Inviting Guests to ADC50 Celebrations – Help Us Fill the Room!

Our ADC50 Celebration on May 12 at the iconic DC venue The Anthem is about celebrating the impact of defense communities and sharing that story with important decisionmakers in Congress and the military.

As an ADC member, you play a critical role in making this happen. Your job is simple: help us fill the room with the right people.

Guests from Congress and the military can attend at no cost. This is a unique opportunity to bring your key partners into a relaxed, engaging environment, very different from a typical meeting.

Step 1: Getting Registered

Before you invite guests, make sure you are registered for the ADC50 events as an attendee. You need to be in DC to host guests!

Step 2: Invite your guests

Read below for information on who to invite
Use the event invitation and email templates below to connect with your guests
Once confirmed, submit their information through the Guest Registration Form
(We recommend doing this yourself to ensure it gets completed.)

Step 3: Decide on your Seating Options

This is a reception-style event where guests will be moving around. The only time seating is required is during the program, which begins around 5:00 PM. The remainder of the time, the event will be open networking.

General Admission.
All Summit attendees will receive a ticket and have access to excellent seating. You will meet your guests and find a seat together.
Table Host (Limited Availability).
Host a reserved table on the main floor. This gives you a “home” for the event. If you haven’t reserved a table, we have a few more tables available. Learn more here
If you are a table host and have a question – learn more here.

We’ll share additional details closer to the event, including arrival logistics and how to connect with your guests onsite.

Who to Invite

Congress

Invite your Member of Congress and key congressional staff contacts.

Many Members may stop by briefly to connect with constituents
Congressional staff attendance is especially important; please prioritize outreach
The program is timed (4:30–6:00 PM) to accommodate the House voting schedule

If a Member of Congress confirms attendance, please let ADC know. We may have opportunities to recognize them during the program.

Military

Help us bring as many of our military partners into the room as possible.

ADC will invite senior Pentagon and service leaders. Your focus should be on inviting individuals connected to your installation or mission—both locally and in Washington, D.C. These are the partners you work with every day.

We’ll share additional details closer to the event, including arrival logistics and how to connect with your guests onsite.

Questions?

We’re here to help: info@defensecommunities.org

Email Templates

Here are some easy to use email templates for your outreach.

Congressional Outreach Email

Subject: Invitation: ADC 50th Anniversary Celebration (May 12)

Dear [Member/Staff Name],

I wanted to invite you or a member of your team to join [Community/State/Organization Name] at ADC’s 50th Anniversary Celebration on May 12 at The Anthem (901 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024).

The Association of Defense Communities (ADC) has been fundamental to the work we do bringing together communities, military leaders, industry, and policymakers to strengthen the partnerships that support installations and those who serve.

This is a meaningful opportunity to show [Community/State/Organization Name]’s support for [Installation/Mission] and the service members and families connected to it. With senior military leaders and defense partners in attendance, it will also highlight the importance of this mission and the community that stands behind it.

We would be glad to host you or your team as our guest.

Event details and invitation: [Insert URL]

If you’re able to attend, just let me know. We’re happy to coordinate registration and share the logistics information with you.

Best,
[Name]

Follow-Up

Subject: ADC50 – May 12

Dear [Name],

Just checking if you or someone from your team might be able to join us on May 12 for the Association of Defense Communities’ 50th Celebration at The Anthem (901 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024)..

We’d be glad to host you as our guest and would appreciate the opportunity to highlight your support for [Installation/Mission].

Details: [Insert URL]

Thanks,
[Name]

Military Outreach Email

Subject: Invitation: ADC 50th Anniversary Celebration (May 12)

Dear [Name],

I wanted to invite you to join [Community/State/Organization Name] at ADC’s 50th Anniversary Celebration on May 12 at The Anthem (901 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024).

This event brings together leaders from across defense communities, Pentagon leaders, the military services, Congress, and industry to recognize the partnerships that support installations, service members, and their families. It should be a great opportunity to connect with others working across the defense community space.

You can view the invitation here: [Insert URL]

If you’re able to attend, just let me know. We’re happy to take care of registration and share the logistics information.

Best,
[Name]

Follow-Up

Subject: Quick follow-up: ADC 50th Celebration (May 12)

Dear [Name],

I wanted to follow up and see if you might be able to join us at the Association of Defense Communities’ 50th Anniversary Celebration on May 12 at The Anthem.

We would be honored to have you join [Community/State/Organization Name]. It’s a great opportunity to recognize the partnerships between installations and communities that support the mission and those who serve.

Event details: [Insert URL]

Happy to take care of registration. Just let me know if you’re available.

Best,
[Name]