27th Annual Upper Midwest
EMMY® AWARDS
Entry submissions begin June 1, 2026
Early Bird Entries
June 1 - June 5, 2026
Entry Deadline
June 19, 2026
Emmy® Nominations
September 14, 2026
Nomination Show at 9:00am
Emmy® Ceremony
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Radisson Blu MOA - Bloomington, MN
Entry Eligibility
Jan. 1 - Dec. 31, 2025
Student Awards Nominations
Monday, March 9, 2026
15th Annual
Student Awards Ceremony
Friday, April 10, 2026
2026 Upper Midwest Emmy® Nomination show - Sept. 14th 9:00am
Share & Tag Everywhere
@MidwestEmmys, #MidwestEmmys
2026 Upper Midwest Emmy® Awards Gala October 17th
Member Single Tickets: $175
Members may only purchase 2 tickets and cannot transfer tickets to non-members.
Member Table Tickets: $2,000
Order includes premium seating and 1/2-page ad in commemorative print/digital program
TICKET DEADLINE October 10th, 2026
Event is RESERVED seating.
Tables seat 10 max.
Non-Member Single Tickets: $300
Members may only purchase 2 tickets and cannot transfer tickets to non-members.
Non-Member Table Tickets: $3,250
Order includes premium seating and 1/2-page ad in commemorative print/digital program
TICKETS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE!
Guest changes or substitutions available.
Email: info@midwestemmys.org
OTHER WAYS TO WATCH
This televised ceremony will be streamed for online and mobile devices on the Upper Midwest Emmy® YouTube channel and The Emmy® App.
The Emmy® App, is a dedicated platform powered by Vimeo. All programming is available watch.TheEmmys.TV and via The Emmy® apps for iOS, tvOS, Android devices. FireTV, AndroidTV and Roku (full list at apps.theemmys.tv).
Carla Beaurline
CEO/Talent
2026 Upper Midwest Emmy®
Red Carpet LIVE Host
Join the NEW Upper Midwest Emmy Foundation President Carla Beaurline on the Red Carpet for live interviews during the Gala reception.
This is your chance to say hi to family, friends and followers on the big night for regional television, cable and video content creators!
The Red Carpet LIVE area will also be open during the awards show for Recpients to give THANK YOU speeches.
Follow us @midwestemmys on all your socials!
Emily Taplin
Producer/Talent
2026 Upper Midwest Emmy® STUDENT Awards Hosts
Emily Taplin is an award-winning communications expert, producer, journalist, and storyteller. She graduated with a Journalism major from Bethany Lutheran College and has 15 years of experience across broadcast television, public media, and government communications. Her career began in local news at WQOW in Eau Claire, WI, as an anchor, reporter, and producer before she joined Twin Cities PBS, where she produced national PBS Pledge programming and worked on PBS KIDS and other flagship productions.
Today, Emily works for the City of Bloomington and is a leader in strategic communications and multimedia storytelling. She is also the host of Bloomington Today, the City’s cable television program, and represents Bloomington as a member of Minnesota’s public, educational, and governmental (PEG) access television community.
Emily’s work has earned more than 20 3CMA Savvy and MAGC Northern Lights Awards, and she is a four-time Upper Midwest Regional Emmy® nominee. With roots in local news, public television, and community media, she brings a lifelong passion for the people, creativity, and storytelling that make television possible.
Mike Bremer
Producer/Talent
Mike Bremer is the Executive Director of Hastings Community Television (HCTV), where he oversees the organization’s programming and operations while continuing to work hands-on as a producer, videographer, editor, and on-camera host. Mike has spent his career using video to tell the stories of the people, businesses, organizations, and events that make Hastings a unique community.
Mike is the producer, host, and editor of the award-winning series Take a Hike, Mike!, where he visits local businesses and becomes an employee for a day... until they inevitably tell him to “Take a Hike!” Over the years, the show has taken him everywhere from working as a police officer and garbage collector for a day to joining the Hastings High School Marching Band and getting a spray tan.
Mike’s work on Take a Hike, Mike! earned him a Midwest Emmy nomination for his episode featuring A+ Tattoo, along with numerous national NATOA awards in categories including Use of Humor, Talent, and Arts & Entertainment. Throughout his career, Mike’s work has been recognized with more than 30 NATOA awards for excellence in community media, including multiple first-place honors. He also serves on the board of the Minnesota Association of Community Telecommunications Administrators (MACTA).
Proud Sponsor of Student Awards:
Scholarships/Grants/AV All Stars
Missing Name on Entry?
To add a name after nominations September 14th through September 18th, a written application is required and the fee is $250 per-name.
Any names requested to be added to member-rate entries must be members for entry to retain member rate.
Absolutely no names can be added to entries once Regional Emmy® Awards are announced.
Award Store
Use your current membership for discounts on past Regional Emmy® Awards! Anyone listed on official nominated or recipient entries from 2000 — present may purchase awards.
Nomination Plaques and Regional Statuettes come engraved with entrant’s name and role on entry.
