Secure your 2026 Recognition Gala table today!

THE ELC 40TH ANNIVERSARY GALA

The ELC Recognition Gala is the signature event of Gala Week and the most important fundraising evening of The ELC calendar. For 40 years, the Gala has brought together the most accomplished executives, corporate board directors, and institutional leaders in business to celebrate excellence, honor impact, and generate the resources that sustain The ELC’s mission for the next generation.

40 YEARS OF HONORING EXCELLENCE

Each year, The ELC Recognition Gala honors individuals and organizations whose leadership has shaped business at the highest levels. The evening recognizes recipients of three distinguished awards presented to executives, institutions, and trailblazers whose contributions to leadership excellence reflect the very best of what The ELC stands for.

Achievement Award: Recognizes a corporate executive whose leadership has driven measurable enterprise impact, strengthened organizational performance, and influenced the next generation of executive leadership.
Alvaro L. Martins Heritage Award: Honors an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, sustained engagement, and meaningful service to The ELC community and to advancing leadership excellence across business and industry.
Corporate Award: Honors a company that demonstrates a strong commitment to leadership excellence, talent development, and enterprise performance — actively partnering with The ELC to advance business leadership across industries.

The ELC Recognition Gala is The ELC’s primary fundraising event, supporting scholarships, educational outreach, and the philanthropic initiatives that power the organization’s work year-round.

EXPERIENCE THE EVENING

Relive the excitement of the The ELC 2025 Recognition Gala.

Honors Symposium

October 28-31, 2026

Mid-Level Managers’ Symposium (MLMS)

October 28-31, 2026

ELC Recognition Gala

October 28-31, 2026

Honors Symposium

October 28-31, 2026

2026 Honorees

Announcements coming soon. Check back regularly for updates!

Arian Simone

Serial Entrepreneur and co-founder of Fearless Fund

Will Packer

Producer and CEO, Will Packer Productions

Dr. Randal Pinkett

Founder and CEO, BCT Partners

Laysha Ward

Author, Board Member, C-Suite Leader, Speaker

Arian Simone

Serial Entrepreneur and co-founder of Fearless Fund

EVENING 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		5:00 PM
Private VIP Networking Reception (By Invitation Only)		5:00 PM
Recognition Gala (Doors open at 6:00 PM)		6:30 PM
Dinner		6:45 PM
Awards Program		7:45 PM
Post-Gala Networking Reception		9:30 PM

Secure Your Table

Join the most important evening of The ELC calendar. Gold and silver tables are available for the 2026 Recognition Gala.

OUR SPONSORS

The ELC’s corporate partners represent leading institutions across industries. Their continued investment reflects a shared commitment to advancing leadership at scale.

Recognition Gala Sponsors

Co-Lead Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

VIP Pre-Gala Networking Sponsor

Post-Gala Networking Sponsor

Gala Week Sponsors

Heritage Hall Reception Sponsor

Private Executive Convening Sponsor