BIG BLUE BASH · 2026 · For Couples
The Bash.
The Awards.
The People Worth Doing Business With.
Thursday, October 15, the Better Business Bureau of Central Illinois turns the Gateway Building blue. The 2026 Torch Awards for Ethics take the stage, then the room becomes a Bash. Hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar that stays open, a live DJ, props for the photos, and the kind of Central Illinois crowd you actually want to be in the room with.
Thursday, October 15, 2026
5:00 to 8:00 PM
Gateway Building, Peoria, IL
Black tie is optional.
Good company is not.
Most nights, the businesses doing the right thing are invisible. They answer the phone when it isn't convenient. They fix the thing that wasn't their fault. They keep showing up long after anyone is watching.
Once a year, the Better Business Bureau of Central Illinois sets aside an evening to see them, and to throw a real party in their honor. The Big Blue Bash is the 2026 Torch Awards for Ethics, then the lights come up, the music turns on, and the room becomes the Bash. Amazing food, a full cash bar, music, props for the photos, and a few hundred of the business owners, nonprofit leaders, and community builders you'd actually pick up the phone for.
"Trust isn't claimed. It's earned, one decision at a time, and celebrated, one night a year."
Couple's Night Out at the Bash
Two tickets. One great night. Everything below is included, except the cash bar tab. That's on you.
Two seats at the Big Blue Bash, Thursday, October 15, 2026
Amazing food and dessert included
A full cash bar all night. Bring cash or card, stay for one more round
The full 2026 Torch Awards presentation, finalists and winners across the Four C's: Character, Culture, Customers, and Community
Props, photo ops, and a step-and-repeat so the pictures actually turn out
Music keeping the energy up from the awards through last call
An evening of real camaraderie with the Central Illinois business owners, nonprofit leaders, and community partners who built their reputation the right way
Reserve your seats.
Big Blue Bash 2026, $100 Per Couple
See You at the bash!
Seating is limited. Tickets are non-refundable but may be transferred to another guest.
Questions? Contact Andrew Smith at BBB of Central Illinois, [email protected] or (309) 271-1450.
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