FAQs
For the upcoming ELC Gala Week, we have compiled FAQs that address common questions about schedules, accommodations, and ticketing.
General
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.
Yes, if you are registered for any Gala Week program, you can attend the museum reception.
Yes, you can board the shuttle at the back of the Marriott Marquis on L Street NW.
The ELC room block group rate will be available through September 9th, 2024, or while inventory lasts. We encourage you to book your room(s) as soon as possible.
Recognition Gala
General
- 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
Black-tie attire is required for ELC’s Recognition Gala.
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.
Guests attending ELC’s Recognition Gala are seated at tables of 10 guests per table; additional seats cannot be added.
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.
Individual tickets are sold out and no longer available.
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.
No, ensure your guests are properly registered on our Gala platform, including full name, email, and guest profile.
Networking Lounge
The Gala Networking Lounge provides guests with live stream access of the Recognition Gala. It takes place at the same time as The ELC Recognition Gala.
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.
The Gala Networking Lounge will be held in the Dignitary Restaurant at the
Marriott Marquis
901 Massachusetts Ave NW
Washington, DC 20001.
No. A ticket to the Gala Networking Lounge will provide exclusive access to a reception experience during ELC’s Recognition Gala. Guests attending the Gala Networking Lounge can view the Gala via live stream. A limited number of individual tickets will be available for purchase to the Gala Networking Lounge at a cost of $500/ticket. Gala Networking Lounge guests will have access to ELC’s Post-Gala Networking Reception, affectionately known as the “afterparty”. For ticket purchases or more details, reach out to us at elcgala@elcinfo.com.
You will be able to access the Post Gala Reception only.
The Post Gala Networking Reception provides guests access to the Post-Gala Reception or “After-Party” only.
Honors Symposium
General
The Honors Symposium is a multi-day professional development experience comprising a series of events and meetings that connect and expose The ELC’s scholarship recipients to leading corporate executives and hiring managers from major global corporations.
The Honors Symposium is held from Tuesday, October 1 through Friday, October 4, 2024.
Courtyard by Marriott
901 L STREET NW,
WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, USA, 20001
ELC Scholarship recipients and Black Male Initiative participants are invited to take part in the Honors Symposium.
Individual tickets are available to the Gala Networking Lounge with streaming access to the Recognition Gala only and provide access to the Post-Gala Reception. Tickets are sold at $500 each. If you are interested in purchasing tickets, please email elcgala@elcinfo.com.
Scholars
Yes, Scholar participation is required for The ELC Scholars program. ELC Scholars are encouraged to attend the Honors Symposium for a unique professional development and networking experience.
The dress code for the Honors Symposium is a blend of Business Casual, Business Professional, and Formal wear. Scholars will receive a packing list. All professional development sessions will require business attire. The gala will require formal attire.
All travel (air, rail, or shuttle), lodging, group meals, and activities listed in the itinerary are covered by The ELC as part of the Scholar’s award package. ELC staff will work with each student to finalize and book travel.
All Scholars are required to stay at the host hotel.
Scholars are advised against wandering, site-seeing or exploring the DC metro areas independently unless indicated in the Honors Symposium schedule.
Corporate
Scholarship sponsors have exclusive access to all scholar attendees with the unique opportunity to host a table during the exhibitor hall, speak on a panel and/or facilitate a breakout session.
Non-scholarship sponsors must email philanthropy@elcinfo.com to learn more about signing up as a career exhibitor.
Executives are welcome to attend the following activities: Wednesday, October 2: morning keynote, executive panels, pinning ceremony.
Drugs & Alcohol Policy
The Honors Symposium is an alcohol and substance free professional development opportunity for all scholars regardless of age. The use of alcohol and/or drugs on or off the premises of an ELC sponsored event during the Honors Symposium is prohibited.
The ELC reserves the right to dismiss a Scholar from the Scholarship Program for violating ELC’s “Behavior and Alcohol/Drug Policy” at any time for misconduct.
Mid-Level Managers' Symposium
MLMS is a two-day professional development conference, and the goal of the conference is to amplify the successes of Black professionals and increase their capacity for designing meaningful careers.
Professionals in middle management or higher.
The Mid-Level Managers’ Symposium is designed to be a hybrid event, combining both virtual and in-person components. The virtual MLMS will be a live stream of the in-person MLMS, allowing participants who are unable to attend in person to still actively participate in the program. The in-person event will be held on October 4th and 5th at the Marriott Marquis, located at 901 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001.
The parking at the Marriott Marquis Washington, DC is valet only with a rate of $65/daily.
Registration costs $2,000 for in-person participation and $1,000 for virtual participation.
Individual tickets are available to the Gala Networking Lounge with streaming access to the Recognition Gala only and provide access to the Post-Gala Reception. Tickets are sold at $500 each. If you are interested in purchasing tickets, please email elcgala@elcinfo.com.
Business professional.
Lunch will be provided both days.
The ELC room block group rate will be available through September 9th, 2024, or while inventory lasts. We encourage you to book your room(s) as soon as possible.
All cancellations, regardless of timeframe, must be received in writing, including a brief explanation for the cancellation and submitted via email to institute@elcinfo.com. Cancellations received more than 30 days prior to the event are entitled to a full refund. No refunds, credits or rollovers will be granted for cancellations received less 30 days prior to or after an event.
Your registration is for you only.
ELC Gala Week 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.
Honors Symposium
Mid-Level Managers’ Symposium (Hybrid)
2025 ELC Recognition Gala
