Join us for the American Innovation Gala, a black-tie celebration of the people and ideas shaping the future of the American experiment. Hosted by the Foundation for American Innovation, this event convenes leaders from technology, policy, venture, and national security—those committed to building not only the tools of tomorrow, but the institutions capable of guiding them. It's a celebration of bold innovation and institutional renewal at a moment when America must rise to meet the future.

Date Thursday Evening, October 1, 2026
Location Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium
1301 Constitution Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20240

Sponsorship Levels

Tier Benefits Price
Scout Pair of tickets with preferred seating and access to the VIP reception. $7,500
Angel Half table with five seats. Recognition in the program. $10,000
Principal Table of 10 seats with preferred location. Two passes to the VIP reception. Recognition in the program. $25,000
Partner Table of 10 seats with premier location. Four passes to the VIP reception. Special recognition in the program and in emcee remarks. $50,000
Founder Table of 10 seats in the front row. Option to sit with featured speakers or FAI staff. Ten passes to the VIP reception. Special recognition in the program and in emcee remarks. Additional custom branding options. $100,000

Contact aig@thefai.org for information.

Past Galas

Gala 2025

Mellon Auditorium Venue Mellon Auditorium Venue

VIP Program

American Energy Dominance

Chris Wright
Chris Wright
Secretary
U.S. Department of Energy
Emmet Penney
Emmet Penney
Senior Fellow
Foundation for American Innovation

Dinner Program

Emcee

Laurent Crenshaw
Laurent Crenshaw
Chairman
Foundation for American Innovation

AI, Bureaucracy, and National Power

Scott Kupor
Scott Kupor
Director
U.S. Office of Personnel Management
Dean Ball
Dean Ball
Senior Fellow
Foundation for American Innovation

Building America’s Strategic Networks

Brendan Carr
Brendan Carr
Chairman
Federal Communications Commission
Mike Solana
Mike Solana
Founder and Editor-in-Chief
Pirate Wires

America’s Quantum Moment

John M. Martinis
John M. Martinis
Nobel Laureate
2025, Physics
Prineha Narang
Prineha Narang
Senior Fellow
Foundation for American Innovation

Gala 2024

Mellon Auditorium Venue Mellon Auditorium Venue

Featured Speakers

Brendan Carr
Brendan Carr
Commissioner
Federal Communications Commission
Mike Solana
Mike Solana
Founder and Editor-in-Chief
Pirate Wires
Alexandr Wang
Alexandr Wang
Founder & CEO
Scale AI
John Coogan
John Coogan
Entrepreneur-in-Residence
Founders Fund/Lucy

Frequently Asked Questions

Event Details

When and where is the American Innovation Gala taking place?

The gala will be held on the evening of October 1, 2026, at the Mellon Auditorium, located at 1301 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC.

What should I wear?

The American Innovation Gala is black tie.

Can I just stay updated about the event without purchasing tickets?

Please use the sign-up form to stay updated.

What are the options for parking?

The closest parking garage is at the Ronald Reagan Building, directly behind the Mellon Auditorium.

Sponsorship and Payment Inquiries

How do I learn more about sponsorship opportunities?

To request a meeting or more information, please use the Contact Us form below.

Do you have a sponsorship deck or other collateral to share?

Please use the Contact Us form below for more details.

I don't see a package that meets my needs. What should I do?

We are happy to work with you and your team to customize a package. Please use the Contact Us form below to set up a time for us to go over the gala.

I'd prefer to be invoiced for the sponsorship—is that possible?

Certainly. Please use the Contact Us form below to arrange payment.

Is my sponsorship tax deductible?

Your contribution will be tax deductible less the fair market value of the benefits received (food, beverage, branding).

Contact Us

Photography & Media

The event will be photographed and/or recorded. By attending, you consent to the use of your image, likeness, and voice for promotional, marketing, and archival purposes.

Sponsorships & Tickets

Contributions are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law, less the fair market value of benefits received.

Allergies

We will make every effort to avoid common allergens in the menu. Guests with dietary restrictions or allergies should notify us during registration, and also inform their server at the event.