in D.C. The pop culture convention Awesome Con debuted at the center in 2013. After a successful debut (and some growing pains), the annual event has grown to become one of the largest fan conventions on the East Coast of the United States. The 2013 event drew about 7,000 attendees. The 2017 event hosted 70,000 attendees. Celebrity guests have included David Tennant, John Boyega, Stan Lee, Alex Kingston, William Shatner, George Takei and many others. Since 2014 the National Book Festival has been held at the center. In 2016, Otakon revealed at their Road to D.C. panel part of Otakon 2016 that the Walter E. Washington Convention Center will actually be the 8 year host of Otakon, starting with Otakon 2017 and going through at least until Otakon 2024. The Frederick Classic on the Hill women's gymnastics tournament is held at the convention center. In December 2022, President Biden hosted delegations from 49 African nations at the Convention Center for the United States–Africa Leaders Summit 2022. The old Washington Convention Center The previous Washington Convention Center was located one block southwest at 909 H Street NW, occupying the city block bounded by New York Avenue, 9th Street, H Street and 11th Street. Construction on the center began in 1980, and it opened on December 10, 1982. At , it was the fourth largest facility in the United States at the time. However, during the 1980s and 1990s, numerous larger and more modern facilities were constructed around the country, and by 1997 the Washington Convention Center was only the 30th largest facility. After being replaced by the new Walter E. Washington Convention Center, the old convention center was imploded at approximately 7:30 a.m. on December 18, 2004. See also Lingua (sculpture) List of convention centers in the United States References External links WikiMapia site: transient/schedule/venue comments Convention centers in Washington, D.C. Boxing venues in Washington, D.C. Gymnastics venues in Washington, D.C. Landmarks in Washington, D.C. Multi-purpose stadiums in the United States Commercial buildings completed in 2003 Event venues established in 2003 2003 establishments in Washington, D.C. Shaw (Washington, D.C.)