FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRESTIGIOUS INTERNATIONAL HOPE BOOK AWARDS BRING AUTHOR OF THE YEAR 2026 TO MINNESOTA

International authors, award-winning books, inspiring speakers, and stories of hope will take center stage October 17 at the Wyndham Bloomington - Mall of America

BLOOMINGTON, MINNESOTA - October 17, 2026 - Authors, speakers, literary honorees, and advocates for hope will gather in Minnesota for the Prestigious International Hope Book Awards (PIHBA) 2026 Gala Awards Celebration and Author of the Year, taking place Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the Wyndham Bloomington - Mall of America.

Founded on the mission “Honoring Stories of Hope Worldwide,” the Prestigious International Hope Book Awards recognizes authors whose books demonstrate literary excellence while carrying messages of hope, resilience, healing, faith, courage, transformation, and positive impact.

The October celebration will bring the PIHBA community to Minnesota for a day of connection, inspiration, recognition, and storytelling, culminating in the evening Gala Awards Celebration and the announcement of the PIHBA Author of the Year 2026.

“This is about much more than giving someone an award,” said Johanna Vendel, Founder and CEO of the Prestigious International Hope Book Awards. “It is about recognizing the power of a story to reach another human being. Every author we honor has used words to carry something into the world - hope, courage, truth, healing, faith, or the reminder that someone is not alone. On October 17th, those voices will come together in Minnesota.”

A Celebration of Authors and Stories That Make a Difference

PIHBA was created to provide meaningful recognition to authors whose work has the ability to impact readers beyond the pages of a book.

The 2026 celebration will recognize authors across numerous literary categories and culminate in one of PIHBA's highest distinctions - the announcement of the 2026 Author of the Year.

The event will include opportunities for authors and guests to connect, a morning conference featuring inspirational speakers, professional networking, media and photography opportunities, a red-carpet experience, the Gala Awards Celebration, and the Author of the Year announcement.

PIHBA is also building a broader platform for authors beyond traditional book awards through Voices of Hope Magazine, the Give Me Hope with Johanna podcast, author promotion, book trailers, media opportunities, the PIHBA author community, and developing story-to-screen opportunities.

Why Minnesota?

Hosting the celebration in Bloomington places this international literary event in one of Minnesota's most recognizable visitor destinations, near Mall of America and Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport.

For visiting authors, speakers, guests, and media, Minnesota will become the meeting place for an international community united by one powerful idea:

Stories can change lives , and hope deserves a platform.

Media Invitation

PIHBA welcomes television, newspaper, magazine, radio, podcast, digital media, photographers, journalists, and literary media representatives interested in covering the October 17 event.

Media opportunities may include:

• Interviews with PIHBA Founder and CEO Johanna Vendel.
• Interviews with award-winning and finalist authors.
• Speaker interviews.
• Author human-interest stories.
• Red-carpet coverage.
• Photography and video opportunities.
• Coverage of the PIHBA Author of the Year announcement.
• Behind-the-scenes access by prior arrangement.

Media organizations interested in attending, arranging interviews, or receiving additional press materials are encouraged to contact PIHBA in advance.

EVENT INFORMATION

Event: Prestigious International Hope Book Awards 2026 Gala Awards Celebration & Author of the Year
Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Location: Wyndham Bloomington – Mall of America
Address: 1901 Killebrew Drive, Bloomington, Minnesota 55425
Morning Conference: Begins at 10:00 AM
VIP Gala Arrival: 5:00 PM
General Gala: 6:00 PM
Highlight: Announcement of the PIHBA Author of the Year 2026

About the Prestigious International Hope Book Awards

The Prestigious International Hope Book Awards (PIHBA) is an international literary awards platform dedicated to Honoring Stories of Hope Worldwide.

Founded by author, editor, screenplay writer, podcast host, and CEO Johanna Vendel, PIHBA recognizes authors whose words demonstrate literary excellence while contributing messages of hope, resilience, inspiration, healing, faith, courage, and transformation.

Through its awards, author community, Voices of Hope Magazine, Give Me Hope with Johanna podcast, literary recognition, promotional opportunities, events, and expanding author-to-screen ecosystem, PIHBA seeks to help meaningful stories reach audiences around the world.

MEDIA CONTACT

Johanna Vendel
Founder & CEO
The Prestigious International Hope Book Awards
Voices of Hope Magazine | Give Me Hope with Johanna
Website: Prestigious International Hope Book Awards

Contact us: info@prestigious-international-hope-book-awards.com

Media representatives are invited to request interviews, press credentials, photography opportunities, and additional information regarding the October 17, 2026 Gala.

HONORING STORIES OF HOPE WORLDWIDE