FAQs

What is the Women’s Festival?
The Women’s Festivals celebrate the accomplishments and nurture the dreams of women in an interactive, multi-cultural, and multi-tracked program and expo focusing on the critical areas of women’s lives: Personal, Professional, Philanthropic, and Planet. Our goal is to help facilitate premier gatherings for women’s self-empowerment worldwide. Our efforts have resulted in Women’s Festivals in Arizona, Cayman Islands, Ireland, and upcoming events in Africa!

The mission is to:

• Annually commemorate Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day
• Address the crucial issues facing women in an interactive, meaningful and entertaining format—providing fertile ground for networking, referrals, and resource sharing
• Benefit and encourage non-profit organizations specifically concerned with women, e.g., NAWBO-CA, Girls Inc., Future Women CEO’s, the American Heart Association and the Women’s Foundation of California.

What is your website address?
http://womensfestivals.org (both words are plural)

When is it?
The 2014 Women’s Festival will be on March 8th, 2014. The exact time is TBD.

Where is it?
The location for the 2014 Women’s Festival is TBD.

What is the dress code?
Dress code is business attire. Volunteers are encouraged to wear red and white.

Who do I contact for expo questions?
Please contact our office at 805.565.9967 or email info@womensfestivals.org.

Who do I contact with questions about speakers?
Please visit www.womensfestivals.org for more information.

How do I register?
Register on our website, www.womensfestivals.org. If you are having trouble registering, contact Elysia Cook at the Women’s Festivals office at (805) 565-9967 or at info@womensfestivals.org.

How much is it?
General Admission $25.00

Are scholarships available?
YES! Thanks to our generous donors, we have scholarships available. Our philosophy is that no one should be turned away for lack of funds. If you feel you qualify for a scholarship, you must pre-register and apply to be considered. Please fill out and submit  the scholarship application. You may expect a decision within 2 weeks of returning the scholarship application.

How can I volunteer?
We have many volunteer opportunities, and we welcome your support! Please visit www.womensfestivals.org and complete the Volunteer Application. There is a volunteer committee of over 50 people, led by Janis Johnson, which provides the support needed to run the festival each year.  A volunteer orientation will take place within a week before the event; all volunteers will be notified of the time and place.

Who authorizes contracts?
Women’s Festival Producer, Patty DeDominic must personally review and sign all contracts. Only she can contract services for the Women’s Festival. We cannot obligate any of the not for profits, sponsors or exhibitors. No Contract or obligation is implied by any of our affiliated non-profits, we do however encourage you to donate to them directly.

Do I need special insurance for the Festival?
All you need is your own, personal insurance to participate in the Festival. If you need insurance, though, please click here to download this form and return it to RJ Ahmann Company. They have approved the Festival for inexpensive event insurance that exhibitors may purchase.

Are Women’s Festivals Nonprofit Events?
Yes, each festival is run by a committee of dedicated volunteers with very few paid staff. Each Festival has its own nonprofit fiscal agent. The International Women’s Festival is a sponsored project of the NAWBO- California Education Fund.

Where do sponsors send their checks?
For the Expo and advertising, checks must be sent to:

Payable to:  Women’s Festivals
c/o DeDominic & Associates
2353 East Valley Road
Santa Barbara, CA  93108

Our Non-Profit Fiscal Agent is:
NAWBO California
c/o 2353 East Valley Road
Santa Barbara, CA  93108

Our Nonprofit Partners:
The Women’s Foundation of California
Future Women CEO’s
SCORE volunteers and clients
Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara and Carpinteria
NAWBO

How many people are expected in 2014?
Our goal is to attract 1,000 attendees this year.

How many people attended previous Women’s Festivals and who are they?In all over 2,000 people have attended and experienced the magic of Women’s Festivals, and more than 20,000 are connected online and continue to collaborate in business, friendship and community throughout the year.  Ninety percent of attendees were women between the ages of 25 and 60.

