The Austin Under 40 Awards Ceremony & Gala is Austin's most prestigious black-tie fundraiser celebrating Austin's emerging professionals and esteemed mentors. Now in its 18th year, the event gathers Austin’s business and community leaders, movers-and-shakers and social mavens to mingle, dine, dance and celebrate for one memorable night of charity and celebration.
The event begins by welcoming more than 900 guests with a red carpet leading to an hour-long cocktail reception and silent auction. Following the reception is the evening’s main event — an awards ceremony where 15 of Austin’s most impressive professionals, including the 2016 “Austinite of the Year,” are announced and presented.
Following the awards ceremony, guests enjoy a delicious three-course meal before celebrating the night at a chic after-party, complete with cocktails and dancing.
The Austin Under 40 Awards Ceremony and Gala are co-presented by the Young Women’s Alliance (YWA) and the Young Men’s Business League (YMBL), who have partnered since 1998 to honor and celebrate Austin’s emerging professionals and mentors.
Proceeds raised from this event benefit the YWA Foundation, which provides educational scholarships for girls and women and grants to the organizations that serve them, as well as the YMBL Austin Sunshine Camps, which work to engage and empower children through education and outdoor experiences.