Agenda
October 5-8, 2026 | Alexandria, Virginia
We’re excited to welcome you to this year’s annual Work and Travel Conference in Alexandria! While we’re still finalizing session details, the outline below offers a snapshot of what your time with us will look like.
We can’t wait to see you!
Please check back regularly for updates as we continue to build out the full agenda.
Monday, October 5 – Arrival & Welcome
- Arrivals and hotel check-in
- Afternoon excursion exploring Alexandria
- Welcome cocktail reception to kick off the conference
- After hours outing
Tuesday, October 6 – Advocacy & Engagement
- Morning Sessions featuring our Keynote speaker as well as important updates from the U.S. Department of State and Alliance for International Exchange
- Lunch
- Afternoon Congressional Visits on the Hill
- Group Dinner
- After-hours outing to continue networking and connection
Wednesday, October 7 – Continued Connection & Community Impact
- Morning Sessions
- Lunch
- Afternoon volunteer activity – a chance to live out Greenheart’s mission and connect with fellow attendees
- Farewell Dinner
- After hours outing for a final night together
Thursday, October 8 – Departures
- Departures and travel home
Why Attend?
The Work and Travel Conference is more than just a few days away from the office – it’s an opportunity to step back, reconnect with the purpose behind this work, and be a part of the conversations shaping the future of Summer Work Travel.
You work with Greenheart. You believe in this program. You value the people behind it.
So, why not be in the room?
And if you still need a little more convincing, take a look at the reasons below.
Because your program deserves more than just “business as usual”
If Summer Work Travel plays a role in your operations, you already know it’s more than just hiring participants – it’s about creating a meaningful, well-run cultural exchange experience.
The Work and Travel Conference is where that experience gets stronger. From practical insights to real-world problem solving, this is your opportunity to refine your approach and set your program up for success in seasons ahead.
Be a part of the conversations shaping the future of SWT
This year, we’re not just talking about the program – we’re bringing those conversation to where it matters most.
With sessions featuring leadership from the U.S. Department of State and the Alliance for International Exchange, plus Hill visits, you’ll gain firsthand insight into the policies, priorities, and advocacy efforts impacting Summer Work Travel.
You’ll leave informed, prepared, and empowered to be a part of what comes next.
Connect with the people who make it all happen
There’s no other setting where you’ll find this mix of perspectives in one place:
- Greenheart Staff
- Fellow Host Organizations
- International Sending Partners
- Industry partners and program experts
This is your space to share challenges, exchange ideas, and build relationships that make your program stronger year after year.
Turn purpose into Action
This year’s theme – Purpose. Perseverance. Impact. – isn’t just something we’ll talk about.
From collaborative sessions to our hands-on volunteer project, you’ll have the chance to engage with Greenheart’s mission in a tangible way – connecting with your industry counterparts while giving back to the local community.
A location you won’t want to miss!
Let’s be honest – you don’t need much convincing here.
For the first time, we’re bringing the conference to Alexandria, just minutes from Washington, DC. Think cobblestone streets, waterfront views, and easy access to some of the most iconic landmarks in the country.
Between sessions, dinners, and excursions, you’ll experience a destination that’s equal parts historic, vibrant, and inspiring.
As always, we’ll make time for what matters most – great meals, meaningful conversations, and a lot of fun along the way.
Hotel Details
Hilton Alexandria Old Town
Hilton Alexandria Old Town
1767 King Street, Alexandria, Virginia, 22314, USA
+1 703-837-0440Located in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, our conference hotel offers convenient access to the area’s historic charm, waterfront, and local dining. With a Metro stop just steps from the entrance, getting to and from Washington, DC is quick and easy.
We’ve secured a discounted rate exclusively for conference attendees—use the link below to secure our rate!
Plan Your Travel
Whether you’re traveling from DCA or IAD, below are options to make your travel a breeze to get to the hotel.
Traveling to Hilton Alexandria Old Town from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
Metro
Traveling to Hilton Alexandria Old Town from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
Cost: ~$2.25–$3.75 | Time: ~20–25 min
- Follow signs from your terminal to the Metro station — it’s connected directly to DCA via a covered walkway.
- Take the Yellow or Blue Line toward Huntington/Franconia-Springfield.
- Ride 2 stops to King Street–Old Town station.
- Exit and walk ~10 minutes up King St toward the hotel, or grab a free King Street Trolley (runs every 15 min, free) heading west along King St — it stops right near the hotel.
💡 Tip: Buy or tap a SmarTrip card at the airport kiosks. Fares vary by time of day.
Taxi & Rideshare
Cost: ~$15–$30| Time: ~15–20 min
From baggage claim, follow signs to Ground Transportation — taxis and rideshares are both on the arrivals curb.
