Secure your The ELC 2026 Recognition Gala table today!
- October 28 – 31, 2026
- Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, National Harbor, MD
The ELC 2026 Gala Week
For 40 years, The Executive Leadership Council has developed leaders who perform at the highest levels of business and strengthened the leadership pipeline that sustains that excellence. Gala Week is the fullest expression of that mission.
ABOUT ELC GALA WEEK
Six Programs. Four Days. One Mission.
More than 3,000 members, students, and senior executives gather each year to develop, connect, and celebrate leadership at the highest levels of business.
The week spans the full leadership journey: from undergraduate and graduate students building the foundations of professional excellence, to mid-level professionals preparing for greater leadership responsibility, to CEOs and senior executives shaping organizations, industries, and the future of business. Together, these programs reflect The ELC’s commitment to building the pipeline of business leaders that organizations, communities and economies depend on.
The week is anchored by The ELC 2026 Recognition Gala, our signature fundraising event, which honors the leaders and institutions advancing the mission and generates the resources to carry it forward.
BUILT FOR EVERY STAGE
Six programs spanning four days, each designed for a distinct stage of the leadership journey and grounded in The ELC’s 40-year commitment to leadership excellence.
Agenda & Schedule
The 2026 ELC Recognition Gala is the flagship event of ELC Gala Week. This elegant evening brings together more than 3,000 leaders for an unforgettable night of celebration, recognition, networking, and impact.
| Pre-Gala Networking Reception | 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM | Connect with fellow attendees, executives, and honorees in a relaxed setting before the main program. |
|---|---|---|
| Doors Open for the Recognition Gala | 5:30 PM | Guests are invited to take their seats in the Potomac Ballroom. |
| ELC Recognition Gala Program | 6:00 PM – 9:15 PM | A powerful evening featuring dinner, inspirational remarks, recognition of outstanding leaders, corporate achievements, scholarship impact, and special entertainment. |
| Gala Networking Lounge | 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM | Separate access for additional networking (ticketed separately). Live stream of the Gala program available here. |
| Post-Gala Reception | 9:30 PM – Midnight | Continue the celebration with music, cocktails, and meaningful conversations. |
| Doors Open for the Recognition Gala | 5:30 PM | Guests are invited to take their seats in the Potomac Ballroom. | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELC Recognition Gala Program | 6:00 PM – 9:15 PM | A powerful evening featuring dinner, inspirational remarks, recognition of outstanding leaders, corporate achievements, scholarship impact, and special entertainment. | ||
| Gala Networking Lounge | 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM | Separate access for additional networking (ticketed separately). Live stream of the Gala program available here. | ||
| Post-Gala Reception | 9:30 PM – Midnight | Continue the celebration with music, cocktails, and meaningful conversations. | ||
| ELC Recognition Gala Program | 6:00 PM – 9:15 PM | A powerful evening featuring dinner, inspirational remarks, recognition of outstanding leaders, corporate achievements, scholarship impact, and special entertainment. | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gala Networking Lounge | 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM | Separate access for additional networking (ticketed separately). Live stream of the Gala program available here. | ||
| Post-Gala Reception | 9:30 PM – Midnight | Continue the celebration with music, cocktails, and meaningful conversations. | ||
Join Us at the 2026 ELC Recognition Gala
Be part of the signature event of ELC Gala Week on October 30, 2026, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Maryland.
Meet our speakers
Serial Entrepreneur and co-founder of Fearless Fund
Producer and CEO, Will Packer Productions
Founder and CEO, BCT Partners
Author, Board Member, C-Suite Leader, Speaker
Serial Entrepreneur and co-founder of Fearless Fund
LEADERSHIP THAT ENDURES
For 40 years, The ELC Recognition Gala has celebrated leaders and institutions whose impact, leadership and service have shaped business and strengthened the executive pipeline. These are among the honorees who have helped define that legacy.
