WASHINGTON D.C. WEATHER FORECAST
KBYG AIAS GRASSROOTS LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
July 30 – August 3, 2025
Thank you for being a part of our in person Grassroots 2025 conference! To make the most of the experience we’ve compiled all the information you’ll need to know before you go below.
Registration & Info Desk Locations & Hours
Please check in upon arrival in DC to receive your conference badge and bag!
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday, July 31 | 11:00am – 1:00 pm | Embassy Suites 900 10th Street N.W. Washington, DC 20001 |
| Thursday, July 31 | 2:15pm – 6:30 pm | MLK Library 901 G St NW Washington, DC 20001 |
| Friday, August 1 | 7:30am – 12:00 pm | Embassy Suites 900 10th Street N.W. Washington, DC 20001 |
| Friday, August 1 | 4:00 pm – 8:30 pm | MLK Library 901 G St NW Washington, DC 20001 |
| Saturday, August 2 | 9:00 am – 2:00 pm | MLK Library 901 G St NW Washington, DC 20001 |
Schedule
Make sure to download the App to view the schedule, session descriptions, and locations for each event!
Download the GrassROOTS app!
Quad and Regional Receptions
Northeast Quad
Address:
2101 L St NW Suite 950, Washington, DC 20037
Midwest Quad
Address:
2020 K St NW, Washington, DC 20006
South Quad
Address:
600 14th St NW #800, Washington, DC 20005
West Quad
Address:
South Tower, 2001 K St NW #200, Washington, DC 20006
International Regions
Address:
2020 K St NW, Washington, DC 20006
Taking Care of Yourself at Grassroots & What to Pack
AIAS Networking Reception
Bring your ID if you are 21+ and would like to drink. Please drink responsibly.
Staying Hydrated
DC is hot and you’ll be walking around quite a bit! Please bring a water bottle to stay hydrated. There will be water refill stations at the Embassy Suites.
What to Pack
- Reusable Water Bottle!!!
- REAL ID or Passport – many tours require this to get into the building
- “Smart casual” clothes, here’s an AIAS fashion show to explain more
- Umbrella and Raincoat
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Light, breathable clothes
- Comfy and supportive shoes for walking (you will be walking a lot)
- Sketch book
- Sketching Utensils (Pens/Pencils/Watercolor/Markers/etc)
- Gatorade/Powerade/more hydration
- Cereal Bars/Snacks
Transportation
Introduction to Riding Metro
Link here. Use their new “tap and go” feature!
Metro Rail and Bus Maps
Link here. This is a great resource to learn more about specific Metro lines and bus routes.
Transit App
Link here. The staff at the AIAS National Office strongly recommend the Transit App for planning travel while in DC. It’s helpful to see live tracking of busses and metro trains.
Tips for Travel
Plan ahead! This year, Grassroots programming is decentralized throughout the city of DC. Be sure to have a plan including which tours you’re signed up for and how you are going to get from location to location.
Safety When Traveling
As you prepare for your upcoming trip, keep these important safety guidelines in mind—especially when navigating unfamiliar cities or international travel:
On the Ground
- Stay aware of your surroundings – Avoid distractions when moving through transit stations or crowded areas.
- Keep your phone secure and easily accessible – It’s your lifeline for navigation, emergency contact, and documentation.
If Approached or Stopped
- Record interactions – If someone approaches you or you feel uncomfortable, discreetly record the interaction on your phone.
- If detainment or questioning is mentioned, document everything – Names, badges, time, location—any detail can matter later.
- Do not engage with local law enforcement unnecessarily – Especially when traveling internationally, avoid casual conversations and keep interactions to a minimum.
International Travel Notes
- Carry your passport at all times – Make sure it’s valid, stamped, and secure. This confirms your legal presence.
- No ID = Problems – In many countries, lack of proper identification may result in assumptions about your status.
👣 Final Tips
- Travel in pairs or groups when possible.
- Share your location with someone you trust.
- If something feels off, trust your instincts and remove yourself from the situation.
Stay smart, stay safe, and enjoy the conference!
If you have questions or need support while traveling, don’t hesitate to contact the AIAS HQ Team!
Be Social
Networking
Be ready to network! Bring business cards if you have them, or your portfolio for the Career Expo. To network online, be sure to follow AIAS on LinkedIn as well.
Follow and Tag Us on Instagram
@aiasorg
@aiasmiddleeast
@aiaslatinamerica
@aiasnortheast
@aiaswest
@aiassouth
@aiasmidwest
Tags: #AIASGrassroots2025 #aiasleadership #aiasservice #aiasdesign
Slack Workspaces
International Members – aiasinternational.slack.com
Midwest Quad Members – midwestquad.slack.com
Northeast Quad Members – nequad.slack.com
South Quad Members – southquad.slack.com
West Quad Members – westbest.slack.com
Sharing your Photos with Us!
We want to see all of the awesome photos that you take during the conference! Download the Google Drive App before you arrive at Grassroots and upload your images to THIS FOLDER. We can’t wait to see all of the photos and videos you take!
AIAS Merch
Grab your AIAS GrassROOTS merch in our new online store! Orders will be printed and shipped directly to you. Save money by ordering in bulk for your chapter!
Grab your GrassROOTS merch today!
