Building One Regional Voice: Highlights from the 2025 Annual Meeting

Category: Event & Webinar Recaps

Building One Regional Voice: Highlights from the 2025 Annual Meeting

Posted on by Board of Trade

Key takeaways on competitiveness, collaboration, and regional readiness as leaders across Greater Washington join the Board of Trade for its 136th Annual Meeting. 

The Greater Washington Board of Trade brought together more than 400 leaders from across business, government, higher education, and the nonprofit sector for the 136th Annual Meeting, presented by Kaiser Permanente. Attendees left with one clear message: Greater Washington is entering a defining era—one where collaboration, shared purpose, and a unified regional voice will determine our competitiveness for decades to come. 

The program opened with Emily Holliman, Interim Regional President and COO for Kaiser Permanente of the Mid-Atlantic States, who underscored the vital relationship between community health, economic strength, and workforce well-being. She spoke to Kaiser Permanente’s dedication to cultivating thriving communities—reinforcing why the organization has proudly served as the presenting sponsor of the Annual Meeting for 11 consecutive years. 

A Region at an Inflection Point 

Board of Trade President & CEO Jack McDougle delivered a candid and inspiring assessment of the past year—describing 2025 as consequential for the organization and the region. 

Greater Washington is experiencing profound shifts: 

  • The federal government is transforming how it operates, hires, invests, and uses physical space. 
  • AI, automation, electrification, and digital infrastructure are accelerating competitive pressures. 
  • Jurisdictions face resource constraints and competing priorities that require new levels of boldness and collaboration. 

McDougle emphasized that the pace of change won’t slow down—and we cannot afford to either. To meet this moment, regional leaders must move faster, think bigger, and work together more intentionally. 

Take a look at more photos from our Annual Meeting!

Regional Collaboration: From Aspiration to Reality 

A central theme echoed throughout the meeting: the future of Greater Washington depends on a new kind of regional collaboration—one that is durable, consistent, and grounded in shared priorities. 

McDougle highlighted several examples where this collaborative approach is taking hold: 

DMVMoves & the Future of Transit 

  • Metro was recognized as APTA’s 2025 Transit Agency of the Year, reflecting major progress in safety, reliability, and modernization. 
  • Through DMVMoves, leaders across D.C., Maryland, Virginia, WMATA, COG, business, and labor united behind recommendations for dedicated capital funding and a more integrated regional bus network. 

The DMV Monitor: A Shared Data Backbone 

  • In partnership with Brookings and COG, the Board of Trade helped shape the new DMV Monitor, providing a unified, regionwide framework for tracking economic and quality-of-place indicators. 

Talent Capital AI & Workforce Transition 

  • Working with the Consortium of Universities, COG, and D.C.’s education leaders, the region launched Talent Capital AI to support federal workers impacted by shifting workforce needs and technological change. 

The Potomac Conference: Building a Regional Formula 

  • The Board of Trade, Greater Washington Partnership, COG, and the Consortium of Universities are working together to create a shared structure for regional action on mobility, energy, competitiveness, talent, and governance. 

These efforts reflect a powerful shift—from fragmented decision-making to collective regional problem-solving. 

Toward a Unified Regional Voice 

One of the most resonant messages of the morning centered on identity:
Greater Washington lacks a common narrative and shared language about who we are—and who we aspire to be. 

For months, the Board of Trade has been working with APCO and member leaders to begin shaping a foundational story of the region. Attendees previewed early concepts that explore what defines the DMV and what truly differentiates us on a national and global stage. 

This work is at its beginning, but the goal is clear:
to build a unified, compelling regional voice that aligns leaders, strengthens competitiveness, and reflects the dynamism of our collective future. 

Learn More & Register for Our Next Signature Event

Keynote: How Purposeful Leaders Defy Drift 

Keynote speaker Steve Goldbach, Principal and Sustainability Leader at Deloitte US, delivered a timely message from his book Hone: How Purposeful Leaders Defy Drift. He urged leaders to avoid “wait-and-see” decision-making—arguing that in times of rapid change, the status quo is often the riskiest strategy. 

