ADC50 Registration

ADC50 includes both the Defense Community National Summit at the Grand Hyatt Washington and the 50th Anniversary Celebration at The Anthem.

Please review the information below to determine which registration category you will use and ensure you have the required code, if applicable.

Ready to register?

Begin Registration

Attending the Celebration Only?

Click here to register as a Celebration Guest.

Choose the Right Registration Category

General Individual Registration

For community and industry attendees (members and non-members) attending the Summit and Celebration.

Includes full Summit access and general admission to the ADC 50 event
Pricing varies by member/non-member and community/industry status
All registrations are reviewed to ensure the correct category is selected

How to register:

Click the registration link and select the appropriate Individual Registration category.

Federal / Military Registration
(No-Cost)

For federal civilian employees and active duty military personnel.

Includes Summit and ADC50 event access
Federal or military email address required
All registrations will be verified before approval

How to register:

Click the registration link and select Federal Registration.

Community / State Partner Registration
(Table Sponsors)

For organizations that have confirmed a Community or State Partnership for ADC50.

Your partnership includes discounted Summit registrations.

You will receive a registration code from ADC
Codes are tied to your partnership level and number of registrations

How to register:

Click the registration link.

Select the Community Member category.
Enter your registration code when prompted.

Important:

If you have confirmed your partnership but have not received your code, please contact ADC.

National and Event Sponsors

For sponsors with confirmed ADC50 sponsorship packages.

Complimentary registrations are included based on your sponsorship level
Additional discounted registrations may also be available
Registration codes will be provided by ADC

How to register:

Click the registration link

Select the Industry Member category
Enter your registration code when prompted.

Important:

If you have confirmed your sponsorship but have not received your code, please contact ADC.

Community Group Registrations

For community organizations bringing a group or delegation (non-sponsors).

Discounted group rates may be available
Registration codes are required

How to register:

Contact ADC to request a group code. Once confirmed, use the code during registration.

Speakers

For confirmed speakers.

Some speakers may be eligible for complimentary registration
A registration code is required

How to register:

Contact ADC to confirm eligibility and receive your code.

Select the Speaker category during registration.
Enter your code when prompted.

Note:

Federal speakers who plan to attend sessions beyond their presentation may register under the Federal Registration category.

Questions or Not Sure Which Category to Select?

If you are unsure which registration category applies to you, or if you are media, please contact ADC for assistance.

Summit FAQs

Is the Summit different this year?

The Summit maintains its core focus on defense policy, partnership, and community readiness. In recognition of ADC’s 50th anniversary—and the nation’s 250th birthday—additional special programming elements will be included. Tuesday programming will conclude slightly earlier than in past years.

What does Summit registration include?

Two networking breakfasts
Daily networking breaks
Welcome reception on Monday evening
Admission to the ADC50 Anniversary Celebration

Can I register onsite?

If space allows, onsite registration will be available at a higher rate (typically 25%+ above advance registration).

What are Key Details for Federal Attendees?

Federal employees are invited to attend at no cost to support broad participation in this widely attended, educational gathering. The event convenes representatives from government, industry, and defense communities to discuss mission-related topics. The Association of Defense Communities is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) educational organization. Meals or refreshments provided are incidental to the program and offered equally to all attendees. No travel, lodging, honoraria, or other items of value are provided. Federal employees should consult their agency ethics office regarding attendance approvals. For additional information please contact ADC at info@defensecommunities.org.

Where will the Summit take place?

The Defense Communities National Summit will be held at the Grand Hyatt Washington, 1000 H Street NW, Washington, DC.

The Grand Hyatt is the official host hotel for ADC50 and is centrally located in downtown Washington, D.C.—approximately 10 minutes from The Anthem (celebration venue) and Capitol Hill.

ADC50 Celebration FAQs

Where will the ADC 50 Celebration take place?

The celebration will be held at The Anthem at The Wharf, 901 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024.

The Anthem is one of Washington, D.C.’s premier live event venues, typically hosting major touring artists and national events. It is located at The Wharf, a vibrant waterfront district featuring restaurants, shops, and nightlife—making it one of the city’s top destinations.

How do I get from the Grand Hyatt to The Anthem?

Continuous shuttle service will run between the Grand Hyatt Washington and The Anthem throughout the evening.

Rideshare and taxis are also convenient. Metro access is available with a short walk.

What is the schedule for the Celebration?

4:30 PM — Pre-Event Reception
Networking, food, and drinks

5:30–7:00 PM — Main Program & Celebration
Seated program with remarks, tributes, and entertainment

7:00 PM onward — Post-Event Networking
Continue networking at the venue or enjoy the Wharf

Do I need a ticket to attend?

Yes. All attendees must have a physical ticket to enter the event.

Summit attendees: Pick up your ticket at Summit registration
Invited guests: Pick up at The Anthem will call or receive from your host

Your ticket provides access to the full event, including the reception, program, and post-event networking.

How does seating work?

The Celebration is a large event, and the program portion (beginning around 5:30 PM) includes two seating options. Both provide a great experience with full access to food, beverages, and networking.

Reserved Seating

Hosted tables sponsored by community/state partners, industry sponsors, or ADC VIPs (main floor)

General Admission

Open seating in designated sections of the venue

At the conclusion of the program, all attendees will be invited to the main floor for networking.

Download our seating guide for more details.

Can I invite guests?

Yes—and we encourage it.

We are looking to fill the room with invited guests, particularly from Congress, the military, and key partners. This is an important opportunity to connect and share your community’s story.

To register your invited guests for the Celebration, click here.