FAQs
Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce
Annual Awards 2026
The EVENT
How do I register to attend the event?
This event has typically been held in January? Why was it moved to April?
Several factors influenced this decision, including the risky nature of January weather, given many attendees travel from outside the Bangor region to attend. We also sent out a survey following the 2025 event in April and the response was overwhelming to continue hosting our event in April. Thank you to everyone who contributed feedback.
Will the event be the same as in prior years?
Historically, the Chamber’s annual awards event has included a reception, followed by a sit-down dinner. Last year, we switched things up a bit and send out a post-event survey. We thank everyone who offered up feedback and eagerly listened to each and every thought to try and build the best evening possible to honor our incredible award winners. Based on feedback, we are bringing back the sit down dinner while still maintaining a shorter evening.
This year’s event will also feature a new exclusive VIP Reception to kick off the celebratory evening, just for the award winners and select sponsors.
Will the set up be the same?
The evening will take place in the Grand Ballroom with tables of ten for dinner. Cocktail hour will utilize the space outside the ballroom, as well.
When will the event start and end?
Doors open at the Cross Insurance Center at 5:00 pm for cocktail hour. Opening announcements & dinner will commence at 6:00 pm, followed by awards, with a plan to wrap up the evening around 8:30 pm.
Is there a dress “code”?
There is a no strict dress code.
The AWARDS
Are the awards going to be the same as in prior years?
We have decided to honor Liz Russell by naming the Volunteer of the Year Award after her.
How does the nomination process work?
Nominations are open with a deadline of January 30, 2026.
NOMINATE HERE
Can I nominate myself or my business or organization?
No, but you can ask others to nominate you or a member of an organization’s board of directors may submit a nomination on its behalf.
If someone or a business/organization has received an award in the past, can they win again?
It’s not out of the question, but we prefer to recognize those who have not received a chamber award previously.
Do the award winners have to be chamber members?
No, any business and organization can be nominated and considered for an award, regardless of their affiliation with the chamber.
What is considered when selecting the winners?
The most important consideration is if the nominee is the best fit given the award criteria for each award. It doesn’t matter if there is one nomination or many, the decision is not based on the number of nominations, but rather the quality.
Who chooses the winners?
A volunteer committee made up of prior award recipients, representatives from the Chamber Board of Directors and the Chamber programs. The only exception is the “Volunteer of the Year” award. That award is selected by the staff of the chamber and not the committee.
SPONSORSHIPS
How would I go about being a sponsor for this event?
We offer many sponsorship opportunities. It’s a great way to support this event and bring name recognition to your business or organization. If you would like to learn about the sponsorship opportunities available, contact Scott at scott@bangorregion.com.
VOLUNTEERING
This sounds like fun! Can I help?!
Absolutely! We are looking for volunteers to assist with event prep, set up, and execution the day of the event. If you are interested in helping out, reach out to Sam at sam@bangorregion.com.
