Avantgarde Award Gala 2026 - November 7
The Jonathan Club, Los Angeles
Exclusive location in SoCal"Sans discussion" - an Award Gala in the United States knows only one host city: Los Angeles! The prestigious and exclusive Jonathan Club in Downtown LA, close to hotels and centrally located, is again host location for the event night of the year.
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Most impactful companies, leaders and innovatorsIt's the once-a-year get together of the Swiss-American business, cultural, political and innovation "movers and shakers", drivers, evangelists and key opinion leaders. Organizations and individuals that have a stake, interests and skin-in-the game in the Swiss-American business & social-economic fields of play come together and recognize the ones with the most impact.
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Unparalleled networking & creating momentsAmerican and Swiss cultural immersion creates a wonderful mix of welcoming warmth, joyful conversations, delightful and humorous situations and last but not least: lasting friendships and memories that are unrivaled and priceless. All of these you can get with your team, your clients, your business partners or friends or spouse. There's a laugh and a plate of raclette for everyone!
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Diamond Sponsor
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Avantgarde Award
OVERVIEW
The Swiss AMCHAM SoCal Avantgarde Award is a prestigious accolade that recognizes the most impactful Swiss organizations, non-profits, or individuals operating in the United States. Often regarded as the "Oscar" of Swiss-American business achievements, this award celebrates excellence, innovation, and leadership in strengthening the economic and cultural ties between Switzerland and the U.S.
The Swiss AMCHAM SoCal Avantgarde Award is a prestigious accolade that recognizes the most impactful Swiss organizations, non-profits, or individuals operating in the United States. Often regarded as the "Oscar" of Swiss-American business achievements, this award celebrates excellence, innovation, and leadership in strengthening the economic and cultural ties between Switzerland and the U.S.
Significance
The Avantgarde Award shines a spotlight on organizations that demonstrate exceptional contributions to their industries, communities, and the broader Swiss-American business landscape. It honors those who embody forward-thinking strategies, sustainable practices, and a commitment to fostering cross-border collaboration. The award also emphasizes values such as diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), and innovation, with a special Stewardship Award dedicated to organizations leading the way in life sciences principles.
✧History
Launched in 2023 by the Southern California Chapter of the Swiss-American Chamber of Commerce (SACCSoCal), the Avantgarde Award has quickly become a hallmark of excellence for Swiss entities in the U.S. The annual Avantgarde Gala, where the winner is announced, serves as a premier networking event, uniting industry leaders, academics, and government representatives from both nations.
✧Selection Process
A distinguished jury of experts from Switzerland and the U.S. evaluates submissions based on rigorous criteria such as innovation, economic impact, job creation, and sustainability. The top three finalists present their achievements in a live format, with the winner unveiled at the Avantgarde Gala.
✧Why It Matters
Winning the Avantgarde Award is a testament to an organization’s leadership and influence in the Swiss-American business community. It provides unparalleled visibility through media coverage, networking opportunities, and PR materials, while the winner earns a place on the following year’s jury, further cementing their role as a trailblazer in Swiss-American relations. The Avantgarde Award is not just an honor—it is a celebration of the most impactful Swiss contributions to the U.S. economy, setting the gold standard for excellence in cross-border business achievement.
✧Eligibility
- ➤Swiss-American Connection: Applicants must have a clear Swiss-American business angle, demonstrating contributions to both the Southern California and/or Swiss economies.
- ➤Entity Type: Open to corporations, non-profit organizations, and individuals.
- ➤Impact: Applicants should showcase inspirational achievements that have made a measurable impact on their industry, community, or the Swiss-American business landscape.
Evaluation Criteria
Submissions will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- ➤Innovation: Creation and/or adoption of cutting-edge technology and practices.
- Economic Performance: Demonstrated impact on economic growth, job creation, and business success.
- ➤Stewardship: Commitment to sustainability, ethical practices, and community engagement.
- ➤Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): Efforts to promote DEI within the organization and its initiatives.
- ➤Life Sciences Innovation (for Stewardship Award): Leadership through innovation, forward-looking and out-of-the-box thinking in the area of Life Sciences.
Submission Requirements
- ➤Application Form: Complete the official application form provided by SACCSoCal using the buttons here on the page.
- ➤Executive Summary: A concise overview (max. 500 words) of the organization’s achievements and their impact on Swiss-American relations.
- ➤Supporting Documentation: Provide evidence of impact, such as case studies, financial performance, testimonials, or media coverage.
- ➤Visual Materials: High-resolution images, videos, or infographics that highlight key achievements (optional but recommended).
- ➤DEI and Sustainability Statements: Describe initiatives and policies related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability.
Selection Process
- ➤Initial Evaluation: The jury, composed of industry experts, academics, and government representatives from Switzerland and the U.S., will review all submissions.
