How to Prepare for the Third Retreat

October 17-21, 2025 in Washington D.C.

What to Bring:

  • The dress code for our retreats is “smart casual” (think jeans and sweaters). We want you to be comfortable for long days. It’s October in DC which means it should be chilly, but pleasant. We’ll spend most of our time indoors, so bring a jacket or sweater in case the AC is running on high.

  • The dress code for the Summit is business casual to business professional (a step up from retreat wear). We’d recommend solid colors or simple patterns that will show up well on video.

The final October retreat will take place in Washington D.C. The retreat will run from 5:00 pm on Friday, October 18, through 6:00 pm on Tuesday, October 21. The first three days of the retreat will be just with the Public Life Fellows, and the last two days will be in conjunction with our annual For the Good of the Public summit. Plan to be present for the full Summit as it is considered part of the final retreat, and there will be several tailored opportunities for engagement.

ARRIVAL: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17

Check-in at AC Capitol Hill - Navy Yard between 3:00 and 5:00 pm. Our first gathering over dinner will begin at 5:30 pm.

  • Fly into Reagan National Airport by 2:00pm.

  • Arrive at the AC Marriott: 867 New Jersey Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003

    • An Uber/Lyft from the airport to the AC Marriott is about 15 minutes and $20.00.

    • We recommend taking the Metro — a short walk from the Navy Yard-Ballpark stop on the Green line or Capitol South on the Blue/Orange/Silver line.

  • 3:00 pm - Check-in and Registration

  • 5:00 pm - Meet to walk over to Church of the Resurrection.

  • 5:30 pm - Opening dinner at Church of the Resurrection: 501 E St SE, Washington, DC 20003

  • 7:30 pm - Opening Session

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18

  • 8:00 am - Breakfast at the hotel dining (you will receive complimentary breakfast at the AC on Saturday and Sunday mornings with your room)

  • 9:15 am - Meet in the hotel lobby to walk over as a group

  • 9:30 am - All-day workshop at Church of the Resurrection: 501 E St SE, Washington, DC 20003

  • 5:00 pm - Break

  • 5:30 pm - Closing Dinner at Church of the Resurrection

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19

  • 8:00 am - Free Time (Breakfast available at the hotel dining)

  • 4:00 pm - Partners for the Common Good Dinner at The Museum of the Bible: 400 4th St SW 6th floor, Washington, DC 20024

  • 8:30 pm - Alumni Drinks at Smoke and Mirrors (at the AC Hotel)

MONDAY, OCTOBER 20

  • 12:00 pm - Summit Doors Open: 700 M St SE, Washington, DC 20003

  • 5:00 pm - Civic Renewal Awards

  • 6:00 pm - Evening Reception onsite at the Capital Turnaround

  • 8:00 pm - Optional Movie Screening of “Join or Die”

DEPARTURE: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21

  • 8:30 am - Summit Doors Open: 700 M St SE, Washington, DC 20003

  • 5:00 pm - Summit Closing

The Summit will run until approximately 5:00 PM on Tuesday, October 21.

  • Fly out of Reagan National Airport after 6:30 pm on Tuesday, October 21.

  • The airport is about a 15-minute Uber or a 30-minute Metro ride from the Summit event location.

Travel + Accommodations for the Third Retreat

October 17-21, 2025