FAQs

What is the Women’s Festival?
The Women’s Festivals celebrates the accomplishments and nurtures 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 other global venues!

The mission is to:

  • Further the momentum of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, (March 8th 2012 has particular significance as it marks the 101st Anniversary of International Women’s Day.)
  • Address the crucial issues facing women in an interactive, multi-cultural, 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, Girls Inc., Future Women CEO’s, Women’s Economic Ventures, and the California Women’s Foundation.

When is it?
Friday, March 9, 2012 • 5:00pm – 8:00pm VIP Reception & Awards Ceremony
Saturday, March 10, 2012 • 9:00am – 6:00pm Festival (all-day expo, keynotes, and workshops)

Where is it?
Santa Barbara City College West Campus, 721 Cliff Drive Santa Barbara, CA 93109. There is ample parking available. Dress code is business attire. Volunteers are encouraged to wear red and white.

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

Who do I contact with questions about speakers?
Please visit our speakers’ page for more information and to access speaker submission forms. For questions regarding the Festivals entertainment, please contact Mignonne Profant 714-287-9782.

How do I register?
You can register on Eventbrite. If you are having trouble registering, contact Matt Laband at the Women’s Festivals office (805) 565-9967 or at matt@dedominic.com.

How much is it?
General Admission

  • Attendees who pre-register through Eventbrite are FREE
  • Day of Festival Admission $5.00
  • VIP Tickets to special seminars will also be available at an additional charge.

 

How can I volunteer?
We have many volunteer opportunities, and we welcome your support! Please download and complete the Volunteer Application, then send your completed application to info@womensfestivals or fax to 805-565-4166.

When is the volunteer orientation?
Friday, March 9th, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. at Santa Barbara City College. Volunteers are needed.

Am I an employee of the Women’s Festival or WEV?
No. All our representatives are volunteers for the 2012 events.

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.

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, in Santa Barbara; it is Women’s Economic Ventures (A501C-3) www.wevonline.org.

Where do sponsors send their checks?
For exhibitors, advertisers, and sponsors checks must be sent to:

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

Our Non-Profit Fiscal Agent is:
Women’s Economic Ventures
C/o Women’s Festivals
2353 East Valley Road
Santa Barbara, CA 93108

Our Nonprofit Partners:
Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV)
Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara and Carpinteria
Green2Gold
NAWBO
Future Women CEOs
SCORE volunteers and clients
California Women’s Foundation

How many people are expected in 2012?
We anticipate over 1500 people 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 50. We also have a strong student and senior component. The Women’s Festivals had over 1000 attendees last year in 2011.

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 Mistress of Ceremonies is 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, and we were thrilled to host the California debut of Sing for Hope (visit www.singforhope.org) at our 2010 event.

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 WEV 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 Feb. 15, 2012), 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?

  • Increased return on investment and market share in California.
  • Increased visibility with key buyers and decision makers.
  • Buzz for your brand generated via social media outlets, internet, print, television and radio advertising.
  • Our theme this year is Live, Love, Learn, sponsors demonstrate this by their presence. This year’s sponsors and exhibitors include: Montecito Bank and Trust, Lynda.com, Santa Barbara Axxess, DeDominic & Associates, Mary Schnack & Associates, and Dowitcher Designs.
  • Sponsoring Celebrations for International Women’s Day empowers our attendees, stimulates the Local economy, and increases your company’s community good will and visibility.
  • 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, Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV), Green2Gold, and California Women’s Foundation.
  • International connections with affiliated conferences and events.

What are the sponsorship Levels?
Please visit our website at www.womensfestivals.org, after visiting; you may contact either Patty DeDominic patty@dedominic.com or Matt Laband matt@dedominic.com.

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

 

OR sponsor a student by providing a scholarship in the amount of $250, $400, or $1,500. Each level will enable students in need, to attend the Women’s Festivals free of charge.

Become an Exhibitor for 2012

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

  • For only $595, get an exhibit space on Saturday, March 10.
  • A 6’ x 36” skirted table with 2 chairs.
  • 3 expo tickets for your team.
  • Logo and listing in the program (if you apply before February 10th, 2011).
  • Valuable exposure to more than 1500 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. Please contact Patty DeDominic for more information.