By Matthew R, innkeeper, American Guest House · Published October 10, 2026 · Updated October 10, 2026
American Guest House is one block from the Washington Hilton, a 2-minute walk.
DoW Applied Innovation Workshop: Good to know
- Dates: Monday, November 30 to Friday, December 4, 2026
- Venue: Washington Hilton, 1919 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009
- How to register: Online at dowinnovationworkshop.org/Registration. Registration fees go up after November 23.
- Nearest Metro: Dupont Circle (Red Line), a 10-minute walk from the Hilton per the workshop’s hotel page
Table of Contents
What is the DoW Applied Innovation Workshop?
It’s the Department of War’s workshop on installation and operational energy, hosted by innovation programs under the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Energy Resilience & Optimization. The official site describes technical sessions, short courses, more than 650 technical poster presentations and demos, and attendees from across the country. Cancellation requests are submitted by email, as listed on the registration page.
Who registers at which rate?
The registration page lists Standard, Federal Employee and Student registration types, with higher fees after November 23. A few rules worth knowing:
- All speakers and poster presenters must register.
- Government contractors register at the Standard rate.
- Students need a .edu email address for the Student rate.
- Federal employees can register now and pay later.
- Group registration has its own link.
Registration covers all technical sessions and short courses. The organizer says breakfast and lunch are provided Tuesday through Thursday, with light receptions Monday through Thursday and coffee breaks during the week. Check the cancellation terms: the page lists a 50% refund window in October and no refunds after November 1.
When do badge pickup and the opening events happen?
On-site registration and badge pickup run Monday, November 30 from 4 to 7 PM, then 7 AM to 5 PM Tuesday through Thursday. According to the agenda at a glance, Monday evening opens with a leadership session at 5 PM and an Opening Reception with posters, technology demonstrations, exhibits and a scavenger hunt from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. Arriving Monday afternoon gives you time to pick up your badge before the reception.
What if the conference room block is full?
The workshop’s hotel page says the Washington Hilton block accepts reservations only before November 8 or until it sells out. If you miss it, look for other options within walking distance of Connecticut Avenue so you can still get back and forth between sessions easily.
How do I get to the Hilton from the airport or by Metro?
The workshop’s hotel page puts Reagan National Airport (DCA) about a 20-minute drive away. By Metro, ride the Red Line to Dupont Circle and walk about 10 minutes north on Connecticut Avenue. You can pay at the faregates with a SmarTrip card, SmarTrip in a phone wallet, or a contactless bank card. Check first and last trains on wmata.com if you have an early session or a late flight.
If you’re driving, the hotel page lists self-parking at the Hilton garage at 1920 19th Street NW, entered from 19th Street after turning off T Street and Florida Avenue. Street parking in the surrounding neighborhoods is often 2-hour residential.
What should I pack for late November and early December?
Expect cold mornings and evenings, with rain possible. A warm coat and an umbrella cover the walks between buildings. Conference days are long, with sessions and receptions running into the evening, so comfortable shoes and a layer you can take off indoors will help. If you’re presenting a poster, check the organizer’s presenter instructions for setup times before you pack.
What’s near the Hilton for a short break?
The workshop’s hotel page describes the Hilton as near Dupont Circle, Adams Morgan, Kalorama, Georgetown and Embassy Row. Massachusetts Avenue’s Embassy Row is a short walk south and makes a good 20-minute stretch between sessions. For a longer break, the Red Line from Dupont Circle reaches downtown and the free Smithsonian museums on the National Mall.
Where can I stay within walking distance of the Hilton?
American Guest House is one block from the Washington Hilton, a 2-minute walk. It’s a historic 1893 bed and breakfast at 2005 Columbia Road NW in Kalorama. Over the five-day DoW Applied Innovation Workshop, that short walk makes it easy to drop off a laptop before the evening reception.
- Government travelers: contact us about GSA rates
- 12 guest rooms, each with a private ensuite bath and one bed (queen or double)
- Homemade breakfast is included only with the Standard Rate and the 2-Day Refundable rate, served at 8:30, 8:45 or 9 AM and booked in advance
- Check-in is 4 to 10 PM; checkout is 11 AM. Late checkout is a paid add-on, available until 2 PM at the latest
- Bags can stay in the parlor from 8 AM on check-in day, and until 5 PM after checkout
- We don’t offer parking; SpotHero or a paid lot is the practical choice
- Rates are dynamic, so check your own dates
Frequently asked questions about the DoW Applied Innovation Workshop
How far is American Guest House from the Washington Hilton?
One block, a 2-minute walk.
Do you offer GSA rates?
Contact us about GSA rates.
What time is check-in if I arrive Monday for badge pickup?
Check-in is 4 to 10 PM. If you arrive earlier, you can leave your bags in the parlor from 8 AM.
Can I stay past 11 AM on my last day?
Late checkout is a paid add-on, available until 2 PM at the latest. Bags can also stay in the parlor until 5 PM after checkout.
Matthew R, innkeeper, American Guest House
