Welcome to YPC: Annual Gala Celebrates Young Professionals
Nov. 20 event brings together young professionals and business leaders
GREATER DES MOINES, IA (Sept. 30, 2026) – The Young Professionals Connection (YPC) will bring together young professionals and business leaders from across Greater Des Moines for the 2026 YPC Annual Gala on Friday, Nov. 20 from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. at The Shop DSM in Downtown Des Moines.
This year’s theme, Welcome to YPC, will highlight the combination of big-city opportunities and small-town connections that make Greater Des Moines the place for young professionals to build careers, relationships and community.
The Annual Gala provides an opportunity for attendees to reflect on the past year, build new connections and engage with the Greater Des Moines community. The evening will feature dinner, networking and a keynote program, as well as the introduction of the 2026–2027 YPC Board.
"One of the things that makes Greater Des Moines special is how easy it is to find your people and get involved,” said Liv Wendt, President-Elect of YPC. “The Gala gives us a chance to celebrate the relationships we’ve built, welcome new faces and show other young professionals that this is the place for them to connect, grow and make an impact.”
Cocktail attire is encouraged and registration is required. Young professionals who are not currently YPC Members can join before registering to receive the Member ticket rate.
Register and learn more at YPC Annual Gala.
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About YPC
YPC's mission is to promote an environment that attracts and retains young professionals in Greater Des Moines (DSM). Its efforts focus on connecting young professionals to each other and to the community through social, civic, charitable and professional development endeavors. Members have unique opportunities to grow personally and professionally and forge lasting relationships. Engage, connect and form a foundation for your future in DSM. YPC is an initiative of the Greater Des Moines Partnership. Learn more at ypcdsm.com.
About the Greater Des Moines Partnership
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the largest regional business, economic development and talent development organization in Iowa and the second-largest regional chamber of commerce in the country, serving multiple counties in Greater Des Moines. Together with more than 400 Investors and an Affiliate Chamber of Commerce network of more than 7,200 Regional Chamber Members, The Partnership helps businesses grow and advances quality of life in Greater Des Moines with one voice, one mission and as one region, contributing to a vibrant regional economy. The Partnership was named Chamber of the Year by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), the chamber industry’s highest honor, and is accredited by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.