Attend the EEA Gala
The 2026 Engineering Excellence Awards Gala is an evening of celebration, recognition, and connection at the highest level of our profession. Explore ticket and table options, review pricing, and note the April 10, 2026, registration deadline. You’ll also find guidance on black-tie attire, a full schedule of the reception, dinner, awards program, and after-party, as well as hotel and travel details—including room block information and transportation tips.
We also provide support for dietary, ADA, and accessibility requests, along with a comprehensive Attendee FAQ covering refunds, cancellations, and what to expect throughout the night. Everything you need to plan your Gala experience starts here.
Tickets & Tables
Choose the option that best fits your group. Purchase individual tickets, reserve a table of 10, or elevate your experience with sponsorship, which includes enhanced visibility during the event.
Ticket Options
- Individual Ticket: $550
- Table of 10: $4,950
Registration Deadline
All registrations must be received by April 10, 2026.
Hotel
The 2026 Engineering Excellence Awards Gala will be held at the Grand Hyatt Washington, located in the heart of downtown and just steps from Capitol Hill.
Room reservations must be received by Friday, April 3, 2026. Reservations made after this date—or after the room block sells out—will be accepted on a space- and rate-available basis. A deposit equal to one night’s room and tax is required to secure each reservation.
The Grand Hyatt Washington offers convenient on-site parking for hotel and event guests.
Guests are encouraged to check current parking rates prior to arrival, as pricing and availability may change. If you plan to drive, please allow extra time for downtown traffic and event-night congestion.
SCHEDULE-AT-A-GLANCE
The Schedule-at-a-Glance offers a snapshot of key events and timing. For more detailed information on sessions, speakers, venues, and important event-day logistics, please visit the detailed schedule here.
2:00–5:30 PM
Rehearsals & Formal Photography
Specified honorees participate in stage walk-throughs and professional portrait sessions.
4:00–6:00 PM
EEA Gala Red Carpet
Walk the red carpet, enjoy photo ops, and begin the evening’s celebration in style.
6:00–7:00 PM
EEA Gala Reception
Join fellow attendees for cocktails and conversation before the main program begins.
7:00–10:00 PM
Dinner & Awards Program
A seated dinner followed by the presentation of national honors, culminating in the Grand Conceptor Award.
10:00 PM
After-Party
Continue the celebration with music, dancing, and late-night festivities.
Attire
The Engineering Excellence Awards Gala is a black-tie event. Guests are encouraged to wear formal evening attire – tuxedos, gowns, or other elegant formalwear.
Tuxedo Rentals for the Engineering Excellence Awards Gala
Tuxedo rentals for the ACEC Engineering Excellence Awards Gala are available through M. Stein & Company.
How to Reserve
Visit the M. Stein website or call (202) 659-1434 or (301) 703-9422
Special ACEC Rate & Deadline
To receive the ACEC group rate and guaranteed hotel delivery, be sure to mention “ACEC Group” when ordering.
- Order by April 5:
- $140 without shoes
- $155 with shoes
- After April 5:
- $170 without shoes
- $200 with shoes
- Price includes the insurance damage waiver
Pickup & Return
All rentals will be delivered to the hotel concierge. Please pick up your tuxedo prior to the Gala and return it to the concierge after the event.
Thank You To Our Sponsors
