date
October 2, 2025
location
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
Point of contact
Mayra Espinoza
Email: elcgala@elcinfo.com
Overview
The ELC Recognition Gala is The ELC’s most important fundraising event, supporting our scholarships, educational outreach and philanthropic initiatives and recognizing our mission, purpose and impact in action.
Held at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, the Gala celebrates the business achievements of executives, corporate board directors, entrepreneurs, thought leaders and academics who support diversity and inclusion in corporate America and the UK.
For more information, contact email elcgala@elcinfo.com.
2025 Theme
Event Details
The 2025 ELC Recognition Gala is proudly co-sponsored by Google and The Coca-Cola Company for the next three years. Melonie Parker, Google’s Chief Diversity Officer joins President and CEO of The Executive Leadership Council, Michael C. Hyter, and Board Chair, Shelley Stewart Jr., as prominent members of The ELC’s Gala Committee for 2025.
The event also recognizes corporations that demonstrate policies and practices that promote executives and their contributions. Awards given during the Gala include the following:
- The Alvaro L. Martins Heritage Award celebrates individuals who have consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication, active participation, and exemplary leadership within our esteemed community.
- The Achievement Award is presented to a corporate executive whose business and career achievements exhibit bold, transformative, and courageous leadership.
- The Global Game Changer Award honors a transformational global leader.
- The Corporate Award recognizes and celebrates companies that have exemplified the highest standards of partnership, collaboration, and commitment to advancing the careers and sphere of influence of corporate leaders within their organizations.
Quick Links
HONOREES
2024 ELC Week Honorees
Thursday October 2, 2025
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Pre-Gala Networking Reception
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Private VIP Networking Reception, by invitation only
6:30 pm - 9:15 pm
Recognition Gala
Doors open at 5:30pm
7:00 pm - 7:45 pm
Dinner
7:45 pm - 9:15 pm
Awards Program
9:30 pm - Midnight
Post-Gala Networking Reception
sponsors
The ELC applauds the commitment and support of the 2025 Recognition Gala sponsors:
Co-Lead Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsor
Bronze Sponsor
Sponsorship opportunities are available, to learn more contact elcgala@elcinfo.com
Private VIP Pre-Gala Networking Sponsor
Pre-Gala Networking Reception Sponsor
Post-Gala Networking Reception Sponsor
Gala Entertainment Sponsor
Post-Gala Entertainment Sponsor
Gala - Hotel Booking & Additional Details:
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
201 Waterfront St.
National Harbor, MD 20745
The Gala Week room block group rate at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center will be available through September 5, 2025, or while inventory lasts. We encourage you to book your room(s) as soon as possible to take advantage of these exclusive savings. To secure your room, follow the booking link HERE.
Once all group rate rooms have been reserved, any remaining rooms will be made available at the property’s best available rate.
Overflow Hotels
192 Waterfront St National Harbor, MD 20745
171 Waterfront Street National Harbor, MD 20745
156 Waterfront Street National Harbor
250 Waterfront Street Oxon Hill, MD 20745
101 MGM National Ave Oxon Hill, MD 20745
The ELC does not have a group block with any of the overflow properties. Room rates will be based on the property’s best available rate at the time of booking. Properties are listed by distance from our host hotel, Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center.
FAQS
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I purchase a table to attend the Gala?
Gala tables are currently sold out, and the waiting list is closed due to high demand. If the waiting list reopens, tables will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Note that submitting a waitlist request does not guarantee access.
When can I select my pre-paid Gala table(s)?
You can select your pre-paid Gala table(s) starting on February 15. Access to the selection platform will be granted to companies that have submitted full payment. If you make your payment after February 15, you will receive access within five (5) business days after we verify your payment submission.
How can I purchase individual tickets to attend the Gala?
Individual tickets are sold out and no longer available.
How will guests receive Gala tickets?
We’ve adopted a paperless ticket system. Companies will invite their table guests to register via the Gala Table Portal.
Once guests register, guests will receive an email with an electronic ticket and QR code.
Allow sufficient time for entry on the day of the event. All guests must show their electronic QR code for admission.
Are there other actions needed to ensure the team is registered besides just adding their name & email on the table list?
No, ensure your guests are properly registered on our Gala platform, including full name, email, and guest profile.
Can we have more than 10 guests at a table?
Guests attending ELC’s Recognition Gala are seated at tables of 10 guests per table; additional seats cannot be added.
What is the attire for ELC’s Recognition Gala?
Black-tie attire is required for ELC’s Recognition Gala.
My executive/I am attending multiple ELC events and programs the week of October 1-4, 2024, can I complete one registration for all programs and events?
No, each program requires a separate registration for attendees participating throughout the week.
My company wants to host a private reception for our executives and/or guests.
Private event space is subject to availability and requires a contract with the host hotel by August 1.
Availability is limited; contact elcgalaweek@thegrantaccess.com to request private event space for your company.
What time do Gala events begin?
- Pre-Gala Networking Reception: 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
- Recognition Gala: 6:00 – 9:15 p.m. (Doors open at 5:30 p.m.)
- Gala Networking Lounge*: 6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
- Post-Gala Networking Reception: 9:30 p.m. – Midnight
- *Gala Networking Lounge requires a separate ticket purchase and does not include access to Recognition Gala
Can I purchase additional tickets for the Post-Gala Networking Reception?
Yes, a limited number of individual tickets will be available for purchase to the Post-Gala Networking Reception at a cost of $500/ticket. Proof of purchase is required for entry and access to the Post-Gala Networking Reception. Tickets will be available closer to the event date.
Still have a question?
Contact us today to receive more information.
