
Celebrating the 9th Annual NC Women Business Owners Hall of Fame
Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 6:00pm
The Terrace at Cedar Hill
Charlotte, North Carolina
Witness the Brilliance. Celebrate the Legacy.
Join us in the Queen City for an evening of prestige as we induct the 2026 Hall of Fame class—the "Crown Jewels" of North Carolina’s economic landscape. We gather to honor the female leaders who build, sustain, and drive our state forward.
Jewel Toned Formal Attire Suggested
Don't miss this chance to celebrate the 9th annual class of the new NC Women Business Owners Hall of Fame!
TICKET SALES ARE NOW CLOSED!

EMCEE: Cara Truitt
Cara Truitt has been helping people connect with ideas that matter.
As an entrepreneur, business owner, speaker, coach, and community leader, she has spent her career creating spaces where meaningful conversations can happen. Her work has taken her across creative, corporate, nonprofit, and wellness environments, giving her a unique perspective on how people communicate, build trust, and create influence in different settings.
Cara is the Founder of TEDx Sugar Creek Women, Charlotte Chapter Host of Mic Drop Club, and Education Director of NAWBO Charlotte. She also coaches speakers and thought leaders, helping them shape and deliver ideas in ways that resonate deeply with the people they hope to reach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tickets & Sponsorships
Both standard event tickets (individual, couple, tables) and corporate sponsorship packages are purchased through the exact same "View Tickets & Sponsorship Tiers" button. Once the checkout screen opens, simply scroll to find the corporate tier or individual ticket package that best fits your goals.
Every corporate sponsorship tier combines event access with brand visibility. Tiers scale from the entry-level Champion Sponsor ($500) up to our exclusive Presenting Sponsor ($10,000). Depending on your choice, your package will include standard or VIP event tickets, program advertisements, digital marketing campaign features, and on-stage/ceremonial recognition.
Yes. If your company requires a custom marketing activation or specific asset alignment that is not covered in our standard matrix, we are happy to build a package tailored to your goals. Please contact hanna@hummingbird-creative.com to discuss custom options.
The NC Women Business Owners Hall of Fame is an officially registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your tickets, sponsorships, and donations directly support our mission to preserve the history of female entrepreneurship. Tax documentation will be provided following your transaction.
Attire & Atmosphere
We suggest Jewel-Toned Formal Attire. Guests are encouraged to wear rich, vibrant gemstone colors—such as deep plums, reflective teals, emeralds, and warm champagne golds—to mirror the evening's aesthetic themes.
Travel, Accommodations & VIP Packages
Yes, we have a designated host hotel located right in the heart of Uptown Charlotte. If you purchase The Staycation Package or the Weekend in the Queen City travel package, your hotel accommodations for both Friday and Saturday night are fully handled and included in your reservation.
Important Notice for Independent Bookings: Because Ed Sheeran is performing at Bank of America Stadium the exact same night (Saturday, October 17), hotel rooms across Uptown Charlotte will book up much faster and at higher rates than usual. We strongly recommend reserving your accommodations as early as possible. Booking links for our standard guests will be provided on our main event page.
These are all-inclusive, premium event experiences limited to only 5 packages each:
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The Staycation Package ($2,850) is curated for local individuals looking for a luxury weekend retreat.
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Weekend in the Queen City ($3,350) is designed for a pair of travelers coming from out of town.
Both packages completely elevate your experience by adding a private Friday Evening Welcome Reception, an invitation to Saturday's highly restricted Pre-Gala VIP Inductee Cocktail Hour, two nights of accommodations, and private executive transit directly to the red carpet—allowing you to completely bypass stadium traffic and parking stress.
Logistics, Access & Dining
The Gala is located at The Terrace at Cedar Hill, 800 West Hill Street (at the corner of Cedar St and Westmere Ave), Charlotte, NC 28208. The venue sits on the top floor of a historic brick building.
With tens of thousands of concertgoers heading to Bank of America Stadium (which is just a few blocks away), area roads will be incredibly congested starting around 4:30 PM. Please allow an extra 30 to 45 minutes of travel time to ensure you arrive at The Terrace at Cedar Hill by our 6:00 PM doors-open time.
Complimentary event parking is available directly in front of and adjacent to the venue in the private lots off of both Hill Street and Westmere Avenue. An overflow lot is also located directly across the street on Cedar Street.
Parking Note: Because our parking lots are close to the stadium, we will have parking attendants verifying Gala registration at the entrance. Please have your digital ticket confirmation handy or inform the attendant you are attending the Hall of Fame Gala to gain access to the lot.
If you plan to use a rideshare service, we highly recommend booking an Uber or Lyft XL or utilizing a scheduled ride feature ahead of time. Surge pricing and high wait times will hit the area heavily between 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM and again from 10:30 PM – midnight.
Drop-off/Pick-up Tip: Ask your driver to approach the venue via Morehead Street to S. Cedar Street to avoid the major stadium closures on Mint Street and Graham Street.
Yes. The Terrace at Cedar Hill features flat, step-free entry from the parking lot into the main lobby, fully accessible elevator service to the event floor, and accessible restroom facilities. If you or a guest require special seating arrangements or accommodations, please reach out to us ahead of time.
Yes. If you are unable to attend, you can transfer your ticket to another colleague or guest. Please contact hanna@hummingbird-creative.com at least 48 hours prior to the event with your order details and the name/email of the person taking your place so we can update the registration list and name tags.
No, we use a digital check-in system to keep entry smooth. You will receive a confirmation email immediately upon purchasing your tickets or sponsorships. When you arrive at the red carpet on Saturday evening, simply give our check-in team your name or company name.
Our speakers

Keynote speaker: DG MCGEE
Exclusive Experience Opportunities — Tell Us What You’d Love!
One Oak Farm Tour
Friday, November 7
10:00 AM–2:00 PM
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Limited to 12 guests
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$100 per person (estimated)
Farm-Inspired Family-Style Lunch
Friday, November 7 or Sunday, November 9
12:30 PM–3:00 PM
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Limited to 40 guests
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$130 per person (estimated)
Afternoon Tea at The Sycamore
Friday, November 7 or Sunday, November 9
1:00 PM–3:00 PM
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Limited to 30 guests
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$92 per person (estimated)
Spa Treatments + Poolside Cabanas
Friday, November 7 or Sunday, November 9
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Must be staying on property
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Spa treatments priced per service
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Cabana rentals: $175 each (2 available)
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Limited to 8 guests total
Jewelry Raffle Prize To be announced soon
Tickets will be available for purchase at the Gala Event

