50th Anniversary Gala & Excellence Awards
About 50th Anniversary Gala & Excellence Awards
Celebrating 50 Years of Leadership, Innovation & Transatlantic Excellence
Join the French-American Chamber of Commerce for an extraordinary evening celebrating 50 years of strengthening business relationships between France and the United States.
This black-tie Anniversary Gala will bring together CEOs, entrepreneurs, diplomats, government officials, and distinguished members of the French-American business community to celebrate the organizations and individuals whose leadership, innovation, and vision continue to strengthen transatlantic ties.
Guests will enjoy an elegant Champagne Reception, a gourmet three-course dinner, exceptional networking opportunities, and the presentation of the 2026 Excellence Awards, recognizing outstanding achievements across the French-American business community.
As we honor five decades of impact, we also look ahead to the Chamber's next chapter—celebrating the partnerships, leadership, and shared ambition that continue to shape the future of French-American business.
Evening Program
6:00 PM | Champagne Reception
Begin the evening with an elegant Champagne Reception featuring premium Champagne, fine wines, signature cocktails, and an exquisite selection of passed hors d'oeuvres.
Reconnect with friends, welcome new members of the French-American business community, and enjoy an hour of exceptional networking before the Gala begins.
7:00 PM | Gala Dinner & Excellence Awards
Guests are invited to take their seats as the French-American Chamber of Commerce officially opens its 50th Anniversary Gala.
An Embassy Dining Experience
Enjoy an elegant three-course dinner prepared by Daniel Labonne, Executive Chef of the Embassy of France, accompanied by French wines and served in one of Washington's most iconic diplomatic settings.
The Gala Program
Throughout the evening, guests will enjoy:
A gourmet three-course dinner
Presentation of the 2026 Excellence Awards
Recognition of outstanding leaders and organizations
A special tribute recognizing President Jean-Marc Gaultier's leadership and his lasting contributions to the Chamber
Introduction of the 2026–2027 Board of Directors
Presentation of the Chamber's Incoming President
2026 Excellence Awards
The 2026 Excellence Awards recognize the companies and individuals whose leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, and commitment continue to strengthen the French-American business community.
Recipients will be honored during the Gala for their outstanding contributions to transatlantic business and economic cooperation.
Business Awards
🏆 Business of the Year
🏆 Small Business of the Year
🏆 Innovation Award
🏆 Nonprofit Organization of the Year
Individual Awards
🏆 Woman in Business Award
🏆 Young Professional Award
🏆 Entrepreneur of the Year
🏆 Leadership Excellence Award
The Chamber's Highest Distinction
🏆 French-American Business of the Year
The Chamber's highest distinction recognizes an outstanding French-American company whose leadership, innovation, economic impact, and commitment to strengthening business relations between France and the United States exemplify excellence.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Celebrate the French-American Chamber of Commerce's 50th Anniversary by becoming a sponsor of this landmark Gala.
Position your organization alongside the leaders shaping the future of French-American business while enjoying exceptional visibility before an audience of CEOs, entrepreneurs, diplomats, government officials, and distinguished members of the French-American business community.
Sponsorship opportunities are limited and will be confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Corporate Sponsorships
All corporate sponsorships include:
Reserved table for 10 guests
Company recognition throughout the Gala
Exceptional networking opportunities with leaders from the French-American business community
🇫🇷 Partenaire Anniversaire — $3,000
Celebrate the Chamber's 50th Anniversary while demonstrating your organization's commitment to strengthening the French-American business community.
Includes:
Reserved table for 10 guests
Company logo displayed during the Gala
Company logo on sponsor signage
Recognition from the podium
🇫🇷 Partenaire Prestige — $5,000
Receive enhanced recognition before and throughout the Gala while demonstrating your organization's support for this historic celebration.
Includes all Partenaire Anniversaire benefits, plus:
Enhanced logo placement throughout the event
Recognition on the event webpage
Recognition in pre-event Chamber communications
Preferred table location (subject to availability)
🇫🇷 Partenaire d'Excellence — $10,000
Enjoy premier recognition and exclusive opportunities to showcase your organization's leadership within the French-American business community.
Includes all Partenaire Prestige benefits, plus:
Premier logo placement throughout the Gala
Invitation for all table guests to the exclusive Sponsor & VIP Reception prior to the Champagne Reception
Featured recognition during the evening
Limited to four sponsors.
🇫🇷 Partenaire d'Honneur — $15,000
Reserved for organizations wishing to play a leading role in celebrating the Chamber's 50th Anniversary.
Includes all Partenaire d'Excellence benefits, plus:
Highest level of sponsor recognition throughout the event
Opportunity for a company executive to participate in the evening's on-stage program
Priority table placement
Recognition in post-event Chamber communications
Limited to two sponsors.
Individual Recognition Opportunities
Cercle du Cinquantenaire
The Cercle du Cinquantenaire recognizes individuals who wish to make a special personal contribution to the French-American Chamber of Commerce's 50th Anniversary celebration and its continued mission of strengthening business relations between France and the United States.
Designed exclusively for individual supporters, the Cercle du Cinquantenaire offers a meaningful way to celebrate this historic milestone while supporting the Chamber beyond the purchase of a Gala ticket.
🇫🇷 Cercle du Cinquantenaire — $500
Support the Chamber's 50th Anniversary and be recognized as an individual supporter of this landmark celebration.
Includes:
One Gala ticket
Recognition from the podium (unless anonymity is requested)
Recognition on sponsor signage
🇫🇷 Cercle Prestige — $1,000
For individuals wishing to make an exceptional contribution to the Chamber's 50th Anniversary celebration.
Includes all Cercle du Cinquantenaire benefits, plus:
Preferred seating (subject to availability)
Recognition on the event webpage
Special recognition during the evening
Events Schedule
Event Categories
Community Connections
French-American Chamber of Commerce
Since its founding in 1986, the French-American Chamber of Commerce has become the most important private organization for promoting trade and investment between France and the U.S Our goal is to support strong economic relations between the two countries, and to facilitate business development opportunities for our members in the greater Washington, DC region. As a private, not-for-profit, commercial service organization (501(c)6), the French-American Chamber of Commerce is funded solely through membership dues, sponsorships, and proceeds from events and services. We organize about 80+ events a year. Many are at the beautiful Maison Française at the French Embassy in Washington, DC or at the elegant French Ambassador’s Residence, but we have also organized many events at our members’ or partners’ sites.