Former The ELC President & CEO
2025 Alvaro L. Martins Heritage Award Honoree (Posthumously)
Strategic Advisor to the Office of the CEO, Paramount
2025 Achievement Award Honoree
Marvin Ellison, President & CEO
2025 Corporate Award Honoree
Luminas Strategy CEO & Founder
2024 Alvaro L. Martins Heritage Award Honoree
Former Dallas Mavericks CEO
2024 Achievement Award Honoree
Christophe Beck, Chairman, President & CEO
2024 Corporate Award Honoree
Equitable, Independent Board Member
2023 Alvaro L. Martins Heritage Award Honoree
Ariel Investments, C0-CEO
2023 Achievement Award Honoree
Brian Doubles, President & CEO
2023 Corporate Award Honoree
ELC Recognition Gala FAQ
Where is The ELC’s 2026 Recognition Gala taking place?
The ELC’s 2026 Recognition Gala dinner will be held in the Potomac Ballroom at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, National Harbor, MD on Friday, October 30, 2026.
How can I purchase a table to attend the Gala?
Chairman level Gala tables are currently sold out. To join our Gala table waitlist for Chairman level tables, please fill out this form. You will be contacted if a table becomes available.
To purchase Platinum, Gold, or Silver level tables, please complete your purchase through our Gala Table Selection & Registration Platform.
Please note: All invoices must be paid within 90 days. If payment is not received within this time, your table(s) will be canceled and made available to others.
How can I purchase individual tickets to attend the Gala?
Individual tickets are available to ELC members only and are limited to two tickets per ELC member. Purchase your ticket by clicking here. Please email elcgala@elcinfo.com if you have any questions.
How will guests receive their Gala tickets?
We’ve adopted a paperless ticket system. Companies will invite their table guests to register via the Gala Table Portal.
What time do Gala events begin?
Pre-Gala Networking Reception: 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Recognition Gala: 6:30 – 9:15 p.m. (Doors open at 6:00 p.m.)
Post-Gala Networking Reception: 9:30 p.m. – Midnight
Can we have more than 10 guests at a table?
Each Gala table accommodates 10 guests; additional seats cannot be added.
What is the attire for The ELC’s Recognition Gala?
Black-tie attire is required for The ELC’s Recognition Gala.Black-tie attire is required for The ELC’s Recognition Gala.
My executive/I am attending multiple The ELC events and programs the week of September 30th - October 3rd, 2025, can I complete one registration for all programs and events?
No, each program requires a separate registration for attendees participating throughout the week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? We’ve got answers.
Hotel FAQ
How can I reserve a hotel room at The ELC’s room block rate?
The ELC’s Gala Week room block will open on June 9th to Gala Week program sponsors and companies with fully paid Gala tables that plan to reserve ten (10) or more hotel rooms.
Individual room bookings will open on July 17th based on availability. Designated guests will be provided with details about hotel reservations, registrations, and invitations by their company’s table manager or point of contact. For specific questions regarding invites, event registration, or logistics, please reach out to your company’s table point of contact, as they manage these details.
How long will The ELC’s room block rate remain available?
The ELC’s room block rate will be available on a first-come, first-served basis until the block is sold out. We encourage booking as early as possible, as the room block is expected to sell out quickly.
The hotel rate at the Gaylord exceeds my budget. Can The ELC help negotiate my rate?
Unfortunately, due to staff capacity and limitations, The ELC cannot assist with negotiating individual rates. Once the room block is sold out, reservations will be subject to the Gaylord’s best available rate at the time of booking.
What other properties are available for booking?
The ELC does not have group blocks with any overflow hotels. Rooms at nearby properties will be subject to their best available rates at the time of booking. Below is a list of hotels near the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center.
AC Hotel National Harbor
156 Waterfront St
National Harbor, MD 20745
Distance: 0.2 miles
Hampton Inn & Suites National Harbor
250 Waterfront St
Oxon Hill, MD 20745
Distance: 0.3 miles
Residence Inn by Marriott National Harbor
192 Waterfront St
National Harbor, MD 20745 Distance: 0.2 miles
The Westin Washington National Harbor
171 Waterfront St
National Harbor, MD 20745
Distance: 0.3 miles
MGM National Harbor
101 MGM National Ave, Oxon Hill, MD 20745
Distance: 1.2 miles
For more options, consider searching nearby areas such as Alexandria, VA, or Washington, D.C., which offer additional accommodation with varying rates.
Stay Informed
Join our mailing list for updates about how The ELC is building an inclusive business leadership pipeline.
Contact
1301 K Street, NW
Suite 210 West
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 655-2952