Black Chamber of Arizona Announces Expanded 28th Anniversary Pinnacle Pathways Gala, Business Awards & Expo
Full-day “Golden Hour: From Access to Ownership” experience will bring together entrepreneurs, corporate leaders and community partners on December 19; tickets officially go on sale October 1
CHANDLER, Ariz. — The Black Chamber of Arizona today announced its 28th Anniversary Pinnacle Pathways Gala, Business Awards & Expo, an expanded, full-day business and community experience taking place Saturday, December 19, 2026, at the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass in Chandler.
Presented in partnership with the City of Chandler, this year’s event will carry the theme “Golden Hour: From Access to Ownership,” reflecting the Chamber’s commitment to helping entrepreneurs and communities move beyond access to achieve business growth, wealth creation and long-term ownership.
Following two consecutive sold-out celebrations, the 2026 Pinnacle Pathways Gala is expanding to accommodate up to 1,000 guests, alongside a daytime Business Expo and Vendor Marketplace expected to attract thousands of entrepreneurs, professionals, corporate decision-makers and community members.
“This year represents a defining moment for the Black Chamber of Arizona,” said Dr. Velma Trayham, President and CEO of the Black Chamber of Arizona. “For 28 years, this organization has worked to create access and opportunity. Now, we are building pathways that lead to ownership—ownership of businesses, ideas, assets and the future of Arizona’s economy.”
The daytime experience, scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., will feature:
- A Business Expo and Vendor Marketplace
- Capital-access and ownership conversations
- Main-stage speakers and executive panels
- Business pitch and entrepreneur-development opportunities
- Corporate and community partner activations
- Procurement, workforce and business-resource connections
- Opportunities for companies to showcase their brands, products and services
The celebration will continue from 7 p.m. to midnight with a desert black-tie Gala featuring the Pinnacle Business Awards, red-carpet arrivals, entertainment, distinguished honorees and leaders from across Arizona’s corporate, civic and entrepreneurial communities.
The Pinnacle Pathways Gala is the Black Chamber of Arizona’s largest annual fundraiser. Proceeds support youth leadership initiatives, programs serving underserved entrepreneurs, small-business development and the Chamber’s statewide economic-impact work.
“This will be more than an awards ceremony,” Trayham added. “It will be a statewide platform where entrepreneurs gain visibility, companies build meaningful relationships, and leaders come together to invest in the people and businesses shaping Arizona’s future.”
Official tickets and table reservations will go on sale October 1, 2026. Businesses and community members may join the early-interest list now at:
Corporate sponsorships, speaking opportunities, vendor spaces, advertising and brand activations are currently available. Organizations interested in partnering with the Black Chamber of Arizona are encouraged to submit their interest early, as space and premium visibility opportunities are limited.
Event Information
**SAVE THE DATE FLYER ATTACHED**
28th Anniversary Pinnacle Pathways Gala, Business Awards & Expo
Theme: Golden Hour: From Access to Ownership
Date: Saturday, December 19, 2026
Location: Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass, Chandler, Arizona
Business Expo and Vendor Marketplace: 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Desert Black-Tie Gala: 7 p.m.–Midnight
Tickets On Sale: October 1, 2026
Interest Link:https://
About the Black Chamber of Arizona
For 28 years, the Black Chamber of Arizona has served as a statewide economic-development organization connecting entrepreneurs and businesses with relationships, resources and opportunities for sustainable growth. Through business education, mentorship, corporate partnerships, workforce development and access-to-capital initiatives, the Chamber works to strengthen businesses, create jobs and build a more competitive Arizona economy.
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