The Prestigious International Hope Book Awards Are Bringing Authors of Hope from Around the World—and Author of the Year—to Minnesota

BLOOMINGTON, MINNESOTA — The Prestigious International Hope Book Awards (PIHBA) will welcome award-winning authors and Authors of Hope from around the world to Minnesota on October 16 and 17, 2026, for an international gathering dedicated to literary excellence, resilience, faith, healing, courage, and the life-changing power of hope.

Founded by CEO Johanna Vendel, PIHBA honors books that do more than tell a story. These books encourage readers, give voice to difficult journeys, transform pain into purpose, and remind people that hope can survive even the darkest chapter.

A Media Invitation to Witness Hope Making History

PIHBA warmly invites local, statewide, national, and international media representatives to attend and report on the celebration. Newspapers, television news teams, radio stations, magazines, journalists, photographers, videographers, podcast hosts, bloggers, and other recognized media outlets are welcome.

Approved media teams may set up an interview station at the Gala and speak directly with award-winning authors, finalists, speakers, PIHBA leadership, and special guests. This creates a rare opportunity to gather personal interviews, author stories, photographs, red-carpet coverage, and meaningful community-interest features in one location.

Two Days of Author and Media Opportunities

Saturday Conference and Gala Highlights

• International and award-winning authors gathered in Minnesota
• Author meet-and-greet, networking, book sales, exchanges, and signings
• Inspirational conference speakers and new PIHBA announcements
• Executive and VIP red-carpet interviews and photography beginning at 5:00 PM
• General Gala entry beginning at 6:00 PM
• Buffet dinner and opening prayer beginning at 6:30 PM
• Awards Presentation and Author of the Year announcements beginning at 7:00 PM
• Direct interview opportunities with award-winning authors and honorees

Media Attendance and Interview-Station Requests

Media attendance must be confirmed in advance. Please email PIHBA with the name of your media organization, the names and roles of attending representatives, telephone and email contact information, the date or dates you will attend, and whether you would like space to establish an interview station.

Because station space and interview availability may be limited, early confirmation is strongly encouraged. PIHBA will connect with registered media representatives regarding arrival instructions, available space, interview coordination, and event access.

About The Prestigious International Hope Book Awards

The Prestigious International Hope Book Awards is an international literary awards organization founded to honor stories of hope worldwide. PIHBA recognizes authors whose books demonstrate literary excellence, emotional impact, authenticity, purpose, and the power to inspire healing, resilience, faith, transformation, or meaningful change.