16th Annual Polaris Star Awards

The 16th annual Polaris Star Award Ceremony and Reception is an annual event that brings together individuals, organizations, businesses and activists who are dedicated to combating human trafficking.

This prestigious award ceremony, hosted by United Abolitionists, Inc. and UCF's Center for the Study of Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery, honors and recognizes the outstanding efforts and initiatives made in the fight against modern-day slavery and exploitation.

This year's ceremony will be held at the UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management, 9907 Universal Blvd, Orlando, Florida, on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. The awards will be held in the Darden Auditorium, and the reception will be in the beautiful Rosen College Courtyard and the Disney Dining Room.

• Parking, food and beverages are included in the ticket, including a tequila tasting during the reception.
• Appetizers and beverages provided by our sponsors: Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC), Valor (Centered on Military community), RNDC Associate Resource Group and the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA)
• A silent auction raising money to support survivors of human trafficking will be available throughout the reception, along with a fundraiser to create life-changing scholarships for survivors of human trafficking to study at UCF.
• Dress code: Black tie

Single Ticket (Student and Non-Profit): $25

Single Ticket (Corporate and Others): $55

Table for 10 (limited): $550 

IMPORTANT:

UCF Employees and Florida Tax Exempt Institutions , please register by sending an email to: pauline.chang@ucf.edu. Non-UCF attendees seeking tax exemption will need to provide a copy of DR-14 Consumer's Certificate of Exemption. Do not register on Eventbrite.

Refunds will only be processed if requests are received 10 days before the event date.

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