Washington DC Archives

Fight Procrastination: Tips for #MeetingProfs

Posted on February 7, 2020June 1, 2023 by Editor

For professionals working in the meeting and events industry, demanding deadlines and challenging client requests are part of the job. Staying on target often means resisting the urge to put things off. Fighting procrastination is crucial in the journey to getting things done.

We all procrastinate from time to time, but it hurts our productivity and holds us back. Here are several proven tips to help you overcome inertia:

1) Be aware of your thoughts. Whether you’re dreading a conversation with a client or simply sick of the monotony of filling out your timesheet, psychologists suggest that negative thoughts might be holding you back more often than we recognize. Be ready to call yourself out for procrastinating by practicing mindfulness.

2) Set time-bound goals for yourself. Most meeting professionals have time-bound goals set by our clients and vendors, but taking this a step further and applying it to each task on your list can provide that extra motivation to check things off.

3) Treat yourself! When you’re really dreading a task, it can be helpful to balance out the negative energy with something positive. For those big, daunting tasks, make crossing the finish line even more appealing by promising yourself the treat of something that you enjoy and look forward to – like a mani or time reading your favorite book or time to enjoy a relaxing soak in the tub.

4) Phone a friend. Introduce accountability by asking someone else (a colleague, a friend, or a family member) to check in with you. Knowing that someone else will be aware of your procrastination is motivating!

5) Finish the big rocks. Sort your to-do list by priority and task size. Always start with the “big rocks” – the most important or most time-consuming tasks, before moving on to the “small rocks.” If you fill up your day with “small rocks,” you’ll never get around to the bigger ones.

For more ways to make meeting planning simple and successful, contact us – we love sharing about our Centers in Atlanta, San Francisco, New York City and the Washington, DC. area.

Four Favorite Museums In AMA Conference Center Cities

Posted on December 26, 2019June 1, 2023 by Editor

The opportunity to explore and enjoy a wide range of visual arts – from traditional media to contemporary approaches – is one of the best parts of traveling and visiting different cities. For example, Atlanta, New York City, San Francisco and Washington D.C. , in addition to hosting our AMA Executive Conference Centers, also are four of the country’s prized cultural epicenters, offering an abundance of artistic experiences. We’ve narrowed the cultural cornucopias for each to present you with our team’s favorite museum in each city that is a must-see when you’re in town.

ATLANTA

The High Museum of Art, also known simply as The High, is a cultural centerpiece in Midtown Atlanta’s ‘village for the arts.’ Dedicated to supporting and collecting works by Southern artists, The High is a leading art museum in the South and houses more than 15,000 works of art in its permanent collection. With something for every art lover, the museum also supports an extensive anthology of 19th- and 20th-century American and decorative art; significant holdings of European paintings; a growing collection of African American art; and burgeoning collections of modern and contemporary art, photography, folk art and African art. The facility is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $14.50; children younger than 6 are free.

NEW YORK

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, known better as The Met, is a collection of three facilities that collectively host one of the country’s finest collections of art. Located near Central Park, The Met Fifth Avenue features more than 5,000 years of art from all time periods and cultures. In addition to its galleries and exhibitions, the museum puts on a number of daily events and programs for families. The facility is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The Met Breuer, located in the landmark building designed by Marcel Breuer on 75th Street and Madison Avenue, provides extra space ‘to explore the art of the 20th and 21st centuries through the global breadth and historical reach of The Met’s unparalleled collection,’ according to the website. Finally, The Met Cloisters branch of the museum is dedicated to the gardens, art and architecture of medieval Europe. This facility is located on four acres overlooking the Hudson River in Fort Tryon Park.

WASHINGTON, DC.

The world’s largest museum and research complex, the Smithsonian Institution is a collection of government-administered facilities that include the National Zoo, Air and Space Museum, American History Museum, American Indian Museum, Natural History Museum, Smithsonian Castle and about a dozen other museums, galleries and centers in Washington, D.C. (and a couple in New York City). All the Smithsonian museums in the capitol have free admission and are open every day of the year (except Dec. 25th unless otherwise noted). Among its various collections, the Smithsonian Institution boasts approximately 156 million artifacts, works of art and specimens; 9.9 million digital records available online; and two million library volumes. According to the institution’s website, these collections ‘represent our nation’s rich heritage, art from across the globe, and the immense diversity of the natural and cultural world.’

