NJ Chamber 80th Annual Walk to Washington Train Ride & Congressional Dinner

Event Phone: 908-233-3021

On February 16th, take a ride on a chartered train to Washington DC with NJ movers and shakers: 900 business executives, legislative leaders–including Governor Chris Christie, Senator Bob Menendez, Senator Cory Booker and Representative Chris Smith–and members of the news media. Everyone walks the aisles of the train to make great business connections, but that’s only the beginning. The reception and Congressional Dinner in Washington DC are great opportunities to make new connections and meet other businesses looking for the products and services you offer. The train will return to NJ on February 17th, which provides even more networking opportunities.

This event is New Jersey’s premier business event for 80 years, attracting New Jersey leaders in every industry. Don’t miss this opportunity for conversation, visibility and camaraderie that will ultimately help your business grow and succeed. This is the first time our members have been given the unique chance to participate! Reduced cost for our chamber members is $599 (a $100 savings). Price includes train transportation, cocktail reception, and dinner. Hotel stay is additional. Discounted rates are offered at the Marriot Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, DC, the location of the cocktail hour and dinner.

Also included is the Friday Morning Reporter’s Roundtable and two pre-boarding breakfast/brunch networking events.

Gene Jannotti, our executive director, will be participating. We hope you will join him for the #ChamberTrain!

Photos from the 2016 Walk to Washington Train Ride

Photos from the 2016 Walk to Washington Congressional Dinner

Hailed as the state’s premier business event since 1937

For 79 years, Chamber members have boarded a special Amtrak charter train and traveled to the nation’s Capital to discuss with the state’s top political leadership how to make New Jersey a better place to do business. Join us for unprecedented opportunities for conversation, visibility and camaraderie.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why walk the walk?

To mingle with the state’s movers and shakers and make connections that will help your business grow and succeed. Ride the rails and meet face-to-face with as many potential clients as possible.

What is the Walk to Washington?

The tradition began in 1937 when several of the state’s top business executives took a train to Washington to have dinner with New Jersey’s congressional delegation – and the rest is history. Soon the event’s popularity made it necessary to charter a private train to the nation’s capital. And because everyone on the train walks the aisles, discussing issues and opportunities the event became known as the Walk to Washington. The adventure begins when the Chamber’s chartered Amtrak train departs Newark and our other scheduled stops – Metropark, New Brunswick, Trenton, Philadelphia and Wilmington – for the ride to Washington.

What is the Congressional Dinner?

It’s your best opportunity of the year to meet people, make connections, and build your business. The trip hits a crescendo when the train reaches the nation’s capital and guests gather at the Marriott Wardman Park for a cocktail reception, the Congressional Dinner and a dessert buffet extravaganza that allows the networking to continue into the night.

Need more reasons to attend?

You can participate in the many related events provided by leading New Jersey businesses and organizations. Post-dinner hospitality suites and morning breakfasts are all part of the tradition. Our chartered Amtrak train leaves Union Station in Washington late Friday morning and gets you home in time for dinner.