Friday, January 30, 2026 from 5:30 pm - 10:30 pm CST River Ranch Stockyards - Fort Worth, Texas

Parade of Stars Awards Gala

Overview

This awards gala is time to honor women-owned businesses and advocates. Our trailblazers-of-the-southwest themed event features a cocktail reception, dinner, awards, live band with dancing, country line dance instruction, a longhorn photo opportunity, and fundraisers.

Join us Friday, January 30, 2026 from 5:30 - 10:30pm at River Ranch Stockyards (500 NE 23rd St, Fort Worth, TX 76164) to celebrate our trailblazers of the southwest!

Agenda
5:30 - 7:00 ... Cocktail Reception, Longhorn Photo Opportunity, and Fundraisers
7:00 - 8:00 ... Dinner, Awards, and Live Auction
8:00 - 10:30 ... Live Band with Dancing, Line Dance Instruction, and Fundraisers

VIP Reception
Looking to mix and mingle with our Board members in an intimate setting while enjoying appetizers and an open bar from 5:30 - 7:00? Sign up for the VIP Experience during registration. Spots are limited.

Parking
Complimentary self-parking and valet in the venue's attached lot

Arrival
River Ranch consists of one building on one floor. Head to the entrance and we'll greet you at check in with two drink tickets.

Dinner Seating
All registrants are assigned to a table. All who register together are seated together. If you'd like to sit with someone you are not registered with, contact Elizabeth Garner. WBCS will do its best to accommodate.

Attire
Boots, bling - whatever a trailblazer might wear!

Registration
The last day to register online is Thursday, January 15. On-site registration is available at a higher rate.

Room Block
We have a discounted room block at Hyatt Place Fort Worth Historic Stockyards for $319 plus tax. Because it’s the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo that weekend, the last day to reserve a room is relatively soon - December 30. Reserve a room.

Sponsorship Opportunities
Each sponsorship includes admissions and branding on event materials. Some levels also include the opportunity to address the audience and/or get additional branding in front of our network of 10,500+ contacts. The last day to sponsor and receive full benefits is Tuesday, January 13. Available options include:

• Champion Circle - Platinum, Diamond, Gold, Silver, or Ruby
• Presenting
• VIP Reception
• Armadillo Races
• Bar
• Entertainment
• Longhorn
• Valet
• Collaborator
• Contributor
• Table of 8

Contact Sarah White to secure your sponsorship. Check out our catalog for full benefits.

Fundraisers & Prizes
We'll be hosting a live auction, gift card grab, and wine pull. Prize descriptions coming soon!

If you would like to donate, contact Elizabeth Garner and fill out this form. For full recognition*, donations need to be confirmed by Tuesday, January 13. For partial recognition, you can donate through Sunday, January 25.

*Donors will be grouped by total donation amount and recognized in front of the 500+ attendees at the event and announced to our network of 10,500+ individuals via email, via enewsletter and on this website.

Pre-Event Mixer
We're hosting a complimentary mixer to get us ready for the gala! Join us on Thursday, January 8 from 4:30 - 6:30pm at Madam Pearl's Dancehall & Saloon (320 W Exchange Fort Worth, TX 76164) to mix and mingle and enjoy some live music and $4 drink specials. You do not have to be registered for the awards gala in order to attend the mixer. RSVP for the mixer here.

Award Categories and Nominations
The deadline to submit a nominee response form has been extended to Monday, December 15 at noon.

To nominate someone, reach out to them via email or social media and encourage them to complete the response form. Anyone can self-nominate by simply completing a response form.

The WBE Rising Star Award recognizes a newly-certified WBE who has demonstrated the highest degree of support for and involvement with WBCS and plans to continue engagement into the future. Eligible WBEs must have received initial certification in 2024 or 2025. Submit a nominee response form for WBE Rising Star!

The WBE Advocate of the Year Award recognizes a WBE owner or employee who demonstrates extraordinary efforts in inspiring, engaging, and empowering women-owned businesses. This individual will be recognized and honored for her mentoring, coaching, and supporting of women-owned businesses. Submit a nominee response form for WBE Advocate of the Year!

The Corporate Advocate of the Year Award recognizes an individual employed by a Corporate Member who encourages the utilization and development of small and women-owned businesses. Submit a nominee response form for Corporate Advocate of the Year!

The WBE of the Year Award recognizes a women-owned businesses that exemplifies outstanding business acumen, industry leadership, and a commitment to doing business with fellow WBEs. Submit a nominee response form for WBE of the Year!

The Corporation of the Year Award recognizes a Corporate Member that consistently demonstrates outstanding commitment to WBCS and the utilization of small and women-owned businesses through purchasing practices and results. Submit a nominee response form for Corporation of the Year!

The Community Partner of the Year Award recognizes a sister organization who is building up women-owned businesses and cultivating them to be ready for bigger contract opportunities. Submit a nominee response form for Community Partner of the Year!

To help us highlight the organizations and individuals who support, uplift, and inspire our community, we’re hosting a nomination contest.

• How to Enter the Contest:
  • Tag three people you want to nominate and the award category you want to nominate each nominee for.
  • Encourage them to complete a nominee response form by December 15.
  • Post using #WBCSTrailblazer.
• For every three people you nominate, you’ll get an entry into a drawing for a free event admission.

Presenter

Pricing

This event is open to everyone.

There are several admission options to meet your needs.


What If I Register and Can’t Attend?

Substitutions Welcome
If you have a conflict arise and can’t attend the event, another person may attend in your place at no charge. If you can’t find someone to attend in your place, you may cancel and receive a refund, less a processing fee.

Cancellation and Refund Policy
The last day to cancel and receive a refund is Thursday, January 15, 2026. General admission refunds are subject to a $10 cancellation fee per registrant. Sponsorship refunds are subject to a $50 cancellation fee. Refunds will be issued in the same form payment was made. Please allow two weeks for processing. Registrants who cancel will not receive event materials.

Substitutions and cancellations may be submitted in two ways:
1. via the Modify button at the top of this page and reference # that is provided in your confirmation email
2. via email request to WBCS Senior Director of Programs, Elizabeth Garner

Member

$200

Available through Thursday, January 15

$25 more on-site
$125 to add the VIP Experience
 

Sponsor

$

Last day to sponsor is Tuesday, January 13

Each sponsorship level includes event admissions and branding. Contact Sarah White at partnerships@wbcsouthwest.org to secure a sponsorship. Review options in our sponsorship catalog.

Non-member

$225

Available through Thursday, January 15

$25 more on-site
$125 to add the VIP Experience
 

Registrant List

Sponsors

Companies that support us