SAN FRANCISCO

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, located in the city’s South of Market neighborhood, provides a notable collection of contemporary masterpieces, along with special exhibitions and interactive events, such as panel discussions, daily tours, film screenings and more. Additionally, the facility – whose mission is to make ‘the art of our time a vital and meaningful part of public life,’ – offers 45,000 square feet of art-filled public spaces that are open with no ticket required. The museum is accessible to children and offers free visits for K-12 students. Visitors also can take advantage of the museum’s free, guided public tours through the art collection and exhibitions. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Tuesday and from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday. It is closed each Wednesday, along with Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

If you’re ever visiting one of these great AMA Conference Center cities for a meeting or event, don’t miss the opportunity to splurge on the timeless artistic treasures to be found there. Taking a detour to enjoy these world-class museums that will help you make the most of your stay!

Great Reasons for Being Thankful This Season

Posted on November 4, 2019June 1, 2023 by Editor

Attitudes of Gratitude

November is the month of Thanksgiving; that time of the year when we gather with friends and family to ritually offer thanks and appreciation to individuals (current or past) who have brought some sort of blessing into our lives.

As a culture, we learn to say, ‘thank you’ at a very young age; but did you know that the phrase is far more than just a matter of good manners? Sharing the phrase ‘thank you’ should be a highlight of every day, every week, and every month; before and after November! Here’s why:

1. Soul Strengthener

Worries, self-consciousness, bitterness, envy; these are just a few of the weights and burdens that fall from your shoulders when you begin to practice gratitude. It may take a while before the habit sticks, but within a few weeks, exercising thankfulness will literally begin to rewire your brain!

2. Physical Healer

Did you know that holding grudges can cause serious health problems? On the flip-side, being thankful can do wonders for your health! Quite simply, gratitude chases away mental barriers such as stress, anxiety, bitterness, and worry that negatively affect our bodies. Thankfulness can also help you get a good night sleep, allowing your body to relax and rejuvenate.

3. Production Booster

When people focus on good things they tend to be more optimistic of the future; they set goals and work towards them with confidence, making thankful workers the best workers! But it goes even deeper; having an attitude of gratitude can not only boost your productivity, it can also be a great motivator to those around you as well!

4. Emotional Stabilizer

Emotional swings cause issues for many people. Focusing on what you’re thankful for can be a significant help when it comes to getting your mind off trivial negative things. It gives a person stability when to rise above fleeting moments of disappointment by holding on to a good memory, or a hope of the future. Studies have shown that individuals who tend to be grateful are far more likely to recover from traumatic (even severely traumatic) experiences than those who do not show gratitude.

5. Relationship Fortifier

We all feel the best when we’re appreciated, and we like to be around people who value us and express it often. When you play the role of the one being grateful for others, others will be drawn to you. Whether it is toward your parents, your friends, your spouse, or even strangers, voicing gratitude for who they are or what they’ve done is a sure way to strengthen your relationships.

Go Show Some Gratitude!

It’s hard to argue with all the evidence out there, and why argue about it anyway? Let’s just be thankful that we can improve the quality of life for ourselves and others in such a simple way. Read, set, get out there and start sharing ‘thank you’ – you’ll be happy that you did!

Planning a meeting during the holiday months? Contact us today to learn more about hosting your meetings at AMA Executive Conference Centers in Atlanta, New York City, San Francisco and Washington DC.

5 Art Galleries In DC To Add To Your Bucket List

Posted on October 31, 2019June 1, 2023 by Editor

If you’re looking for interesting locations in Washington DC that will inspire and educate, then art galleries are an option well worth considering. In the DC area, just minutes from our AMA Executive Conference Center, there are a number of excellent options to choose from. DC is an area rich with galleries, museums, historical landmarks, and many other fine cultural establishments. With so much to see, you definitely wouldn’t want to miss any of the very best. Here are 5 art galleries in the DC area that fall into our ‘amazing destinations’ and experiences you don’t want to miss.

