Join us!
Please join us for our 68th Annual Banquet on Thursday, March 5th, 2026.
Our Journey
The Chester County Chamber of Commerce is proud to host its most prestigious event of the year on Thursday, March 5, 2026. This significant gathering serves as our annual membership meeting, featuring the installation of our 2026 officers, a spotlight on our community's future goals, and the presentation of our esteemed annual business awards.
Our 2026 theme, “Our Journey: Honoring Where We’ve Been, Celebrating Where We’re Going,” serves as a dual celebration. We are proud to honor the individual histories of our member businesses while offering a patriotic nod to America’s 250th Anniversary.
Thanks to the generous venue sponsorship from the Chester County Government, we are returning to the Gateway Conference Center. Following last year’s record-breaking attendance, we anticipate nearly 500 local leaders and professionals. We are honored to be joined this year by guest speaker Connor Wentling, a Marine veteran and professional speaker who embodies our theme of resilience and progress.
Please note: While sponsorships are available now, individual ticket sales will officially open on Tuesday, January 27th.
Sponsorships Available now
INDEPENDENCE ($5,000): Includes a table of 16 guests at the banquet. This sponsorship will cover the evening's production costs. INDEPENDENCE sponsors will get preferred seating at the event, brand advertising prior to and after the event on social media, the chamber website, and event emails, as well as during the event in the e-program and in print on each guest table.
UNITY ($3,500): The Banquet's Unity Sponsorship is $3,500 and includes a table of 10 guests at the banquet. This sponsorship will cover the costs of the keynote speaker. UNITY sponsors will get preferred seating at the event, as well as brand advertising prior to and after the event on social media, the chamber website, and event emails, as well as during the event in the e-program and in print on each guest table.
EAGLE ($2,500): The Banquet's EAGLE sponsorship is for $2500 and includes a table of 8 at our annual banquet. This sponsorship will help with decorations to make the night special for our guests. EAGLE sponsors will get preferred seating at the event, as well as brand advertising prior to and after the event on social media and the chamber website, as well as during the event in the e-program and in print on each guest table.
VALOR ($1,000): The Banquet's Valor sponsorship is $1000 & comes with 4 banquet tickets. This sponsorship assists with keeping ticket prices low as it offsets our food costs. VALOR sponsors will get brand advertising prior to and after the event on social media and the chamber website, as well as during the event in the e-program and in print on each guest table.
HERITAGE ($500): The Banquet's Heritage sponsorship is $500 & comes with two banquet tickets. It offsets many of our event costs. HERITAGE sponsors will get brand advertising prior to and after the event on social media and the chamber website, as well as during the event in the e-program.
STAR ($100): The Banquet's Star sponsorship is a $100 donation. This donation goes towards our complimentary tickets for the night's award winners. STAR Sponsors will get brand advertising prior to and after the event on social media, as well as during the event in the e-program. *This sponsorship does not come with a complimentary ticket however we will allow early registration for banquet general sponsors.
Please note: While sponsorships are available now, individual ticket sales will officially open on Tuesday, January 27th.
Mix & Mingle
Kick off the evening at 5:00 p.m. with a special celebratory nod to America’s 250th Anniversary. Co-sponsored by MUSC and First Citizens Bank, this year’s Mix & Mingle is a fantastic opportunity to network and make new connections. Guests can enjoy a variety of appetizers and drinks from the bar while reflecting on our shared heritage and community milestones.
Guest Speaker
We are honored to have Connor Wentling as our guest speaker this year—a Marine Corps veteran and professional speaker who helps organizations navigate uncertainty with resilience and humor. In a generous show of support for his fellow veterans, Connor is donating his time. The honorarium typically reserved for our speaker will be donated to our local Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 19. Click here to read Connor's full bio.
Evening Flow & Dining
To allow for a more relaxed and social atmosphere, our dinner buffet lines will be open starting at 5:00 p.m. Feel free to tailor the evening to your preference:
- Start with the Mix & Mingle and dine later.
- Eat early and enjoy an after-dinner treat while you network.
We simply ask that all guests be in their seats and ready for our awards program to begin at 7:00 p.m. as we recognize the outstanding achievements within our Chamber family.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
- DON'T WAIT: We do expect to sell out, so please note that tickets are first come, first serve.
- COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS: If you receive complimentary tickets with your membership level, YOU MUST reserve your seats. If you don't have guest names yet, simply list them as "Guest One" and email us closer to time with updates.
- TICKET PRICES: General admission tickets are $85 each.
- TABLE SIZES: Tables may be purchased that seat 8 to 10. We always recognize companies that purchase tables!
- FOOD: To compliment this year's theme, chamber member Melanie Rowe Catering is preparing a Colonial-inspired menu. The meal features:
- Entrées: Chicken & Rice and Hearty Colonial Beef Stew.
- Accompaniments: Watercress Salad, Okra & Tomatoes, Sweet Potato Casserole, and Creamy Green Beans with Onions & Mushrooms.
- Are there vegetarian options? Yes! While the main entrées are meat-based, our selection of sides—including the Watercress salad, sweet potato casserole, and fresh vegetables—offers a delicious and filling experience for our vegetarian guests.
- TABLE DECORATING CONTEST: Showcase your brand and creativity by participating in our signature decorating contest!
- Participation is Optional: Decorating is completely voluntary. If you purchase a table but prefer not to decorate, the Chamber will provide beautiful, classic décor for you and your guests.
- The "Guest Host" Format: To maximize networking, you will decorate a table for a different group of guests, while another business styles yours. It’s a great way to get your brand in front of a new audience!
- Individuals Welcome: You don't have to purchase a table to participate. We are looking for individuals or businesses to help us decorate the Chamber’s tables.
- Guests will judge the designs, and the winner will be announced during the program!
- CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT DECORATING A TABLE!
- ATTIRE: The dress is Business Casual. To keep the evening focused on celebration and unity—not politics—we are NOT hosting a costume contest this year. Please come in classic red, white, and blue or standard business attire to help us set a festive, patriotic tone. For a welcoming, nonpartisan event, political attire or messaging of any kind will not be permitted during the event and must be removed before entering the Gateway Conference Center. Thank you for helping us keep the night about our shared history and united future.
Please note: While sponsorships are available now, individual ticket sales will officially open on Tuesday, January 27th.
This event would not be possible without our sponsors. Please consider joining this list of generous donors who are making a difference for the chamber, and ensuring our night is extra special!
LIBERTY SPONSORS
