2026 GALA & BUSINESS AWARDS

BY THE FRENCH AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Midwest Chicago

celebrating
the Power of Connection
with a keynote insight from
Cécile Béliot, CEO of Bel Group

Artwork by Floriane Roussel

Evening Program and HighlightS

6:00 PM – Cocktail Reception
Raise a glass in the elegant ambiance of the Ivy Room garden
• A lively moment to connect, reconnect and enjoy personalized introductions across the French-American business community
7:00 PM – Seated Dinner
A curated dining experience paired with inspiring voices and shared success
• Featured speaker: Cécile Béliot, CEO of Bel Group
• Remarks from Charlotte Montel, Consul General of France in Chicago
• 2026 French-American Business Awards Ceremony

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

CÉCILE BÉLIOT - CEO BEL GROUP

Cécile Beliot is the CEO of Bel Group, maker of The Laughing Cow®, Babybel®, Boursin®, Pom'Potes®/GoGo squeeZ®, Kiri®) since May 2022.As the first woman, and the second executive who is not a member of the shareholder family to lead Bel, Cécile Beliot is in charge of deploying the Group’s vision and steering its strategy and performance, in line with its ambition to become the leader in healthy snacking and delivering on its mission to champion healthier and more sustainable food, for all, for good.In leading the Executive Committee, she is furthering the transformation of the Group and activating its new sustainable growth levers, including accelerating innovation, strengthening Bel’s positions internationally (USA, China) and through new distribution channels (e-commerce, out-of-home channels, etc.).Cécile Beliot joined the Bel Group in 2018 as Deputy CEO in charge of Strategy, Worldwide Markets and Growth. Alongside Antoine Fiévet, she led the Group's transformation towards a sustainable and responsible performance model. In this role, she defined the pillars of the Group's strategy for a sustainable growth model that fully integrates its financial and non-financial challenges.With her background and international experience, she embodies a generation of leaders committed to inventing the future of the food industry. Previously, Cécile Beliot worked for 17 years at Danone where she held several marketing and management positions, including General Manager of Danone Eaux France & Benelux, and General Manager of One Danone. She started her career at Kraft Foods (Mondelez) after obtaining an MBA at Essec Business School.


BUSINESS AWARDS

THE POWER OF CONNECTION

The French-American Chamber of Commerce Midwest Chicago is celebrating businesses that embrace change, drive growth, and lead in international expansion. This year’s theme:THE POWER OF CONNECTIONWhether it’s geographic expansion, new business acquisitions, building coalitions for a greater purpose, sparking innovation, or driving cultural change, the power of connection accelerates businesses and unlocks careers.Winners gain valuable recognition within the Midwest business community, are honored at the annual gala, featured in FACC communication throughout the year 2026 and become nominees for the CCI France International Awards—competing among 120 CCI France International chambers worldwide, representing over 35,000 companies.Three of the 2025 laureates are now in competition for the 2026 CCI FI International Trophies on June 22nd, at the Pavillon d'Armenonville.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

& TICKETING


This prestigious event provides a unique opportunity for businesses to showcase their brand, engage with industry leaders, and support the French-American business community.
Seize this moment to celebrate your company’s success, strengthen relationships with your teams, clients, and key partners, and unlock new opportunities for growth.
We invite you to explore our sponsorship packages and discover how your company can gain visibility, connect with key decision-makers, and be part of this exclusive celebration.


GOLD

Designed for organizations seeking strong visibility and a role in the evening’s program. Gold sponsors receive 10 tickets with champagne at their table, logo placement on the event website, digital communications, and step-and-repeat banner, LinkedIn recognition with a dedicated post, and the opportunity to serve on the Business Awards jury and present an award during the ceremony.Sponsorship: $ 6,900

SILVER

An excellent option for companies looking to host guests while increasing their visibility. Silver sponsors receive 10 tickets, logo placement on the event website, digital communications, and step-and-repeat banner, LinkedIn recognition, and a dedicated LinkedIn post highlighting their support.Sponsorship: $ 4,700


BRONZE

A great way to support the event while gaining visibility within the French-American business community. Bronze sponsors receive 4 tickets to the Gala, logo placement on the event website, digital communications, and step-and-repeat banner, as well as LinkedIn recognition.Sponsorship: $ 1,800


TICKETS

FACC member pricing:
Enjoy early bird pricing until April 5th.
Individual Ticket: $ 370
Couple Ticket: $ 690
Regular Pricing
Individual Ticket : $ 470
Couple Ticket : $ 890
Non-Member Individual Ticket: $ 500

2026 SPONSORS

GROWING STRONG

EVENT PARTNERS

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2025 Edition

CAPTURING THE MOMENTS



2025 Gala

CONTACT US

STEPHANIE BODAK
Executive Director
[email protected]
DELPHINE BRILLANT
Events Director
[email protected]