2026 Speak Up Newport Mayor’s Dinner

Featuring the State of the City Address by Mayor Lauren Kleiman
Friday, February 13, 2026 at VEA Newport Beach

Speak Up Newport proudly invites the community to one of the most anticipated civic gatherings of the year — the 2026 Speak Up Newport Mayor’s Dinner, hosted at the iconic VEA Newport Beach.

This signature evening brings together more than 450 business, community, and civic leaders for a celebration of leadership, connection, and Newport Beach’s future. The highlight of the night will be Mayor Lauren Kleiman’s first State of the City Address, marking a pivotal moment as Newport Beach enters its 120th anniversary year.

“It is my great honor to serve as the Mayor of Newport Beach,” said Mayor Kleiman. “I am excited to turn the page into this next chapter, marked by the city’s 120th anniversary.”

An Evening of Tradition, Leadership & Connection

The Mayor’s Dinner is a longstanding Speak Up Newport tradition — honoring the city’s past, celebrating the present, and setting a vision for what’s ahead. The evening begins with a lively networking reception, followed by a seated dinner and program.

A meaningful highlight of the night is the annual gathering of former Newport Beach mayors, who join Mayor Kleiman for a commemorative portrait — a powerful symbol of leadership continuity and civic pride.

“The Mayor’s Dinner is Newport Beach’s premier networking soirée,” said SUN Board President Ed Selich. “It’s more than a dinner — it’s a platform for collaboration, connection, and community engagement.”