About the Event
For the 31st year - rvatech/ is celebrating the many breakthroughs, advancements, and outstanding technologists that are a part of the Richmond technology ecosystem.
Join the rvatech/ Community as we return to Main Street Station on September 29th for a night celebrating and honoring our local organizations and individuals that are actively helping to advance our region's technology-based economy!
Location & Parking
Main Street Station
Event Location:
Main Street Station
1500 E. Main Street
Richmond, VA 23129
Parking location:
Parking is available at Main Street Station. There are three well-lit automated parking lots in two locations at the station. Parking is free for the first hour, $1 an hour after that, and $6 max per day depending on the lot.
View parking details here: https://mainstreetstationrichmond.com/getting-around/#by-car
Event Details
September 29, 2026/ 5-9 PM
Doors Open – 5PM
Registration & cocktail hour – 5-6PM
Dinner & awards – 6-8PM
After Party – 8-9PM
Gala Awards - Important Dates
Meet the Finalists | August 25
The 2026 Gala Awards finalists will be announced and recognized at a special reception celebrating the innovators, leaders, and organizations driving Richmond’s tech community forward ahead of the Gala Awards ceremony.
Silent Auction | September 29
Bid on exclusive experiences, unique items, and more during the Gala’s Silent Auction—all in support of the rvatech/ Foundation. Interested in donating an auction item? Please email Mary Lynn Staib.
Attire
This year’s Garden of Innovation Gala is inspired by the timeless elegance of the Regency era. Guests are encouraged to wear garden party cocktail attire with a modern interpretation—think sophisticated dresses, tailored suits, floral touches, and refined accessories. Whether subtly inspired, or fully embracing the theme, come ready for an evening where innovation blooms in style.
Registration
Explore the Awards
Innovation in Creativity (project)
This achievement is awarded to a project that shows exemplary creativity in its technology through one or more of the following ways:
•Creation of a new technology, application or product
•Applying an existing technology in new, creative, or non-traditional ways
•Establishing a new team or initiative to specifically approach problems in new and creative ways (e.g. special ops)
•Designing a unique brand, marketing, or promotional initiative for a technology application or product
•Unique leadership achievements, approaches or systems in a c-suite or management capacity
•Partnership among multiple companies/organizations to tackle a problem in a creative and multi-disciplinary way
•Doing something different, unexpected, or disruptive in technology or the technology ecosystem
Innovation in AI+ML (project)
Awarded to an AI + ML project that showcases breakthrough innovation and creativity in the practice and application of artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Innovation in Software Engineering (project)
Awarded to a software engineering project that showcases breakthrough innovation and creativity in the practice and application of software development.
Innovation in Product Design (project)
Awarded to a product development project that showcases breakthrough innovation and creativity in the practice and application of the product methodology.
Digital Transformation of the Year (project)
Awarded to a digital transformation initiative that showcases breakthrough innovation and creativity in the practice and application of digital transformation.
Startup of the Year (company)
Awarded to a startup technology or product company that has demonstrated an innovative solution that is transforming their industry and creating broad geographic and economic impact.
Community Impact of the Year (non-profit organization)
Awarded to an individual or team from a nonprofit or civic organization in central Virginia that displays the most innovative use(s) of technology to deliver services, advance their mission, or impact our community. Criteria This individual/group has used technology in an innovative and creative way to deliver services, advance their mission, transform their industry, or impact the community. Nominee must showcase a demonstrable impact on their community and the technology ecosystem in Richmond through their work
Public Sector Innovator of the Year (state or local agency)
Awarded to a public agency or organization benefitting the public good, whose creative use of existing or development of new technology enhances processes, methodologies and/or services for their own or others' benefit.
Tech Builder of the Year (consultant company)
Awarded to a local technology company delivering technology solutions and/or services to external clients that build capacity and increase operational efficiency.
Team Excellence (company & team)
Awarded to a company's team/division that exceeded expectations through innovation, collaboration, or pure technical excellence. Nominees could be the result of product development, process innovation, exceptional metrics/results, or excellence in team culture.
Company Culture of the Year (company)
Awarded to a company that showcases a workplace environment that fosters strong employee engagement, positive morale, and high performance. It's characterized by clear values, open communication, and a supportive atmosphere that encourages innovation, growth, and well-being.
Next Gen (K-12 student)
Awarded to a K-12 student who has demonstrated a meaningful impact on the technology ecosystem in Richmond.
Educator of the Year (individual)
Awarded to a K-12 or higher ed teacher/professor who has demonstrated a meaningful impact on the future technology workforce in Richmond.
Legislator of the Year (individuals)
Awarded to a legislator(s) who have made a positive impact on the technology sector in the previous year.
CISO of the Year (individual)
Awarded to a cyber security leader that showcases breakthrough innovation and creativity in the practice and application of cyber security.
CIO/CTO of the Year (individual)
Awarded to a technology leader whose leadership created a competitive advantage, optimized a business processes, enabled growth or improved relationships with customers.