10/05/2026
Evening of Excellence: Taste of Europe
Thursday, October 29, 2026
5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
The Confluence Hotel
Dress to Celebrate - and Show Up to Shine!
Cocktail or business-dressy attire is encouraged. Black-tie attire is not necessary, but we kindly ask guests to avoid jeans and dress for this special evening of celebration.
We will be taking a group photo of our attendees to feature on the cover of the 2027 CONNECT Magazine - so come ready to celebrate, be photographed, and shine!
Pack your passport and join the Cottage Grove Area Chamber of Commerce for our 2026 Evening of Excellence Gala - an unforgettable culinary journey through Europe!
This signature annual celebration brings Chamber members, community leaders, and guests together for an elegant evening of connection, recognition, and celebration at the beautiful Confluence Hotel in historic downtown Hastings.
Throughout the evening, guests will travel through five incredible European destinations - Switzerland, Portugal, Ireland, Italy, and Greece - while enjoying delicious food tastings inspired by each country. The theme also celebrates the Chamber’s popular international travel program and the wonderful adventures our travelers have and will share throughout Europe.
In addition to our culinary journey, we will celebrate the people, businesses, nonprofits, and community partners whose leadership, service, and accomplishments help make the Cottage Grove, Newport, and St. Paul Park and surrounding areas such an exceptional place to live, work, and do business.
Your Passport Includes:
A culinary journey featuring tastings inspired by Switzerland, Portugal, Ireland, Italy, and Greece
An elegant evening at The Confluence Hotel
Networking with Chamber members and community leaders
Recognition of outstanding local businesses, organizations, and individuals
An opportunity to celebrate another successful year for the Cottage Grove Area Chamber of Commerce
Hear an exciting update on the newly founded, Chamber Foundation
Tickets
Individual Ticket: $90
Price increases to $100 after October 10, 2026.
Table of Eight: $700
Price increases to $800 after October 10, 2026.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Premier Sponsor – $5,000
Eight passports to the culinary journey through Europe
Eight drink tickets
Reserved VIP table with sponsor signage
Twelve months of banner advertising on the NEW Chamber website
Dedicated sponsor spotlight on Chamber social media
Logo recognition on event marketing
Platinum Sponsor – $2,500
Eight passports to the culinary journey through Europe
Reserved VIP table with sponsor signage
Nine months of banner advertising on the NEW Chamber website
Dedicated sponsor spotlight on Chamber social media
Logo recognition on event marketing
Diamond Sponsor – $2,000
Eight passports to the culinary journey through Europe
Reserved VIP table with sponsor signage
Six months of banner advertising on the NEW Chamber website
Dedicated sponsor spotlight on Chamber social media
Logo recognition on event marketing
Gold Sponsor – $1,500
Four passports to the culinary journey through Europe
Three months of banner advertising on the NEW Chamber website
Logo recognition on event marketing
Silver Sponsor – $1,250
Two passports to the culinary journey through Europe
One month of banner advertising on the NEW Chamber website
Logo recognition on event marketing
Bronze Sponsor – $1,000
One passport to the culinary journey through Europe
Logo recognition on event marketing
Can’t Use All Your Sponsor Tickets?
Sponsors who are unable to use all of their included event tickets may donate them back to the Chamber. We will gladly use donated tickets to welcome new Chamber members and representatives from local nonprofit organizations.