How can I find the program details?
On our website at www.womensfestivals.org, click on “Program” on the right hand menu.

Will there be entertainment?
Yes. Our 2013 Mistress of Ceremonies was Mignonne Profant, a celebrated entertainer and singer. In the past, our entertainers have included Indigie Femme, Stefana, Katie Goodman of Broad Comedy and Mimi Donaldson.

I would like to support the Women’s Festivals, but I cannot afford to become a sponsor.
The Women’s Festivals appreciates donations of any size. For as little as $250 you help with our costs. The Women’s Festivals also accepts in-kind donations. Certain items are given to our attendees at check-in/registration at the festival. Please send your tax-deductible donations to NAWBO California, C/o DeDominic & Associates at the Women’s Festivals address listed below, or call us to discuss other options.

Can I purchase an Ad or sponsor the newsletter?

• Yes. You will find advertisement links on our website and in our newsletter which goes out several times before the big event. When you advertise with Women’s Festivals, your investment is:
• $300 for your name, your logo, and  link to our site and in the newsletter, plus 2 tickets to the event
• $500 for a ¼ page ad on the website and in the newsletter, ½ page ad in the program (if received by January 15, 2013), plus 3 tickets to the event
• $650 for a table top at the expo, plus 5 tickets to the event, plus all of the above

What are the benefits of becoming a Women’s Festival sponsor?’

• Sponsoring Celebrations for International Women’s Day empowers our attendees, stimulates the Local economy, and increases your company’s community good will and visibility
• Increased return on investment and market share in California
• Increased visibility with key buyers and decision makers
• Buzz about your brand generated via social media outlets, internet, print, television and radio advertising
• Demonstrated commitment to education and peer learning
• Support for our affiliated nonprofits; National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), Girls Inc., SCORE, Future Women CEOs, and the Women’s Foundation of California
• International connections with affiliated conferences and events

What are the sponsorship levels?
Please visit our website at www.womensfestivals.org to apply to be a 2014 sponsor.

Premiere $25,000: Cash or ‘In Kind’

• Naming rights
• Logo and listing in the program and all related press and publicity including the invitation and continuous ad on our website, and articles about your company in our newsletters.
• Two tables of ten at the VIP reception on Friday, March 4, 2011 or 20 tickets to the event
• Podium time at the VIP reception and at the festival (w/ acknowledgement as a leading scholarship provider & sponsor)
• Full-page color ad in the program (prime placement)
• Expo space (positioned for optimal exposure – your banners and posters for in high visibility areas for video & live activities)
• Acknowledged as provider of 25 scholarships
• VIP access to all host committee events, pre & post parties.

Leader $10,000 or ‘In Kind’

• Logo and listing in the program and all related press and publicity including the invitation and ads on Women’s Festival website
• Full page color ad in the program
• Expo space (positioned for optimal exposure)
• 5 general admission passes
• Acknowledged as provider of 10 scholarships

Community Advisor $5,000

• Logo and listing in the program and all related press and publicity including the invitation and website
• ½ page color ad in the program
• Expo space (positioned for optimal exposure)
• 5 general admission passes
• Acknowledged as provider of 5 scholarships

Community Supporter $3,000

• Logo and listing in the program and all related press and publicity including the invitation and website
• Table-top space
• Acknowledged as provider of 3 scholarships

Friend  $1,500

• Logo and listing in the program and all related press and publicity including the invitation and website
• Table-top space
• 3 general admission passes

What are the benefits of becoming an exhibitor at the Women’s Festival?

• For only $595, get an exhibit space to market your business
• A 6’ x 36” skirted table with 2 chairs
• 5 expo tickets for your team
• Logo and listing in the program (early applicants only)
• Valuable exposure to more than 1000 women’s festival guests
• Connection to our sponsors and other exhibitors
• Custom options for added exposure and reach

There are custom options for Expo available; contact Patty DeDominic for more information.

Am I an employee of the Women’s Festival or NAWBO California?
No. All our representatives are volunteers.