GIC HONORS
2nd Annual Presentation
Friday, August 14 | 10 AM
Middle C Jazz Club, Charlotte, North Carolina
RESERVE YOUR SEAT TODAY:
Behind every great artist, broadcast, and breakthrough moment is a network of leaders whose work deserves to be seen, celebrated, and sustained.
The 2nd Annual GIC Honors event is designed to recognize, elevate, and celebrate the often-unseen architects of the gospel music industry—those whose leadership, innovation, and infrastructure shape the culture but are not traditionally spotlighted on artist-centered award platforms.
While the Stellar Awards rightfully honor artists, radio personalities, and producers, the Gospel Industry Coalition (GIC) exists to serve, unite and grow the entire ecosystem of gospel music. GIC Honors fills a critical gap by recognizing executives, educators, entrepreneurs, marketers, technologists, legal professionals, media strategists, tour financiers, and other industry leaders whose work fuels the industry’s success but is rarely publicly recognized.
Charlotte, North Carolina, provides an ideal host city—accessible, culturally vibrant, and strategically positioned as a growing hub for faith-based and entertainment leadership. Hosting GIC Honors there, especially during “Stellar Weekend” reinforces GIC’s national footprint and commitment to industry-wide collaboration.
Why do we “VOTE” on an “HONOR”
GIC HONORS focuses on measurable impact and documents “who” moved the industry forward and in what areas, within the current year. GIC HONORS recognizes timely influence and measurable outcomes.
The nomination and voting process empowers members to actively shape the industry’s narrative of excellence, in alignment with GIC’s mission.
GIC HONORS Selection Process: Transparent, Inclusive, and Impact-Focused
To ensure credibility and integrity, GIC Honors follows a structured four-phase selection process:
Phase 1: Category Development
GIC will create award categories specifically highlighting sectors not currently recognized within the Stellar Awards framework. Categories (all Gospel music industry-related) will reflect roles such as:
- Industry Executives
- Educators & Scholars
- Media & Digital Strategists
- Event Architects
- Legal & Business Professionals
- Entrepreneurs & Innovators, US & International
- Legacy Gatekeepers
These categories ensure comprehensive industry representation; however NOT ALL these categories may be included. GIC members/leaders will determine the Top 5 categories to be included this year.
Phase 2: Open Member Nominations
GIC members will be invited to submit nominations within each category (From March 9 – 30). This open process ensures diversity of perspective and grassroots participation.
Members are encouraged to nominate individuals who have demonstrated:
- Measurable impact within the past year
- Strategic leadership
- Innovation and forward thinking
- Integrity and influence
- Service to the broader gospel music community
Phase 3: Finalist Determination (May 12-31)
Based on the initial round of voting, categories will be narrowed to the top four to five candidates in each division. These finalists represent the highest-ranked individuals according to member input and industry impact.
Phase 4: Final Vote – Determining the “Top” Honoree (Jun 1- 10)
A second round of voting will determine the singular “Top” Honoree—an individual whose influence, leadership, and measurable achievements have been most impactful during the current year.
It is important to note:
- All finalists will be honored and publicly celebrated at the GIC Honors event.
- One individual will receive the distinction of “Top” Honoree for the year, acknowledging extraordinary current-year achievement.
The Culminating Event Experience August 14, 2026
GIC Honors & Brunch
Middle C Jazz Club, Charlotte, NC
The GIC Honors presentation will serve as:
- A high-level networking gathering
- A celebration of strategic leadership
- A media-worthy industry moment
- A platform for storytelling and legacy
The evening will feature:
- Formal recognition presentations
- Tribute moments
- Industry testimonials
- Acknowledgment of all finalists
- Announcement of the “Top” Honoree
Strategic Outcomes
The 2nd Annual GIC Honors is more than an awards ceremony. It is:
- A leadership statement
- An industry recalibration
- A culture-building platform
- A member-engagement strategy
- A legacy-building initiative
By honoring those who build the industry’s foundation, GIC strengthens the entire gospel music ecosystem.
On Friday, August 14, in Charlotte, North Carolina, GIC will once again affirm a powerful truth:
Behind every great artist, broadcast, and breakthrough moment is a network of leaders whose work deserves to be seen, celebrated, and sustained.
RESERVE YOUR SEAT TODAY: