BRAVO! A Celebration of Leadership 2026

BRAVO! A Celebration of Leadership 2026

Thursday, November 12, 2026 (5:00 PM - 8:00 PM) (EST)

Description

BRAVO! is a celebration of Hampton Road's top regional leadership. Join us as we celebrate leaders who have positively impacted our region and the LEAD757 Class of 2026 who have completed an eight-month journey focused on key issues that impact our region.

LEAD757 inspires proven leaders from across the region by providing unique avenues of cooperation, innovative problem solving and the development of lasting professional and civic relationships.

SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE
For sponsorship information, please contact Melissa Rose: mrose@hrchamber.com or 757-664-2533

CANCELLATION POLICY
The Hampton Roads Chamber must maintain a cancellation policy for events in order to properly plan for catering, venue expenses, and marketing efforts. Unless stated otherwise, Chamber reservations must be canceled five (5) business days before the event to be eligible for a refund. No refunds will be issued for non-attendance.  

2026 HONOREES

TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!

AWARDS CRITERIA

First Citizen of Hampton Roads

The First Citizen of Hampton Roads Award recognizes an individual from greater Hampton Roads who has demonstrated exceptional regional leadership. The award honors a courageous and visionary individual whose tireless efforts have helped lead the 17 communities of Hampton Roads to greater partnership, collaboration and prosperity. Recipients of the award must meet the following criteria:

  • Is a resident of and/or employed in one of the 17 communities of Hampton Roads
  • Through active and sustained involvement in business, community, civic, professional and/or political endeavors, displays excellence, boldness and courage in promoting regional partnerships, cooperation and opportunities
  • Serves as a role model of regional thinking and action

Visionary Award 

The Visionary Award was created to honor those leaders who have the ability to see the challenges of our region and design and deliver solutions. In particular, the award seeks to promote the value of creativity, collaboration and a sense of courage in order to enhance our region’s prosperity. Criteria for the award nominee are: 

  • LEADERSHIP: Influences others to appreciate, promote, and serve the Hampton Roads region
  • INTEGRITY/ETHICS: Exemplifies the highest levels of personal integrity and ethical decision-making
  • INNOVATION: Embraces and designs innovative strategies that directly improve the quality of life in Hampton Roads
  • COLLABORATION: Builds coalitions and collaboration across traditional boundaries to enhance our prosperity

Julian Hirst Alumni Award

The Julian Hirst Alumni Award winner is a LEAD757 (formerly LEAD, HR) graduate who exemplifies excellence in community, civic, and professional leadership and who has made a significant contribution to the LEAD757 and Chamber mission. Criteria for the award nominee are: 

  • Shall be a resident of and employed in one of the 17 communities that comprise greater Hampton Roads
  • Shall be a graduate of LEAD757 or LEAD Hampton Roads
  • Shall have through active and sustained involvement in business, community, civic, professional and/or political endeavors displayed excellence in leadership within the region

ICON Award 

The Hampton Roads ICON Award was created to recognize a young professional from greater Hampton Roads whose career and community service is widely regarded as an example of excellence. The recipient of this award is a pacesetter in his or her industry who has achieved significant accomplishments. Recipients of the award must meet the following criteria:

  • Is a resident of and/or employed in one of the 17 communities of Hampton Roads
  • Is 40 years of age or younger
  • Through active involvement in business, community, civic, and professional endeavors displays exceptional leadership
  • Is a role model (icon) of servant leadership and professionalism for the next generation of leaders in our region
LEAD757 CLASS OF 2026 GRADUATES


Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront
3001 Atlantic Ave.
Virginia Beach, VA 23451 United States
Event Contact
Melissa Rose
(757) 664-2533
Send Email
Thursday, November 12, 2026 (5:00 PM - 8:00 PM) (EST)
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