RENWICK GALLERY
Located just steps from the White House, this gallery is superb for its excellent service and interactivity. Here, you’ll find pieces from around the world in relation to a variety of changing themes. At the Renwick Gallery, visitors explore unique craft objects by contemporary artists to learn about process, material and technique. Learn more here.

NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART
One of the shining stars of DC museums, this gallery with free entry has an extensive collection inside a vast expanse of gorgeous rooms to explore. One of the most popular and Instagrammed exhibits is the sparkling hallway that connects the east and west buildings. The Gallery’s great reputation is undeniable – it’s a jewel on the mall and a true national treasure. Learn more here.

HIRSHHORN: NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MODERN ART
DC’s Hirshhorn Museum is undoubtedly among the top contemporary art spaces in the United States. Founded in the 1960s, the museum exhibits artworks by some of the modern and contemporary art world’s greatest masters, including Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Jackson Pollock, Francis Bacon, and Edward Hopper. If modern art is your inspiration you’ll want to put his visit top on your list. Learn more here.

SMITHSONIAN’S FREER AND SACKLER GALLERIES
The Smithsonian’s premier art gallery, these exhibits boast some amazing art pieces from nearly every place and time period on the planet. Billed as the museum where ‘Asia Meets America,’ the sheer size and diversity of work on display here means that you’re bound to discover more than a few worthwhile pieces. Learn more here.

NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY
For American historical value, this gallery delivers. Here you can find works of art for an assortment of important historical figures from the civil war, the suffrage and civil rights movements, and all the presidents too. Most recently, the installation of former President Barack Obama and Mrs. Michelle Obama’s portraits by artists Kehinde Wiley and Amy Sherald. Learn more here.

At AMA, we specialize in hosting and organizing executive meetings and conferences. We are experts at planning professional gatherings and have convenient facilities in four locations: Atlanta, New York City, Washington DC and San Francisco. Visit us here to learn more, and see how we can help make your next meeting a success.

Bike The Right Way In These AMA Center Cities

Posted on May 13, 2019June 1, 2023 by Editor

Commuting by bike is both healthier and more enjoyable than sitting in traffic 5 days a week. Whether you own a bike or don’t own a bike, there are so many great reasons for biking to work, for fun, or for seeing a new city when traveling. Atlanta, San Francisco, New York City, and Washington DC all have city bike share programs that give you the opportunity to rent one of hundreds of bikes around their cities.

New York City

With a fleet of 12,000 bikes across 60 neighborhoods, New York City’s Citi Bike is the nation’s largest bike share program. Pick up a bike from one of the network’s 750 docking stations. Return it to a docking station near the destination. Three dollars buys a 30-minute ride. If you want to continue using Citi Bike after Bike Week is over, we suggest purchasing an annual pass for $169.

Atlanta

An app is not required to use Relay, Atlanta’s bike share program. Relay’s online map helps you find and reserve a nearby bike. You can also find and reserve a bike with the Social Bicycles app. When you get to your reserved bike, you’ll need to unlock it with the PIN you received when you purchased your rideshare time. After your ride, return the bike to a station near your destination. While you can pay as you go for $3.50 per ride, a $15 monthly makes it less expensive to ride all year round.

San Francisco

Ford GoBike has a network of 7,000 bikes that operates throughout the Bay area. Reserving a bike to pick up at one of the 540 docking stations is easy with the Ford GoBike app. Currently, there’s a promotion to pay $2 for 30-minute trips. Buying a monthly pass for $15 may be more cost effective if you plan to bike more during the spring and summer months.

Washington, DC

The Capital Bikeshare program is the most affordable of all the above cities. This program operates a fleet of 4,300 bikes throughout the Washington Metropolitan Area. Since there are over 500 docking stations, the online map or app should show a bike to reserve near your home or workplace. Single trips under 30 minutes are $2.

