2025 Defense Communities National Summit

The ADC50 Signature Event

An iconic D.C. venue filled with America’s defense communities alongside senior leaders from Congress, the Department of Defense, and national partners. They will come together to honor the people and places where national security starts at home.

This event is a once-in-a-generation celebration marking ADC’s 50th anniversary. Set on a concert scale with a national draw, it is designed to be immersive, inspiring, and impactful, bringing the stories, strength, and spirit of defense communities from across the country to the national stage.

As an attendee, you’ll be part of a powerful evening that recognizes five decades of partnership and looks ahead to the future of support for service members, their families, and the communities that stand behind the mission every day.

Event Details

When

May 12, 2026

Pre-event activities begin at 4:30 PM

Main program: 5:30 – 7:00 PM

Post-Event Networking: 7:00 PM – Close

Where

The Anthem at The Wharf | Washington, DC

A venue known for hosting today’s top music headliners, The Anthem is one of Washington, D.C.’s premier live event spaces. Set in the vibrant Wharf district—surrounded by waterfront restaurants and nightlife—it offers a dramatic backdrop for this milestone celebration. For one night, The Anthem’s iconic marquee will shine a spotlight on America’s defense communities.

Who Will Be There

ADC member communities and states will be front and center, hosting guests from Congress, DoD, the military services, industry, and national partner organizations. This will be a widely attended, high-visibility event drawing leaders and stakeholders from across the defense community ecosystem.

How to Attend

Attendance at the Celebration is available through:

General registration for the ADC 50 Defense Communities National Summit, or
ADC’s event partnership and table-hosting program

ADC and our member communities will also be extending invitations to invited guests. To ensure you or your guests are included, please contact ADC directly. Are you a guest or VIP interested in attending? Contact ADC for more information at info@defensecommunities.org

Schedule at a Glance

4:00 PM
Shuttle service begins from the Grand Hyatt Washington
4:30 PM
Doors open for pre-event reception
5:30 PM
Main event seating opens
6:00 PM
ADC 50th Anniversary Program
7:00 PM
Post-Event Networking – Networking continues at the venue, or enjoy an evening at The Wharf.

Why This Night Matters

This celebration is more than a milestone. It’s a moment to come together around what defense communities make possible.

Honor the legacy.

Recognize 50 years of leadership, partnership, and local commitment that support our nation’s defense and the people who serve.

Look ahead together.

Highlight how communities, government, and industry are working together to strengthen readiness, resilience, and quality of life—and what’s next.

Connect the local to the national.

Elevate proven solutions from communities across the country and reinforce their essential role in national security and force readiness.