The Meridian Ball
An Enduring Tradition at the Heart of Washington’s Diplomatic Community
Now in its 57th year, the Meridian Ball remains one of Washington’s most respected forums for advancing global engagement through diplomacy.
Each fall, the Ball convenes leaders from across sectors—including U.S. and foreign government, business, media, and the diplomatic corps—for a unique evening that supports Meridian’s mission: empowering the next era of leaders to advance diplomacy for a better future.
Whether attending an ambassador-hosted dinner or the White-Meyer Dinner on campus, guests engage in an evening designed to spark connection, advance shared interests, and invest in the next era of global leaders.
Legacy
Founded in 1969, the Meridian Ball was created to deepen ties between Washington’s diplomatic community and the American public through cultural exchange. Since then, it has evolved into one of the city’s most enduring and globally minded events.
Hosted at the historic Meridian House and White-Meyer House, the Ball has welcomed generations of global changemakers: cabinet secretaries and ambassadors, journalists and philanthropists, business leaders and artists. As one of the few remaining formal balls in Washington, it continues to offer a rare space where bipartisan exchange, cultural diplomacy, and diplomatic celebration coexist.
57th Annual Meridian Ball
OCTOBER 24, 2025
This year's Ball continues the tradition of uniting global and national leaders in support of Meridian’s diplomatic mission. Guests will begin the evening by attending an intimate Ambassador-hosted Dinner or the White-Meyer Dinner on Meridian’s campus. Following the dinners, guests gather for dancing, dessert, and conversation at Meridian's historic campus.
Ball Chairs
Sela and Art Collins
Congressional Co-Chairs
Senator Mark Warner & Ms. Lisa Collis and Senator David McCormick & The Honorable Dina Powell McCormick
Corporate Chair
General Motors
Global Engagement Chair
Intel Corporation
Innovation Chair
Cisco
Timeline
1969: The First Meridian Ball
In 1969, Meridian International Center inaugurated the first Meridian Ball, establishing what would become one of Washington, D.C.’s most distinguished diplomatic traditions. Conceived as both a celebration of international friendship and a way to support Meridian’s mission, the Ball brought together members of the diplomatic corps, government, business, and cultural leaders in an atmosphere of elegance and exchange.
The inaugural Ball kicked off the intertwining of the diplomatic community with all pockets of Washington society, uniting ambassadors, policymakers, philanthropists, and cultural figures under one roof. The event was chaired by Jane Sloat Ritchie, who would go on to chair the 50th Ball in 2018, symbolizing the continuity of tradition across five decades.
From its very beginning, the Meridian Ball stood apart by blending cultural sophistication with global purpose. The proceeds from the event directly supported Meridian’s programs, reinforcing the connection between the evening’s festivities and the advancement of diplomacy.
1970s - 1980s: Growing Tradition
By the 1970s and 1980s, the Ball had become a fixture of Washington’s diplomatic and social calendar. The hallmark Embassy Dinners emerged during this era, with ambassadors welcoming guests into their residences before reconvening at Meridian House and White-Meyer House for dancing and celebration.
The Ball also became a cornerstone of Meridian’s relationship with the diplomatic community, a partnership that grew through embassy collaborations and programs connecting the public and private sectors. A lasting tradition began with Mrs. Patricia Nixon as the first Honorary Chair—carried forward at the 14th Annual Ball in 1986, when First Lady Nancy Reagan served as Honorary Chair and Coca-Cola as corporate chair.
1990s: A Washington Institution
By the 1990s, the Meridian Ball had solidified its reputation as one of Washington’s premier diplomatic gatherings. The event attracted a growing roster of high-profile guests, from Cabinet officials and members of Congress to ambassadors and cultural leaders. Its reputation for elegance, inclusiveness, and purpose made it stand out from other Washington galas.
Through changes of presidential administrations, times of national and economic crises, and moments of societal upheaval, the Ball endured—remaining one of the few Washington events where diplomats, government, and business leaders from across parties, borders, and backgrounds set aside differences to build relationships that catalyze collaboration.
In 1993, the Ball celebrated its 25th anniversary, marking a quarter-century of convening leaders in the spirit of diplomacy. That milestone reflected not only the event’s longevity but also its enduring relevance as a bridge between Washington’s political, cultural, and international communities.
2000s - 2010s: A Modern Diplomatic Celebration
Entering the new millennium, the Meridian Ball embraced its role as a modern celebration of international friendship while preserving its timeless traditions. The Embassy Dinners continued to anchor the evening, with dozens of embassies across Washington opening their doors each year. The post-dinner festivities at Meridian House and White-Meyer House became renowned for their elegance, blending historic settings with contemporary flair.
In 2018, the Ball reached its 50th anniversary—a golden milestone that underscored its legacy as a Washington institution. The celebration honored five decades of advancing diplomacy through culture and connection, highlighting Meridian’s enduring mission to strengthen international collaboration.
2020s - Present: Continuing the Legacy
Even in the face of global challenges, the Meridian Ball has continued to thrive as a symbol of connection and resilience. In recent years, the event has adapted while maintaining its core traditions, reflecting the evolving nature of diplomacy in the 21st century.
The Ball’s philanthropic impact has also grown—supporting Meridian’s work to prepare leaders for today’s global challenges. Each year, the event directly contributes to Meridian’s cultural diplomacy programs, leadership exchanges, and initiatives that strengthen U.S. engagement with the world.
Past Meridian Balls
In the News
