Annual Meeting
The Annual Meeting is the Association’s most important and popular means of bringing its members together. This three-day event in the nation’s capital gives the opportunity for former Members to discuss the Association’s past and future programs. Along with receptions, luncheons, banquets, and a board meeting, former Members attend several presentations and panel discussions about current issues, international affairs, and the political climate. The meeting also includes a press panel discussion featuring commentators such as Charlie Cook, Cokie Roberts, Chris Matthews, and many other journalists from leading media outlets.
As stipulated in the Association’s charter, during the Annual Meeting, the Association presents its annual report to Congress to outline its work during the past year. In addition, an annual business meeting is held where the membership elects the Association officers and Board of Directors.
The highlight of the Annual Spring Meeting is when the Association honors one of its own with the Distinguished Service Award recognizing exceptional congressional service. This moving ceremony takes place on the Floor of the House of Representatives. Past recipients of this award include: Gerald Ford, John McCormack, Lewis Deschler, Sam Ervin, Nelson Rockefeller, George Mahon, Clare Booth Luce, John J. Rhodes, Edmund Muskie, Hugh Scott, Al Gore, Bill Richardson, Jack Kemp, and Clarence Brown, George Mitchell, and Lou Frey.
For the first time, the 2009 Annual Meeting feature the Congressional Charity Golf Classic as part of its program. The golf tournament, and dinner at Army Navy Country Club, served as a kickoff celebration for the meeting.