Innovative Housing Showcase FAQs

Who should apply to exhibit in the Innovative Housing Showcase?

The Innovative Housing Showcase features prototype homes, new building technologies, information for future homebuyers, and housing counseling services.

Who should attend the Innovative Housing Showcase?

The purpose of the Innovative Housing Showcase is display new building technologies that can make housing more affordable and resilient. The Showcase is free and open to the public. In particular, homeowners, future homeowners, entrepreneurs, real estate professionals, contractors, lawmakers, civil servants, veterans, and military professionals are all encouraged to attend. There will be something of interest for everyone.

Where is the Innovative Housing Showcase?

The Innovative Housing Showcase is a temporary demonstration set up on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

How can I register to attend?

Registration is not required to attend the Innovative Housing Showcase. The Showcase is open to the public and free of charge.

Are children allowed to attend?

Children are welcome to attend the Innovative Housing Showcase. We kindly request that a parent or guardian is present with children at all times, especially when touring the prototype homes.

Is photography allowed?

Photography is permitted at the Showcase. Bullhorns, laser pointers, and other sound projecting items are prohibited.

How is security addressed at the Showcase?

Security will be present at the Showcase 24 hours a day throughout event and during the Exhibitor set-up and breakdown days.

Is parking available?

Parking around the National Mall is extremely limited. The closest metro location is the Smithsonian stop, which is accessible via the blue, orange, and silver metro lines. Capitol Bikeshare docking stations are also nearby.

Will the event be postponed or rescheduled due to weather?

The Showcase will not be rescheduled and will operate rain or shine. If severe weather should occur, some events may be canceled and Exhibits will be temporarily closed.

Is there a place to store bags and/or strollers?

Limited storage space will be available at the Showcase Information table; however, the Showcase is not responsible for any personal items.

Are there bathrooms on site?

There will be standard and ADA accessible portable restrooms on site. There are also National Park Service facilities on the National Mall.

Will food and beverages be sold at the Showcase?

Food and beverages will not be sold at the Showcase. A National Park Service concession stand is located nearby at the Air & Space Museum refreshment kiosk on Jefferson Drive SE near 4th Street SE. Food trucks are also frequently located near the National Mall.

Attendees are permitted to bring water bottles and food into the Showcase perimeter; however, these items will not be permitted inside the Exhibits.

Who can I contact about press opportunities and/or an Innovative Housing Showcase press kit?

Please email HousingShowcase@hud.gov.