#1 Political Event
Washington
Reporters who cover the executive branch gather each spring for the city's "nerd prom," known for its wonkish guest list and inside-the-Beltway humor from an A-list comedian as well as the president. A long weekend of events from media brands such as Vanity Fair, The New Yorker, People, and MSNBC draw Hollywood and Washington celebrities to the pre-dinner cocktails, after-parties, and next-day brunches. Next: May 3, 2014
#2 Political Event
New York
Coinciding with U.N. Week each fall, former President Clinton’s marquee annual event has brought together 150 heads of state and garnered some $73 billion in pledges for global aid. Next: September 23-26, 2013
#3 Political Event
National
With gun control a major issue in Washington and across the country, the N.R.A. drew the largest crowd to its 2013 show at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston and also set an attendance record at the venue for a three-day conference. The show normally sees attendance in the low- to mid-70,000 range, but this year drew 86,228—a huge spike for a nonelection year. To accommodate the influx, the show increased its marketing of preshow registration, which grew from 5 percent to 30 percent. Speakers included former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, Texas Governor Rick Perry, and conservative broadcaster Glenn Beck. Next: April 25-27, 2014, Indianapolis
#4 Political Event
Aspen, Colorado
The Aspen Institute's high-minded gathering of politicians, scientists, educators, and celebrities challenges speakers to present a "big idea" in a short amount of time. The festival later makes the talks available as podcasts. Next: Summer 2014
#5 Political Event
Washington
The president's annual address to a joint session Congress has been invigorated over the years with theatrics such as Congress choosing bipartisan “dates” and the president inviting special guests—including Apple C.E.O. Tim Cook in 2013—to sit with the first lady. Next: January 2014
#6 Political Event
Washington
The conference draws as many as 350 members of Congress and includes keynote speeches from the sitting United States president and Israeli prime minister. The event, which drew 12,000 attendees in 2013, is the largest gathering of the pro-Israel movement. Next: March2-4, 2014
