An evening of inspiration
Northern is delighted to announce the highly anticipated event, the 2026 Awards Gala, a celebration of the exceptional individuals, projects, and plans shaping the future of planning across the region.
Date: Thursday, September 17, 2026
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Place: Fluid510, 1544 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612
This year’s Awards Gala honors outstanding recipients whose innovation, excellence, and leadership are moving the planning field forward. Come celebrate, connect, and be inspired alongside colleagues and community members who share your passion for great places.
Ticket price:
- APA Member: $81.88, incl. $6.88 Fee
- Under-represented/Emerging Professionals Member: $49.87, incl. $4.87 Fee
- Students: $12.51, incl. $2.51 fee; must be enrolled for at least 1 semester in the current or previous school year.
- Non-Member/General admission: $103.22, incl. $8.22 Fee
- Under-represented/Emerging Professionals Non-member: $71.21, incl. $6.21 Fee
What to Expect:
- 6:30 PM: Arrival & Reception
- Complimentary beer, wine, and soft drinks
- Hors d’oeuvres served throughout the evening
- No-host bar available for purchase
- 7:30 PM: Awards Ceremony
- 9:00 PM: Gala Wraps Up, followed by an after-party with a cash bar until 10:00 PM, hosted by the Young and Emerging Planners Group (YEP)
Transportation
We’re committed to making the event accessible to everyone. The venue is conveniently located ~0.1 miles south of the 19th Street Oakland BART station at 1900 Broadway, Oakland, CA, 94612, near Thomas L. Berkley Way. Street parking is available, and several parking lots are located within walking distance of the venue. For drivers, carpooling is highly encouraged.
Why Attend?
Celebrate and connect
Whether you’re a seasoned planner, a student, or simply curious about the impact planning has on daily life, this is your chance to connect with people building thriving, sustainable, and inclusive communities. Let’s celebrate the best of what our field has to offer.
Questions? Reach out to Carlina Rose, Awards Program Director, at [email protected].
We can’t wait to celebrate with you!