Event Info
Your one-stop shop for the 2026 Advocacy Auction: the full evening agenda, venue and directions, hotel block, refund policy, and answers to common questions.
Saturday, November 7, 2026
Here's how the evening unfolds, from cocktails to closing bids.
Two Ways to Bid
The neon is glowing, the wine is poured, and somewhere across the room, someone just got outbid. Bidding builds all evening long in two distinct formats: check the times below so you don't miss your moment to raise a paddle.
Silent Auction
5:00 PM – 6:45 PM. The cocktail reception hums with quiet competition as guests circle the tables, bid sheets in hand, sizing up the pack and sneaking back for one more number before someone else claims it. Bidding tables begin closing at 6:15 PM, and the room's energy tightens table by table until the silent auction ends at 6:45 PM, right as the dining room doors swing open.
Live Auction
8:00 PM – 10:00 PM. Then the room shifts gears: our auctioneer takes the stage, marquee items go up for grabs during and after dinner, and paddles shoot into the air table after table as friendly rivalries break out over the night's biggest prizes. Every "going once" raises the stakes, and every paddle raised helps push the night's total even higher.
When & Where
Suggested Attire
Hong Kong After Dark is formal, black-tie optional. A little inspiration to help you plan your look:
For Ladies
Cocktail dresses, gowns, and elegant evening separates all work beautifully.
For Gentlemen
Suits or tuxedos are both welcome; ties or bow ties encouraged.
Photos are styling inspiration, not photos from a past auction.
Hotel Block
Staying overnight? UCON has secured a room block at the Claremont Club & Spa, the site of the Auction itself.
Hotel
Claremont Club & Spa
41 Tunnel Road, Berkeley, CA 94705
Booking deadline
Room block closes Wednesday, October 28, 2026. Limited rooms available.
Book online
Book by phone
(510) 843-3000. Mention "UCON 26 Advocacy Auction" when booking.
If the block sells out
A few nearby options:
Residence Inn by Marriott Berkeley
Hotel Shattuck Plaza
Berkeley City Club
Refund Policy
Plans change; here is our policy on ticket cancellations:
“For a full refund, submit a written cancellation request to Rachel Oraa by October 31, 2026 (one week before the event). After October 31, you may still cancel, but refunds are no longer eligible.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the event start and end?
The Advocacy Auction runs Saturday, November 7, 2026 from 5:00 PM to Midnight PST. The Cocktail Reception and Silent Auction begin at 5:00 PM, and the formal program runs through the Live Auction before the Afterparty takes over from 10:00 PM to Midnight. Auction item redemption closes at 10:30 PM. See the full agenda above.
What's included with my ticket?
Your ticket includes the Cocktail Reception with appetizers, Silent Auction bidding, Welcome & Dinner, and the Live Auction, plus the Afterparty. Full pricing and registration details are on the Tickets & Registration page, and the complete run of show is in the agenda above.
Can I get a refund if I can't attend?
Yes, if you cancel in time. “For a full refund, submit a written cancellation request to Rachel Oraa by October 31, 2026 (one week before the event). After October 31, you may still cancel, but refunds are no longer eligible.”
Is there a hotel block for out-of-town guests?
Yes. UCON has a room block at the Claremont Club & Spa, the event venue. The block closes Wednesday, October 28, 2026 with limited rooms available. Book online via Passkey, or call the hotel directly at (510) 843-3000 and mention "UCON 26 Advocacy Auction."
How do I become a sponsor or donate an auction item?
Visit the Event Sponsorship page for tiers, pricing, and to submit a sponsorship request. To donate an item or experience for the auction, email events@unitedcontractors.org; details are also on the Donate an Item page.
What's the dress code, and is parking available?
Suggested attire is formal (black-tie optional): see the Suggested Attire section above for inspiration. Parking details are still being finalized; check back closer to the event.
Parking: coming soon
Contact the UCON Events Team
We're happy to help with anything not covered above.