NCTRCA to Host “A Night at the MET Gala” Celebrating Momentum, Excellence and Economic Transformation in North Texas
WHO: The North Central Texas Regional Certification Agency (NCTRCA) is a local governmental entity and 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to certifying small businesses across the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. NCTRCA serves member entities including cities, counties, school districts, transit authorities and public agencies to expand access, create pathways and champion the economic power of certified small businesses throughout the region.
WHAT: NCTRCA presents A Night at the MET Gala: Momentum. Excellence. Transformation. A museum-inspired, black-tie evening celebrating the leaders, innovators and certified small businesses shaping the future of the regional economy.
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Headlining the evening will be featured keynote Mikki Taylor, acclaimed author, cultural storyteller, producer and longtime editor-at-large of ESSENCE Magazine. Taylor will join business leaders, entrepreneurs and community changemakers for an unforgettable night honoring the people and organizations driving economic growth and opportunity across North Texas. The event will also feature special entertainment by acclaimed opera singer, actor, educator and creative artistic director, Troy Terrell Bell, whose dynamic performance career spans more than four decades in theater, music and community arts.
Inspired by the iconic Met Gala, this signature event will unite influential executives, emerging entrepreneurs and small business advocates for a night defined by three pillars including momentum, excellence and transformation.
Guests can expect a high-energy, visually striking experience featuring:
§ CURATED ART GALLERY & SILENT ART AUCTION - Featuring original works by local and regional artists from across North Texas, the gallery transforms the evening into a living celebration of creative talent and cultural expression. Artists from the region were invited to submit works that reflect the spirit of Momentum, Excellence and Transformation, making this a true convergence of art, culture and commerce.
NCTRCA is actively seeking local and regional artists from across North Texas to submit works for the Curated Art Gallery and Silent Art Auction. Selected artists will have their work displayed and auctioned during the event, gaining visibility among some of the region's most influential business and community leaders. For consideration, please visit bit.ly/4v7RnFM.
§ LIVE "BLUE" CARPET - Guests will make their entrance on NCTRCA's signature Blue Carpet, where media coverage and appearances by local news outlets will capture the style, energy and influence of the evening. Serving as Live Blue Carpet Host is Laterras R. Whitfield, a three-time Emmy-nominated producer, director and creator of the award-winning podcast Dear Future Wifey, one of the nation's top relationship podcasts with more than 640,000 YouTube subscribers.
WHEN: Friday, August 7, 2026
Live Blue Carpet Arrivals: 5:30 p.m.
VIP Reception: 6 p.m.
Program: 7 p.m.
WHERE: Live! by Loews Arlington, 1600 Randol Mill Rd., Arlington, TX 76011
WHY: This marquee event underscores NCTRCA's enduring mission to expand access and create meaningful pathways for certified small businesses, reinforcing what the organization has long believed: Proximity Is Key – Be In The Room.
For more information, tickets or sponsorship opportunities, visit www.nctrca.org.
EVENT SPONSORS & PARTNERS
NCTRCA gratefully acknowledges the sponsors and partners whose generous support makes A Night at the MET Gala: Momentum. Excellence. Transformation. Possible. Their commitment to expanding opportunity and strengthening the small business ecosystem across North Texas is instrumental to the event’s success. This year’s sponsors and partners include The Rio Group, Dallas County, DFW International Airport, Parkland Health & Hospital System, The Burrell Group, North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA), Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses, Gorrondona & Associates, Dallas College and BridgeWorks.
INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES & MEDIA CREDENTIALS
The following spokespeople are available for pre-event and/or on-site interviews:
§ Angela Alexander, Executive Director, NCTRCA
§ H. Lewis Leonard, NCTRCA Board Chair, NTTA
§ Troy Terrell Bell, Vocalist, Artist and Creative Artistic Director
§ Laterras R. Whitfield, Live Blue Carpet Host; 3x Emmy-Nominated Producer, Cinematographer, National Playwright, Director and Podcast Host
To schedule an interview, request Blue Carpet credentials or attend the event, media representatives should complete the NCTRCA MET Gala Media Credential Request Form.
ABOUT NCTRCA
The North Central Texas Regional Certification Agency (NCTRCA) is a local governmental entity and 505©3 nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding economic opportunities for small businesses across the Dallas–Fort Worth metropolitan area. Established through an Interlocal Cooperation Agreement in 1989 and formally incorporated in 1992, NCTRCA provides federal, regional, and local business certifications that connect qualified firms to contracting and procurement opportunities with public and private entities. Since its founding, NCTRCA has reviewed more than 30,000 certification applications and now serves a network of over 5,000 certified vendors across 16 North Texas counties. Its 20+ member entities include major cities, school districts, transportation authorities, and healthcare systems, each committed to promoting small businesses in public-sector contracting. Through certification, collaboration, and advocacy, NCTRCA continues to ensure that small businesses have fair and meaningful access to participate in the region’s economic growth. Learn more at www.nctrca.org.
