Excellence Black Tie Gala 2026

Elias Miller, conductor Quan Howell, vocalist Brianna Mosley, vocalist Najoura, vocalist Featured Performance: The Columbus Symphony Orchestra performing a special Michael Jackson tribute and other musical selections Additional Experiences: Live performances Fashion showcases Visual artists Culinary tastings Comedy Live bands Multiple DJs Access to COSI’s celebrated exhibit Three days. Four experiences. One unforgettable weekend. Join more than 3,500 professionals, creatives, entrepreneurs, and tastemakers for a weekend of elevated experiences in Columbus. For the second consecutive year, the Columbus Symphony Orchestra will take center stage with a special tribute to Michael Jackson, along with additional musical selections. Throughout the evening, guests will enjoy live performances, fashion showcases, visual art, culinary tastings, comedy, live bands, multiple DJs, and access to COSI’s exciting exhibits. The celebration continues at the Excellence afterparty on the top floor of COSI, featuring world-renowned DJ Kid Capri. Join more than 3,500 professionals, creatives, entrepreneurs, and tastemakers for a weekend of elevated experiences in Columbus. The event also serves as the annual fundraiser for the NOW Foundation, supporting its mission to provide entrepreneurs, small-business owners, and creatives with free workforce-development resources, professional development, and pathways to sustainable growth.