United States Eventing Association

The United States Eventing Association, Inc. (USEA) staff can’t wait to welcome members to their backyard for the 2026 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention on Dec. 11-13 in Arlington, Virginia! With the company headquarters in Leesburg, Virginia, this year’s convention will be just a hop, skip, and a jump from the day-to-day operations of the USEA in Area II. From its close proximity to Washington DC, to the endless opportunities to experience U.S. history in the surrounding area, Arlington is the perfect destination to reconnect with your fellow eventing enthusiasts!

In addition, this year’s event will celebrate a new class of inductees to the U.S. Eventing Hall of Fame. On the evening of Saturday, Dec. 12, members will be invited to celebrate the 2026 Class at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City, the host hotel for this year’s Convention. The USEA Board of Governors will be nominating five riders and one horse to join the ranks this year and further announcements on the inductees will be made later this fall.

If you would like to get a headstart on planning, consider booking your room in the USEA hotel room block at the Hyatt Regency today! Click here to secure your spot for Dec. 11-13 now. Single king bed and two double bed options are available and range in price from $159 to $179 per night. Prices will increase after the room block closes in November, so don’t wait to secure your discounted rate. If you travel into town through Reagan National Airport (DCA), you will be able to easily get to your final destination at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City, as they run a complimentary shuttle from the airport every 20 minutes.

While you’re in town, there are so many ways to explore Northern Virginia after meetings adjourn each day. Starting off with the host city, Arlington is a history buff’s dream! It is home to the 639-acre Arlington National Cemetery, where more than 400,000 active-duty service members, decorated veterans, retired military personnel, former POWs, and more have been laid to rest since 1864. Honor the extraordinary lives of American heroes, like President John F. Kennedy and Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, and visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and other memorials on site. Admission is free and open to the public daily.

The National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial is also located in Arlington, near the site of the attack on the Pentagon on that fateful day. The memorial honors the lives and memory of the victims of the attack with a bench dedicated to each person. The U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, based on the iconic image of the second flag-raising on Iwo Jima in 1945, is dedicated to all Marines who have given their lives to their country since 1775, and provides a panoramic view of the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and the Capitol just across the river.

If you’re looking for a nice place to stroll, Theodore Roosevelt Island Park, named after the outdoorsman President, is a great option to walk or bike through miles of forested trail. Another option is Gravelly Point off George Washington Memorial Parkway. This riverside park is a great place to exercise and watch planes take off and land at nearby Reagan National Airport.

Before the Pentagon was constructed in the 1940’s, Arlington was home to a thriving African American neighborhood called Queen City, which is now honored by an artistic tribute in Metropolitan Park. Many of the residents of Queen City were descendants of enslaved people who had gained their freedom during the Civil War.

If shopping is your game plan, consider the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City. This world-class mall is home to over 140 stores including major brands, outlets, and dozens of restaurants. The Crossing at Clarendon is another great option for shopaholics, offering iconic national brands, local boutiques, and restaurants of various international flavors.

For those looking to get out on the town in the evenings, Bubbles at Ms. Peacock’s Champagne Lounge is a must! This plush, elegant lounge is the perfect place to relax after a day of meetings and unwind with friends. Another fun option is Salt, an underground speakeasy hideaway nestled in the heart of Rosslyn. The warm, intimate vibe of this underground oasis is the ideal setting for a cold December night.

Stay tuned for more features and local attractions in Northern Virginia. For more information on the 2026 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention in Arlington, Virginia on Dec. 11-13, please visit useventing.com/convention. If you have any questions about the Annual Meeting & Convention, please contact Jennifer Hardwick, Senior Director of Membership Services and Meeting Planning, at [email protected].

About the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention

The USEA Annual Meeting & Convention takes place each December and brings together a large group of dedicated USEA members and supporters to discuss, learn, and enjoy being surrounded by other eventing enthusiasts. The USEA organizes multiple seminars in addition to committee meetings, open forums, and tons of fun! The 2026 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention and Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place in Arlington, Virginia, on Dec. 11-13. Click here to learn more about the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention.

The USEA would like to thank the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention Sponsors: Adequan, ARMA, Bates Saddles, D.G. Stackhouse & Ellis, Gallagher’s Water, Horse & Country, Kerrits, Marshall+Sterling Equine Insurance, Nunn Finer, Nutrena, PulseVet, Rebecca Farm, RevitaVet, Ride iQ, Schneiders Saddlery, SmartEquine, Standlee, and World Equestrian Brands.