Skip to content

The 2026 Annual Meeting: What to Know About This Year’s New Format

Now that the 2026 Annual Award nominees have been announced, we are excited to invite members to take part in one of the Chamber’s most meaningful events of the year and to consider sponsoring this year’s Annual Meeting.

This year’s Annual Meeting will include several new elements and changes, which are outlined here. Because of our new space and format, we want to take a moment to explain how sponsorships and seating will work this year and how each sponsorship directly supports the success of the evening.

How Your Support Brings the Annual Meeting to Life

Each sponsorship level plays a direct role in bringing the Annual Meeting to life. Beyond recognition and seating benefits, sponsorships help cover the production, presentation, hospitality, and awards costs that make this event possible.

Below is an overview of how each sponsorship contributes to the evening.

 

Strategic Sponsor – $1,750 (Sold Out)

The Strategic Sponsor supports the core production and presentation of the Annual Meeting and Annual Report.

This sponsorship helps fund:

      • Analysis and preparation of the Annual Report content
      • Presentation of the Chamber’s Annual Report
      • Overall coordination of the formal program and awards presentation

This sponsorship plays a central role in delivering the primary program experience for all attendees.

Host Sponsor – $1,200 (Sold Out)

The Host Sponsor helps offset the venue and technical costs required to host the Annual Meeting.

This sponsorship helps fund:

      • Facility rental and venue usage fees
      • Audio, visual, and lighting equipment
      • Staffing and on-site support

This sponsorship ensures a professional and seamless event environment from start to finish.

Program Sponsor – $800 (1 of 2 Available)

The Program Sponsor supports the design and presentation of the Chamber’s Annual Report and the program for the evening.

This sponsorship helps fund:

      • Annual Report design and in-house formatting
      • Preparation and printing of the official event program and Annual Report
      • On-screen visuals and digital presentation elements used during the program

This sponsorship ensures a polished and professional program experience for all guests.

VIP Seating Sponsor – $650 (Unlimited)

The VIP Seating Sponsor supports one of the most important logistical elements of the evening, stage access and reserved seating for nominees, winners, and presenters.

This sponsorship helps fund:

      • Reserved aisle and stage-access seating for all stage participants
      • Seat signage and labeling for nominees and presenters
      • Seating coordination to allow smooth transitions on and off the stage

This sponsorship directly supports the flow and efficiency of the awards presentation.

Award Sponsor – $500 (Sold Out)

Award Sponsors help cover the cost of producing the physical awards presented during the ceremony.

This sponsorship helps fund:

      • Management and processing of award nominations
      • Design and production of engraved awards
      • On-stage award presentation logistics

This sponsorship ensures that each honoree is properly recognized with a high-quality, professional award.

Reception Sponsor – $450 (Unlimited)

Because the Annual Meeting is being held at a university venue, all food and beverages, including alcoholic beverages, must be provided at no charge to attendees.

Reception Sponsors help offset the full cost of the complimentary reception, including:

      • Catering and food service
      • Beverage and bar service supplies
      • Staffing for food and beverage stations

This sponsorship makes the complimentary networking reception possible for all attendees.

Swag Bag Sponsor – $75 (Unlimited)

Swag Bag Sponsors help support the nominee and awards experience while increasing brand visibility throughout the evening.

This sponsorship helps fund:

      • Assembly of nominee swag bags
      • Distribution of swag bags to reserved-seat attendees

Approximately 60 reserved-seat attendees will receive swag bags, with additional bags displayed and auctioned to extend brand exposure.

To compare sponsorship levels, event benefits, and seating access, please refer to our Sponsorship Comparison Chart here.

Understanding the Seating Experience

With a new venue and a theater-style layout at the Haas Center for the Arts, seating at this year’s Annual Meeting will be organized differently than in years past. Seating will be divided into three sections based on sponsorship level, membership status, and participation in the awards presentation.

A color-coded seating map and ticket key can be found here for reference.

 

Preferred VIP Open Seating VS Reserved VIP Seating

Seating at the 2026 Annual Meeting will be divided into three sections based on sponsorship level, membership status, and participation in the awards presentation.

Reserved VIP Seating supports the flow of the program and will be assigned by name for nominees, award winners, presenters, and select sponsors with speaking roles. These seats, along with their designated guest seats, are located closest to the stage along aisle and stage access points to allow efficient movement on and off the stage.

Preferred VIP Open Seating is a benefit included with select sponsorships and qualifying memberships and offers a central viewing location with open seating available within the designated area on a first-come basis. All remaining seating throughout the auditorium is open and unassigned for general attendees.

Reserved VIP seating is used strictly for presentation logistics and is not available for general purchase. Names for both Reserved and Preferred VIP seating must be submitted by February 6, 2026.

A Note to Our Members

We know this year’s Annual Meeting looks a little different than in years past, and we truly appreciate your patience as we navigate these changes to create an even better experience for our members. This is new territory for our team as well, and we are excited to be building a refreshed event format designed to better celebrate our nominees, sponsors, and Chamber community. We are grateful for your flexibility and support as we introduce these changes, and we look forward to welcoming you to a memorable evening. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to Chamber staff.

Scroll To Top