Goldbach encouraged the region to embrace continuous honing—small, purposeful adjustments that realign systems and structures with the future we want to build. His insights reinforced the regional themes of adaptability, shared responsibility, and stepping boldly into change. 

Learn more about our Keynote Speaker here

Celebrating a High-Impact Year 

Outgoing Board Chair Jeremy Blank of Deloitte highlighted major achievements that reflect the Board of Trade’s growing reach and energy: 

Membership & Engagement 

  • 95% of member companies engaged in programs and events 
  • 91% projected retention—well above association norms 
  • 29 new member organizations joining in 2025 

Thought Leadership & Visibility 

  • 12 million impressions through the WTOP “Regional Business Insights” series
  • High-impact placements across regional media outlets
  • Consistent presence on stages and at tables where the future of the region is being shaped

Blank emphasized that the Board of Trade is not a passive membership—it is an active platform. “Membership is like a gym,” he said. “You get out what you put into it.” 

New Leadership, Shared Momentum 

Incoming Chair Tyler Anthony of Pepco Holdings accepted the gavel, expressing his commitment to continuing the region’s positive momentum. 

Anthony highlighted three imperatives for 2026: 

  • Deepening regional collaboration across sectors 
  • Championing the big issues—transit, talent, economy, and infrastructure 
  • Strengthening the collective regional voice 

He encouraged organizations to continue sending their best people into this work, treating the Board of Trade as a regional team, not a collection of individual institutions. 

Looking Ahead: A Region Ready to Move Together 

This year’s Annual Meeting showcased something powerful:
Greater Washington is not waiting for perfect clarity. It is choosing to act—together, with purpose, and with a growing sense of shared identity. 

As the region undergoes generational transformation, the Board of Trade will continue to convene the people, data, partnerships, and strategic insight needed to move in one direction as one regional voice.  

Thank you to everyone who joined us. Together, we are building a Greater Washington that is bold, collaborative, unified—and ready for the future. 

 

Thank you to our sponsors for their continued support 

Big Bets, Real Discipline: What We Heard from Governor Wes Moore

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The Board of Trade hosted Maryland Governor Wes Moore on November 18 for a fireside chat with MGM National Harbor President & COO Melonie Johnson, bringing together executives from business, nonprofit, academia, and government from across the Capital Region to talk frankly about growth, risk, and what comes next for Maryland and the region’s economy. 

The backdrop was serious. Maryland is staring at a projected budget gap of roughly $1.4–$1.5 billion in fiscal year 2027, even after earlier tax and spending changes. At the same time, the state is positioning itself to lead in quantum, AI, life sciences, and other high-growth sectors through major initiatives like the “Capital of Quantum” and a new AI partnership with Anthropic and Percepta. 

Local coverage rightly highlighted the tension: WUSA9 framed the afternoon around “economic revival amid budget deficit concerns,” while WTOP focused on Moore’s call for business leaders to “take big bets” in 2026. 

Our lens is simple: what does all of this mean for leaders across the Capital Region? 

 Why this moment matters for our members

Maryland is a core pillar of the regional economy. When its fiscal strategy or growth model shifts, the effects don’t stop at the state line; they ripple through hiring, investment, and competitiveness across D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. 

Two realities framed the discussion on stage: 

  • Federal dependence is no longer predictable. Coming out of the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history, Moore was direct about how much of Maryland’s economic and fiscal base is currently tied to the federal government and how much less predictable that arm has become.  
  • The opportunity set is changing fast. Initiatives like the $1 billion “Capital of Quantum” and the state’s AI partnership are designed to reposition Maryland around sectors that can drive long-term revenue, higher-wage jobs, and regional competitiveness. 

For employers, that combination of constraint and opportunity is exactly where strategy gets tested. 

