2026 Chamber's Choice Awards & Gala
Presented in Partnership with our Chairman of the Board, Earle "Chico" Horton III, Esq. and Gala Co-Chairs, Brandon Todd and Mary E. Goldsmith
Earle "Chico" Horton III, Esq.
Chairman of the Board,
DC Chamber of Commerce
Partner, Tiber Hudson
Brandon Todd
VP, Government Affairs,
Policy and Advocacy
Washington Gas
Mary E. Goldsmith
National Government Relations Director RSM US LLP
DC Chamber of Commerce has served as an advocate and champion for the business community, supporting efforts to not only make DC a better place to do business, but also efforts to build stronger and more resilient communities throughout all eight wards.
The annual Chamber's Choice Awards & Gala is our yearly gathering and celebration of our community's incredible accomplishments with the opportunity to honor just a few of our many outstanding businesses and people. This year's theme will be Honoring Leadership, Inspiring Progress.
This is an evening you don’t want to miss—great food, libations, stellar company, and entertainment—all in celebration of YOU, our community, and the magic of DC.
2026 Chamber's Choice Awards
The Chamber's Choice Awards are presented annually to recipients who have demonstrated extraordinary standards of professional excellence, vision, and dedication in the District of Columbia business community. Nominations are open for 2026 and will close Friday, July 31, 2026 at 5pm ET.
Click here to access the nomination form!
2026 Chamber's Choice Awards Categories:
Business of the Year
This award is presented to the company that has, in the past year, demonstrated the quality and positive results of business excellence. The company should have proven financial success, fiscal responsibility, visible community involvement, and a professional and productive working environment for all employees.
Business Leader of the Year
The Business Leader of the Year Award honors an individual who has demonstrated exceptional qualities that are needed in managing a successful business or organization including exemplifying excellent leadership qualities, a proven record of business accomplishments, and demonstrates community engagement as a priority.
Economic Impact Award
The Economic Impact Award honors a company that has a significant impact on the economic vitality of the District of Columbia by demonstrating job creation, revitalization of a blighted area of the city, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) building or development, employment of District residents, significant tax revenue for the city or diversification of the District's economic base.
Community Impact Award
The Community Impact Award honors a non-profit organization that has demonstrated a strong record of community involvement by providing and being involved with programs and services that are relevant to the business community.
Event Details
Friday, November 13, 2026
6:00 pm – 7:15 pm — Grand Reception presented by Verizon
7:30 pm – 9:15pm — Awards Program & Dinner
9:15 pm – 11:30 pm — Dessert Reception
Marriott Marquis
901 Massachusetts Ave NW
Washington, DC 20001
Attire:
Creative Chic Black Tie
2026 Chamber's Choice Awards & Gala Sponsorship Opportunities
Premier Sponsorships
EVENT SPONSOR - $75,000
HONOREE VIDEO SPONSOR - $65,000 - SOLD
AWARDS SPONSOR - $50,000
GRAND RECEPTION SPONSOR - $50,000 - SOLD
DESSERT RECEPTION SPONSOR - $50,000
GUEST EXPERIENCE SPONSOR: RED CARPET - $40,000
GUEST EXPERIENCE SPONSOR: INFLUENCER INTERVIEW - $40,000
GUEST EXPERIENCE SPONSOR: PHOTO BOOTH - $40,000
GUEST EXPERIENCE SPONSOR: SPECIALTY BAR - $40,000
BON VOYAGE SPONSOR - $40,000
DINNER ENTERTAINMENT SPONSOR - $30,000
ENTERTAINMENT SPONSOR - $30,000
CENTERPIECE SPONSOR - $30,000
FLORAL SPONSOR - $30,000
REGISTRATION SPONSOR - $30,000
WiFi SPONSOR - $30,000
RIDE SHARE SPONSOR - $30,000
MEMBERSHIP ENGAGEMENT SPONSOR - $30,000
Table Sponsorships
PLATINUM SPONSOR - $20,000
DIAMOND SPONSOR - $17,500
GOLD SPONSOR - $15,000
SILVER SPONSOR - $12,500
BRONZE SPONSOR - $10,000
Add Ons:
Grand Reception Private Salons (5 Available) - $15,000
2026 Chamber's Choice Awards & Gala Sponsors
Thank you to our sponsors!
Honoree Video Sponsor
Grand Reception Sponsor
Platinum Sponsors
Diamond Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
