The Inaugural Gala
May 6, 2026
Audrey Irmas Pavilion, Los Angeles
AAPIDA’s inaugural gala will be hosted on May 6, 2026, in Koreatown, Los Angeles, kicking off AANHPI Heritage Month. This unforgettable evening will bring together our industry’s most influential talents and premier brand partners to raise awareness of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander pioneers in design.
Our gala sponsors will connect with AAPIDA members who include designers on the AD100, ELLE Decor A-List, & LUXE Gold List, as well as top decision-makers at major firms, in a setting that fosters true relationship-building. We invite you to help shape this very special evening of community, inspiration, and collaboration, with a sponsorship that thoughtfully integrates your brand.
See below for sponsorship opportunities and stay tuned for more details by following us on Instagram, or subscribe to our email list to receive upcoming AAPIDA Gala updates.
Make a night of it!
Planning to stay nearby in Los Angeles? We’ve arranged a preferred hotel rate for Gala guests at The LINE Hotel. Rooms are limited and available through our exclusive booking link below.
Hosted by
Dylan Adler
Late Late Show with James Corden, Comedy Central
Honorees
Robert Kuo
Lifetime Achievement Award
Benjamin Moore
Industry Ally Award
Announced March 2026
2026 Student Scholarship Award
Calvin Ma
2025 Student Scholarship Award
Event Co-Chairs
Jessica Davis
President, AAPIDA
Will Nguyen
Secretary, AAPIDA
Host Committee
Alicia Cheung
Ben Reynaert
Bianca Chen
Brooke Gardner
Dabito
Kevin Pong
Linette Dai
Matt Tsang
Noz Nozawa
Peti Lau
Janice Barta
Jean Liu
Jon de la Cruz
Julie Benniardi
Karen Kuo
Renee Chiarelii
Tina Ranchandani
Will Nguyen
William Li
Young Huh
Debbie Ouyang
Edel Legaspi
Eric Chang
Go Kasai
James Fung
Our Sponsors
The AAPI Design Alliance Gala is made possible by our generous partners
Presenting Sponsor
Ruby Sponsors
Jade Sponsors
Pearl Sponsors
Alicia Cheung Design
Ferguson
Kallista
Jean Liu Design
NB Design Group
Matthew Tsang
Million Dollar Baby
Thomas Lavin
Sponsorship & Tables
You can support our inaugural gala by becoming a sponsor. For more information about the different sponsorship tiers and benefits, please review our Gala Sponsorship Deck.
For questions contact us at sponsorship@aapida.com.
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Includes 10 tickets
Our elite sponsorship package, Emerald table sponsors receive:
Elite table placement
Verbal recognition during the event program
Featured as Gala Sponsor in event related emails & printed materials
Premier sized logo on Step and Repeat
Full Page Ad in digital and printed Gala Program
Full Sized Logo projected on stage in Emerald Tier Slide
Name and Logo on Gala Website and Program
AAPIDA 'Thank You' Instagram (in feed)
AAPIDA 'Thank You' Instagram Story (in Emerald Tier story)
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Includes 10 tickets
Our premier sponsorship package, Ruby table sponsors receive:
Premier table placement
Verbal recognition during the event program
Featured as Gala Sponsor in event related emails & printed materials
Logo on Step and Repeat
Half Page Ad in digital and printed Gala Program
Full Sized Logo projected on stage in Ruby Tier Slide
Name and Logo on Gala Website and Program
AAPIDA 'Thank You' Instagram (in feed)
AAPIDA 'Thank You' Instagram Story (in Ruby Tier IG story)
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Includes 10 tickets
Jade table sponsors receive:
Featured as Gala Sponsor in event related emails & printed materials
Half Page Ad in digital and printed Gala Program
Full Sized Logo projected on stage in Jade Tier Slide
Name on Gala Website and Program
AAPIDA 'Thank You' Instagram Story (in Jade Tier IG story)
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Includes 5 tickets
Pearl table sponsors receive:
Discounted Ad in digital and printed Gala Program
Name projected on stage in Pearl Tier Slide
Name on Gala Website and Program
AAPIDA 'Thank You' Instagram Story (in Pearl Tier IG story)
Tickets Coming Soon
Circle of Light Tickets: $2,000
Includes 2 tickets
Individual or company name listed in program (no logo placement)
Torchbearer Ally Ticket: $800
Individual tickets for non-member supporters and brand participants
Lantern Member Ticket: $550
Individual tickets reserved for current AAPIDA members only
Donate
Unable to join us? Please consider a donation! Every donation to the AAPI Design Alliance helps support our programming across the nation including our mentorship program.