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Big bets with guardrails 

Moore framed his agenda around three imperatives: 

  • Grow the economy. Make it easier for companies to come to Maryland, stay in Maryland, and scale, with an emphasis on durable private investment rather than short-lived incentives. 
  • Diversify the economy. Strengthen sectors like quantum and advanced computing, cybersecurity, life sciences, climate and resilience solutions, and other innovation industries so Maryland isn’t overly exposed to federal spending cycles and job cuts. 
  • Move faster. He challenged both government and business to move beyond a culture of “no and slow” and toward a more disciplined “yes and now”; shortening timelines, reducing friction, and being more intentional about where risk is worth taking. 

For the business community, the ask was straightforward: align your 2026–27 “big bets” with the places where Maryland and the Capital Region are deliberately building capacity, take risks, and be part of making those bets succeed. 

A regional lens on competitiveness 

A consistent theme of the afternoon was regionalism. As WTOP noted, Moore told the room that when he pitches companies, one of the main things he sells is not just Maryland in isolation but the strength of the broader DMV. 

What resonated most was his emphasis on working with D.C. and Virginia on transit, talent, and energy. These are regional systems, and if we align them, we strengthen Maryland and the broader Capital Region. That’s the kind of collaboration our business community is ready to support. 

Read more on the Board of Trade’s regional focus discussed in recent publications:

What’s next 

For the Board of Trade, this fireside chat is the continuation of a deeper set of conversations and workstreams. Be part of the conversation and growing our region’s economy – the Board of Trade calls on you to:  

  • Stress-test your 2026–27 strategy against the region’s direction. As you plan capital investments, expansions, and hiring, ask where they intersect with Maryland’s and the Capital Region’s emerging strengths in quantum, AI, cybersecurity, life sciences, and resilience. 
  • Engage on both growth and discipline. Fiscal constraints make it more important to advance projects and policies that deliver long-term economic value. The business community’s voice will be critical in shaping which investments move forward and how they’re structured. 
  • Stay at the regional table. Through DMV Moves, the Potomac Conference, and ongoing executive convenings, the Board of Trade will continue bringing business, government, and civic leaders together to tackle transit, energy, digital infrastructure, and talent issues at the scale they actually exist: the Capital Region.  

We’re grateful to Governor Wes Moore for his candor, to Melonie Johnson and MGM National Harbor for hosting, and to every member who joined us. 

This is not a moment for “no and slow.” It’s a moment for informed, collaborative “yes and now” and our region’s business and civic leaders will be central to making that real. 

 

Thank you to MGM National Harbor for helping support the Board of Trade’s mission. 

Voices from the Table: October Insights

Posted on by Board of Trade

When leaders across the Capital Region gather around a table, talk turns quickly from problems to progress. October’s conversations were about how to keep this region competitive and what it will take to move faster, smarter, and together. 

Why it matters 

The Capital Region has the assets to lead – world-class talent, location, and innovation capacity. But growth is uneven; infrastructure is aging; and coordination is hard. Leaders agreed: progress depends on connection – with each other, across sectors, jurisdictions, and priorities. 

What we heard 

Energy is a business issue now.
Leaders warned that the region’s energy and digital systems aren’t keeping pace with demand from data centers, EVs, and electrified transit. Reliability, modernization, and investment coordination will define competitiveness more than incentives alone. 

Mobility drives momentum.
With our region now the nation’s most congested metro, transportation has become the clearest constraint and opportunity. Executives called for bold P3 models, smarter design, and regional planning that moves people, goods, and ideas more efficiently. Connectivity isn’t just infrastructure; it’s economic oxygen. 

Purpose is part of performance.
Corporate–nonprofit partnerships are shifting. Companies are building trust through measurable, community-anchored impact aligning social investment with workforce stability, inclusion, and regional resilience. 

The big picture 

Across energy, transit, and social investment, the message was consistent: the Capital Region doesn’t need perfect regionalism; it needs practical alignment. Businesses can’t fix every policy challenge, but they can model collaboration, accountability, and long-term investment in the systems that sustain growth. 

Leaders know politics are tough and progress is incremental. But momentum builds when the right people stay at the table; aligning ambition with action, and vision with execution. 

