Inaugural West Palm Beach Mayor’s Gala to Debut Celebrating Innovation, Leadership, and Community Impact

Hosted by the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches, black-tie evening expected to draw area’s top leaders

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. —  Many of the Palm Beaches’ top civic, business, and community leaders will gather for the inaugural West Palm Beach Mayor’s Gala on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. Hosted by the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches, this elegant black-tie evening is designed to bring together the leaders driving West Palm Beach’s continued growth, while highlighting the city’s expanding role as a hub for business, investment and innovation.

Established as a new annual tradition, the inaugural gala will honor Mayor Keith James, recognizing the leadership and partnership in advancing the city’s economic vitality and quality of life. Limited tickets and sponsorship opportunities are still available.

“The West Palm Beach Mayor’s Gala brings together policymakers and business and civic leaders who are shaping West Palm Beach’s future,” said Michael Zeff, President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches. “We look forward to coming together with all of the communities of West Palm Beach to honor Mayor James and the work he’s done to support the city and its businesses.”

The evening will feature live entertainment, dinner and an open bar.

“West Palm Beach is experiencing tremendous growth and opportunity, but ensuring that it reaches every neighborhood requires strong collaboration with our business and civic partners,” said Mayor Keith A. James. “That is what makes the Mayor’s Gala so meaningful — it reflects that spirit of partnership while bringing our community together to invest in what matters most. Our entrepreneurs and small businesses are the fabric of this city, and the proceeds from this event will help jumpstart their growth — opening doors, creating opportunity, and building a stronger future for all.”

Proceeds from the West Palm Beach Mayor’s Gala will directly support two transformative initiatives:

• The Chamber’s Innovation Hub, providing education, mentorship, and peer support to local entrepreneurs.
• The Mayor’s Jumpstart Academy, offering microgrants and training to small business owners across the city.

The inaugural event, which is expected to draw a broad cross-section of the community, including corporate and nonprofit leaders, entrepreneurs and elected officials, reflects The Chamber’s continued commitment to strengthening connections between the public and private sectors, as West Palm Beach experiences significant growth and investment.

The event is sponsored by: Cleveland Clinic Florida, Florida Atlantic University Government Relations, Frisbie Group, GL Homes, Great Gulf, Nicklaus Children’s, Palm Harbor Marina, Related Ross, Trans Coastal Construction, Verdex Construction, West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority, Bratter PA Immigration Law Firm, and Citizens Private Bank.

To purchase tickets and to learn more, including about sponsorship opportunities, visit: https://palmbeaches.org/wpbmayorsgala/