- October 28 – 31, 2026
- Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, National Harbor, MD
Elevate & Connect
October 29, 2026
8:00 PM – Midnight
151 St. George, National Harbor, MD
Contact For More information.
ABOUT Elevate & Connect
Elevate & Connect is the signature networking reception of The ELC 2026 Gala Week, and it’s open to every attendee.
Whether you’re here for one of our leadership programs or The ELC 2026 Recognition Gala, this is your chance to meet peers, reconnect with colleagues, and grow your network across The ELC community. Join us for an evening designed for the kind of relaxed conversations that turn new contacts into lasting relationships.
Thursday, October 29
8:00 PM – Midnight
151 St. George, National Harbor, MD
WHAT TO EXPECT
This year, The ELC Gala Week programs and events will impact over 3,000 members, students and esteemed guests at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Maryland.
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
Scholars
What is the Honors Symposium?
The Honors Symposium is a multi-day professional development experience comprising a series of events and meetings that connect and expose The ELC’s scholarship recipients to leading corporate executives and hiring managers from major global corporations.
When is the Honors Symposium?
The Honors Symposium is held from October 28, 2026 – October 31, 2026.
Where will the Honors Symposium be held?
The Gaylord National Resort in Maryland
Who attends the Honors Symposium?
ELC Scholarship recipients are invited to take part in the Honors Symposium.
Is Scholar participation mandatory?
Yes, Scholar participation is required for The ELC Scholars program. ELC Scholars are encouraged to attend the Honors Symposium for a unique professional development and networking experience.
What is the dress code for the Honors Symposium?
The dress code for the Honors Symposium is a blend of Business Casual, Business Professional, and Formal wear. Scholars will receive a packing list. All professional development sessions will require business attire. The gala will require formal attire.
How is travel arranged?
All travel (air, rail, or shuttle), lodging, group meals, and activities listed in the itinerary are covered by The ELC as part of the Scholar’s award package. ELC staff will work with each student to finalize and book travel.
Will lodging be arranged for those that attend college in the DMV area?
All Scholars are required to stay at the host hotel.
Are Scholars allowed to leave the hotel?
Scholars are advised against wandering, site-seeing or exploring the DC metro areas independently unless indicated in the Honors Symposium schedule.
Drugs & Alcohol Policy
The Honors Symposium is an alcohol and substance free professional development opportunity for all scholars regardless of age. The use of alcohol and/or drugs on or off the premises of an ELC sponsored event during the Honors Symposium is prohibited.
The ELC reserves the right to dismiss a Scholar from the Scholarship Program for violating ELC’s “Behavior and Alcohol/Drug Policy” at any time for misconduct.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? We’ve got answers.
Corporate Partners
How can my company participate in the 2026 Honors Symposium?
Scholarship sponsors have exclusive access to all scholar attendees with the unique opportunity to host a table during the exhibitor hall, speak on a panel and/or facilitate a breakout session.
Non-scholarship sponsors must email philanthropy@elcinfo.com to learn more about signing up as a career exhibitor.
What sessions are open to executives?
Registration is required for executives to attend the Pinning Ceremony on Thursday, October 29th.
HONORS SYMPOSIUM SPONSORS
Executive Convening Breakfast Sponsor
Stay Informed
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Contact
1301 K Street, NW
Suite 210 West
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 655-2952