Food for thought 

  • How do we modernize energy, transit, and digital systems fast enough to support growth sectors? 
  • What practical partnerships can turn fragmentation into a shared advantage? 
  • How can business leadership rebuild confidence that growth can be both competitive and inclusive? 

Bottom line: The Capital Region’s economy will grow when its leaders connect on purpose, with purpose. 

Executive Leadership Roundtable Recap: What Regional Leaders Are Watching

Posted on by Board of Trade

When conditions feel wobbly underfoot, the horizon matters most. Near-term signals can shake; what counts is the broader trajectory—and how leaders adapt. To compare notes on shifting conditions in the region, senior executives met on October 17 at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Field’s Washington, D.C., office for a candid Executive Leadership Roundtable with Tom Barkin, President & CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. The value came from leaders comparing notes in real time, connecting front-line experience with broader economic context.

Several recurring trends emerged

People & Demand

Hiring remains muted but stable—a low-hire/low-fire posture with attrition doing most of the work. Candidate availability has improved across many roles, but skilled trades, childcare, and eldercare remain tight. On the demand side, consumers are choosier and value-seeking, trading down (e.g., private label; repair vs. replace), with meaningful variability by sector.

Productivity & Operating Models

To protect margins, many firms are leaning into process redesign, automation, and practical AI—especially in support workflows (documentation, collections, customer contact). In practice, these moves often substitute for incremental hiring while leaders monitor service quality and outcomes.

Systems & Infrastructure

Capital planning assumes multiple interest-rate paths rather than a single trajectory. Supply chains continue to localize (“local-for-local”) where feasible as trade policy evolves. Meanwhile, accelerating demand from AI/data centers is colliding with long lead times for generation and transmission—raising near-term questions about power readiness. In commercial real estate, office softness (particularly B/C space in large cores) contrasts with relative strength in industrial, logistics, and data-center assets; the DMV feels the office adjustment more acutely than many markets.

Why it matters

The throughline wasn’t a single indicator; it was operating adaptation. Old playbooks map poorly to today’s pace and complexity. What’s working now: diversified talent strategies, productivity investments (including practical AI), financial flexibility, and regional alignment on housing and transportation to keep our talent advantage.

What leaders are watching next

  • Labor fit: Will skills pipelines (training, credentials, migration) keep pace with role requirements?
  • Cost pass-through vs. productivity: Can process/tech gains continue to offset input costs without eroding service?
  • Grid readiness: How quickly can generation/transmission investments meet data-center demand without bottlenecks?

The Board of Trade will continue convening executive-level dialogues that surface timely insights and connect them to practical action for our region.

​​Thank you to the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond and Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Field for partnering on this vital discussion that engages our members and partners in the region.

Coffee & Conversation Recap: Confronting Hunger and Economic Insecurity in Greater Washington

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October’s Coffee & Conversation featured leaders from the Capital Area Food Bank (CAFB), who shared key findings from their 2025 Hunger Report – a sobering look at how economic pressures, wage stagnation, and federal workforce transitions are shaping food insecurity across the region. 

According to CAFB’s research with NORC at the University of Chicago, 36% of households in the DMV are food insecure, a rate that has remained elevated for two consecutive years. County rates range from 22% in Arlington to 49% in Prince George’s County, underscoring how widespread and persistent this challenge has become. The report points to deepening strain on working families as inflation outpaces wages and pandemic-era support expires. 

“We see families borrowing against their futures to meet today’s basic needs,” said CAFB President & CEO Radha Muthiah. “People are skipping savings, taking on credit-card debt, and even withdrawing from retirement accounts just to put food on the table.” 

Many food-insecure households include employed adults – teachers, healthcare workers, and public servants – earning too little to meet the region’s $140,000 living-wage threshold for a family of four. The conversation highlighted that solving hunger isn’t simply about distributing more food – it’s about strengthening the systems that enable financial stability. 

CAFB leaders shared examples of innovative partnerships that bundle food assistance with healthcare and workforce training, including Food Is Medicine programs with area hospitals and grocery-card stipends for college students pursuing credentials in high-demand fields. These integrated approaches aim to improve both individual well-being and regional productivity. 