If you’re in New York, Atlanta, San Francisco or Washington DC for business, you’re in luck – AMA has an executive conference center within all 4 of these cities! Each conference center has complimentary beverages, free LCD and PC use, executive chairs, spaces for small and large groups, and no service charges. We know the ins and outs of training sessions, business meetings, corporate receptions, focus groups, and board meetings. We take care of the meeting space, you take care of business. Click here to contact us for booking information.

Top Attractions To Visit While In Washington DC

Posted on May 1, 2019June 1, 2023 by Editor

Washington DC, a compact city defined by imposing neoclassical buildings and monuments, is a premier tourist attraction. A visit to this city will give you the opportunity to see iconic buildings that house the federal government’s three branches which includes the Supreme Court, the White House and the United States Capitol. The area is also rife with performing-arts venues, iconic museums, world-class eateries, lush parklands and hundreds of delightful attractions.

Get the most out of your next visit to our AMA Executive Conference Center in Washington DC by extending your stay and enjoying some attractions. Enjoy our complete guide on the top 10 attractions to visit once you arrive here:

1. The United States Capitol

Most widely known as the Capitol Building, the United States Capitol is where the U.S. Congress meets. If you want to visit the House of Representatives or the Senate when they are in session, all you need is to obtain a free passé from congressmen’s office. Learn more by visiting The Capitol’s visitor center website.

2. The White House

The White House is a well-secured place where the current United States President resides. It is also where the President hosts leaders of foreign countries. The first US President to live and welcome dignitaries in the White House was John Adams. There are several self-guided tours in the area for visitors who plan to visit the White House – however, public tour requests must be submitted through one’s Member of Congress. For more information visit the White House online.

3. The Lincoln Memorial

The Lincoln Memorial is an important monument built to honor Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States. A big statue of the late Abraham Lincoln is erected on the center of the Greek Doric style temple. The monument is open complimentary 24 hours a day for visitors from all over the world to see.

4. National Air and Space Museum

Known as the NASM, the National Air and Space Museum is one of the most frequently visited museums in the world. The museum preserves a wide selection of classic air and spacecraft objects such as the original 1903 Wright Brothers plane. In addition to the exhibits, the museum also contains an IMAX theatre, the Albert Einstein Planetarium and the Public Observatory. Admission is free, for more information about visiting hours click onto NASM’s website.

5. Supreme Court of the United States

This highest court in the U.S. is also another top attraction you can visit in Washington DC. You can tour the building to listen to the proceedings of the court or attend a free lecture about the building’s history. To view available and ongoing lectures visit them online for more information.

6. Georgetown and the Waterfront

The bustling street of Georgetown is a place to be when you want to shop while you are in Washington DC. You can also stroll through the Waterfront to watch the stunning views of the Potomac River. If you want to fill your stomach, you can do so at one of the restaurants overlooking the water.

7. National Mall

The National Mall is also another top attraction to visit while in Washington DC. The mall is located in downtown and stretches on the west from the Potomac River to the U.S. Capitol building. It is the top tourist attraction in Washington attracting millions of visitors from across the world each year. There are no fees to experience the National Mall – visit their site online for information on the best routes for navigating your visit.

8. National Zoological Park

The National Zoo is home to more than 2,000 different reptiles, birds and animals. Some of the unique animals you will find in the area include White-Naped Cranes, Cheetahs, Asian Elephants, Sumatran Tigers, Red Pandas, Western Lowland Gorillas, and North Island Brown Kiwis. The zoo is a frequently visited thanks to its leadership in areas of animal care, and the quality of experience visitors get. Unlike most other zoos, the National Zoo has free admission.

9. The World War II Memorial

The Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument flank the World War II Memorial. The monument which features stone architecture and bronze sculptures was built to honor the United States soldiers that died in the World War II. This memorial is free and open to the public 24 hours a day.

10. National Gallery of Art

The National Gallery of Art is housed in two separate buildings connected by a tunnel. It is one of the most renowned art museums in the United States. The museum features a wide range of European and American decorative arts, sculpture and paintings, and admission is always complimentary.

