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Everything you need to know to help you prepare for travel, arrive smoothly, and make the most of your time in the city
All About DC
All About DC
Washington, DC is the nation’s capital and home to iconic landmarks, museums, and historic neighborhoods. While our programming will take us across different parts of the city, DC is compact, walkable, and easy to navigate by rideshare.
Location Highlights
The National Mall (home to the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and Smithsonian museums)
Historic neighborhoods like Georgetown and Dupont Circle
A vibrant food scene with restaurants from around the world
Many free museums and cultural institutions
Weather in Late March
Spring is just beginning in DC during late March. Expect cool mornings and evenings with mild afternoons.
Typical conditions:
Average highs: 55–65°F
Average lows: 40–50°F
Possible light rain
Layers are your best friend!
Dress Code
Dress Code
We invite everyone to come as they are and wear whatever helps them feel most comfortable and confident throughout this experience. The goal is to create a space where you can focus on collaboration, creativity, thoughtful design, and the impact we’re working to create for students.
Monday
Events: Fellowship Dinner
Dress Code: Casual and comfortable, jeans welcome.
Tuesday
Events: Welcome Drinks & Bites
Dress Code: Come as you are! Casual and comfortable, jeans welcome.
Wednesday
Events: Full Cohort Design Sprint at the National Union Building
Dress Code: Casual and comfortable, with option to rep your campus.
Thursday
Events: Inspiration School Visits and Design Sprint at Center City Makerspace
Dress Code: Business casual and campus-appropriate attire. Option to add a pop of color.
What to Pack
What to Pack
Our convening will include a welcome reception, full day design sprint, school visits, exploring DC, and sharing meals together.
Recommended Items
Driver's license, state ID, or passport
Laptop and charger
Comfortable walking shoes
Light jacket, coat, or sweater
Umbrella or rain jacket
Reusable water bottle
Getting to DC
Getting to DC
Getting to the Airport
Getting to the Airport
Participants are responsible for transportation to and from their home airport or train/bus station. Please plan your travel so that you arrive at the hotel no later than 4:00 PM ET on your arrival day.
RC3 Fellows / System Leaders: Arrive by Monday, March 23 by 4:00 PM ET
Design Teams: Arrive by Tuesday, March 24 by 4:00 PM ET
Activating Your Uber Voucher
Activating Your Uber Voucher
Once you arrive in DC, you will take a rideshare to Hotel Zena. Fellows (system leaders) and travel captains will receive Uber vouchers that will allow you to call a rideshare car that bills automatically to Transcend. If you are a Fellow or a travel captain, ensure you have completing the below steps prior to your travel:
Download the Uber app from the appstore onto your phone
Create an account. Please note that you must include a credit card for payment when completing this process; if you utilize the voucher you will not need to pay for any rideshare charges using the card.
Prior to your travel date, Transcend will send a text message to all Fellows and Travel Captains with a link for an Uber voucher for rides between the DC airport and hotel.
Calling a Rideshare
Calling a Rideshare
Please click on the video to the left to see a step-by-step of how to utilize the Uber voucher to call a rideshare.
When you land:
Exit the airport and proceed to the rideshare pickup area
Open the voucher text and click on the link for more details
The link will automatically open the Uber app. Accept the voucher to be applied to your account
Request a rideshare to the pickup location nearest you in the airport or transit station (more details below).
Enter the hotel as your destination: Hotel Zena: 1155 14th St NW Washington, DC 20005
Confirm payment. Your Transcend voucher will automatically apply to the ride. Note: your phone may prompt you to pay for the ride with your card, but your card will not be charged for the amount as the system will utilize the voucher instead.
If the voucher does not apply, please save your receipt for reimbursement.
Reagan Airport Rideshare Instructions
Reagan Airport Rideshare Instructions
At Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), rideshare pickups are located on the outer curb of the Baggage Claim (Arrivals) level for Terminal 2, and the third outer curb for Terminal 1. Request your ride only after collecting luggage, as the app provides specific, real-time zone instructions. Follow app instructions to your specific green-flagged zone, generally on the 1st floor. See a detailed map of pickup locations here.
Location:
Terminal 1: Customers can meet their ride on the third (outer) curb.
Terminal 2: Customers can meet their ride on the Baggage Claim (Arrivals) Level -1st Floor on the outer curb. Please select Zone 1 through 4 based on your location.
Dulles Airport Rideshare Instructions
Dulles Airport Rideshare Instructions
Dulles (IAD) rideshare pickups (Uber/Lyft) are located on the ground level outside baggage claim. Exit through doors 2, 4, or 6 and locate your designated zone letter (e.g., 3A). Request your ride only after collecting luggage, as the app provides specific, real-time zone instructions. See a detailed map of pickup locations here.
Location: Lower Level (Baggage Claim), outer curb.
Zones: Curbs 3A-3H.
Union Station DC Rideshare Instructions
Union Station DC Rideshare Instructions
A dedicated taxi line is located outside of the Main Hall where you can call your rideshare. Dependent on the time of day, there may be significant traffic. Union Station offers a Kiss & Ride / Waiting Area on the bus deck level for passenger pick-ups and drop-offs that can be utilized as well.
Accessing the Kiss & Ride / Waiting Area
From outside the station: Enter the parking garage on H Street, bear right at the entrance, and follow signs for Kiss & Ride.
From inside the station: Go to the Mezzanine level using the spiral staircase near the Amtrak ticket counters, the escalator near Gate D, or the elevator near Gate E.
Hotel Information
Hotel Information
Hotel Zena
1155 14th St NW
Washington, DC 20005
Hotel Zena is located in downtown DC, close to Dupont Circle, Logan Circle, and the National Mall. Your hotel confirmation number will be sent directly to your email from the hotel. All participants will have their own room.
Check in begins at 3:00 PM. If your room is not ready, you may store your luggage at the front desk. Please note that the hotel will ask for the following at check-in:
Driver’s license or valid state ID
Credit or debit card for incidentals (the hotel will place a $125 hold on the card to cover any personal charges such as room service or other purchases outside of convening programming).
Hotel amenities include:
On-site restaurant and rooftop bar
Fitness center
Rooftop pool (seasonal)
24-hour valet parking
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