Board of Trade President & CEO Jack McDougle closed by underscoring the economic stakes: 

“Food insecurity isn’t just a social issue; it’s an economic one. If we want Greater Washington to reach its full potential, we need to connect more people to opportunity and stability.” 

 

What the Business Community Can Do 

The conversation turned to practical steps the private sector can take to help reverse these trends: 

  • Advocate and support efforts that protect access to nutrition and healthcare programs like SNAP and school meals, which help working families stay afloat. 
  • Promote “Food Is Medicine” partnerships by engaging with healthcare systems and nonprofits to strengthen community health and workforce resilience. 
  • Invest in upskilling and talent pathways—collaborate with colleges and training providers to recruit, mentor, and support individuals moving into living-wage careers. 

By working together across sectors, employers can help address the root causes of hunger while building a healthier, more productive regional economy. 

Read the full 2025 Hunger Report: Capital Area Food Bank Hunger Report 2025 

About Coffee & Conversation

Coffee & Conversation brings Board of Trade members together for interactive, member-led discussions on timely topics shaping Greater Washington. Each session features a concise expert briefing, open dialogue, and time for coffee and networking – offering valuable insights, peer exchange, and meaningful professional connections.

Visit boardoftrade.org/events for more programming.

​​Thank you to the Capital Area Food Bank for partnering on this vital discussion that engages our members and partners in the region.

GWBOT October 2025 Newsletter

Posted on by Board of Trade

The Board of Trade remains focused on advancing the priorities that matter most to Greater Washington. This October newsletter shows a variety of engagements we have had across Greater Washington with members and public officials, while also showcasing meaningful updates on priorities we are following in the region. We also have a variety of member news updates that showcase regional collaboration!

Read our October 2025 Newsletter here

Voices from the Table: September Insights

Posted on by Board of Trade

When leaders in Greater Washington gather around a table, bonds form and conversations deepen. At the Board of Trade’s weekly Executive Meals, those connections become catalysts — helping executives see challenges differently, surface new opportunities, and drive change for the Capital Region. 

A Region in Transition 

September’s conversations reflected both the pressures and possibilities of this moment. Leaders acknowledged workforce stress, the pace of technological change, and cultural polarization. Yet the dialogue pointed less to obstacles and more to strengths — adaptability, optimism, and collaboration. 

Board of Trade President & CEO, Jack McDougle, emphasized that the Capital Region is not defined by its federal footprint. With only one-fifth of jobs tied directly to government, our future depends on how we cultivate talent, embrace innovation, and invest in infrastructure. 

Leadership tone also stood out as a competitive asset. Calm, integrity, and optimism aren’t just virtues — they shape how organizations, and the region as a whole, navigate turbulence. 

Executives also highlighted the foundations needed to scale a digital economy: reliable energy, cybersecurity, and modern infrastructure. Federal spending tied to industrial policy and technology adoption creates clear opportunities for regional firms and talent. But seizing these gains must be balanced with protecting nonprofits, universities, and services that risk being left behind. 

Food for Thought 

These conversations didn’t aim for answers, but for sharper questions. Among those, the region must keep asking: 

  • How can we unlock adaptability by aligning talent, innovation, and infrastructure? 
  • What does optimism in leadership look like when uncertainty surrounds us? 
  • How do we turn AI into an engine for both opportunity and responsibility? 
  • What bold steps would move the Capital Region from fragmented to united? 
  • How do we capture the upside of federal investment in energy and technology while protecting the nonprofits and services our communities rely on? 

Looking Ahead 

The Capital Region’s competitiveness will not be defined by uncertainty, but by how we adapt together. The Board of Trade will continue convening these conversations, ensuring that executive voices shape not only individual strategies but the collective future of our region together. 

Shaping the Future: Recap of the Fall 2025 Board of Directors Meeting

Posted on by Board of Trade

The Greater Washington Board of Trade’s Fall Board Meeting – generously hosted by board member Ian Jefferson and the team at McKinsey & Company – brought together leaders from across the region to focus on two priorities shaping Greater Washington’s future: delivering collaborative progress and shaping a stronger regional identity. 

