The Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce Presents
6th Annual Gala & Black Brilliance Awards
Celebrating Excellence. Honoring Brilliance.
Including the VABCC Annual Business Meeting
Black Brilliance Awards nominations close October 30, 2026.
An Evening of Elegance,
Excellence, and Celebration
An unforgettable evening bringing together entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community partners to celebrate achievement, recognize excellence, and experience the power of connection.
The Red-Carpet Experience
Arrive in style, capture memorable moments, and enjoy a sophisticated evening worthy of the occasion.
Meaningful Networking
Connect with entrepreneurs, executives, community leaders, and professionals from across Virginia.
An Elegant Dinner
Enjoy a beautifully curated dining experience in a setting designed for celebration and connection.
Black Brilliance Awards
Celebrate outstanding businesses and leaders whose achievements deserve statewide recognition.
Entertainment & Celebration
Experience music, memorable moments, and an atmosphere celebrating achievement and excellence.
Annual Business Meeting
Reflect on the Chamber's progress, celebrate collective accomplishments, and look ahead to the future.
Your Seat at the Celebration Awaits
Experience an extraordinary evening of recognition, connection, and celebration. Explore your Gala experience and secure your place at one of Virginia's most anticipated business celebrations.
General Admission
Be part of an inspiring black-tie evening celebrating exceptional businesses, leadership, and achievement.
- Admission to the 2026 Gala
- Elegant dinner experience
- Black Brilliance Awards ceremony
- Entertainment and celebration
- Networking with statewide business leaders
VIP Experience
Elevate your evening with an exclusive VIP experience designed for additional connection and memorable moments.
- VIP networking and cocktail experience
- Special red-carpet photo opportunities
- Additional pre-Gala engagement
- Gala admission purchased separately unless bundled
- Access subject to VIP availability
Reserved Tables & Groups
Share the celebration with your team, colleagues, clients, or community partners while honoring business excellence.
- Ideal for businesses and organizations
- Celebrate alongside colleagues and guests
- Recognize and support award nominees
- Explore available table and group options
- Table offerings subject to availability
Gala Tickets
An Exclusive Benefit for Our Premier Members
Mogul, Vanguard, and Cornerstone members receive two complimentary tickets to the 2026 VABCC Gala & Black Brilliance Awards. To claim your tickets, please contact the VABCC membership team to request your special registration code before completing your Eventbrite registration. VIP upgrades and additional guest tickets, if available, are separate.
Ticket pricing, VIP experiences, table options, and availability are displayed on Eventbrite. Complimentary member tickets require a special registration code issued by VABCC.
More Than an Event. A Celebration of Black Brilliance.
Recognizing the Businesses and Leaders Defining Black Brilliance
Help us celebrate the entrepreneurs, innovators, and community leaders creating meaningful impact across Virginia. The Black Brilliance Awards recognize excellence, innovation, leadership, and community impact.
Nominate
Open NowSubmit your nominations for deserving businesses and leaders by October 30, 2026.
Vote
Coming SoonReturn to support your favorite finalists when the official voting period opens.
Celebrate
December 12, 2026Join us at the Gala as we reveal and celebrate the 2026 Black Brilliance Award recipients.
Know a Business That Deserves Recognition?
Excellence deserves to be celebrated. Nominate a deserving business, entrepreneur, or community leader today. Nominations close October 30, 2026.
Explore the 2026 Award Categories
From emerging entrepreneurs to established business leaders, the Black Brilliance Awards celebrate achievement across ten distinct categories.
Customer Service Excellence
Recognizing businesses delivering exceptional customer service and memorable experiences.
Emerging Business
Honoring newer businesses demonstrating growth, innovation, and strong potential.
Community Connector and Supporter
Celebrating those strengthening relationships, partnerships, and community connections.
Social Impact Champion
Recognizing nonprofit organizations creating meaningful and lasting community impact.
Cultural Catalyst
Honoring creative and cultural contributions that inspire and strengthen communities.
Tech Company of the Year
Celebrating technology companies advancing innovation and impactful solutions.
Next Gen Icon
Recognizing the next generation of outstanding entrepreneurs and leaders.
Innovator of the Year
Honoring transformative ideas and forward-thinking business solutions.
Pillar of Excellence
Recognizing sustained leadership, achievement, and lasting influence.
The Blackprint
Celebrating culturally influential storytelling and digital creativity.
