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2025 WAVE Gala

September 18, 2025 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM (CDT)

Description

 

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)

  • Announcement of the Young Professional of the Year LIVE at the WAVE Gala
  • 2 Complimentary WAVE Gala tickets
  • Logo included in event marketing
  • Recognition at the day of event

Winners Lounge Sponsor: $1,200 (1 Available)

  • Reserved space for Lounge Sponsor, and current and past Four Under 40 winners 
  • 2 complimentary individual tickets for the sponsor
  • 2 complimentary drink tickets
  • Logo included in event marketing
  • Recognition at the day of event

Social Hour Sponsor: $500 (1 Available)

  • Signature Drink
  • Logo included in event marketing
  • Recognition at the day of event





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.

  • Professional Excellence: Nominees should exhibit excellence in their profession, demonstrating a high level of expertise and accomplishment.
  • Leadership: Nominees should demonstrate strong leadership qualities, inspiring and motivating others to achieve success.
  • Community Involvement: Nominees should be actively engaged in their community, volunteering their time and talents to support local causes and organizations.
  • Potential for Future Success: Nominees should show promise for continued success and leadership in their careers and community.



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.


  • Each winner will receive a personalized award at the Four Under 40 Awards Gala.
  • Each of the four, Four Under 40 winners, will receive $500 for the charity of their choice. The Young Professional of the Year will receive an additional $500 for their charity.
  • Four Under 40 winners will also receive recognition at the Chamber’s Celebration of Excellence in November.



Registration for attending the 2025 WAVE Gala will be opening soon!

RESERVED TABLE: $ TBD
Includes a reserved table and plated dinner for 8 individuals.

INDIVIDUAL SEAT: $ TBD
Includes 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

Time


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

Pricing


TABLE & SEATING OPTIONS 

Reserved Table: TBD

  • Includes a reserved table in a preferred location and plated dinner for 8 individuals.

Individual Seat: TBD

  • Includes seating and a plated dinner for 1 individual.


DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS SEPTEMBER 5th, 2025 UNLESS SOLD OUT EARLIER


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Contact Information

Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce
Name: Ali Beste
Phone: (218) 822-7121
Email: ali@brainerdlakeschamber.com
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