Attend the EEA Gala
Planning to attend the 2026 Engineering Excellence Awards Gala? This page has everything you need to make the most of your evening. 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
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 Tickets: $530 each
- Table of 10: $4,800
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 17, 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.
- Valet Parking: Available at the hotel entrance. Daily and overnight rates apply.
- Self-Parking: The nearest garages are located within one block of the hotel and offer evening and overnight options. Rates vary by facility.
- Metro Access: The hotel sits directly above the Metro Center station (Red, Blue, Orange, and Silver lines), providing an easy alternative to parking.
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.
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 (Tuesday, May 5, Grand Hyatt Washington) are available through M. Stein & Company.
How to Reserve
Visit the M. Stein website or call (202) 659-1434 or (301) 703-9422
Pricing
- Classic tuxedo: $170 (without shoes)/$200 (with shoes)
- Price includes the insurance damage waiver
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: $170/$200 (with shoes)
- After April 5: $196/$205 (with shoes)
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.
Schedule of Events
Before Gala night, all recognized firms and honorees should review the awards winners page for specific instructions, deadlines, required materials, and photo guidelines. You’ll find a link to full instructions below.
The following schedule provides a high-level view of the evening’s flow.
2:00–5:30 PM – Award Winner Rehearsals & Formal Photography
Honorees arrive early for 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 – Reception
Join fellow guests 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.
Need additional guidance? Explore the full FAQs and Event Policies for comprehensive information.
Schedule of Events
Before Gala night, all recognized firms and honorees should review the awards winners page for specific instructions, deadlines, required materials, and photo guidelines. You’ll find a link to full instructions below.
The following schedule provides a high-level view of the evening’s flow.
2:00–5:30 PM – Award Winner Rehearsals & Formal Photography
Honorees arrive early for 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 – Reception
Join fellow guests 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.
Need additional guidance? Explore the full FAQs and Event Policies for comprehensive information.
Thank You To Our Sponsors
