82nd Annual Meeting
Washington D.C.
September 19-21, 2025
Hosted by the Washington D.C. Chapter: Gail Pearson, Craig Hoffman, Roger Ruckman, Sally Hall, Rohan Hazra, Monika Woods, Adam Hartman, Jill Hartman, Julie Panepinto, David Brousseau
Registration for the Pediatric Travel Club’s 2025 meeting is now open!
Meeting Itinerary
FRIDAY
September 19, 20245
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Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens is a stunning 25-acre oasis in Washington, D.C., once the home of heiress and philanthropist Marjorie Merriweather Post. Visitors can explore the grand Georgian-style mansion filled with 18th–20th century French and Russian decorative arts—including Fabergé eggs—and stroll through meticulously designed formal gardens, greenhouses, and a Japanese-style retreat. The estate offers a unique blend of elegance, history, and horticulture, making it a one-of-a-kind destination for art lovers, garden enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates timeless beauty and refined taste.
The tour begins at 10 am, which will require leaving the hotel by about 9:15 am. The tour lasts about 90 minutes to hours. Lunch will be available at Hillwood.
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The Smithsonian’s National Zoo is a beloved 163-acre park nestled in Rock Creek Park, home to more than 2,000 animals representing nearly 400 species. Known for its conservation efforts and free admission, the zoo offers visitors the chance to see everything from elephants and big cats to giant pandas and red pandas.
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Evening reception with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at the Bethesda Hyatt. Time TBD.
SATURDAY
September 20, 2025
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The Hyatt does not have a restaurant but does have a Starbucks café. There are also several good breakfast spots within a short walk of the hotel. We will provide a buffet breakfast Saturday morning for members and spouses as an alternative.
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The Saturday Scientific Session (Members only) will be held in the hotel because of new restrictions on having people on the NIH campus who are not employees, unfortunately.
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The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is a premier cultural destination showcasing world-class performances in theater, dance, music, and more. Perched along the Potomac River, the center honors President Kennedy’s legacy with its grand architecture and commitment to the arts. It hosts everything from Broadway tours and the National Symphony Orchestra to free daily performances on the Millennium Stage. With sweeping rooftop views and a vibrant schedule, the Kennedy Center is both a national landmark and a hub of creative expression.
The Saturday Spouses Event will be a tour of the Kennedy Center, starting at 10:15 AM, with buses leaving the hotel at about 9:30. This tour is approximately 75 minutes long.
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Enjoy lunch and some free time on your own in our beautiful city!
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Saturday dinner with a cash bar will be at the Columbia Country Club, a historic Washington club that traces its origins back to 1898.
PLEASE NOTE THE CLUB’S DRESS CODE: Jacket and tie required for gentlemen; comparable attire for ladies.
SUNDAY
September 21, 2025
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Sunday morning will feature a speaker who is currently the chief of staff for a prominent senator. This will not be a political event, but rather a chance to pull back the curtain on how things work in a senator’s office. We will provide a breakfast buffet for those attending.
