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.
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.
- The Global Game Changer Award recognizes a global leader who embodies transformational leadership and impact.
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
How can I purchase a table to attend the Gala?
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.
How can I purchase individual tickets to attend the Gala?
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.
Will each attendee receive a detailed confirmation in advance of Gala, or do they just show up at 6pm on Oct. 5th?
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.
Will the tickets be sent directly to attendees based on this registration link or should we expect them from you to then distribute?
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.
Are there other actions needed to ensure the team is registered besides just adding their name & email on the table list?
No. Please ensure your guests names and emails are added to the gala table registration platform.
We currently have 10 guests at our table and had an inquiry from a senior executive about whether it is possible to expand our table to seat 11 guests instead of 10.
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.
What is the attire for ELC’s Annual Recognition Gala?
The attire for ELC’s Annual Recognition Gala is black-tie attire.
My executive/I am attending multiple ELC events and programs the week of October 3-6, 2023, can I complete one registration for all programs and events?
No, for attendees taking part in programs across the week of October 3-6, 2023, a separate registration for each program is required.
My company would like to host a private reception for our executives and/or guests.
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.
What time do Gala events begin?
- 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
How can I purchase a table to attend the Gala?
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.
All ELC Week Programs and Events will take place at the:
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
201 Waterfront St., National Harbor, MD 20745
