Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship Inaugural Awards Party
Join us for an unforgettable evening as we bring together the trailblazers, changemakers, and community champions driving innovation across Florida and beyond. This event is proudly powered by the Orlando Technology Support Grant.

Join Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship for Our Inaugural Awards Party
Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating innovation, community impact, and the incredible achievements of women in tech and entrepreneurship across Florida.
Connect, inspire, and empower while enjoying an elegant night of dining, dancing, and networking under the stunning backdrop of the Orlando Science Center.
Hosted at the iconic Orlando Science Center, this elegant celebration will honor the visionaries of today and tomorrow with live music, immersive experiences, and meaningful connections.
Whether you're a founder, funder, tech leader, or ally — this is your night to raise a glass, celebrate our collective impact, and help power the next chapter of Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship.
- Friday, February 27, 2026
- 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
- Orlando Science Center, 777 E Princeton St, Orlando, FL 32803
- Dinner, dancing, cocktails, and Awards Presentation
- Tickets & sponsorships available first come first serve basis.
What to Expect
Our inaugural awards party is set to be a flagship event, spotlighting the unstoppable women redefining what’s possible in tech and entrepreneurship — founders, innovators, and changemakers making bold moves across Florida and beyond. You’ll sip cocktails surrounded by immersive exhibits in Our Planet, then head to DinoDigs for dinner, dessert, and dancing beneath the dinosaurs. It’s a night of recognition and revelry — all in support of our mission to fuel economic empowerment through free access to education, mentorship, and leadership opportunities for women across the state.
Plug and Play
Plug and Play is a leading global innovation platform connecting corporations, universities, startups, and investors together to develop and implement technologies of tomorrow. We believe that innovation should be open to anyone, anywhere. To learn more about Plug and Play, reach out to Allison Chandler with subject line “WTE” at a.chandler@pnptc.com.

