ELC Recognition Gala

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.

date

October 3, 2024

location

Marriott Marquis Washington, DC

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 Marriott Marquis Washington, 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 email elcgala@elcinfo.com.

2024 Theme

Unstoppable Together
Bold. Courageous. Impactful.

Unstoppable Together embodies the spirit and strength of a community united in purpose. It reflects the power of collective action, where boldness, courage, and impact are the pillars of progress and change.

  • Bold: Emphasizing the fearless approach of breaking barriers and challenging the status quo. It’s about taking audacious steps towards creating opportunities and paving the way for future generations.
  • Courageous: Highlighting the bravery needed to lead and innovate in today’s dynamic and often challenging landscape. It’s the willingness to embrace uncertainty and drive forward with conviction and resilience.
  • Impactful: Celebrating the significant and lasting contributions made by individuals and organizations. It focuses on the tangible results that come from strategic leadership, visionary thinking, and dedicated efforts to uplift communities and drive systemic change.

Through this powerful theme, The Executive Leadership Council’s Gala Week highlights the importance of unity and collective strength in achieving bold, courageous, and impactful outcomes for individuals and communities alike.

Event Details

The 2024 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, Gale V. King, as prominent members of The ELC’s Gala Committee for 2024.

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 individuals who have consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication, active participation, and exemplary leadership within our esteemed community.
  • The Achievement Award is presented to a Black 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 diversity, equity, and inclusion in addition to advancing the careers and sphere of influence of Black leaders within their organizations.

Quick Links 

Registration and Sponsor Portal

Table Selection 

HONOREES

2024 ELC Week Honorees

Arlene Isaacs-Lowe

Alvaro L. Martins Heritage Award
The ELC is proud to announce that the recipient of the 2023 Alvaro L. Martins Heritage Award is Arlene Isaacs-Lowe.

Mellody Hobson

The Achievement Award 
This year, The ELC is excited to announce the recipient of the 2023 Achievement Award is Mellody Hobson.

Arlene Isaacs-Lowe

Corporate Award 
The ELC is pleased to announce the winner of the 2023 Corporate Award is Synchrony.

Thursday October 3, 2024

4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Pre-Gala Networking Reception
4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Private VIP Networking Reception, by invitation only
6:00 pm - 9:15 pm
Recognition Gala

Doors open at 5:30pm

6:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Gala Networking Lounge
(Viewing access to Gala only)
6:30 pm - 7:15 pm
Dinner
7:15 pm - 9:15 pm
Awards Program
9:30 pm - Midnight
Post-Gala Networking Reception
sponsors

The ELC applauds the commitment and support of the 2024 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
Post-Gala Networking Reception Sponsor
Gala Entertainment Sponsor
Post-Gala Entertainment Sponsor
Red Carpet Sponsor
Photo Booth Sponsor
Gala Spirit Sponsor
Gala Networking Lounge Sponsor
Gala - Hotel Booking & Additional Details:

Marriott Marquis
901 Massachusetts Ave NW
Washington, DC 20001 

The Gala Week room block group rate at the Marriott Marquis will be available through September 9, 2024, 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

926 Massachusetts Ave NW Washington, DC 20001

0.1 mi (walking)

0.1 mi (driving)

950 New York Ave NW Washington, DC 20001

0.2 mi (walking)

0.3 mi (driving)

900 10th Street NW Washington, DC 20001

0.2 mi (walking)

0.4 mi (driving)

999 9th Street NW Washington, DC 20001

0.2 mi (walking)

0.3 mi (driving)

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, Marriott Marquis Washington.

FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

Individual tickets are sold out and no longer available.

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.

No, ensure your guests are properly registered on our Gala platform, including full name, email, and guest profile.

Guests attending ELC’s Recognition Gala are seated at tables of 10 guests per table; additional seats cannot be added.

Black-tie attire is required for ELC’s Recognition Gala.

No, each program requires a separate registration for attendees participating throughout the week.

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.

  • 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

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.

The Gala Networking Lounge tickets are separate and do not grant access to the Recognition Gala dinner. Gala Networking Lounge guests will have access to ELC’s Post-Gala Networking Reception, affectionally known as the “afterparty”. This elevated reception featuring tantalizing heavy hors d’oeuvres, premium spirits, captivating music, and a sneak peek into the electrifying atmosphere of the Recognition Gala. For ticket purchases or more details, reach out to us at elcgala@elcinfo.com.

Still have a question?

Contact us today to receive more information.

programs & events

This year, ELC Gala Week programs and events will impact over 3,000 members, students and esteemed guests at the Marriott Marquis Washington, DC.

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The Executive Leadership Council to Award Over $2.5 Million in Scholarships to More than 130 Scholars at 2024 Annual Recognition Gala

The Executive Leadership Council to Honor Ecolab with 2024 ELC Corporate Award for Outstanding Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Executive Leadership Council to Honor D. Keith Pigues with the 2024 Alvaro L. Martins Heritage Award at Annual Recognition Gala