Collaborative Progress in Action 

Energy in the room was high as members discussed how cross-sector collaboration is moving the region forward. 

Key highlights included: 

  • DMV Moves: advancing a dedicated funding strategy to ensure reliable, sustainable transit for the region. 
  • DMV Monitor: a newly launched regional platform that now provides a unified, trusted set of data across jurisdictions to guide policy and investment. 
  • Talent Capital: launching October 1, designed to make it easier for people in the National Capital Region to connect with jobs, training, coaching, events, and entrepreneurial resources – a platform built here, for this region, to support both workers and employers. 

Together, these initiatives reflect the power of aligned leadership and collective action to tackle complex challenges. 

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Reimagining Our Regional Identity 

A second focus of the meeting was the region’s narrative – how we define Greater Washington and the impact that story has on our competitiveness. 

In partnership with APCO Worldwide – with special thanks to board member Evan Kraus and his talented team – board members took part in an interactive branding exercise building on this year’s conversations about positioning Greater Washington as more than a government town: a place where talent, culture, innovation, and opportunity converge. 

While participants explored ideas like Capitalize Your Future and Move With Us as ways to capture the region’s strengths, Jack McDougle emphasized that the real takeaway isn’t about picking a slogan – it’s about leaders across sectors speaking with a united, confident voice about Greater Washington so that, over time, this shared narrative strengthens our identity and attracts more talent, investment, and innovation. 

Looking Ahead 

The meeting closed with a shared understanding: building a stronger regional identity takes time, resources, and collective leadership – but it’s already underway.

From funding transit and unifying data to shaping the narrative that defines Greater Washington, the Board of Trade will continue to convene, lead, advocate, and innovate to keep the region competitive. 

Together, we are laying the groundwork for Greater Washington to be recognized not only as the nation’s capital but as a region of opportunity – where talent, culture, and innovation drive long-term growth. 

Unlocking Connection Through Storytelling: Leadership Lessons from the O Museum

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As today’s leaders navigate increasingly complex environments, the 2025 TD Bank Morning Star Speaker Series reminds us that leadership growth is strengthened through the stories we tell, the challenges we share, and the connections we build.

On September 24th in Washington, D.C., the Board of Trade, in partnership with TD Bank and the O Street Museum (O Museum), hosted the final session of this year’s series: The Power of Storytelling in Leadership. Surrounded by hidden doors and eclectic artifacts, attendees explored how storytelling can turn everyday interactions into meaningful experiences.

Change, Connection, and the Stories Between

The conversation wove together insights from H. Leonards, founder of the O Museum, and David Hargadon of TD Bank. Leonards reminded guests that creativity, curiosity, and imagination create space for growth and “real change comes from changing one heart at a time.” Hargadon built on this message, sharing how storytelling can strengthen relationships and leadership presence. Networking, he emphasized, isn’t about exchanging cards but about sharing short, memorable moments that reveal values, build trust, and humanize leadership.

Those ideas came to life as participants set out on a scavenger hunt through the museum, using artifacts as prompts for conversation. A vintage guitar might spark a story about teamwork; a hidden door could inspire reflection on navigating change. What could have been ordinary networking quickly became an exercise in discovery, showing how curiosity and shared experience can turn small interactions into genuine connection.

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Lessons That Last

The morning’s conversations left participants with reminders to carry forward:

  • Connection matters: Memorable anecdotes make conversations more impactful.
  • Identity is built through story: Consistent messages reinforce both personal and organizational brands.
  • Resilience inspires: Sharing challenges demonstrates courage and motivates others.

Celebrating the 2025 Series

This session concluded the 2025 TD Bank Morning Star Speaker Series, which over three installments focused on emotional intelligence, collaboration, and storytelling. Across the year, participants gained practical tools, shared experiences, and meaningful dialogue that turned leadership concepts into human connection.

