Flying into DCA (Regan National)? There's a hotel shuttle! Hop on at baggage claim 7 and exit through door 7.
Welcome to Arlington, Virginia, home of the 2026 ASCA Annual Conference! The heart of our event lies at the Crystal Gateway Marriott, conveniently located in the vibrant Crystal City. Just moments away from downtown DC, this state-of-the-art venue is easily accessible, whether you're arriving by air, car, or public transportation
Address:
Crystal Gateway Marriott
1700 Richmond Hwy
Arlington, VA 22202
The DMV isn’t a single city, but the region is often thought of in quadrants and neighborhoods — especially in D.C., which is divided into Northwest, Northeast, Southwest, and Southeast. Each area has its own personality: NW is full of museums, nightlife, and historic streets; NE and SE offer cultural hubs and historic neighborhoods; SW has waterfront attractions and iconic landmarks. Knowing the general layout will help you plan your visits efficiently and explore different vibes across the region.
The DMV has a robust public transit network. WMATA’s Metro (Red, Orange, Blue, Silver, and Yellow Lines), Metrobus, and DC Circulator buses make it easy to navigate the city and connect to Maryland and Northern Virginia. For those in DC, consider a Metro SmarTrip card for convenience. If you’re exploring the region, VRE trains and local buses in Northern Virginia (Arlington Transit or ART) and Maryland expand your reach beyond the city center. Public transit is your best friend for avoiding traffic and seeing the city like a local.
Landmarks are key to orienting yourself in the DMV. The U.S. Capitol, Washington Monument, and Lincoln Memorial are not just must-see sights—they’re also excellent visual guides for navigating the city. The Potomac River is another natural divider: crossing it signals a move between DC and Northern Virginia. On clear days, the geometric skyline of D.C. or nearby hills in Maryland can help with perspective.
Think of iconic local spots as your anchor points. Whether it’s Union Market for foodie adventures, the Smithsonian National Museum of American History for culture, or Georgetown Waterfront for scenic strolls, these destinations are both attractions and helpful points of reference when exploring the city.
The DMV is full of surprises — from eclectic street art and pop-up markets to unique local shops and vibrant festivals. Embrace the mix of history, politics, and culture. DC’s unofficial motto might be “Make History Happen,” but for visitors, it’s also about embracing the unexpected: queer-owned cafés, live music, farmers’ markets, and community events all add flavor to your exploration. Dive in and enjoy the region’s quirks and character!
Know Where You’re Going. Plan ahead and research the area, including the locations of a nearby pharmacy, urgent care, branch of your bank, etc. Download maps so you aren’t reliant on a wi-fi connection to get around. Consider investing in a portable charger or power pack for your phone or other devices.
Check Your Bias — and Your Luggage. New and different surroundings do not always mean danger. Research what makes the site great. Understand that there are undoubtedly many negative stories about certain cities and demographic populations that may impact your perspective of your own safety. Resist engaging in biased perspectives and conversations.
Protect Yourself From Bias. There are websites devoted to travel advisories for people of color, the queer community, and more. Do spend some time planning for how you will maintain a feeling of safety in less friendly communities.
Understand the Impact of Intersectionality. Some colleagues may be impacted by multiple identities and feel less safe in new or unfamiliar spaces. Be supportive, and ask how you can help them have a safe and fulfilling experience.
Plan Safe Arrival and Departure Times. When possible, schedule arrival and departure times during daylight hours. Reserve rideshare or similar transportation well ahead of time. Use a known service and all of the safety features offered by the company (e.g., the “pin” number with Uber). Communicate with others about your location and your travel plans.
Contacts are Key. Make sure your emergency contact can reach you (at a number other than your cell), and if you are traveling with others, make sure they have the number for your emergency contact.
Keep the Advertising to a Minimum. Wearing your institution or association gear outside of the conference site or hotel can identify you as an out-of-towner, which is not always safe. Plan to change before going to see local sights.
Lose the Lanyard (Sometimes). You should always wear your lanyard/nametag in the conference space. This helps others feel safe as well as helps ASCA staff and volunteers know who should be accessing what spaces. However, when leaving the conference site, remove your lanyard and nametag as they signal that you are a visitor.
Maintain Situational Awareness. It can be easy to get caught up with your group and forget your surroundings. You are not on your campus; you are in a new location, and often an unfamiliar one. Pay attention to who is around you, how late it is, how far you are from the hotel, how much you have had to drink if you use alcohol, etc. Avoid using earbuds or focusing on your phone when navigating away from the event location.
Don’t Go At It Alone. You may have an adventurer’s spirit, but it is probably best to take others along. Plan to see the sights with a professional tour group or with other attendees. As always, let people know where you’re going and when you plan to be back.