Annual ASECA Dinner

and William O. Douglas Award Presentation

Join us for an inspiring evening as we bring our community together to honor excellence and impact at the 31st Annual ASECA Dinner and William O. Douglas Award Presentation on Thursday, March 19, 2026.

Our Annual Dinner serves as a crucial fundraiser to support initiatives that advance professional development, educational scholarships, and networking opportunities for career advancement. As a non-profit charitable organization, ASECA is dedicated to fostering the growth of industry professionals, promoting interest in securities law, and connecting members through nationwide events. 

The evening will spotlight the 2026 William O. Douglas Award honoree, Meredith Cross, and begin with an exclusive pre-dinner cocktail reception co-hosted by PLI and ASECA.

Location
Marriott Marquis Grand Ballroom
901 Massachusetts Ave., NW Washington, DC 20001

Schedule
5:30 p.m. PLI-ASECA co-hosted Cocktail Reception
7:00 p.m. Dinner and Award presentation

Reserve your spot!
We invite you to join us for an unforgettable evening, where your presence will make a lasting impact. We offer various attendance levels—please visit our registration page for more details on tickets and sponsorship opportunities.

Your generous contributions directly empower our scholarship and educational programs, helping members stay informed about securities law, and engage in meaningful discussions about the SEC’s history and future. Together, we continue to drive progress and advance careers within the industry.
2026 William O. Douglas Award Recipient

We are pleased to announce that Meredith B. Cross has been selected as the 2026 William O. Douglas Award recipient, recognizing distinguished contributions to the federal securities laws and service to the SEC community. Ms. Cross will be honored at the Annual ASECA Dinner in Washington, D.C., on March 19, 2026.

Ms. Cross is a corporate finance and securities lawyer who has dedicated her career—through public service at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and private practice—to advancing the effectiveness of the federal securities laws. She served as Director of the SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance from 2009 to 2013, following earlier service in senior roles within the Division, including Chief Counsel and Deputy Director. Today, she is a partner at WilmerHale, advising public companies and boards on complex disclosure, governance, and corporate finance matters. 

A lifetime member of ASECA, Ms. Cross has also made significant contributions to preserving the SEC’s history, including serving as Chair of the SEC Historical Society in 2025. 

Join us in congratulating Ms. Cross and secure your tickets for the Annual ASECA Dinner. https://aseca.memberclicks.net/annual-dinner-registration 



For additional information or assistance, please contact our Executive Director, Heather Wagner, at [email protected] or call 240-499-6625.