The Northern Michigan Business Gala 2026 is Traverse Connect’s premier annual celebration honoring the success, leadership, and collaboration that drive our region’s business community forward. This elegant, one-day event will take place on Friday, January 23, 2026, at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa, on the 16th and 17th floors of the Resort’s Tower. Guests will enjoy an evening of networking, live entertainment, and celebration with heavy hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine, and cocktails available for purchase. Complimentary valet parking will be provided for all attendees. Guests are invited to dress in black tie (optional) attire, with floor-length gowns, elegant pantsuits, tuxedos, or dark suits encouraged.
- Recognition of Presenting Sponsor for the 2026 Northern Michigan Business Gala
- First rights of acceptance for the 2026 Northern Michigan Business Gala
- Two-minute speaking opportunity during the Northern Michigan Business Gala
- Eight (8) Tickets to the Northern Michigan Business Gala
- Two (2) tickets included to the Directors’ Reception
- One month with a scrolling banner ad on the event page
- Logo included on light up tower on floor 17
- Recognition in digital and print publications including, but not limited to:
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- The Connection: Promoted in the Traverse Connect weekly newsletter (9,000 + subscribers)
- Email: Logo on invitation and confirmation emails sent to each event registrant
- Media: Promoted as sponsor in all earned and purchased media related to the event (may include print, radio, television, and direct mail)
- Website: Logo on Traverse Connect website
- Social Media: Recognition across Traverse Connect social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)
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- Minimum of two shout outs from our band/DJ
- Logo included on signage placed at event
- Verbal recognition at the event
- Logo included on elevator wrap to event
- Recognition as Dance Floor Sponsor for the 2026 Northern Michigan Business Gala
- Logo on light up sticks distributed at dance floor to attendees
- Six (6) tickets to the Northern Michigan Business Gala
- Logo on signage placed at event
- Logo included on light up tower on floor 17
- Recognition in digital and print publications including, but not limited to:
-
- The Connection: Promoted in the Traverse Connect weekly newsletter (9,000 + subscribers)
- Email: Logo on invitation and confirmation emails sent to each event registrant
- Media: Promoted as sponsor in all earned and purchased media related to the event (may include print, radio, television, and direct mail)
- Website: Logo on Traverse Connect website
- Social Media: Recognition across Traverse Connect social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)
-
- Recognition as Entertainment Sponsor for the 2026 Northern Michigan Business Gala
- Six(6) tickets to the Northern Michigan Business Gala
- Logo on signage placed near entertainment and stage
- Minimum of two shout outs from our entertainment
- Logo included on light up tower on floor 17
- One month with a scrolling banner ad on the event page
- Recognition in digital and print publications including, but not limited to:
-
- The Connection: Promoted in the Traverse Connect weekly newsletter (9,000 + subscribers)
- Email: Logo on invitation and confirmation emails sent to each event registrant
- Media: Promoted as sponsor in all earned and purchased media related to the event (may include print, radio, television, and direct mail)
- Website: Logo on Traverse Connect website
- Social Media: Recognition across Traverse Connect social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)
-
- Recognition as Beverage Sponsor for the 2026 Northern Michigan Business Gala
- Single-color logo printed on coasters placed around the room
- Special drink named after your organization ,or name of your choosing, included in free beverage order
- Logo included on signage placed next to the bar
- Six (6) tickets to the Northern Michigan Business Gala
- One month with a scrolling banner ad on the event page
- Logo on signage placed at event
- Logo included on light up tower on floor 17
- Recognition in digital and print publications including, but are not limited to:
-
- The Connection: Promoted in the Traverse Connect weekly newsletter (9,000 + subscribers)
- Email: Logo on invitation and confirmation emails sent to each event registrant
- Media: Promoted as sponsor in all earned and purchased media related to the event (may include print, radio, television, and direct mail)
- Website: Logo on Traverse Connect website
- Social Media: Recognition across Traverse Connect social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)
-
- Recognition as Hors D’oeuvres & Late-Night Snack Sponsor for the 2026 Northern Michigan Business Gala
- Logo included on signage placed next to food stations
- One month with a scrolling banner ad on the event page
- Single-color logo printed on beverage napkin at food station
- Four (4) tickets to the Northern Michigan Business Gala
- Logo included on light up tower on floor 17
- Recognition in digital and print publications including, but are not limited to:
-
- The Connection: Promoted in the Traverse Connect weekly newsletter (9,000 + subscribers)
- Email: Logo on invitation and confirmation emails sent to each event registrant
- Media: Promoted as sponsor in all earned and purchased media related to the event (may include print, radio, television, and direct mail)
- Website: Logo on Traverse Connect website
- Social Media: Recognition across Traverse Connect social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)
-
- Recognition as Decor Sponsor for the 2026 Northern Michigan Business Gala
- Logo included within floral arrangements placed around the room, tables, bars, etc.
- Two(2) tickets to Northern Michigan Business Gala
- One month with a scrolling banner ad on the event page
- Logo included on light up tower on floor 17
- Recognition in digital and print publications including, but are not limited to:
-
- The Connection: Promoted in the Traverse Connect weekly newsletter (9,000 + subscribers)
- Email: Logo on invitation and confirmation emails sent to each event registrant
- Media: Promoted as sponsor in all earned and purchased media related to the event (may include print, radio, television, and direct mail)
- Website: Logo on Traverse Connect website
- Social Media: Recognition across Traverse Connect social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)
-
- Recognition as the Welcome Champagne Sponsor for the 2026 Northern Michigan Business Gala
- Four (4) tickets to the Northern Michigan Business Gala
- Acrylic champagne tags placed on each welcome glass (logo will be etched – no color) while supplies last
- Logo included on light up tower on floor 17
- Recognition in digital and print publications including, but are not limited to:
-
- The Connection: Promoted in the Traverse Connect weekly newsletter (9,000 + subscribers)
- Email: Logo on invitation and confirmation emails sent to each event registrant
- Media: Promoted as sponsor in all earned and purchased media related to the event (may include print, radio, television, and direct mail)
- Website: Logo on Traverse Connect website
- Social Media: Recognition across Traverse Connect social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)
-