Meeting Venues In Washington DC

If you are looking for a meeting or conference venue in Washington DC, then look no further. AMA Executive Conference Centers offer a unique network of venues located in Washington DC, Atlanta, New York and San Francisco. Each venue is structured to meet the planning and hosting needs of both planners and executives. For more information about meeting at an AMA Executive Conference Center connect with us online.

See Washington DC With These Free Walking Tours

Posted on March 21, 2019June 1, 2023 by Editor

If you’re visiting the AMA Executive Conference Center in the Washington DC area, you’re bound to want to see some of the sites as well. There’s plenty to experience in this wonderfully historic part of our country, and no better way to see them then by some of the free walking toursoffered around the city. All you’ll need is a good pair of walking shoes, a bottle of water, and the time to learn about some of our history.

The National Mall Tour

This tour allows you to walk the popular National Mall, while visiting each of the memorials located there. Those include, the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. The tour lasts approximately two hours and is about a mile long, with plenty of places to rest along the way. Click here to learn more about this tour.

All In One Tour

Encompassing the National Mall, this tour also includes more of the famous DC monuments and parks. Because there’s so much more involved, this tour is about four hours long and covers just over two miles of walking. There are plenty of places for refreshments and bathroom breaks along the way. Click here to learn more about this tour.

Old Town Alexandria

If you like old houses and historic settings, this is the tour for you. This tour will take you along the old streets of Alexandria – in the locations where our forefathers walked. It lasts about two hours and is a little over a mile long. Similar to this tour is the Historic Georgetown Tour, only located in a different part of the city. Click here to learn more about the Old Town Alexandria tour.

If you’re wanting to visit some grand old places in the nation’s capital then get moving with one of these walking tours!

Are you considering where to host your next conference or meeting in Washington DC, Atlanta, San Francisco or New York? Contact us to learn more about the AMA Executive Conference Centers. We’re here to help you make the most of your meeting!

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2019 National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC

Posted on March 2, 2019June 1, 2023 by Editor

There is no better way to celebrate the arrival of spring than attending the nation’s three-week long National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC, to admire the 3,000+ cherry blossom trees in full bloom. The festival, which runs this year from March 20 to April 13, produces and coordinates a large variety of events throughout the weeks in honor of both Japanese and American cultures and the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.

Cherry Blossom Tours

Whether you enjoy the relaxing narration and live band entertainment of the Odyssey cruise as you sail past the famous cherry blossom trees and historic DC monuments or bike through a sea of pink and white blossoms surrounding the Potomac Tidal Basis with Blossoms by Bike, a guided tour of the beautified region is certainly a must. Visit the Tour Provider section of the National Cherry Blossom Festival website to plan any number of provided tours.

National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade

On April 13, 2019, the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade will overtake Constitution Avenue – From 7th to 17th Streets in one of DC’s largest spectator events complete with giant colorful helium balloons, celebrity performers, marching bands, beautiful floats, and talented performers just to name a few. The once a year experience is unlike any other of the DC area with easy access to the one-mile length of the parade from multiple metro stations. Occurring from 10 am to 12 noon, the parade route is open to the public and free apart from if you wish to purchase Grandstand seating.

Petalpalooza

On April 6, 2019, Petalpalooza, formerly known as Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival, will kick off with more than eight straight hours of free entertainment complete with a beer garden, interactive art installations, and a fireworks show. Hosted by the District Wharf, this exciting event has activities sure to please all age groups.

AMA’s Washington Area Conference Center is conveniently located within walking distance of the Yellow Line METRO stop at Crystal City and minutes from Reagan National Airport – perfect for holding your meeting and attending the events of a lifetime at the National Cherry Blossom Festival. For more information click here to contact us.

Special Spring Offers at AMA Executive Conference Centers

Posted on February 26, 2019June 1, 2023 by Editor

ATLANTA

Book Now: $500 per day for meeting space for any Atlanta Center conference or meeting being held in March and/or May 2019. Includes: basic meeting package for up to 16 people.*

Click here to learn more about our AMA Atlanta Conference Center.

