2026 Annual Celebration
Join us on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, as we celebrate community, growth, and success! The evening will be filled with great food, awards, and the opportunity to meet and mingle with many members, sponsors, and community leaders.
Event Details
Join Pensacola Young Professionals for our 2026 Annual Celebration, an evening dedicated to celebrating the impact, leadership, and connections that defined our 2025–2026 year. This signature event brings together members, mentors, alumni, and community partners to reflect on a year of growth while looking ahead to an exciting future.
During the program, we will recognize the outstanding leaders, members, mentors, and community partners who helped make this year a success. We’ll also share an exciting preview of what’s ahead as we launch our 20th Anniversary Campaign for the 2026–2027 year—featuring special events, a commemorative fundraising campaign, and highlights from PYP’s history and impact in the Pensacola community. The evening will also include the announcement of the 2026–2027 Board of Directors and Leadership Team.
The celebration will take place on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at Voices of Pensacola. Doors open at 5:30 PM, with the program beginning promptly at 6:00 PM. Guests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres provided by Sonny’s BBQ, along with a bar sponsored by Rollins Distillery. Special thanks to Ka’ Nier Events & Design for their support as an event sponsor.
Advanced registration is highly encouraged, as this event has sold out in the past and tickets may not be available at the door.
Business or cocktail attire is encouraged. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or new to PYP, we invite you to join us for an evening of celebration, recognition, and excitement as we honor our past year and toast to the future of Pensacola Young Professionals.
Agenda
5:30 PM - Doors Open
Hors d’oeuvres served throughout the night and drinks sponsored by Rollins Distillery.
6:00 PM - Presentation & Remarks
- Welcome from Emcee
- Message from our President, Anna Lochas
- Award Presentation
Sponsorship Opportunities
Pensacola Young Professionals is excited to announce sponsorship opportunities for our 2026 Annual Celebration. As a highly anticipated and well-regarded event in our community, the annual celebration offers a unique platform for your company to showcase its support for young professionals while gaining brand exposure. Sponsorship opportunities are detailed below. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have.
Champion Sponsor - $1,000
- Receive six (6) tickets to the Annual Celebration
- Verbal Recognition throughout the Annual Celebration
- Logo & link displayed on event website & registration page
- Recognition in marketing materials
- Prominent logo/name on event collateral
- Prominent logo/name displayed at event
- Social Media Spotlight - Facebook, Instagram, & LinkedIn
Collaborator Sponsor - $500
- Receive two (2) tickets to the Annual Celebration
- Logo and link displayed on registration page
- Prominent logo/name on event collateral
- Prominent logo/name displayed at event
- Logo/name on Social Media
Innovator Sponsor - $750
- Receive four (4) tickets to the Annual Celebration
- Verbal Recognition during the Annual Celebration
- Logo and link displayed on registration page
- Prominent logo/name on event collateral
- Prominent logo/name displayed at event
- Social Media Spotlight - Facebook, Instagram, & LinkedIn
Supporting Sponsor - $250
- Receive one (1) ticket to the Annual Celebration
- Logo/name on registration page
- Logo/name on event collateral
- Logo/name on Social Media
Thank you to our Sponsors!
Recognitions and Awards
The Pensacola Young Professionals will celebrate the 2025-26 year at our Annual Celebration in March. We will be highlight our outstanding members, leaders, and partners with our 2025-26 Awards!
Member of the Year Award
This award is presented to a PYP member who has gone above and beyond in their engagement and contributions to the organization and the Pensacola community. The recipient exemplifies the values of PYP by actively participating in programs, events, and initiatives that align with our mission to develop, retain, and connect young professionals. Must be a current member of PYP.
Leader of the Year Award
This award recognizes a PYP leader who has exceeded the expectations of their role, contributing innovative ideas and fostering collaboration that has propelled PYP forward. The recipient is a role model who inspires others and exemplifies exceptional leadership qualities within the organization and the broader community. Must currently serve on the PYP Board of Directors and Leadership Team.
Four Core Award
This award honors a PYP member, leader, or alumnus who exemplifies the organization’s four strategic priorities: Connection, Development, Impact, and Operations. The recipient is a well-rounded individual whose actions embody these priorities and leave a lasting impression on PYP and the community. They demonstrate excellence in building relationships (Connection), supporting professional growth (Development), making a positive difference in the community (Impact), and strengthening PYP’s internal or external operations (Operations). They actively support PYP’s long-term vision of “Leading Pensacola to a better future.”
Mentee of the Year Award
This award recognizes a mentee in the Mentor Pensacola program who has demonstrated exceptional growth, initiative, and commitment to personal and professional development. The recipient leverages their mentorship relationship to achieve significant milestones and inspire others. Must be a current mentee in the 2025 Mentor Pensacola program.
Mentor of the Year Award
This award honors a Mentor Pensacola participant who has gone above and beyond in providing guidance, support, and encouragement to their mentee. The recipient exemplifies the values of leadership, connection, and development while inspiring the next generation of professionals. Must be an active mentor in the 2025 Mentor Pensacola program.
Community Partner of the Year Award
This award is presented to a community organization, business, or individual who has significantly supported PYP’s mission and initiatives. The recipient actively collaborates with PYP to enhance opportunities for young professionals and positively impact the Pensacola community. Must be an organization, business, or individual who has partnered with PYP within the last year. Actively supports PYP’s programs, events, or initiatives through sponsorship, collaboration, or advocacy. Demonstrates a commitment to creating opportunities for young professionals and improving the community’s quality of life. Embodies the spirit of community engagement and collaboration.
Past Recognitions and Awards
2024-2025 Recognitions and Awards
- Christy Rogers, Member of the Year
- Kenon Beasley, Leader of the Year
- Anna Lochas, Four Core Award
- Paul Cope, Mentor of the Year
- Greater Pensacola Chamber, Community Partner of the Year
2023-2024 Recognitions and Awards
- Jacob Phelps, Member of the Year
- Anna Lochas, Leader of the Year
- Jonathan Thompson, Alumni of the Year
- Anna Goretski, Four Core Award
- Meg Brown, Service Recognition Award
2022-2023 Recognitions and Awards
- Anna Goretski, Member of the Year
- Dani Woods, Leader of the Year
- Kristine Rushing, Alumni of the Year
- Lydia Lucius, Four Core Award
2021-2022 Recognitions and Awards
- Karyn Scarbrough, Member of the Year
- Kristy Craig, Leader of the Year
- Kyle Schoolar, Four Core Award
2020-2021 Recognitions and Awards
- Justin Oswald, Member of the Year
- Bradley Sanders, Leader of the Year
- Meg Rich, Four Core Award
2019-2020 Recognitions and Awards
- Zachary Suggs, Member of the Year
- Morgan Luongo, Leader of the Year
- Meg Burke, Four Core Award
2018-2019 Recognitions and Awards
- CJ Dancy, Connect Core Award
- Kyle Schoolar, Give Core Award
- Zach Noel, Grow Core Award
- Faith Higgins, Live Core Award
- Jessica Andrade, Leader of the Year
- Ruthie Speight, Four Core Award
2017-2018 Recognitions and Awards
- Jake Kaiser, Connect Core Award
- Walke Wilson, Give Core Award
- Jeremy Ochoa, Grow Core Award
- Eddie Murray, Live Core Award
- Lauren Glass, Four Core Award
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