As the Board of Trade looks ahead, that spirit will continue, creating opportunities for Greater Washington leaders to grow and lead in ways that are, in the words of TD Bank, unexpectedly human.

Special Thanks

The Greater Washington Board of Trade extends its thanks to TD Bank for 18 years of partnership in fostering unexpectedly human leadership experiences, and to the O Museum for hosting this imaginative and engaging session.

Founder of the O Museum and beloved figure in Washington, H. Leonards has devoted her life to building spaces that spark curiosity, creativity, and social change. She is also the visionary behind 51 Steps to Freedom®, an app and living trail that turns D.C. into the largest outdoor museum, bringing history to life for a new generation.

Connect This Fall: Upcoming Board of Trade Events for Our Members

Posted on by Board of Trade

Fall at the Greater Washington Board of Trade is when the energy of our region truly comes alive. Our calendar is brimming with gatherings that spark ideas, deepen relationships, and put business leaders at the center of conversations shaping what’s next for Greater Washington.

This season blends time-honored traditions with fresh opportunities—signature celebrations, exclusive executive forums, and policy discussions that set the tone for the months ahead. Many of these are member-only, designed to give our community unparalleled access to peers and decision-makers in trusted, candid settings.

Momentum is building, and you’ll want to be part of it. Explore the full calendar at www.bot.org/events or reach out at [email protected] to secure your place before these high-demand opportunities fill.

***These events below are for members of the Board of Trade and not open to the general public***

🍂Upcoming Fall Programs & Events🍂

Professional Development: Leadership Through Storytelling & Connection

The third session of the TD Bank Morning Star Series takes leadership learning out of the boardroom and into the O Museum. Through a guided scavenger hunt, participants will explore new ways to spark conversations, share stories, and build authentic connections.

Learn More & Register

Policy Briefing: Federal Priorities & Regional Impact

Executive Level, Members Only

Join fellow executives for a tactical briefing on the federal policies shaping the Capital Region. John Hallmark, EY’s U.S. Political & Legislative Leader, will share timely updates on looming deadlines and what they mean for our economy, workforce, and operations.

Space is Limited – Reserve Your Seat Today

Signature Event: Fall Business Classic

One of Greater Washington’s most beloved traditions returns—this year at Signal House, a stunning rooftop venue in Union Market. Join hundreds of business, government, and civic leaders for an evening of networking, connection, and celebration in one of D.C.’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

Register Today

Regional Insights: 2025 Hunger Report

Fresh insights from the 2025 Hunger Report reveal powerful connections between food security, workforce readiness, and regional competitiveness. Join Radha Muthiah, President & CEO of the Capital Area Food Bank, for a dialogue on what the data means for business leaders and how collaboration can drive resilience.

Join the Conversation

Executive Insights: Economic Trends & Regional Competitiveness

Executive Level, Members Only 

As Greater Washington faces budget uncertainty, housing challenges, and workforce shifts, business leaders need clear perspective on the economic forces shaping our region. In this private, conversational roundtable, Tom Barkin, President & CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, will share the Fed’s outlook and engage members in candid dialogue on competitiveness.

Space is Limited – Reserve Your Seat Today

Leadership Insights: Adapting to Policy Change

Federal policymaking is moving fast, with ripple effects on budgets, workforce priorities, and the region’s competitiveness. Guided by experts from K&L Gates, this session will cut through the noise and connect national decisions to practical strategies for Greater Washington’s business leaders.

Join the Conversation

Signature Event: 136th Annual Meeting

Since 1889, the Board of Trade’s Annual Meeting has brought members together to celebrate progress and set priorities for the year ahead. This cornerstone gathering is a must-attend for industry leaders, offering unmatched networking and a shared vision for Greater Washington’s future.

Register Today

Executive Networking: Virginia Mae Center Salon

Executive Level, Members Only 
Experience the beauty of the newly renovated Virginia Mae Center while connecting with fellow executives in an intimate, year-end gathering. Enjoy seasonal flavors and candid conversation as we close the year with perspective and shared connections.

Secure Your Spot

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