SAN FRANCISCO

Limited Time Offer: Take 20% off package rates for meetings held in March 2019. Plus, if you hold a March meeting, receive 10% off package rates for meetings held April through December 2019.*

Click here to learn more about our AMA San Francisco Conference Center.

WASHINGTON, DC

March Renovation Special: Check out our newly renovated space and get 40% off meeting package rates for your March 2019 meetings. Promotion applicable to meeting package rates only and apply only to meetings held at the AMA DC area Conference Center.*

Click here to learn more about AMA Washington D.C. Conference Center.

*Offers are subject to space availability and certain restrictions apply:

Offer applicable to AMA Center in Atlanta: $500 per day for meeting space for any meetings being held in February, March and/or May 2019. Includes: Basic meeting package for up to 16 people. Restrictions: Meeting room size up to 812 square feet.

Offer applicable to AMA Center San Francisco only: 20% off valid for meeting packages only for meetings held in February 2019 or March 2019. Additional meetings booked receive 10% off package rates for meetings held April 2019 through December 27, 2019.

For AMA DC Area Center: 40% off applicable to meeting package rates only and only applicable to meetings held at AMA National Landing (DC area) only.

For Atlanta, Washington DC, and San Francisco: discounts not valid on previously booked business and not applicable to catering or additional A/V services or equipment. Not to be combined with any other offers or discounts.

Interesting Things You Didn’t Know About Atlanta, NYC, San Francisco and DC

Posted on February 11, 2019June 1, 2023 by Editor

Some of the most iconic cities in the U.S. also have some of the most fascinating histories behind them. Guess which U.S. city had the first pizzeria? We looked into Atlanta, New York City, San Francisco and Washington DC – each an AMA Executive Conference Centers city – and you’ll be amazed at some of the things that you may not have known about them!

ATLANTA

Let’s start on the east with Atlanta, located in Georgia, which is known as The Peach State.

Atlanta is home to The Varsity, which is the largest fast food drive-in in the world, established in 1928.
The symbol of the city is the phoenix after being burned down during the Civil War in 1864.
It has one of the biggest Hindu temples outside of India.
There are 71 streets whose names are a take on “Peachtree.”
Hartsfield-Jackson International Airportcurrently holds the title of world’s busiest airport.
Two Nobel Peace Prize winners were from Atlanta: President Jimmy Carter and Martin Luther King Jr.

NEW YORK CITY

Now, let’s take a bite out of the Big Apple with some fun facts on this bustling city.

In 1886, the Statue of Liberty was given to the United States by France. It was part of their centennial celebration.
The New York Public Libraryis home to over 50 million books. It also currently boasts the title of the third largest library in the world.
The Wyckoff Farm is the oldest building in New York City, established in the 1640s.
The taxis in the city weren’t always their well-known yellow. In fact, they used to be red and green until 1912.
In 1895, the first pizzeria was opened in the United States. It was located in, you guessed it, New York City.
And do you know where Times Square gets its name? The New York Times!

SAN FRANCISCO

Let’s head west to the bright and sunny San Francisco.

The Chinatown in San Francisco is the oldest in North America and is home to over 100,000 people.
The official musical instrument of San Francisco is the accordion.
The ice cream and oatmeal cookie treat that’s coated in chocolate called It’s-Itwas created in San Francisco.
The street that is currently known as Maiden Lane used to be a red-light district and was called Morton Street.
Over 50 film festivals happen in San Francisco each year.
There’s a name for the color of the Golden Gate Bridge: International Orange.

WASHINGTON DC

Finally, let’s shed some light on the capital of the United States: Washington DC!

The streets use letters as names but are missing the letter “J.”
The Washington Monument is the world’s tallest obelisk.
Inside of the Capital Building are elevators that are only used by senators.
The Washington Metrois the third most busy subway system in the United States.
Before it was called the White House, the building was known as the President’s Palace or President’s House.
Washington DC is home to a unique museum called the International Spy Museum.

For more fun facts about United States cities, check out 50states.comand learn to your heart’s content. And for more facts about hosting your next meeting at an AMA Executive Conference Center in one of the above cities, click onto www.AMAconferencecenters.org.