2026 - 159th Annual Meeting

159th Annual Meeting
Join us for one of Wilmington’s most anticipated business events of the year. The Chamber’s 159th Annual Meeting brings together more than 500 of our region’s most influential business and community leaders for an evening designed to spark ideas, strengthen relationships, and set the tone for the year ahead.

This year’s program will recognize 2025 Board Chair Jim Hundley Jr. of Thomas Construction Group and officially welcome 2026 Board Chair Nicolas Montoya of Trailborn Surf & Sound and Montoya Business Group. We will also honor Duke Energy Lifetime Achievement in Business recipient Chip Mahan of Live Oak Bank and welcome keynote speaker Dee Ann Turner, a 33-year Chick-fil-A veteran and the company’s first female officer. Her keynote on Customer Excellence will deliver practical insights leaders can put to work immediately.

Dinner & Drinks
Guests will enjoy a full dinner experience featuring a Certified Angus Beef carving station, a custom Italian pasta bar with classic and vegetarian options, and an interactive roasted vegetable tostada station. An open bar with beer and wine will be available throughout the evening.

Registration & Entry
We do not issue physical or digital tickets for this event. Instead, personalized name tags will be printed in advance and available for pickup at the registration table. Your name tag will serve as your ticket for entry.

Parking
Complimentary parking will be available in the Wilmington Convention Center parking deck and the CFCC Nutt Street parking deck. With multiple events taking place downtown that evening, guests are encouraged to plan ahead and allow plenty of time for arrival.

Event Schedule
• 4:30 – 5:30 PM | Chairman’s Club VIP Reception (invited guests)
• 5:00 – 6:00 PM | Doors Open & Welcome Reception
• 6:00 – 7:30 PM | Program
• 7:30 – 8:00 PM | Networking

Suggested Dress
Business or business casual attire is recommended.