February 12, 2026 | 6:00–9:30 PM | Annapolis, Maryland
Inaugural International Gala
The Maryland–Bosnia and Herzegovina Exchange Council (MBHEC) is proud to host its Inaugural International Gala, celebrating over two decades of partnership between Maryland and Bosnia and Herzegovina and marking an exciting new chapter in civilian, cultural, educational, and economic cooperation.
Building Bridges, Honoring Legacy, Investing in the Future
The Gala celebrates more than 22 years of partnership rooted in the Maryland–Bosnia and Herzegovina State Partnership Program and strengthened through MBHEC’s growing civilian mission. This landmark event will bring together leaders from government, diplomacy, academia, business, and the Bosnian American community to honor our shared accomplishments and forge new pathways for collaboration.
Distinguished Speakers
We are honored to welcome distinguished leaders and public servants whose work has helped shape and strengthen the relationship between Maryland and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The evening will bring together senior voices from both sides of the Atlantic to reflect on shared values, recognize long-standing contributions to cooperation, and celebrate the enduring civic, cultural, and institutional ties that connect Maryland and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Through their leadership and engagement, our speakers embody a commitment to partnership, remembrance, and a forward-looking vision for continued collaboration.
Lifetime Achievement Award
The Honorable Benjamin Cardin
U.S. Senator (Ret.)
Lifetime Achievement Award
Congressman Steny H. Hoyer
United States Representative - Maryland's 5th Congressional District
Speaker
H.E. Željko Komšić
Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Speaker
Susan C. Lee
Secretary of State, Maryland
Gala Host
Una Bejtović
Award-winning Communications Expert
Our Sponsors and Partners
We thank our sponsors and partners for their support in making the 2026 MBHEC Inaugural International Gala possible.
Ticket Information
We are pleased to announce that tickets for the 2026 MBHEC International Gala are now available for purchase. Each ticket category offers a unique way to participate in this landmark celebration while supporting MBHEC’s mission to strengthen cultural, educational, and civic cooperation between Maryland and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Friend of MBHEC Ticket
1 Guest- One individual dinner ticket
- Attendance at all formal program elements and performances
- Listing as a Friend of MBHEC in the 2026 Gala Program
- Access to the post-event digital photo gallery
Benefactor Ticket
4 Guests- Seating for four guests at a premium placement table
- Name or organizational acknowledgment in the official 2026 Gala Program
- Logo placement (for organizations) on the MBHEC website
- Priority check-in at the registration desk
- Access to the post-event digital photo gallery
- Early access to purchase tickets for future MBHEC signature events
Civic Partner Ticket
2 Guests- Seating for two guests at a standard placement table
- Recognition as a Civic Partner in the 2026 Gala Program
- Access to the post-event digital photo gallery
- Early updates on MBHEC programs, partnerships, and community initiatives
Service Member rate
(US, BiH, and Estonia)
The Service Member rate is available to individuals who are:
- Currently serving on Active Duty, or
- Former Service Members, or
- Currently serving in the National Guard (where applicable)
In the armed forces of the following countries:
- United States: U.S. Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, Coast Guard) and the U.S. National Guard.
- Bosnia and Herzegovina: Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Oružane snage Bosne i Hercegovine).
- Estonia: Estonian Defence Forces (Eesti Kaitsevägi).
Sponsorship Opportunities
We are pleased to announce that tickets for the 2026 MBHEC International Gala are now available for purchase. Each ticket category offers a unique way to participate in this landmark celebration while supporting MBHEC’s mission to strengthen cultural, educational, and civic cooperation between Maryland and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Benefits | Bronze $2,500 | Silver $5,000 | Gold $10,000 | Platinum $20,000 | Presenting $45,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VIP Reception Attendance | |||||
Prime Placement Seating | |||||
Program Book Acknowledgment | |||||
Logo on Digital Promotions & Website | (Prominent) | (Premiere) | |||
Program Book Ad (Color) | ½ page | 1 page | 1 page | 1 page | 2 pages |
Number of Seats | 4 | 5 | 8 | 16 | 16 |
Premium Table(s) | (1 table) | (2 tables) | (2 tables) | ||
Host Preferred / Distinguished VIPs | |||||
Logo on Print Materials | (Prominent) | (Premiere) | |||
Branded Takeaway Items | |||||
VIP Meet & Greet Sponsorship | |||||
Opportunity to Award Honoree on Stage | |||||
Official Title Recognition | |||||
Customizable Benefits |
Join us
The 2026 MBHEC International Gala is more than an event—it is a celebration of shared history, growing partnerships, and a vision for a more collaborative future.
We look forward to welcoming you to Annapolis as we honor what we have built together and set the stage for the next era of Maryland–Bosnia and Herzegovina cooperation.
Date
February 12, 2026
Time
6:00–9:30 PM
Venue
The Westin Hotel
Annapolis, Maryland
100 Westgate Circle, Annapolis, MD 21401
Gala Program
- Guest Arrival and Cocktail reception 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Dinner & Award Ceremony 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
- End of Festivities 9:30 p.m.
Limited seats available • Formal / Black Tie Attire
Musical Performers
We are honored to feature a lineup of exceptional performers whose artistry reflects the cultural richness and spirit of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Their performances will add a powerful and meaningful dimension to an evening dedicated to connection and celebration.
Uma Čizmić
Ivan Medić
Dr. Asim Haračić (Left)
Alden Čizmić (Right)
Reflecting on Our Work (2024–2025)
In 2024–2025, MBHEC moved from establishment to active implementation, helping to formalize Maryland–Bosnia and Herzegovina civilian cooperation across government, culture, education, diaspora, and policy dialogue.
These achievements provide the backdrop for the 2026 MBHEC International Gala and the next phase of partnership between Maryland and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Institutional Cooperation
MBHEC gained formal recognition as the coordinating platform for civilian cooperation, working with the Maryland Secretary of State’s Office, the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Maryland National Guard to extend collaboration beyond security into economy, education, health, culture, and technology.
Culture and Sister Cities
The Council helped establish the Sister City partnership between Annapolis and Sarajevo and supported collaboration between the Sarajevo Film Festival and the Annapolis Film Festival, with joint programming reaching more than ten thousand attendees. Discussions also began on potential cooperation between Ocean City and Neum.
Higher Education Links
MBHEC participated in Maryland’s International Education Day and co-convened a virtual meeting of university leaders to explore a U.S.–BiH higher education partnership focused on student mobility, joint teaching, research, and possible dual-degree arrangements.
Diaspora and Commemoration
Through internships, mentorship, and conference participation, MBHEC helped strengthen diaspora engagement. The State of Maryland issued proclamations recognizing Bosnian-American Day (March 1) and Srebrenica Genocide Remembrance Day (July 11), with MBHEC involved in presenting the latter in Potočari.
Dialogue and Knowledge Exchange
MBHEC co-organized the “Dayton 2.0” roundtable with I4DI and supported the Building Peace Across Generations study with the Yale Jackson School of Global Affairs, linking Maryland-based and BiH institutions in discussions on governance and everyday peace.
Economic & Innovation Cooperation
The bi-annual report highlights preparations for the EU–Eastern U.S. Circularity Forum as a key step toward connecting economic and innovation partners. Since the report’s publication, this Forum has been successfully concluded.
The Maryland Bosnia and Herzegovina Exchange Council is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization with approved federal tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.
Our EIN number is: 39-5060022
Maryland State Charity SOS ID: 54110
DC Charitable Exempt Business License No. 400126000013
Dun & Bradstreet D-U-N-S® Number: 144887907