Table Sponsor FAQs

All attendees must have a physical ticket to enter the event. Because we will have a mix of Summit attendees and invited guests, we cannot rely on conference badges alone. Tickets will make entry into the venue smooth and simple for everyone.

The event has three main parts:

Pre-Event Reception (4:30 PM)

This is the warm-up reception, open to all ticket holders. It will take place in the back portion of the venue. ADC members can arrive, grab a drink, enjoy light food, and begin greeting guests.

Main Reception & Program (5:30–7:00 PM)

Around 5:30 PM, we will transition to the main event space. This includes seating on Level 1 (reserved tables) and Level 2 (general admission). Food and beverage stations will open on both levels, and entertainment will begin.

Around 6:15 PM, we will start the main stage program. This is the one time during the evening when everyone will need to be seated—either at a reserved table or in general admission.

Post-Event Networking (after the program)

After the program (approximately 45 minutes), the celebration will continue on Level 1. Bars will remain open, and networking will continue as guests plan the rest of their evening at the Wharf.

No — this is not a sit-down dinner or a formal gala.

To ensure participation from our federal guests, the event is structured as a widely attended, educational gathering that brings together representatives from government, industry, and defense communities. Food and refreshments are incidental to the program and offered equally to all attendees.

There will be plenty of food and beverages to provide a light dinner, but you may want to plan for additional dining at one of the Wharf’s restaurants after the event.

Business or military service dress.

This is not a formal gala, but it is a Washington, D.C. event. Choose what feels professional and comfortable for a celebratory evening. There is no strict dress code—we just want you there.

Two main jobs:

1. Inviting guests [EI] – specially from your congressional delegation.
2. Tell us who is sitting at your table.

This event is about engaging and building relationships—especially with Congress and the Department of Defense. We encourage you to fill at least half your table with guests, with a strong focus on Members of Congress, congressional staff, and military partners.

First up, your role is to invite [EI] individuals, when they confirm you register them and then add them to your table.

Our goal is to fill the room with as many of our military partners as possible. ADC will be inviting senior leaders across DoD and the military services—those who typically participate in ADC events.

Your focus should be on inviting contacts connected to your installation or mission, whether they are based locally or in Washington, D.C. These are the individuals you work with and have relationships with today.

Send your guests the event invitation [EI] and ask them to let you know they are attending.

Once confirmed, you will register them using the guest registration form.

Guest invitations are for the Celebration only, not the Summit. You will still need to assign them to your table using the Table Form.

We are using physical tickets for the celebration event due to the different ways people will be attending. This makes it easier to invite guests and ensures smooth entry at the venue.

All Summit attendees (including sponsors, speakers, and federal/military participants) will receive a ticket to the Celebration. Any of these attendees can be assigned to your table using the Table Form.

Guests you invited/register (such as congressional or military guests) will only attend the Celebration at The Anthem and will only get a ticket for that event.

It is a two-step process:

1. Guest Registration Form – lets us know who is attending
2. Table Form – assigns those individuals to your table

There may be some last-minute additions to your table who are not registered—this is okay. However, only registered guests will receive name badges.

All tickets provide access to the full event—pre-event reception, main program, and post-event networking, including food, beverages, and networking.

For the main reception/program portion only, tickets will indicate seating area:

• Level 1 (Reserved Seating) – for guests assigned to tables
• Level 2 (General Admission) – for all other attendee

We want the event to feel open and social, and there will be opportunities to move around. 

To ensure everyone has access to food, beverages, and seating, we encourage guests to use their assigned level during the main reception. 

Once the program begins, everyone will need to be seated—either at their reserved table or in general admission. 

You do. You will use the Table Form to assign guests to your seats. This can include members of your organization, but we strongly encourage prioritizing invited guests.

Anyone not assigned to a table will sit in general admission. They can mingle before the program but will need to find a seat when it begins.

You can start now and update your list at any time up until Friday, May 8.

We understand that DC schedules can change quickly, so the form allows updates. After May 8, changes will need to be made onsite at the ADC50 desk during the Summit. Only names submitted by May 8 will have a badge (see below for details).

Starting Monday, May 11, at the Summit hotel, ADC will have a dedicated 50th Anniversary desk for ticket pickup.

The primary contact may:

• Pick up all or some tickets and distribute them directly, or
• Have tickets held for will call pickup at The Anthem (all tickets or select tickets)

Tickets will not be distributed in advance. There is no electronic version – but you are welcome to take a picture just in case.

We strongly encourage you to provide guest names.

We understand there may be last-minute changes, but for security and logistics, it is important that we know who will be attending—even if you update us the day of the event.

If a ticket is lost and no name is associated with it, we cannot replace it. Unregistered guests will also not receive name badges, and we may not be able to connect you with guests who arrive onsite.

We are still working to accommodate as many tables as possible, so a final seating map is not yet available.

• A general layout diagram is available
• Tables will be assigned based on confirmation date
• Table numbers will be shared around April 1
• Once assigned, locations cannot be changed

If you have specific questions, please contact us.

Yes, if they are registered in advance.

Guests registered by May 8 will have a badge available at will call. Guests added to your table without being registered will not receive a badge, but they will still be able to attend.

ADC is committed to providing an accessible event experience. Guests requiring accommodations are encouraged to contact ADC as early as possible, so arrangements can be made.

If you are not aware of a guest’s needs in advance, that is understandable. Guests may contact ADC directly at any time.