Meeting Location

📍 Fuse at Mason Square — 3401 Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22201, USA

Fuse at Mason Square is a state-of-the-art innovation hub and meeting venue in Arlington, Virginia. It’s part of Mason Square, the Arlington campus of George Mason University (GMU) and sits at the center of the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor with restaurants, hotels, and transit options nearby.

The campus is just a short walk from the Virginia Square–GMU Metro station (Orange/Silver Lines), making public transit access straightforward whether you stay in Washington DC or neighboring Clarendon, Rosslyn, Ballston, or Court House areas.

The region can be very dense with traffic on weekdays during rush hour! Using public transportation can be a fast and affordable way to get around during peak rush hour times (~7:00am – 10:00am; 3:00pm – 6:00pm). Public transport is not 24/7 however, so very late/early arrivals — before 5am or after 12am — should consider cabs instead.

Airports

Major Airports Serving the Region

Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA)

• Closest airport to the venue (about 15–20 minutes by car or taxi/ride-hail).
• Public Transit available on the Blue Line Metro to Largo with transfer to the Silver Line (to Ashburn) at Rosslyn.
• Located in Arlington, VA, just across the Potomac River from downtown Washington, D.C.

Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)

• Serves most domestic and international flights in the region.
• Located in Dulles, VA (~45–60 minutes by car/ride-hail).
• Transit options include the Silver Line Metro

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)

• An alternative option further north (~60–90 minutes by car).
• Several Shuttles connect to Washington DC: GO The Airport Shuttle and SuperShuttle provide direct service to hotels and locations throughout Washington, DC, often starting around $90.
• Shuttles from Airport to the MARC and Amtrak also connect to Washington DC. Amtrak requires pre-booking. Then cab or train to Virginia Sq/GMU.

Amtrak / Commuter Rail

• Long-distance and commuter rail services (e.g., Amtrak, VRE) serve Union Station in Washington, D.C.
• From Union Station, take Red Line to Metro Center and transfer to the Orange/Silver Line to reach Virginia Square–GMU.

Parking & Traffic

• Street parking and parking garages are available near Mason Square (rates vary; check local signage).
• Here is a video of how the parking system works! https://youtu.be/MB280UidCrk The garage in the video is the Fuse Garage and it is just below the conference center.
• The parking system is called Metropolis parking. You can download the app ahead of time and add your vehicle but this can also be done day-of as seen in the video. It is drive-in/drive-out. 
• The easiest garage to access the conference from is the Fuse Garage. On the off-chance it is full, the Van Metre garage and building is connected to Fuse from the ground floor. The cost listed is correct at $19 per day.
• Map: https://transportation.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/26-009-Campus-Map-Mason-Square_ATI.pdf
• Street parking is also available but more challenging.
• Arlington traffic can be heavy during peak commute hours; allow extra travel time.

Where to Stay

Within Easy Access of the Venue (Walkable or Short Transit)

Fuse is just a 5 minute walk from the Virginia Square/GMU Metro stop which makes many options readily available for lodging. Driving in this region be congested and a little challenging so public transit is often preferred if staying outside of northern Virginia area (i.e., DC).

Central Arlington / Ballston Area (Orange & Silver Metro Lines)
Staying in this neighborhood puts you within 15 minutes of the meeting location by foot or Metro.

• Residence Inn by Marriott Arlington Ballston – Highly-rated extended-stay option with spacious suites and kitchen facilities, ideal for multi-night stays.
• Hilton Arlington – Upscale full-service hotel with modern amenities and restaurants nearby.
• Holiday Inn Arlington at Ballston by IHG – Mid-range choice close to shops, dining, and transit.
• Comfort Inn Ballston – Comfortable, affordable stay a short walk from Ballston Metro, convenient for DC exploration.
• Placemakr Marymount Ballston – Contemporary option with apartment-style units and in-unit kitchenettes.

Courthouse / Rosslyn Neighborhoods (Nearby Metro Stops)
These areas are a short Metro ride or taxi from Virginia Square and offer many lodging choices.

• Hyatt Place Arlington/Courthouse Plaza – Good mid-range choice next to Courthouse Metro and dining.
• Hilton Garden Inn Arlington/Courthouse Plaza – Comfortable rooms and easy access to transit and restaurants.
• Residence Inn by Marriott Arlington Courthouse – Extended-stay hotel with suites and modern amenities.
• Clarion Collection Hotel Arlington Court Suites – Budget-friendly option in the Courthouse area.

Other Notable Nearby Options

• Hilton Arlington Rosslyn The Key – Stylish hotel in Rosslyn with views toward DC.
• Sonesta Select Arlington Rosslyn – Well-rated hotel near restaurants and nightlife.

Hotels on the Orange Line in DC also make the venue easily accessible with a short train ride.

☀️ Climate

Summers are hot and humid (80–95°F / 27–35°C)! Sometimes we get lucky in early June. Most hotels have air-conditioning in-room. Keep in mind

• Afternoon thunderstorms are common so perhaps pack light raingear or umbrellas
• Indoor spaces are air-conditioned and can get quite cold. A light sweater may be useful

Attractions

Arlington’s central location makes it easy to explore both Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. Many major landmarks are accessible within 10–25 minutes via Metro from the Virginia Square–GMU station.

🏛 Washington, D.C. and Arlington Landmarks (10–20 minutes by Metro)

Lincoln Memorial – Iconic memorial overlooking the Reflecting Pool.
National Mall – The heart of D.C., home to monuments and museums.
Smithsonian Institution Museums – Free admission to world-class museums including Natural History, American History, and Air & Space.
Other museums – popular choices include the International Spy Museum or The Mansion on O Street
United States Capitol – Historic seat of the U.S. Congress (advance tour reservations recommended).
Arlington National Cemetery – Historic military cemetery and site of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Theodore Roosevelt Island – Scenic walking trails along the Potomac River.

🍽️Food in the Area

The Fuse at Mason Square is in the Rosslyn–Ballston corridor, which offers a wide range of international dining options within walking distance of the meeting location. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch between sessions or a relaxed dinner with colleagues, there are many choices nearby with a range of prices. It is also easy to get delivery to the building during the day. Some popular choices include:

Ambar Clarendon – Balkan small plates with vegetarian-friendly options with a popular all-you-can-eat
Ballston Quarter – Indoor food hall and multiple casual dining options.
Northside Social – Coffee, pastries, sandwiches, and a comfortable meeting space.
El Pollo Rico Arlington – Local favorite for Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken, served with classic sides like yuca and coleslaw
Sweetgreen – In Clarendon (<10 minute walk). Fresh salads, grain bowls, and seasonal ingredients