An evening withPresidentGeorge W. Bush
Join 800+ of North Texas’s business leaders as the Chamber honors the people who make an impact in our community — with India’s Ambassador to the United States as Guest of Honor.
Keynote speaker
George W. Bush
43rd President of the United States
About the evening
The Chamber’s Annual Awards honor the achievements of prominent business professionals, industry leaders and community servants — and bring members and guests together for a night of connection.
As the nation marks its 250th anniversary, the 2026 edition welcomes our most distinguished keynote speaker yet, alongside India’s Ambassador to the United States as Guest of Honor — a fitting celebration of the U.S.–India partnership right here in Dallas.
Keynote speaker
George W. Bush
43rd President of the United States, 2001–2009 · Governor of Texas, 1995–2000
His administration passed the No Child Left Behind Act, cut federal income taxes, and pursued new free-trade agreements, healthcare reforms and environmental measures. After September 11, he led international coalitions and launched global HIV/AIDS and malaria initiatives credited with saving millions of lives.
After leaving office, President and Mrs. Bush founded the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas — home to his presidential library, museum and the Bush Institute. He is the author of four bestselling books, most recently Out of Many, One.
Guest of honor
Ambassador Vinay Kwatra
Ambassador of India to the United States
A 36-year veteran of the Indian Foreign Service and India’s Foreign Secretary from 2022 to 2024, Ambassador Kwatra has served as Ambassador to Nepal and to France. This is his second Washington posting — he earlier led the Embassy’s commercial wing, and remains a champion of the U.S.–India partnership.
A tradition of distinguished voices
Past keynote speakers at the Chamber’s signature evening.
Sponsorship levels
Partner with the 2026 banquet
Every level includes seats at the banquet and your logo on the Chamber’s social media and website.
| Sponsor level | Tickets | Event media | Chamber membership | VIP reception | Photo with President Bush |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Event Underwriter$65,000 | 10 tickets (1 table) | Premium placement Logo on social & website 90-second video | Bespoke | 10 tickets | Yes (2 people) |
| Presenting Sponsor$25,000 | 10 tickets (1 table) | Logo on social & website 60-second video | Enterprise Plus Level | 10 tickets | Yes (2 people) |
| Patron$20,000 | 10 tickets (1 table) | Logo on social & website 30-second video | Enterprise Level | 6 tickets | Yes (2 people) |
| Platinum$15,000 | 10 tickets (1 table) | Logo on social & website | Corporate Plus Level | 4 tickets | Yes (2 people) |
| Gold$10,000 | 10 tickets (1 table) | Logo on social & website | Corporate Level | 2 tickets | Yes (2 people) |
| Silver$5,000 | 10 tickets (1 table) | Logo on social & website | — | — | — |
| Half-Silver$2,500 | 5 tickets (½ table) | Logo on social & website | — | — | — |
Photo opportunities are limited to guests confirmed in advance by the Chamber. Questions about sponsorship? Contact Melissa Follis at info@usicoc.org.
Become a sponsorMoments from past banquets
Event details
Know Before You Go
Thursday, November 19, 2026 · Dallas, Texas. Because this evening features a former U.S. President, security is far stricter than at a typical Chamber event. Please read everything below before you arrive.
Registration & ticketing
Registration is strictly contingent upon full payment. Your name will not be added to the official security manifest until payment is complete.
There are no individual tickets for this event. All entries are managed through table sponsorships and group reservations. Know your designated group or table host before you arrive to speed up check-in.
Arrival & security
To comply with dignitary protection protocols, doors will lock exactly 30 minutes before the event begins. No exceptions will be made, and no one will be admitted after the doors are secured.
We strongly advise arriving 60 to 90 minutes before the event begins to allow ample time for parking, credential verification and security screening.
Because this event features a former U.S. President, all guests must pass through a U.S. Secret Service security checkpoint, which includes walk-through metal detectors.
Present a valid, physical, government-issued photo ID (driver’s license or passport) at check-in. The name on your ID must exactly match the name submitted during registration.
Bags & prohibited items
Large bags, backpacks and briefcases are not permitted inside the venue. We recommend bringing only a small clutch or a clear bag.
No weapons of any kind (including pocket knives, pepper spray and firearms), laser pointers, signs, banners, or outside food and beverages are permitted inside the secure perimeter.
Photography & meet-and-greet
Photos with the President are strictly limited to guests pre-selected by their sponsoring organization who have received explicit prior confirmation from the Chamber. Walk-up photo requests will not be accommodated.
Personal cell phones are permitted in the main space but must be silenced before entering. Flash photography, tripods and professional video equipment are strictly prohibited during the President’s remarks.
Etiquette & logistics
Business professional attire is required. You may need to walk from the parking area to the security checkpoint, so plan footwear accordingly.
Parking instructions and drop-off zones will be sent to your group’s primary registrant. Please coordinate with your group host for a smooth arrival.
