Washington DC Monument

Let's Do the Extraordinary

Washington D.C.

Darden will take center stage in Washington, D.C. with a series of high-profile events designed to showcase Darden’s thought leadership, energize alumni and engage prospective students. From technology and innovation to the future of lifelong learning, these gatherings reinforce Darden’s reputation as a convener of ideas and a catalyst for change.

sands family grounds photo

Expanding Darden's Presence and Impact in the D.C. Area

24-30 October 2025

Beginning with the Batten DC Tech Connect at the Sands Family Grounds, an immersive experience connecting Darden students, alumni and industry leaders at the intersection of technology, entrepreneurship and policy kicks off D.C. event. The following day, the inagural Darden Defense Conference launches at Sands Family Grounds with panel discussions to include discussions on the defense sector through the lens of numerous perspectives. Programming continues with The Future of Lifelong Learning at Work Conference, hosted by the Sands Institute, bringing together executives, policymakers and academics to shape the national dialogue on workforce transformation in the age of AI.

The celebration culminates with signature Advancement events, including a Trustee Dinner honoring Frank Sands and the Darden School Foundation Board of Trustees Campaign Celebration, underscoring the School’s momentum and its vision for impact on a global scale.

23 September*

  1. Admissions & Alumni Reception

    Separate from the line up of programming in October, but part of the celebration of doing the extraordinary, please join Darden for an evening at Sands Family Grounds that will bring together alumni, prospective students and members of the Darden community to connect, share experiences and celebrate what makes our culture unique. Highlights will include remarks from Vice Dean Melissa Thomas-Hunt on the “State of the School” and engagement in lively conversations with fellow alumni, prospective students, and school leaders.

    Prospective Student Registration

    Alumni Registration

Friday, 24 October

  1. Batten DC Tech Connect

    The Batten Institute for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Technology at UVA's Darden School of Business welcomes students and alumni to for our annual flagship tech event, DC Tech Connect on Friday 24 October at UVA Darden DC Metro. The event will bring a confluence of Darden students, alumni and industry leaders together for a day of networking and immersion in the latest in tech in DC and beyond.   

Saturday, 25 October

  1. Darden Defense Conference 2025

    The Darden School of Business invites students and alumni to its inaugural Defense Conference this Saturday, October 25 at Sands Family Grounds in Arlington, VA. The event will feature keynote remarks from Arnold Punaro, retired U.S. Marine Corps Major General and former Staff Director of the Senate Armed Services Committee, followed by eight panels exploring the defense sector through the lens of strategic leadership, innovation, private equity, entrepreneurship, and more.

27-28 October

  1. The Future of Lifelong Learning at Work: How Partnerships Between Organizations and Higher Ed Create Opportunity for the Workforce Conference 

    The Future of Learning at Work: A Roadmap for Talent Development in the Age of AI was the Sands Institute's inaugural summit, which brought together thought leaders in lifelong learning from Ed Tech, academia, private equity, policymaking and corporations. Featuring panel discussions, expert speakers, case discussion and special events, this interactive summit aimed to shape the national conversation on how AI is revolutionizing the approach and role of lifelong learning in today’s modern workforce. 

29-30 October

  1. Powered by Purpose Campaign Celebration

    Honoring the vision, generosity and momentum of transformational gifts driving Darden forward.