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Photos From the 2026 White House Correspondents’ Soirée

The Embassy of Qatar and Washingtonian gathered in Georgetown on the eve of the annual WHCD

Concordia's CEO Matt Swift, His Excellency Meshal bin Hamad Al Thani Ambassador of the State of Qatar, and Washingtonian CEO Catherine Merrill

The night before the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, the Embassy of the State of Qatar and Washingtonian hosted another exceptional evening at the Four Seasons Georgetown. The moody ambiance was set by the dramatic drapery and décor that filled the space as guests arrived dressed in their best. Attendees danced to a vibrant DJ while enjoying decadent bites and lively conversation.

Special thanks to Concordia for their support of the evening. 

The event recognized charity organization Best Buddies, a nonprofit dedicated to aiding individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with a charitable donation.

Photographs by Dan Swartz, Joy Asico, and Jack Hartzman.

The Embassy of Qatar’s Dr. Hamad Al Muftah, Concordia CEO Matthew Swift, Mayor Bowser, and Washingtonian CEO Cathy Merrill
His Excellency Meshal bin Hamad Al Thani Ambassador of the State of Qatar, Congressman Darrell Issa, and former Congressman Jim Moran
Washingtonian’s Cathy Merrill, CBS News’ Norah O’Donnell, and Governor Gavin Newsom’s partner, Jennifer Siebel Newsom
Invariant’s Heather Podesta and Kessler Content’s Stephen Kessler
Washingtonian CEO Cathy Merrill, FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, FDA Deputy Commissioner Kyle Diamantas, and Concordia’s CEO Matt Swift
Qatar WHC 2026
Qatar Ambassador His Excellency Meshal bin Hamad Al Thani, Congressman Abraham Hamadeh, and Senior Advisor for the U.S. Agency for Global Media Kari Lake
Beehiiv co-founder and CEO Tyler Denk and associates
DC Fashion Fool Barnette Holston and Maggie O’Neill
Concordia’s Matthew Swift, The Embassy of Qatar’s Dr. Hamad Al Muftah, Lisa Oz, and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Oz
Yala Greek Ice Cream’s Chrys Kefalas, S-3 Group’s Ashley Davis, and Hines’ Tim Lowery
Secretary of D.C. Kimberly Bassett and The Embassy of Qatar’s Mr. Hamad Al Malik
Former Congressman Bart Gordon and wife Leslie Gordon
Congressman Abraham Hamadeh, Kenyan Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Christopher Kirigua, Congressman Marlin Stutzman, and The Embassy of Qatar’s Dr. Hamad Al Muftah
Monumental Sports partner and minority owner Michelle Freeman, S&R Evermay’s Kate Goodall, and The Bernstein Family Foundation’s Ami Aronson
The Embassy of Qatar’s Dr. Hamad Al Muftah and Mayer Brown LLP’s Charley Lanter
The stunning décor set the tone for an unforgettable evening
Qatar WHC 2026
Three lucky winners scored unforgettable prizes, including a luxurious Four Seasons weekend getaway, an exclusive FIFA World Cup game package, and a private suite experience at Capital One Arena.
Allume Consulting’s Jairo Ward, the Embassy of the State of Qatar’s Legend Brumbaugh
DJ Kaltri kept the energy going all night
Washingtonian CEO Cathy Merrill and NOTUS Publisher Robert Allbritton
Causeway Strategy Group’s John McCarthy, Allume Consulting’s Jairo Ward, and White House Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of the National Economic Council Paige Wille
Charter Communications’ Catherine Bohigian and Meridian International Center CEO David Bohigian
World-renowned magician Sean Christopher showing off tricks to guests
MIT’s Karen Knutson, Noted Media’s Patrick Mellody, and Punchbowl’s Anna Palmer
Erin Sorrell and Treasury Departments’ Daniel Jackson
MME Strategies Missy Edwards and Hilton’s Katherine Lugar
Former Congressman Bart Gordon, National Interest’s Steve Clemmons, and Washington College’s Andrew Oros

 

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Aliza Flores
Coordinator, Marketing & Events