The Ballroom
The 2022 Principles First Summit is being held at the National Press Club, in the 13th Floor Ballroom -- the most famous room in the Club where world leaders, presidents, kings, queens, members of Congress and influential leaders in business, entertainment, sport and society have spoken for more than 110 years.
National Press Club Hours of Operation
Monday - Saturday: 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
The National Press Club is located at 529 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20045. See the interactive map below.
National Press Club Entry Information
Proof of Vaccination
Attendees are encouraged to upload a photo of their Vaccination Card to www.press.org/vaxpass. All members and their guests must have proof of vaccination for entry or submit documents showing a religious or medical exemption AND a negative COVID-19 test from within the last 48 hours.
Security Gates
Each member will be required to enter through the security gates using their assigned key fob or mobile app. If you are a resident member and do not have security access, please contact members@press.org so that someone on our team can set you up with access. If you are a non-resident member visiting the club you should reach out to members@press.org for a QR code for your visit.
Social Distancing
We do not currently enforce universal social distancing, but ask you to respect others' requests for personal space when practical. We also believe it is particularly important to consider masking up when you are in spaces where you might come in close contact with people –– such as restrooms, hallways, and crowded events.
Face Coverings & Masks
All persons over the age of two are strongly encoraged to wear face masks inside the club for their own protection and for the protection of other members and guests except when actively eating or drinking. Masks can be removed at your own discretion, but we again ask that you respect others' protocols and choices in this regard when practical. The Club has a limited supply of face masks for guests who do not have their own.
Sanitizing & Hand Washing
You should practice proper hygiene and sanitization including hand washing and the use of touchless hand sanitizer dispensers throughout the Club in accordance with CDC recommendations.
Front Desk
Front desk staff may ask you for proof of vaccination if we do not have record on file. Staff will also need to see proof of vaccination for guests. Members and guests should not attempt to come behind the front desk, nor should they touch the glass.
Specific COVID-19 Safety Guidelines
Following is a summary of the many actions the National Press Club has taken to ensure a safe environment for hosting in-person business and social events at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. These actions are continuously updated to adhere to the most current CDC guidance.
What to Expect From The National Press Club Facility
Building and Club HVAC systems have been upgraded with a Bi-Polar Ionization (BPI) system. Bi-Polar Ionization is an air purification system that restores clean air to indoor space by safely emitting both positively and negatively charged particles that attach to and deactivate harmful substances like bacteria, allergens, smoke, mold, and viruses.
The system works to do the following:
Reduce Viruses & Bacteria: Because Bi-Polar Ions negatively affect the DNA of bacteria and viruses, you'll protect your space's inhabitants from illness and disease.
Reduce Dust & Mold Particles: Bi-Polar Ions that bond with contaminants gain size and mass and drop to the floor, or return to the filter, making them easily filtered from the air we breathe.
Reduced VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds): Bi-Polar Ions break down gases and compounds from chemicals such as cleaning products, pesticides, paints, solvents, mold, mildew and more.
HVAC systems are also flushed with outside air on a regular basis.
We have implemented additional cleaning processes throughout the day, including enhanced janitorial cleaning of our lavatories, doorknobs, handrails, elevator buttons and other frequently touched surfaces multiple times each day with a multi-surface disinfectant cleaner from the EPA's List N Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2. We are also conducting sterilization cleanings of the entire facility on a regular basis.
You will find multiple touchless hand sanitizer dispensers throughout the Club including in the reception lobby, main lobby, hallways and common areas.
All shared equipment such as podiums, microphones and other A/V resources are sanitized before and after each event use.
Temperature check stations are available at the entrance to the Club. No one with a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) should enter the Club.
What to Expect From The National Press Club Staff
All employees of the National Press Club have been fully vaccinated with an FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson).
All employees have been trained on COVID-19 safety precautions and protocols. Staff with frequent guest contact have been given more comprehensive training to ensure adherence to the most current government regulations and guidance.
All staff are required to self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms at home, prior to reporting to work. Once they arrive at work, staff again will be appropriately screened for COVID-19 symptoms. All employees will have their temperature checked prior to entering the Club. Any staff member with a fever or symptoms of COVID-19 will NOT be permitted to enter the facility.
All staff are required to wear facemasks.
What They Expect from Attendees of the 2022 Principles First Summit
Prior to arriving to the National Press Club:
Get vaccinated! All event planners, participants, guests and attendees are expected be fully vaccinated before coming to the Club for any reason. Visitors will be asked to provide proof of vaccination prior to entry. No one will be admitted into the Club without proof of vaccination.
Self-certify your health before visiting the Club. Confirm you have no temperature (100.4 or above) and are not exhibiting any COVID-19 symptoms. If you are experiencing any symptoms, please stay home.
Once you arrive at the National Press Club:
By order of the Mayor of Washington, D.C, all visitors are required to wear facemasks at all times, except while actively eating or drinking.
Practice proper hygiene and sanitization including hand washing and the use of touchless hand sanitizer dispensers throughout the Club in accordance with CDC recommendations.
Contact a member of our staff immediately if you observe any individual exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms while on site, or if you become aware of any individual who has tested positive for COVID-19 within 48 hours of being at the Press Club.
Nearby Restaurants
Old Ebbitt Grill
675 15th Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20004
(202) 347-4800
Hours: 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Iconic tavern offering American food, including oysters, Victorian-style atmosphere with bar
Dress code – casual
The Hamilton
600 14th Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20004
(202) 787-1000
Hours: 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Trendy American eatery with a late night menu
Dress code – smart casual
Oceanaire Seafood Room
1201 F Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20004
(202) 347-2277
Hours: 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
High-end chain offering seafood, steaks, and a deep wine list in sophisticated setting
Dress code – smart casual
Bobby Van’s Steakhouse
809 15th Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20004
(202) 580-0060
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Small chain upscale chop house serving steaks and other classic fair in clubby setting
Dress Code – casual
McCormick & Schmick’s | Seafood and Steaks
1652 K Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20006
(202) 861-2233
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Upscale seafood and steak restaurant known for its clubby atmosphere and happy hour
Dress code – smart jeans