2026 Business Awards

Description

You're invited to celebrate at the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce's 13th Annual Business Awards, presented by BMO. Join us on Thursday, November 19 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center in Bayside. 

Celebrate the bold, the brilliant, and the best of Wisconsin’s LGBTQ+ and allied business community at our 2026 Business Awards. We'll kick off the evening with an inspiring awards program in a classic event space, followed by a reception.

For more information on being a sponsor, please contact Director of Membership Experience, Jack Feria at jack@wislgbtchamber.com. 

🎟️ Ticket Information 

General admission: $65 For non-members, friends of Chamber members, and the public. Includes full access to the evening’s festivities. 

Chamber member: $50 For current Wisconsin LGBT Chamber members. Includes full access to the evening’s festivities. 

What your ticket includes: 

- Private reception at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center 

- A seated awards program celebrating inclusive businesses across Wisconsin 

- Complimentary welcome beverage with cocktails, mocktails, beer, wine, and soda also available throughout the evening 

- Light bites from a delicious LGBT Chamber member caterer 

- Unmatched networking with business leaders, entrepreneurs, allies, and community champions

- Direct support of the Chamber’s year-round mission to build a more welcoming & inclusive business community 

Save the date and join us for a meaningful evening celebrating excellence, leadership, and the people and organizations making Wisconsin a vibrant community. 

Special Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor: BMO

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The recipients of the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber’s 2026 Business Awards will be announced in early October.

 Awards include: 

- Corporate Partner of the Year: Recognizes a corporate partner that demonstrates an outstanding commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion, strengthens belonging within its workplace, and actively supports the Chamber and the broader business community. 

- LGBTQ Business of the Year: Recognizes a business that is at least 51% LGBTQ-owned and demonstrates excellence in business, meaningful engagement with the Chamber, and a commitment to strengthening the LGBTQ+ and broader business community. 

- Allied Business of the Year: Recognizes an allied-owned business that demonstrates a strong commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion, actively supports the Chamber and its community, and advances a more welcoming and inclusive business environment. 

- Nonprofit Organization of the Year: Recognizes a nonprofit organization that demonstrates meaningful leadership and impact in strengthening the LGBTQ+ community and contributing to a thriving, inclusive business and civic community. 

- Business Resource Group of the Year: Recognizes an LGBTQ+ Business Resource Group (BRG) that creates meaningful connection and belonging within its organization, advances LGBTQ+ inclusion, and makes an impact within the workplace and broader community. 

- John Ross Pruess Business Leader of the Year: Recognizes an LGBTQ+ business leader whose leadership, service, and commitment have made a significant and lasting impact on the Chamber, the LGBTQ+ community, and Wisconsin’s business landscape. The award is named in memory of John Ross Pruess, a cherished member of the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber community whose life and leadership left a lasting impact. 

- Advocate of the Year: Recognizes an individual who has demonstrated exceptional advocacy for LGBTQ+ inclusion and has used their voice, influence, or leadership to advance meaningful change within the business community. See less