Radisson Blu Mall of America (2100 Killebrew Dr. Bloomington, MN) is offering a special conference discount rate of $179 per-night, plus taxes & fees.
NO ADDITIONAL RESORT FEES!
Click button below and adjust the arrival and departure dates as needed, and click on your room type. The discount is automatically applied.
Make phone reservations at 651-292-1900. To get discount, use reference group code: UPPER MIDWEST EMMY AWARDS 2026
DEADLINE TO RESERVE ROOM WITH CONFERENCE DISCOUNT IS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25th, 2026
AWARDS NIGHT SCHEDULE
Radisson Blu Mall of America
2100 Killebrew Drive. Bloomington, MN 55425
5:00PM — Registration opens
5:00PM - 6:30pm — Red Carpet LIVE Stream & photo wall
6:00PM — Ballroom opens
6:30PM — Dinner service begins
7:00PM — Gold & Silver Circle Honors Show
7:45PM — Intermission
8:00PM — Regional Emmy® Awards Ceremony
Student Awards Program PDF
Award Store
Anyone listed on official SPA nominated or recipient entries from 2011 – present may purchase awards. Nomination Certificates and Crystal Pillar Awards come engraved with entrant’s name and role on entry.
Tickets
Member Ticket
$150
Members may purchase up to two (2) tickets for themselves and one guest.
Members cannot purchase or transfer tickets to non-members.
Member Table for 10
$2,000
Member Table reservations require at least five (5) of the guests to be current members.
Member table includes: Premium seating and a 1/2-page congratulations ad in commemorative digital/print program.
Non-Member Ticket
$280
Non-Member Table for 10
$3,000
Table purchase includes: Premium seating and 1/2-page advertisement in our commemorative print/digital program.
Ticket Policy
No individual is allowed entry into the event without being on the registration list. Ticket purchases are non-fundable. You may transfer tickets to different individuals. Members may not transfer member-rate tickets to non-members.
If you need to change guest names or meal choices, please email info@midwestemmys.org.
2026 Upper Midwest Emmy® Awards Ceremony
October 17, 2026
Hosted by
Emily Taplin - Bloomington Community Television
Emily Taplin is an award-winning communications expert, producer, journalist, and storyteller. She graduated with a Journalism major from Bethany Lutheran College and has 15 years of experience across broadcast television, public media, and government communications. Her career began in local news at WQOW in Eau Claire, WI, as an anchor, reporter, and producer before she joined Twin Cities PBS, where she produced national PBS Pledge programming and worked on PBS KIDS and other flagship productions.
Today, Emily works for the City of Bloomington and is a leader in strategic communications and multimedia storytelling. She is also the host of Bloomington Today, the City’s cable television program, and represents Bloomington as a member of Minnesota’s public, educational, and governmental (PEG) access television community.
Emily’s work has earned more than 20 3CMA Savvy and MAGC Northern Lights Awards, and she is a four-time Upper Midwest Regional Emmy® nominee. With roots in local news, public television, and community media, she brings a lifelong passion for the people, creativity, and storytelling that make television possible.
Mike Bremer - Hastings Community Television
Mike Bremer is the Executive Director of Hastings Community Television (HCTV), where he oversees the organization’s programming and operations while continuing to work hands-on as a producer, videographer, editor, and on-camera host. Mike has spent his career using video to tell the stories of the people, businesses, organizations, and events that make Hastings a unique community.
Mike is the producer, host, and editor of the award-winning series Take a Hike, Mike!, where he visits local businesses and becomes an employee for a day... until they inevitably tell him to “Take a Hike!” Over the years, the show has taken him everywhere from working as a police officer and garbage collector for a day to joining the Hastings High School Marching Band and getting a spray tan.
Mike’s work on Take a Hike, Mike! earned him a Midwest Emmy nomination for his episode featuring A+ Tattoo, along with numerous national NATOA awards in categories including Use of Humor, Talent, and Arts & Entertainment. Throughout his career, Mike’s work has been recognized with more than 30 NATOA awards for excellence in community media, including multiple first-place honors. He also serves on the board of the Minnesota Association of Community Telecommunications Administrators (MACTA).
Missing Name on Emmy® Entry?
To add a name after nominations September 8th through September 15th, a written application is required and the fee is $250 per-name.
Any names requested to be added to member-rate entries must be members for entry to retain member rate.
Absolutely no names can be added to entries once Regional Emmy® Awards are announced.
Award Store
Use your current membership for discounts on past Regional Emmy® Awards! Anyone listed on official nominated or recipient entries from 2000 — present may purchase awards.
Nomination Plaques and Regional Statuettes come engraved with entrant’s name and role on entry.
EVENT LOCATION
Mystic Lake Event Center
2400 Mystic Lake Blvd NW, Prior Lake, MN 55372
NO TICKETS SOLD AT DOOR! No individual is allowed entry into the event without being on the registration list. Ticket purchases are non-fundable. You may transfer tickets to different individuals. Members may not transfer member-rate tickets to non-members.
