11th Annual Lowcountry Emerging Leaders Gala
Thu, Aug 20 from 6pm - 9:45pm
This is the table where visibility, influence, and luxury collide.
Perfect for Companies, CEO Circle Members & Award-Winning Teams
Includes premium seating for 8 in a reserved section, plus:
Unlimited open bar access on select premiums for all guests plus Rosè Champagne bottle service
VIP Executive Lounge access (indoor & outdoor)
Personal table attendant for drink refills and service
Stage Access during honoree procession (if applicable)
Live video interview with your company rep, aired during or after the gala
Group red carpet photo session + branded backdrop
Full gourmet buffet dinner + dessert bar & coffee station
Reserved logo display at your table
Post-event highlight reel featuring your company
Priority registration for 2027 Leadership Lowcountry cohort or Chamber programming
One branded corporate gift bag per guest
For family, friends, sponsors, or colleagues of honorees
Includes:
Full celebration open bar all evening
Access to VIP Indoor Lounge & Outdoor Patio
Individual red-carpet photo with media wall
Signature welcome cocktail at check-in
Access to leadership networking zone
Full gourmet buffet dinner + dessert bar & coffee
Entry into giveaway raffle featuring gift cards, spa packages, and more
Early-bird access to professional gala photos post-event
Souvenir lapel pin commemorating the 20th Anniversary Gala
For active Southeastern Chamber members
Includes:
Full celebration open bar
Access to VIP Indoor Lounge and Patio Networking Zones
Optional stage recognition (limited slots available)
Access to interactive member spotlight wall
Full buffet dinner + dessert bar and coffee
Professional networking concierge assistance
Name badge flair showing member level
Leadership raffle entry exclusive to members only
Digital certificate of participation for LinkedIn or resume
Celebrating 21 Years of Leadership. Honoring the Leaders Defining Tomorrow.
For more than two decades, the Southeastern Chamber of Commerce has connected businesses, strengthened communities, and championed the entrepreneurs, executives, nonprofits, innovators, and public servants shaping the future of our region.
On Thursday, August 20, 2026, we invite you to join us for our most prestigious evening of the year as we celebrate 21 years of impact while recognizing an extraordinary class of Emerging Leaders whose vision, service, innovation, and leadership are transforming our communities.
This is more than an awards gala.
It is an evening where CEOs sit beside entrepreneurs. Where elected officials connect with nonprofit leaders. Where corporate executives meet rising professionals. Where partnerships begin, milestones are celebrated, and the next chapter of regional business is written.
Throughout the evening, guests will enjoy an elevated dining experience, signature cocktails, live entertainment, meaningful networking, inspiring stories of leadership, and a first-class awards presentation recognizing individuals and organizations making an extraordinary difference across the Southeast.
The Evening Includes
• Red Carpet Arrival & Professional Photography
• Cocktail Reception featuring our Signature Cocktails:
The CEO • The Executive • The Honoree
• Premium Dinner Experience
• 21st Anniversary Celebration
• Emerging Leaders Awards Presentation
• Humanitarian & Legacy Recognitions
• Business & Executive Networking
• Live Entertainment
• VIP Reception Opportunities
Honoring Excellence
Each year, the Emerging Leaders Gala recognizes individuals and organizations whose leadership extends beyond business success.
Our honorees represent the very best of our communities, visionaries who create opportunity, inspire others, invest in people, and leave a lasting legacy through service, innovation, and leadership.
Past recipients have included distinguished business executives, higher education leaders, community advocates, entrepreneurs, and organizations whose work continues to shape the future of our region.
A Chamber Without Boundaries
Today, the Southeastern Chamber proudly serves businesses across ten regional divisions, connecting thousands of professionals through business development, leadership initiatives, economic partnerships, workforce engagement, entrepreneurship, public policy, and community collaboration.
The Emerging Leaders Gala reflects that mission by bringing together leaders from every sector under one roof for one unforgettable evening.
Event Information
Thursday, August 20, 2026
The Studio @28 Ann St. - Historic Downtown Charleston
Reception Begins: 6:00 PM
Awards Program & Dinner: 7:00 PM
Business Attire: Black Tie Preferred ⎮ Formal Business Attire Welcome
Reserve Your Seat
Whether you are an executive, entrepreneur, elected official, nonprofit leader, corporate partner, or emerging professional, this is your invitation to celebrate leadership, build meaningful relationships, and experience one of the premier business celebrations in the Southeast.
Join us as we celebrate twenty-one years of excellence and recognize the leaders who are shaping the next twenty-one.
network