October 24, 2026
The Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans is excited to present the 2026 Asian Pacific Minnesotans Leadership Awards Dinner.
In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, this year's Leadership Awards Dinner will uplift and honor Minnesotans whose efforts have directly contributed to and inspired the next generation of Americans who will shape this country for centuries to come.
Themed “America: 250 and Beyond,” the event will take place on Saturday, October 24, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Mystic Lake Center in Prior Lake, Minnesota. As we mark 250 years of the American experience, the Leadership Awards Dinner is an opportunity for us to reflect on the remarkable journey that brought us here and to look ahead to the future we will build together. This milestone is our opportunity to celebrate the enduring promise of America—a nation strengthened by the talents, sacrifices, and aspirations of people from every background.
This year’s Leadership Awards Dinner will bring together more than 800 Minnesotans from across the state—including individuals representing communities with roots in more than 40 Asian and Pacific nations, and government officials from the local to the federal levels.
Please join us at the 2026 Asian Pacific Minnesotan Leadership Awards Dinner. Reservations will be available soon.
Awards Nominations
The Council is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Asian Pacific Minnesotans Leadership Awards. Please help us honor those who have generously given their time and energy to serving and improving our Asian Pacific Minnesotan community.
This year's awards will be given to individuals or organizations for the following categories:
- Stewardship of Democracy. This award recognizes a current or former elected or appointed official at the local or state level for working across political divides in ways that have contributed to a stronger and more politically engaged Asian Pacific Minnesotan community.*
- Pan-Asian Leadership. This award recognizes an individual or organization for their work in bridging racial and/or ethnic divides in ways that have contributed to a more united Asian Pacific Minnesotan community.**
- Rising Star. This award recognizes an individual under the age of 25 whose leadership has inspired Asian Pacific Minnesotan youth to engage with government in various capacities.**
*This individual does not need to be of API ancestry.
**This individual must be of API ancestry.
Nomination instructions can be found here.
Please submit nominations by no later than Friday, August 28, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Central time. Winners will be announced in early September, and awards will be presented at the 2026 Asian Pacific Leadership Awards Dinner.
Sponsor the 2026 Dinner
Help us make the biggest event of the year a smashing success! Sponsor the 2026 Leadership Awards Dinner and join us in celebrating our shared milestones and accomplishments. If you are interested in sponsoring the Leadership Awards Dinner, please contact Sia Her. Individual tickets will be available for sale soon.
 North Star Sponsorship: $10,000 (Platinum) Includes 3 tables (30 seats) |
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VIP Reception
Company logo on Dinner program Company logo on Dinner slideshow Stage recognition |
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 Blue Ox: $875 (Bronze)
Includes 1 table (10 seats) |
Company logo on Dinner program
Company logo on Dinner slideshow Stage recognition |
 Common Loon Sponsorship: $85 (Individual ticket) |
Single entry
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Lady Slipper Sponsorship: $6,000 (Gold) 
Borealis Sponsorship: $2,500 (Silver)