🏆 2026 Awards Categories
Join us as we honor the women who are driving bold ideas forward and transforming the future of tech and entrepreneurship. From rising talent to seasoned innovators, our awardees reflect the strength, creativity, and impact of this growing community.
Nominations for the 2026 Gala will open in December 2025.
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💡 Innovator Award
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🌟 Rising Star
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🤝 Community Catalyst
💡 Innovator Award
Recognizing breakthrough innovation in tech or entrepreneurship.
Awarded to an individual who has introduced a significant technological advancement or inventive solution that has made a measurable impact on their industry or community. This honoree exemplifies creativity, forward-thinking, and a commitment to driving meaningful change.
🌟 Rising Star
Spotlighting emerging talent shaping the future.
This award honors an individual who is early in their tech or entrepreneurship journey—whether they’re just launching their first startup, making a bold career pivot, or diving into innovation later in life. The Rising Star demonstrates outstanding initiative, drive, and early impact, with clear potential to become a future leader in their field. Age isn’t the qualifier—courage to begin is
🤝 Community Catalyst
Celebrating the champions who lift others as they lead.
This award honors an individual who has strengthened the tech ecosystem through mentorship, advocacy, and community-building. The recipient is a connector and leader, creating opportunities and inclusive spaces for others to thrive.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsoring the Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship Awards Party aligns your brand with a powerful, purpose-driven network of decision-makers, doers, and rising stars across Florida’s innovation ecosystem — while supporting free, inclusive programs that uplift women across industries.
Audience Demographics:
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70% senior-level decision makers (C-level and senior leadership)
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55% entrepreneurs
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28% tech professionals
Statewide Impact:
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9+ active local chapters across Florida (Tampa, Orlando, Miami, and more)
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100+ educational & networking events delivered annually
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8,000+ individuals served with free career and entrepreneurship services
Marketing Reach:
- 22,000+ monthly LinkedIn impressions (16.5% annual avg. engagement rate)
- 12,000+ followers online
- 5,000+ active community members
- 2,000+ newsletter subscribers (39% avg. open rate, 10.93% avg. click-through rate)
- 1,000+ engaged Slack members
Presenting Sponsor (Exclusive)
$10,000
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The highest level of exposure across all event marketing channels.
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Take the stage with us for special remarks - exclusively available to our presenting sponsor - at our Awards Party.
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8 VIP tickets at an exclusive sponsored table.
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Premium logo placement on all digital event materials, website, and social media graphics.
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Exclusive Social Media Announcement all WTE platforms announcing your sponsorship.
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Pre-Event Email dedicated email blast to our full community.
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Event Website featuring your brand at the top of the event webpage.
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Dedicated LinkedIn & Instagram Stories promoting your sponsorship leading up to the event.
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Your brand tagged in all major event promotion posts.
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A special thank-you post after the event with a photo featuring your team.
Cocktail Sponsor (Exclusive)
$6,500
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High brand visibility with premium recognition across all event marketing channels, plus exclusive ownership of our Cocktail Hour.
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Bar Branding & Custom Signage in the "Our Planet" room.
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Deliver the toast at our cocktail hour.
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8 VIP tickets at an exclusive sponsored table.
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Prominent logo placement on all digital event materials, website, and social media graphics.
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Exclusive Social Media Announcement all WTE platforms announcing your sponsorship.
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Pre-Event Email dedicated email blast to our full community.
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Dedicated LinkedIn & Instagram Stories promoting your sponsorship leading up to the event.
"After Party" Sponsor (Exclusive)
$6,500
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High brand visibility with premium recognition across all event marketing channels, plus exclusive ownership of our "After Party" (music and dancing at the conclusion of the awards presentation).
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Take the stage to start the party with your remarks at the conclusion of our award presentation.
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8 VIP tickets at an exclusive sponsored table.
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Prominent logo placement on all digital event materials, website, and social media graphics.
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Exclusive Social Media Announcement all WTE platforms announcing your sponsorship.
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Pre-Event Email dedicated email blast to our full community.
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Dedicated LinkedIn & Instagram Stories promoting your sponsorship leading up to the event.
SOLD OUT - Dessert Sponsor (Exclusive)
$5,500
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High brand visibility with premium recognition across all event marketing channels, plus exclusive branding on our Dessert Station.
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8 VIP tickets at an exclusive sponsored table featuring your branding.
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Prominent placement on digital materials, website, and social media graphics.
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Exclusive Social Media Announcement all WTE platforms announcing your sponsorship.
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Mention in one dedicated email blast.
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Medium logo size + company mention on the event page.
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3 story posts promoting your sponsorship.
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Included in a sponsor recognition post.
Gold Sponsor
$5,000
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High visibility with premium recognition across marketing channels.
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8 VIP tickets at an exclusive sponsored table featuring your branding.
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Prominent placement on digital materials, website, and social media graphics.
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Highlighted in a social media sponsorship announcement.
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Mention in one dedicated email blast.
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Medium logo size + company mention on the event page.
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3 story posts promoting your sponsorship.
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Included in a sponsor recognition post.
Silver Sponsor
$3,500
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Recognized across digital event promotions with mid-tier visibility.
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Logo included on event website, emails, and social media promo materials.
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Included in a group sponsorship announcement across all social channels.
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Pre-Event Email including your company listed in a sponsorship thank-you section.
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1 dedicated social shout-out across LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
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Group mention in 1 story post mentioning your brand.
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Mentioned in a post-event thank you email.
For more details on each package, reach out to us here. WTE reserves the right to review and decline proposed partnerships.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
📍 Where is the event being held?
The gala will take place at the Orlando Science Center, located at 777 E Princeton St, Orlando, FL 32803. Guests will enjoy immersive exhibits in Our Planet during cocktail hour and move into DinoDigs for dinner, dessert, and dancing.
🕕 What time does the event start and end?
Doors open at 6:00 PM for cocktail hour. Dinner, the awards presentation, and dancing will follow. The event concludes at 11:00 PM.
👗 What is the dress code?
Dress to impress! This is a festive evening affair, so cocktail or formal attire is encouraged.
🚗 Where can I park for the event?
Covered parking is available at the Orlando Science Center Parking Garage, located at 782 Princeton Street, Orlando, FL 32803. The garage is connected to the entrance of the OSC via a covered walk way.
♿ Is the venue accessible?
Yes, the Orlando Science Center is fully ADA accessible, with elevators and accessible restrooms available throughout the venue. If you have specific accessibility needs, please contact us in advance so we can best support your experience.
🅿️ Are there accessible parking options?
Yes! Accessible parking is available on all four levels of the garage. An elevator on the north side provides direct access to Level 2 and the bridge.
🎟 Can I buy a single ticket or do I need a table?
You may purchase individual tickets (general admission or standing room) or reserve a full VIP table for 8.
🙋♀️ Can I sponsor the event?
Absolutely! We have a variety of sponsorship opportunities available, from VIP tables to branding the dance floor, dessert bar, or cocktail experience. Scroll up for sponsor options or contact us at sponsorships@wte.network to learn more.
🏆 When do award nominations open?
Nominations will open in December 2025. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter or follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram to be the first to know when submissions go live.
🧾 What is your refund policy?
All ticket and sponsorship sales are final and non-refundable. If you're unable to attend, you're welcome to transfer your ticket to someone else by notifying our team in advance.
Our Community Impact
We are proud to have built a network that is three times more diverse than the technology sector, providing free resources, mentorship, and support to over 5,500 community members. In 2 years, we’ve hosted over 70 high quality events ranging from casual networking to expert led workshops, and we’ve built a virtual community for expanded networking and resource sharing opportunities. Our thriving community is the missing rung in the tech and entrepreneurship ladder.

Success Stories: Celebrating Our Community's Achievements
Our community is filled with inspiring success stories from women who have benefited from WTE’s resources and support. We invite you to explore some of these stories that showcase the incredible impact your sponsorship can make.
Amy Crosby & Heather DePalma Join Forces at Profferfish
Learn how Amy & Heather joined forces at Profferfish to connect students with volunteer opportunities.
How Three WTE Members Are Shaping the Future of Tech Education
Marlee Strawn Shines at TiE Women’s Pitch Contest
Together We Can Empower the Most Ambitious Women in Tech and Entrepreneurship
Join us as a sponsor and be a part of something transformative.