Special Activities and Tours

The National Park Service just announced that the cherry blossoms will be at their peak between March 29 and April 3!

Click Here to learn more information or Click Here to visit the National Cherry Blossom Home Page.









The White House

ACEC White House Tour

Friday, April 1, 2011
7:30am-11am

Interested in visiting the White House? ACEC will be formally requesting a group tour from the White House Visitors Center for Friday, April 1. To complete this request, ACEC must submit information on each participant in advance of tour approval. The White House Visitors Center will confirm availability closer to the date of the convention, at which time ACEC will advise you of the status of this tour. The timing of our tour, if approved, will be between 7:30am and 11:00am. ACEC must submit our tour request no later than December 30.

The Red Room

Additional Information:

  • Tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are based on availability to be determined by the White House Visitors Center.
  • ACEC will receive confirmation of the availability of a group tour no earlier than three weeks in advance.
  • Please note that this tour is not confirmed or guaranteed. If the tour is not confirmed, your application and personal information will be destroyed by ACEC.
  • Please complete a form for each person interested in attending the group White House tour.

Spouse/Guest Program Information

Spouse/Guest Registration Fee: $385

Includes: Wednesday Spouse Breakfast and Program, Thursday Spouse Brunch and Shopping in Georgetown, Convention Reception and Dinner, ACEC/PAC Sweepstakes Breakfast and Friday General Session Luncheon. Spouse/Guest registration must be accompanied with Full Convention registration. Spouse/Guests who wish to attend education sessions must register as a Full Convention attendee.

Wednesday, March 30 — Spouse/Guest Breakfast and Program
Stock Up Your Pantry with Culinary Media Consultant Marie Ostrosky
9:00am-10:00am

Marie Ostrosky is a Culinary Media Consultant who wears multiple hats: Senior Television Producer, Private Chef, Food Stylist, Culinary Instructor and Cookbook Author to name a few. She has been a private chef for celebrity clientele including Sting, Tom and Rita Hanks, Elton John, Gianni and Donatella Versace, Lyle Lovett, Bruce Springsteen and Madonna. Marie has been a Producer at the Food Network for over 10 years, creating and developing programs such as Emeril Live! Ready, Set, Cook and Grillin & Chillin with Bobby Flay. During breakfast, listen to suggestions and tips from Marie about recipes and food items to always keep on hand so that you can pull a meal out of your pantry at any time. In addition, be entertained with behind the scenes stories about everyone from Sting to Emeril! (Included in the full spouse/guest convention fee). RSVP Required to attend.

Thursday, March 31 — Spouse/Guest Brunch and Shopping in Georgetown
Peacock Cafe Brunch at the Peacock Café Followed by Shopping in Georgetown
9:30am-2:00pm

Begin your day with an exclusive ACEC brunch at Peacock Café — a tradition in Georgetown life. Following the private brunch, you will be able to shop the glamorous shops and trendy streets of Georgetown. The area offers everything from haute couture to second-hand kitsch, including places such as Coach, Kenneth Cole, Kate Space, Benetton and much more. Make sure to bring comfortable walking shoes. Bus departs from Grand Hyatt at 9:30am. (Included in the full spouse/guest convention fee). RSVP Required to attend.

Optional Tour Information

Wednesday, March 30
10:30 am-3:30 am
America's First Home — Historic Mount Vernon Tour

Travel along the banks of the Potomac River and enjoy an intimate glimpse of 18th century Virginia, waiting beyond the gates of Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington. Tour the mansion and the surrounding service buildings, where you will view examples of Mr. Washington's brilliance as an architect, a surveyor and a gentleman farmer. Following the tour of the mansion, you will be able to purchase lunch from one of the many great onsite restaurants. After lunch explore the 25 galleries of the newest portion of the Mount Vernon Tour: the Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center. You will learn about Washington's exceptional life and accomplishments through interactive displays and high-tech, immersive experiences!

Cost: $105.00 per ticket

Saturday, April 2
9 am-1 pm
Cherry Blossoms and D.C. Photo Tour

The National Cherry Blossom Festival draws one of the biggest crowds to Washington DC but you will have a front row seat to the views and history of these beautiful blossoms. As the tour begins along the Tidal Basin, home of the world famous Japanese Cherry Blossom Trees, you will learn about the history of this great gift to the United States and the festival celebration that surrounds their blooming each year. The tour will continue along the National Mall; complete with history and photo opportunities at many memorials such as The Washington Monument, World War II Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and many others. Time permitting the tour will also stop for photo opportunities at the White House and U.S. Capitol where you can enjoy the beautiful spring exterior views!

Cost: $70.00 per ticket