Q: What is the Moxie Award?
A: The Moxie Award program recognizes organizations based in the DC-metro area for their
Boldness in Business. In a business context, an organization characterized by “moxie” is often
perceived as innovative, fearless, and willing to embrace risks to achieve its goals. We are
especially excited to celebrate our 10th year in 2026!

Q: When can I apply?
A: Applications are open now through May 6, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST.

Q: Is there a cost to apply?
A: Applications are free if submitted by the Early Bird Deadline of May 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST
A $100 application fee for applications submitted between May 2 to May 6, with the Final
Submission Deadline on May 6, 2026, at 11:59 PM.

Q: What are the key dates for the 2026 Moxie Award?
A: Calendar of Events:
     •  Applications Open: Now-May 6, 2026
     •  Kickoff Event: April 21, 2026
     •  Finalists Announced: Mid-May 2026
     •  Finalist Interviews: Late May–Mid August 2026
     •  Private Judges & Finalists Reception: September 2026 (date to be determined)
     •  Moxie Award Ceremony & Dinner: October 29, 2026

Q: What should my application include?
A: Applications should include an overview of your company and what you do, highlights of key
milestones and achievements, a description of your culture and community involvement, and an
explanation of what makes your organization bold, unique, or innovative, essentially, why you
have Moxie. We also require your full-time employee counts for calendar years 2023, 2024, and
2025. No revenue or financial information is required.

Q: What are the benefits of applying?
A: The Moxie Award program offers exceptional networking with hundreds of C-level leaders from
the boldest companies in the DC region, as well as promotional toolkits for finalists and winners.
Participants also gain industry and regional recognition, as well as social media and online
exposure. Winners will receive a unique, custom trophy to commemorate their boldness in
business.

Q: When are finalists selected?
A: Finalists will be notified directly and publicly announced in mid-May 2026. Interview scheduling
will begin shortly thereafter.

Q: What happens if my company is selected as a finalist?
A: Finalists will be interviewed by a panel of Moxie Award partners between late May and mid-
August 2026. Interviews will be conducted in person at the finalist’s office, or by Zoom if
necessary. If an organization does not have a physical office but prefers an in-person meeting, the
team can coordinate a partner-hosted location.

Interviews are scheduled for 60 minutes with a panel of Moxie Award partners. The finalist
organization’s leader should be the primary participant, though other team members may join.
The interview is mandatory to be considered for a Moxie Award.

Q: How many winners will there be?
A: There will be one winner per category. You can explore past categories, finalists, and winners on
our website.

Q: Who selects the winners?
A: The judging panel is made up of respected third-party leaders from the Washington, DC, business community, selected for their experience and success across a wide variety of industries.

Q: What do the judges review?
A: Judges will evaluate both the formal Moxie application and the feedback and impressions
provided by the interview panel.

Q: What are judges looking for?
A: Judges are looking for companies that are bold, innovative, fearless, and willing to embrace
risks to achieve their goals—organizations that truly embody the spirit of Moxie.

Q: Is there an opportunity to meet the judges prior to winners being selected?
A: Yes. The fall Judges & Finalists Reception gives finalists the opportunity to meet the judges before winner selections are made.

Q. When and how are the winners announced?
A: Winners will be announced live at the Moxie Award Ceremony & Dinner on October 29, 2026, at The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner.

Q: Do I need a physical ticket for the events?
A: No. We do not use physical or digital tickets for Moxie events. However, registration is required for each event, with confirmations being sent via email.

Q: What does it cost to attend the Kickoff Event?
A: Applicants, past finalists and winners will receive one complimentary ticket per organization to the April 21, 2026, Kickoff Event. Additional tickets will be available for purchase.

Q: What does it cost to attend the private Judges & Finalists Reception?
A: Finalists will receive one complimentary ticket per organization to the fall Judges & Finalists reception. Additional tickets will be available for purchase.

Q: What does it cost to attend the Moxie Award Ceremony & Dinner?
A: Finalists will receive up to two discounted individual tickets or a discounted table for the October 29, 2026, Ceremony & Dinner. Additional tickets will be available at the public, full-price rate. Complimentary tickets are not provided for the Ceremony & Dinner.

Q. How does the seating work at the Moxie Award Ceremony & Dinner?
A: The event follows an open-seating format unless your organization has purchased a full table. In that case, a table will be reserved exclusively for your group.

Q. What is the dress code for each event?
A:
     •  Kickoff Event: Smart Casual/Business Casual
     * This event is primarily outdoors, so we ask guests to dress accordingly.
     •   Judges & Finalists Reception: Business Casual/Business
     •  Ceremony & Dinner: Cocktail/Business Formal

Feel free to browse past event photo galleries for inspiration on attire.

Q: Do you offer refunds?
A: No. Tickets to all Moxie Award events are non-refundable.