Celebrate outstanding LGBTQ+ and allied businesses in Wisconsin at our Business Awards.
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.