ELC Recognition Gala

October 5, 2023

The Gala celebrates the business achievements of Black executives, corporate board directors, entrepreneurs, thought leaders and academics who support diversity and inclusion in corporate America.

VIEW Frequently Asked Questions

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 Black executives, corporate board directors, entrepreneurs, thought leaders and academics who support diversity and inclusion in corporate America and the UK. 

For more information, contact Mayra Espinoza at elcgala@elcinfo.com.

2023 Theme

“United in Purpose” underscores the dedication of ELC members to unite in the face of adversity and amplify collective impact. The theme is a reminder of the legacy that each member carries, and a pledge to our Founders, each other, and future generations to continue the work of creating access for new Black corporate leaders.

The 2023 ELC Recognition Gala is proudly co-sponsored by Google and Coca-Cola for the next four years. Melonie Parker (Google) joins President and CEO, Michael C. Hyter, and Board Chair, Gale V. King, as prominent members of The ELC’s Gala Committee for 2023.

Quick Links

Honorees

The event also recognizes corporations that demonstrate policies and practices that promote Black executives and their contributions. Awards given during the Gala include the following:

  • The Alvaro L. Martins Heritage Award celebrates the Black business legacy.
  • The Achievement Award honors Black business achievement.
  • The Corporate Award recognizes achievement on behalf of Black executives.

Sponsors

The ELC applauds the commitment and support of the 2023 ELC Recognition Gala sponsors.

2023 Sponsorship list reflects sponsors with fully executed sponsorship agreements on file as of July 15, 2023.

Frequently Asked Questions

To reserve a Gala table for this year’s event, please complete ELC’s Gala Table Request Form. Submission of a Gala Table Request From does not guarantee purchase or table access. Full payment must be received by The ELC prior to confirming a company’s access to the Gala Table Platform. Please note, table inventory is limited, and tables will be made available on a first come first serve basis.

Currently, individual tickets are not available for purchase. If you are an ELC Member in good standing, please contact elcgala@elcinfo.com for more information.

Only one (1) designated company representative will be permitted to collect your company’s Gala tickets. This representative will be responsible for distributing the tickets to the company’s respective guests. All Gala attendees must present a valid Gala ticket to enter. Gala tickets will only be distributed to the designated company representative and will not be held for individual pick-ups.

In cases where a company purchased multiple tables, the designated representative for each table will receive 10 tickets per table. Gala table tickets are restricted to 10 guests per table, aligning with the availability of 10 seats per purchased Gala table.

Yes, on or about September 5th, all Gala table points of contact will receive an e-mail confirming ticket pick-up information and will-call pick-up hours during ELC Week (October 3-6, 2023). One designated company representative will be allowed to pick-up Gala tickets per company. The designated company representative will be responsible for distributing the company’s allotted tickets to your respective company’s guests. All Gala attendees will have to show and scan a valid Gala ticket to enter the venue.

Gala tickets will be distributed to one designated company representative. If your company bought multiple tables, 10 tickets per table will be distributed to your designated table representative. Your Gala table tickets are limited to 10 guests per table as only 10 seats are available per Gala table bought.

No. They just need their physical ticket to gain entry.

Due to fire Marshall enforced restrictions and regulations, we are unable to add seats at any table. Guests attending ELC’s Annual Recognition Gala are seated at tables of 10 guests per table.

The attire for ELC’s Annual Recognition Gala is black-tie attire. 

No, for attendees taking part in programs across the week of October 3-6, 2023, a separate registration for each program is required.

Private event space is subject to availability and must be secured directly with the property. The ELC will host a Pre-Gala Networking Reception, Recognition Gala, and Post-Gala Networking Reception on Gala night. ELC Members, corporate partners, and guests with a Gala ticket are invited to attend our events being held Gala night. NOTE: Gala tickets must be shown at the door to access all Gala night events.

  • Pre-Gala Networking Reception | 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
  • Recognition Gala | 6:00 – 9:15 p.m.
  • Post-Gala Networking Reception | 9:30 p.m. – Midnight 

Gala tables are sold out. To join the waitlist, please complete the Gala Table Waitlist Form. Submission of a Gala Table Waitlist Form does not guarantee purchase or table access. Should a table become available, the waitlist point of contact will receive an email from the ELC Gala Team to confirm details of the available table. Full payment must be received by The ELC prior to confirming a company’s access to the Gala Table Platform. Please note, table inventory is limited, and tables will be made available on a first come first serve basis.

Wednesday, October 4, 2023
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Potomac Ballroom Foyer, Ballroom Level

Thursday, October 5, 2023
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Potomac Ballroom Foyer, Ballroom Level

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Pre-Gala Networking Reception, Potomac Foyer

6:00 PM – 9:15 PM | Recognition Gala, Potomac Ballroom

9:30 PM – midnight | Post-Gala Networking Reception, Riverview Ballroom

*A valid Gala ticket is required to move past the entry checkpoint

To locate your table, please reference the table diagram at Gala Will Call and at all major entry points into the Potomac Ballroom the night of the Gala.
View Seating Arrangement
The ELC has limited information on company Points of Contact (POC). We are unable to disclose contact information. You can visit Gala Will Call to email your company POC.
Tickets that are lost or misplaced will not be issued replacements. The ownership and care of tickets lies with the ticket holder. A valid ticket must be presented to enter the event space.

All ELC Week Programs and Events will take place at the:

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
201 Waterfront St., National Harbor, MD 20745