ELC Recognition Gala FAQ
Where is The ELC’s 2026 Recognition Gala taking place?
The ELC’s 2026 Recognition Gala dinner will be held in the Potomac Ballroom at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, National Harbor, MD on Friday, October 30, 2026.
How can I purchase a table to attend the Gala?
Chairman level Gala tables are currently sold out. To join our Gala table waitlist for Chairman level tables, please fill out this form. You will be contacted if a table becomes available.
To purchase Platinum, Gold, or Silver level tables, please complete your purchase through our Gala Table Selection & Registration Platform.
Please note: All invoices must be paid within 90 days. If payment is not received within this time, your table(s) will be canceled and made available to others.
How can I purchase individual tickets to attend the Gala?
Individual tickets are available to ELC members only and are limited to two tickets per ELC member. Purchase your ticket by clicking here. Please email elcgala@elcinfo.com if you have any questions.
How will guests receive their Gala tickets?
We’ve adopted a paperless ticket system. Companies will invite their table guests to register via the Gala Table Portal.
What time do Gala events begin?
Pre-Gala Networking Reception: 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Recognition Gala: 6:30 – 9:15 p.m. (Doors open at 6:00 p.m.)
Post-Gala Networking Reception: 9:30 p.m. – Midnight
Can we have more than 10 guests at a table?
Each Gala table accommodates 10 guests; additional seats cannot be added.
What is the attire for The ELC’s Recognition Gala?
Black-tie attire is required for The ELC’s Recognition Gala.
My executive/I am attending multiple The ELC events and programs the week of September 30th - October 3rd, 2025, can I complete one registration for all programs and events?
No, each program requires a separate registration for attendees participating throughout the week.
Hotel FAQ
How can I reserve a hotel room at The ELC’s room block rate?
The ELC’s Gala Week room block will open on June 9th to Gala Week program sponsors and companies with fully paid Gala tables that plan to reserve ten (10) or more hotel rooms.
Individual room bookings will open on July 17th based on availability. Designated guests will be provided with details about hotel reservations, registrations, and invitations by their company’s table manager or point of contact. For specific questions regarding invites, event registration, or logistics, please reach out to your company’s table point of contact, as they manage these details.
How long will The ELC’s room block rate remain available?
The ELC’s room block rate will be available on a first-come, first-served basis until the block is sold out. We encourage booking as early as possible, as the room block is expected to sell out quickly.
The hotel rate at the Gaylord exceeds my budget. Can The ELC help negotiate my rate?
Unfortunately, due to staff capacity and limitations, The ELC cannot assist with negotiating individual rates. Once the room block is sold out, reservations will be subject to the Gaylord’s best available rate at the time of booking.
What other properties are available for booking?
The ELC does not have group blocks with any overflow hotels. Rooms at nearby properties will be subject to their best available rates at the time of booking. Below is a list of hotels near the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center.
AC Hotel National Harbor
156 Waterfront St
National Harbor, MD 20745
Distance: 0.2 miles
Hampton Inn & Suites National Harbor
250 Waterfront St
Oxon Hill, MD 20745
Distance: 0.3 miles
Residence Inn by Marriott National Harbor
192 Waterfront St
National Harbor, MD 20745 Distance: 0.2 miles
The Westin Washington National Harbor
171 Waterfront St
National Harbor, MD 20745
Distance: 0.3 miles
MGM National Harbor
101 MGM National Ave, Oxon Hill, MD 20745
Distance: 1.2 miles
For more options, consider searching nearby areas such as Alexandria, VA, or Washington, D.C., which offer additional accommodation with varying rates.
Still have a question?
Contact us today to receive more information.