- ➤Top Three Finalists: The top three nominees will be announced and invited to present their submissions in a live format to the jury.
- ➤Winner Announcement: The winner and runner-up will be revealed at the annual Avantgarde Gala, held on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the Jonathan Club in Los Angeles.
Benefits of Participation
- ➤Exposure: Gain visibility through AmCham media releases, social media posts, and coverage in Swiss and American press.
- ➤Networking: Access to the Swiss-American business community and an invitation to the Avantgarde Gala for the top three finalists.
- ➤PR Opportunities: Use the award as excellent PR material for marketing and branding efforts.
- ➤Jury Participation: The winner will have the opportunity to join the following year’s Avantgarde Jury.
- ➤Gala Discount: A USD 500 reduction on the price for a sponsored table at the Avantgarde Gala.
Tips for Strong Submission
- ➤Clearly articulate: the Swiss-American connection and its impact.
- ➤Provide quantifiable results: jobs created, revenue growth, sustainability metrics, and other measurable outcomes.
- ➤Highlight unique innovations: showcase initiatives that set your organization apart.
- ➤Use compelling visuals: incorporate visuals and storytelling to engage the jury.
Key Dates
- ➤Application Deadline: Participants must submit their applications by August 15, 2025 using the online submission form provided here.
- ➤Top 3 Announcement: The top 3 ranked submissions will be communicated by August 31, 2025.
- ➤Presentation Invitations: Shortlisted organizations will be invited for presentation no later than September 15, 2025.
Past Winners
Become A Sponsor Partner
Unlock Unparalleled Opportunities with Our Elite Global Network
Step into the spotlight among an exclusive assembly of corporate leaders, influential policymakers, visionary academics, and pioneering associations—all driving the future of international business growth. This is your invitation to connect, collaborate, and elevate your brand alongside the key opinion leaders shaping tomorrow’s economic landscape.
✧Exclusive Sponsorship Benefits – Shine as a Diamond
As THE DIAMOND Partner, your brand will command center stage—enjoy a distinguished presence throughout the event, deliver a personal welcome address to an audience of industry titans, and host an elegant branded cocktail reception that sets the tone for high-level networking.
✧Position Yourself as a Thought Leader
As an Award Partner (Avantgarde or Stewardship), you’ll take the podium with a mentorship role and deliver a prestigious laudatio speech during the ceremony, solidifying your reputation as an authority in “Doing Business in the USA.”
✧Curated Access to Power Players
Gain private audience opportunities with VIP guests, top-tier government officials, and leading academic minds (exclusive to DIAMOND & GOLD Partners). Plus, receive an advance participant list to strategically connect with key decision-makers before the event begins.
✧Maximize Your Visibility
Your logo will be prominently displayed on the grand backdrop—captured in every red-carpet moment and amplified through press coverage. We’ll ensure your seating placement fosters meaningful connections with high-potential partners.
✧Amplify Your Brand Across Platformss
- ➤A dedicated LinkedIn post spotlighting your company’s leadership (DIAMOND/GOLD/SILVER).
- ➤A full-page (GOLD) or half-page (SILVER) feature in the event program—showcasing your logo, company profile, and contact details.
- ➤Professional photo/video assets from our photographer to elevate your marketing.
This is more than an event—it’s a gateway to influence, recognition, and transformative partnerships. Will your brand stand at the forefront?
Seize this moment. Elevate your presence. Shape the future.
Seize this moment. Elevate your presence. Shape the future.
The Swiss AMCHAM SoCal Avantgarde Award offers a unique opportunity to become the official sponsor or "godfather" of one of its two prestigious awards—the Main Avantgarde Award or the Stewardship Award. As a sponsor, you will not only align your brand with excellence and innovation but also enjoy a platform to deliver a laudation speech and a company presentation at the annual Avantgarde Gala, showcasing your commitment to Swiss-American business relations.
Gala Partnership Pricelist 2026
Tier |
Price |
Value |
Purchase |
Diamond |
$ 13,500 |
ONLY ONE PACKAGE AVAILABLE WITH EXECUTIVE BENEFITS
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not available |
Avantgarde Award Partner |
$ 7,900 |
ONLY ONE PACKAGE AVAILABLE WITH EXECUTIVE BENEFITS
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Stewardship Award Partner |
$ 6,900 |
ONLY ONE PACKAGE AVAILABLE WITH EXECUTIVE BENEFITS
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Gold Partner |
$ 4,590 |
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Silver Partner |
$ 3,590 |
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Friend of the Gala |
$ 590 |
“Friends of the Gala”
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Become the Award Sponsor
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©
2025 Swiss-American Chamber of Commerce Southern California. All Rights Reserved.