Gala Schedule
If you need to change guest names or meal choices, please email info@midwestemmys.org.
5:00pm - 6:30pm
Social hour with cash bar & wine sales
6:00pm
Ballroom doors open
6:30pm
Dinner service begins
7:00pm
Gold & Silver Circle Honors program
7:40pm
Intermission
8:00pm - 10:30pm
Regional Emmy® Awards Ceremony
HOTEL
Emmy® Group Rate: $175 per-night + sales & room tax
Rates based on single/double occupancy. There is a $10 charge for each additional person. A maximum of 5 people per room is allowed.
RESERVATIONS
Emmy® Group rate available until room block is full or by Sep. 26, 2025.
Call hotel at 952-445-9000 or toll free at 800-262-7799. Use group name: "Upper Midwest Emmy Awards Block."
Once a reservation is made, all changes, additions, or cancellations should be directed to the reservations office. All reservations canceled after 4:00 PM Central Time on the day before arrival will incur a charge equal to the first night's room rate, billed to the credit card on file.
Hosted by
Terry O'Reilly
Terry O’Reilly’s career in broadcasting and media leadership is marked by innovation, excellence, and a commitment to storytelling. As Chair of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS), he has played a pivotal role in recognizing and nurturing talent within the television industry. His tenure has been characterized by efforts to adapt the Academy to the evolving media landscape, ensuring that the Emmy® Awards continue to represent the pinnacle of excellence in television
Gold & Silver Circle Honors Show
October 17, 2026
2026 Honorees
Ron Steele
KWWL
Waterloo, IA
Bridget Breen
KTIV
Sioux City, IA
Ralph Gasow
Sports Production
Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN
Tom Hansen
KBJR
Duluth, MN
2026 Board of Governors Emmy® Award
Show Up for Eat Street
Code of Conduct
I. The Code of Ethical Conduct
The Code of Ethical Conduct (“Code of Conduct) is a policy outlining the principles and standards that all employees, members, and third parties acting on behalf of NATAS and its chapters must follow to maintain the high standard of professional conduct critical to the continued prestige of the organization (NATAS) and the National and Regional Emmy® Awards. All NATAS national and regional events are to be a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for everyone to enjoy and celebrate. This Code of Conduct applies to all participants at events, competitions, or on our social media channels; to Chapter members, guests, staff, volunteers, and vendors.
II. Definition of Ethical Conduct and Practices
NATAS has zero tolerance for discrimination or harassment, illegal, dishonest, or unethical conduct. As such, members are expected to refrain from committing any act that will degrade NATAS in society, or prejudice, damage or harm the standing, reputation, welfare, and/or best interests of NATAS and its Members. NATAS will not tolerate, condone, or ignore unethical conduct and is committed to enforcing these standards at all levels.
III. Covered Conduct
NATAS and its regional chapters do not tolerate:
- Intimidation or threats
- Inappropriate disruptions
- Unwanted physical contact
- Hurtful language, hate speech, or discriminatory acts
- Physical assault
- Unwanted sexual attention
- Bullying or stalking
Disorderly behavior as a result of public intoxication or other impairment related to substance abuse. Any other action or activity which could reasonably be construed as contrary or detrimental to the best interests and reputation of NATAS and its regional chapters. A present conviction of a felony or other crime of moral turpitude is also a violation of this code of conduct. Members are responsible for the conduct of their guests as well.
IV. Enforcement
NATAS and its regional chapters reserve the right to remove or ban any person who does not adhere to the Code of Conduct:
If you are asked to stop any harassing behavior, you must cease the behavior immediately.
If you experience or witness any form of harassment or violation of this Code of Conduct, contact:
(i) The nearest NATAS staff member, if a national event
(ii) The nearest Chapter Governor or regional staff member, if a regional event
(iii) You may submit an email complaint to reports@emmyonline.tv or to your chapter’s Executive Director
Alleged violations of this Code of Conduct shall be reviewed and resolved in accordance with procedures adopted by NATAS Bylaws and/or Chapter Bylaws. Violations of the Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action, up to and including but not limited to being refused admission or ejected from an event, being barred from future events, disqualification or suspended from participation in NATAS or Chapter competitions, or the suspension or expulsion of membership.
This Code of Conduct is subject to change and may be amended, supplemented or superseded by one or more separate policies without further notice. All Members are responsible for continuous review of this Code.
Student Production Awards College/Career Fair
Network on Awards Night! Meet pros, college reps and colleagues as you celebrate the evening Friday April 11th @ Hilton Double Tree in Bloomington, MN
Nearly 300 high school and college students attend this annual event. It’s a tremendous opportunity for company managers/HR representatives to meet with hundreds of potential job seekers!
College/Career Fair Booth
Participating Companies:
Gray Television
KSTP - Hubbard Broadcasting
Minnesota Broadcasters Association
Iowa State University
St. Cloud State University
University of Minnesota - Hubbard School of Journalism
RESERVATION DEADLINE
Reserve ad space and/or booth by March 14th. Artwork deadline March 17th.
14th ANNUAL
