2026 Pappajohn Entrepreneur Gala
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The NIACC Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center is excited to announce the date for the sixth biannual Pappajohn Entrepreneur Gala on Thursday, September 24, 2026. This special evening will recognize and celebrate the hard work, determination, and accomplishments of North Iowa entrepreneurs who are helping to shape the future of our region. The Pappajohn Entrepreneur Gala will be held at North Iowa Area Community College in Mason City, IA.
The Pappajohn Entrepreneur Gala celebrates the entrepreneurs and partners who make our communities a great place to work and live. The Pappajohn Entrepreneur Gala will share our story, showcase the achievements of North Iowa entrepreneurs, and honor the recipient of the prestigious Legacy Award, presented this year to Dean Snyder Construction for their vital contributions and support to North Iowa.
Five additional recognitions will be awarded at the gala. The NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center is now accepting nominations for these awards:
Distinguished Entrepreneur Award – This award honors a North Iowa entrepreneur who exemplifies vision, perseverance, and business success.
Young Entrepreneur Award – This award recognizes the success, dedication, and contributions to the community by a North Iowa entrepreneur under the age of 40.
Student Entrepreneur Award – This award recognizes a student entrepreneur who exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit.
Outstanding Business Award – This award recognizes a North Iowa business for its overall achievement in vision, growth, and community impact.
Innovation Award – This award honors a North Iowa entrepreneur or business that demonstrates exceptional leadership in developing and implementing innovative products, services, core processes, or technologies.
Nominations can be made on the Pappajohn Center website at www.pappajohncenter.com/gala or by contacting the Pappajohn Center directly for an application. Nominations are due by August 9, 2026.
Tickets for the 2026 Pappajohn Entrepreneur Gala will go on sale August 10, 2026.
The Pappajohn Entrepreneur Gala celebrates the entrepreneurs and partners who make our communities a great place to work and live. The Pappajohn Entrepreneur Gala will share our story, showcase the achievements of North Iowa entrepreneurs, and honor the recipient of the prestigious Legacy Award, presented this year to Dean Snyder Construction for their vital contributions and support to North Iowa.
Five additional recognitions will be awarded at the gala. The NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center is now accepting nominations for these awards:
Distinguished Entrepreneur Award – This award honors a North Iowa entrepreneur who exemplifies vision, perseverance, and business success.
Young Entrepreneur Award – This award recognizes the success, dedication, and contributions to the community by a North Iowa entrepreneur under the age of 40.
Student Entrepreneur Award – This award recognizes a student entrepreneur who exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit.
Outstanding Business Award – This award recognizes a North Iowa business for its overall achievement in vision, growth, and community impact.
Innovation Award – This award honors a North Iowa entrepreneur or business that demonstrates exceptional leadership in developing and implementing innovative products, services, core processes, or technologies.
Nominations can be made on the Pappajohn Center website at www.pappajohncenter.com/gala or by contacting the Pappajohn Center directly for an application. Nominations are due by August 9, 2026.
Tickets for the 2026 Pappajohn Entrepreneur Gala will go on sale August 10, 2026.
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Where is it happening?
500 College Dr, Ste 120, Mason City, IA, United States, Iowa 50401
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherNIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center
