2025 BENS Eisenhower Award Gala
June 25, 2025 @ 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm EDT
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Join us for an evening celebrating those who advance our nation’s strategic defense and safeguard the foundations of American security on June 25, 2025. In an era of unprecedented challenges, securing our future requires visionary leadership, unwavering resolve, and a commitment to strengthening our national defense-qualities exemplified by both General Anthony J. Cotton and William E. Conway, Jr.
As Commander of U.S. Strategic Command, General Cotton leads the 41,000 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Guardians, and civilians charged with preserving America’s strategic deterrence. His leadership reflects the highest ideals of the Eisenhower Award. Similarly, as Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of The Carlyle Group, Mr. Conway has played a pivotal role in strengthening America’s economic and security resilience-demonstrating the critical role of the private sector in supporting innovation and capability vital to national defense.
Together, their contributions underscore the indispensable partnership between public and private leadership in securing our nation’s future.
Preferred Attire: Black Tie or Military Mess Dress
Cost: $750-$50,000
Register
Venue
The Ritz Carlton
1150 22nd Street NW
Washington, District of Columbia 20037
– Our Generous Sponsors –
Diamond Sponsors—
Nick Cortezi
Steve and Kathy Darnell
Mark J. Gerencser
Edwin M. Kania, Jr.
Alexander C. Karp
Paul Marcus, Marcus Partners
Maximus
David C. McDonald
Mark and Sharon Newman
—
Advanced Management Strategies Group (AMSG)
PJ Bain
Brown Advisory
Dennis Chornenky, Domelabs AI
Samuel A. Cole
Christopher W. Collins
COPT Defense Properties
Donald R. Dixon, Forgepoint Capital Management
Ericsson Federal Technologies
Frank Fanelli
Justin Freeh, Intelibits
GardaWorld Federal Services
G.S. Beckwith Gilbert
Google
Andrew B. Hersh
Kirkland & Ellis
Invictus
William C. Kunkler, III
Ramon P. Marks
Motorola Solutions
Roger S. Shedlin
Donald V. Smith
Jim Smith, TheIncLab
Ambassador Gordon D. Sondland
The Weiss Family
—
Lauren Bedula, Beacon Global Strategies LLC
The Carlyle Group
Crisis Response Company
Exiger
Guidehouse
Bruce E. Mosler, Cushman & Wakefield
Dr. Herbert Rubens
Sandboxx
With Honor
—Capitol Meridian Partners
Fiserv, Inc.
Adena and Mike Friedman
Sandra Horbach and Steven Skoler
Eric A. Reeves, Prospect Park, LLC
VolitionRF
Jay Yu, Nano Nuclear Energy, Inc.
—AB Facility Services
Boab Ventures
Carahsoft
Cherry Bekaert
JBG Smith
Johnson & Johnson
Dawn McKenna, Dawn McKenna Group, LLC
Stephen McKenna, Unmanned Systems and Solutions, LLC
Pareto Energy, Ltd.
John Prufeta Medical Excellence Capital
PW Communications, Inc.
Sosa & Arvelo, LLC
Scott Stevens, Grays Peak Capital
Torres Trade Law
Kirsten Bartok Touw, New Vista Capital
Jeremy Zucker, Dechert
—Grace Bender
David Carrico
Benjamin Cheatham
Arun Gupta
Hawkeye 360
International Spy Museum
MediaTek USA, Inc.
John A. Moberly
Pritzker Military Foundation
RENK America
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REFUNDS: Event Registration Fees are fully refundable up to 3 business days before the event. After that time, they are non-refundable as BENS has already incurred the expense of registration. Contact your Regional Director, the event coordinator, or email BENS@bens.org to withdraw from an event and begin the refund process. For additional information on refunds and payment policies, please visit our payment information page.