Rideshare: Open Uber or Lyft and set your destination to Hilton Alexandria Old Town, 1767 King St. Budget $25–$30 during peak hours (mornings, evenings, weekends).Taxi: Head to the taxi stand and grab a metered cab; expect roughly $20–$28 plus tip.
Traveling to Hilton Alexandria Old Town from Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Metro – Silver Line
Cost: ~$3.85–$6.00 + bus fare | Time: ~75–90 min
- From the main terminal, take the IAD airport shuttle bus (free, runs every 10–20 min) to the Wiehle–Reston East Metro station.
- Board the Silver Line toward Largo Town Center / Huntington.
- Ride to L’Enfant Plaza (~50 min), then transfer to the Yellow Line south toward Huntington.
- Get off at King Street–Old Town station.
- Walk ~10 min up King St, or catch the free King Street Trolley to the hotel.
💡 Alternatively, a Silver Line Express bus ($5) runs directly from IAD to Wiehle–Reston East, skipping the shuttle.
Taxi & Rideshare
Cost: ~$60–$90 | Time: ~40–60 min
IAD is far enough that taxis and rideshares price similarly for this trip. Taxis from Dulles have a flat-rate zone system to Northern Virginia destinations — Alexandria typically falls in the $65–$75 range. Uber/Lyft will run about $55–$85 depending on surge pricing, and can be higher during peak hours or bad traffic on the Dulles Toll Road (I-267).
Taxi: Head to the taxi stand on the arrivals curb (lower level). No app needed; flat rate applies.
Rideshare: Follow signs to the designated rideshare pickup area on the arrivals level and request through the app.
Budget an extra $10–$15 at rush hour regardless of which you choose.Explore Alexandria
We’ll be located right in the Old Town of Alexandria. It’s a 30 minute train ride to our Nation’s Capital. Old Town Alexandria sits along the Potomac River and serves as the city’s historic core. Dating back to the 1700s, it’s known for its preserved buildings, charming cobblestone streets, and scenic waterfront.
Things to do:
Old Town Waterfront A leisurely walk down King Street from the hotel brings you to the Potomac riverfront. The cobblestone streets, historic row houses, and open waterfront make this the heart of the Old Town experience — great at any time of day, and free.
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum — A landmark of colonial American history, this 18th-century tavern and hotel was a gathering place for the Founding Fathers — George Washington celebrated two of his birthdays here. The museum gives a vivid look at colonial life, and you can even dine in the restored tavern next door.
Eats & Coffee:
Theismann’s Restaurant & Bar – steps away from the hotel; Named after NFL legend and former Washington quarterback Joe Theismann, this lively American sports bar and restaurant.
Virtue Feed & Grain — A beautiful rustic-chic restaurant in a converted 1800s grain storage facility. The wagyu birria burger is the star.
Matt & Tony’s All Day Kitchen + Bar — A beloved all-day spot in Del Ray neighborhood, open from 8am. The french toast and smash burger are both excellent.
Milk & Honey Southern Inspired Kitchen — Soulful southern brunch on King Street.ESP Tea & Coffee – A local favorite right on King Street near the hotel
Hypergoat Coffee Roasters – they roast all their own beans locally, the baristas are genuinely passionate about the craft, and have excellent latte art. 5-minute walk from the hotel
Misha’s Coffee – The classic Old Town coffee institution, open since 6 am every day of the week. 8 minute walk.
Maman Coffee – A French-inspired café that’s become a quick favorite since opening in Old Town. The space is beautifully decorated with a cozy and European feel. 10 minute walk away from the hotel.
In DC:
Lincoln Memorial One of the most iconic sites in the country. The view down the Reflecting Pool toward the Washington Monument is especially stunning at dusk or after dark, when the monument is illuminated. Open 24 hours, free.
Washington Monument At 555 feet, it remains the tallest stone structure in the world. The panoramic views from the top are worth the trip — book the $1 elevator tickets in advance on the NPS website, as they sell out quickly. Open daily 9 am–5 pm.
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History – The crown jewel of the National Mall. The Hope Diamond, towering dinosaur fossils, an ocean hall, and a human origins exhibit . Free, open daily 10am–5:30pm.
National Gallery of Art – One of the finest art collections in the world, housed in a stunning building. Da Vinci, Rembrandt, Monet, and Picasso — plus a gorgeous interior garden. Free, open daily 10am–5pm.
DUA DC Coffee — Indonesian-inspired specialty coffee with meticulously sourced beans. The owner is on-site and loves talking coffee.
Register Here
Ready to join us in Alexandria?
We can’t wait to see you there!