The opportunity to support the 2026 finalists will be announced following the nomination period.
Celebrate Black Brilliance With Us
Nominate a deserving business today, then join us on December 12 for an unforgettable evening recognizing excellence, leadership, and achievement.
More Than an Event. A Celebration of Black Brilliance.
Partner With Us to Celebrate Excellence
The 6th Annual VABCC Gala & Black Brilliance Awards, held in conjunction with our Annual Business Meeting, brings together business owners, corporate executives, community leaders, and partners from across Virginia. Sponsorship provides a meaningful opportunity to celebrate business achievement while aligning your organization with entrepreneurship, economic development, and the continued growth of Virginia's business community.
Honoring Excellence. Advancing Economic Opportunity.
As part of the Chamber's Annual Business Meeting, the Gala provides an opportunity to reflect on organizational progress, celebrate achievements, and highlight priorities that strengthen Virginia's business ecosystem.
Through advocacy, entrepreneurship education, business development, workforce initiatives, and strategic partnerships, VABCC works to connect businesses to the resources and relationships that support sustainable growth. Your sponsorship demonstrates a commitment to this broader economic development work while providing valuable brand exposure and engagement opportunities.
Business & Corporate Connections
Build visibility among entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, professionals, and decision-makers from across Virginia.
Economic Development Alignment
Demonstrate your organization's commitment to entrepreneurship, business growth, workforce development, and opportunity.
Brand Recognition
Benefit from promotional and event recognition opportunities associated with your selected sponsorship level.
Strategic Relationships
Create opportunities for meaningful engagement with Chamber members, partners, and business leaders.
A Partnership Opportunity for Every Level
From premier corporate partnerships to small business sponsorships and individual Gala enhancements, explore meaningful ways to participate in this celebration.
Presenting Partner
$20,000 Premier event partnership and highest-level recognition.Diamond Sponsor
$10,000 Elevated organizational visibility and engagement.Platinum Sponsor
$5,000 Prominent recognition and partnership opportunities.Gold Sponsor
$2,500 Business visibility and event recognition.Gala Enhancement Sponsor
$1,500 Support a specific element of the Gala experience.Community Champion
$500 An accessible opportunity to celebrate business excellence.Make an Impact Through a Gala Enhancement
Looking for a focused opportunity to participate? Gala enhancements allow organizations to support specific elements of the evening while receiving recognition associated with their selected opportunity. Availability and benefits vary.
Let's Celebrate Excellence Together
Whether you're a major corporation, growing small business, or community partner, there's an opportunity to align your organization with an evening of recognition, leadership, and economic impact.
A Legacy of Celebrating Black Business Excellence
From unforgettable red-carpet moments to the recognition of extraordinary entrepreneurs and business leaders, experience the elegance, excitement, and celebration of our 2025 Gala.
Plan Your Gala Experience
Everything you need to prepare for an unforgettable evening in downtown Richmond.
Make It an Evening to Remember
Stay in the heart of downtown Richmond at the Richmond Marriott Downtown, the official venue of the 2026 VABCC Gala & Black Brilliance Awards.
Special Gala room block booking information will be announced soon.
Parking & Transportation
The Richmond Marriott offers valet parking. Additional self-parking options are available at nearby independently operated facilities.
Guests are encouraged to plan their arrival in advance and confirm current parking options and pricing directly with the hotel.
View Marriott Hotel Information →Evening Program
The evening will bring together guests for networking, an elegant dinner, Black Brilliance Awards recognition, entertainment, and highlights from the VABCC Annual Business Meeting.
The detailed program and arrival instructions will be shared closer to the event.
View Gala Registration Details →Honoring Our Partners & Sponsors
The support of our partners helps make this celebration possible while reinforcing a shared commitment to entrepreneurship, business excellence, and economic opportunity across Virginia.
2026 Gala Sponsors
We look forward to recognizing the organizations partnering with us to celebrate Black brilliance, leadership, and business excellence. Sponsor announcements are coming soon.
A Special Thank You to Our Previous Gala Supporters
We extend our appreciation to the organizations and community partners whose past support has contributed to the continued success and legacy of the Black Brilliance Awards.
Be in the Room Where Black Brilliance Is Celebrated.
Join us for an extraordinary evening honoring business excellence, inspiring connections, and celebrating the leaders shaping Virginia's future.