Join us for the 2025 WAVE Gala, an inspiring and prestigious evening hosted by the WAVE Young Professionals Network—a program of the Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce. This annual event honors the next wave of leaders, recognizing young professionals who are shifting the current in their industries and throughout the Brainerd Lakes Area. The Gala brings together community champions, business leaders, and changemakers to recognize the rising talent shaping the future of our communities.
The highlight of the night is the presentation of the Four Under 40 Awards, honoring outstanding young professionals making a difference in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Enjoy a night of recognition, networking, and inspiration as we celebrate the individuals creating a wave of influence in our community.
Nominations have officially closed for the 2025 Four Under 40 Awards. Thank you to all who submitted an application or nomination to highlight a deserving, rising leader, in the Brainerd Lakes Area.
Applications will be reviewed in July by an anonymous panel of judges comprised of Chamber representatives, WAVE members, and community leaders. Judges will evaluate each nominee based on the criteria outlined below. The judging committee will name four finalists, which will be publicized in advance of WAVE Gala.
Please consider nominating or applying again next year, as we continue our goal to highlight the next wave of leaders in the Brainerd Lakes Area.
*To learn more about the Four Under 40 Awards, scroll down to the 'About the Awards' section and 'FAQ's' for additional information.
Presenting Sponsor: SOLD - Thank You Conductor Power
Philanthropic Sponsor: SOLD - Thank you Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation
Venue Sponsor: SOLD - Thank you Catalyst by Nature Link
Video Sponsor: SOLD - Thank You Motion 46 Media
Young Professional of the Year Sponsor: $2,000 (1 Available)
Winners Lounge Sponsor: $1,200 (1 Available)
Social Hour Sponsor: $500 (1 Available)
Help us celebrate The Next Wave of leaders in the Brainerd Lakes Area! The Four Under 40 Awards recognize young professionals between the ages of 18 and 39 who live and work in the Brainerd Lakes Area. These four honorees exemplify leadership, ambition, and community impact—and inspire others to strive for excellence in all they do.
Out of the four winners, one individual will be named the “Young Professional of the Year” and will be announced LIVE at the end of the WAVE Gala! This individual will receive additional recognition.
A panel of anonymous judges will meet in July to judge the applicants based on the following criteria.
Nominations are open to the public and may be submitted by individuals, businesses, or community organizations. Self-nominations are accepted. Applicants do NOT have to be members of WAVE or be Chamber members. Please note that multiple nominations do not increase the likelihood of selection. All submissions will be assessed based on the completeness, clarity, and quality of the information provided. Nominations are officially closed as of the nomination deadline: 12PM, noon on Friday, June 27, 2025.
All applications will be reviewed in July by an anonymous panel of judges comprised of Chamber representatives, WAVE members, and community leaders. Judges will evaluate each nominee based on the criteria outlined above. The judging committee will name four finalists, which will be publicized in advance of the award ceremony.
Registration for attending the 2025 WAVE Gala will be opening soon!
RESERVED TABLE: $ TBDIncludes a reserved table and plated dinner for 8 individuals.
INDIVIDUAL SEAT: $ TBDIncludes seating and a plated dinner for 1 individual.
Registration Deadline: 12PM on Friday, September 5, 2025.
Who can submit a nomination or application? Nominations are open to the public and may be submitted by individuals, businesses, or community organizations. Self-nominations are accepted. Applicants do NOT have to be members of WAVE or be Chamber members.
What's the difference between a nomination and application?Nominations are a submission on behalf of another individual. An application is a self-nomination. Both nominations and applications are accepted and encouraged.
How many award winners are there?Four individuals will receive a Four Under 40 Award. Out of these four winners, one individual will be named the “Young Professional of the Year” and will receive additional recognition. The YPY will be announced live at the end of the WAVE Gala.
Can I increase my odds of winning a Four Under 40 Award with more nominations?No. Multiple nominations for the same individual do not increase the likelihood of selection. All submissions will be assessed based on the completeness, clarity, and quality of the information provided.
If I was considered last year for the Four Under 40 Awards, does a new form need to be submitted?Nominations and applications do not carry over from previous years. To be considered for this year’s awards, a new nomination or application must be submitted. This ensures that all information is current, as roles, achievements, and community involvement may have changed.
I am turning 40 this year, am I still eligible?The nominee must be between 18 and 39 years of age at the time of the WAVE Gala on September 18, 2025 in order to be eligible to receive a Four Under 40 Award.
When is the deadline to nominate or apply for a Four Under 40 Award?Nominations will close after 12pm, noon, on June 27, 2025.
I know someone who deserves to win a Four Under 40 Award, how do I nominate them?Nominations and applications can be filled out using our Four Under 40 Award Application Form.
When will tickets be available to attend the WAVE Gala?Registration to attend the 2025 WAVE Gala will open after the winners are announced in late July.
What is the deadline to register to attend the WAVE Gala?Friday, September 5, 2025.
Who can attend the WAVE Gala?This event is open to the public. You do not have to be a member of WAVE or a Chamber member to attend. You do not need to be under 40 to attend—all are welcome.
What is the Gala dress code?TBD
EVENT SCHEDULE
4 PM: Winners Lounge Social Hour (Exclusive to Lounge Sponsor, past, and present Four Under 40 Award recipients)
5 PM: Social Hour (Cash Bar)
6-8 PM: Dinner and Program
TABLE & SEATING OPTIONS
Reserved Table: TBD
Individual Seat: TBD
DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS SEPTEMBER 5th, 2025 UNLESS SOLD OUT EARLIER
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