenda, build relationships with senior leaders and community executives, and demonstrate a real commitment to the places where national security starts at home.
About ADC’s 50th Anniversary
ADC’s 50th anniversary is more than a celebration—it’s a year-long effort to honor the legacy of defense communities and shape the future of how we support our military at home. Through ADC50, we’re using this milestone to strengthen our national influence, deepen relationships across DOW, industry, Congress, and communities, and reinforce a simple truth: national security starts at home.
The program highlights the progress we’re making together—launching new efforts like the Defense Community Supporter Program and upcoming Defense Community Council, advancing policy initiatives such as the Partnership Roadmap and the National Security Starts at Home campaign, and telling our story through the Homefront video series, which will conclude with a final episode premiering at ADC50.
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