FAQs

2014 Women’s Festival

Tech, Talk & Trade

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is the Women’s Festival?
The Women’s Festivals are not-for-profit events that 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 Africa!

The March 7 & 8, 2014 event carries the theme “Tech, Talk & Trade” and will be held at the Earl Warren Showgrounds in Santa Barbara, Calif. The Women’s Festival is a sponsored project of the NAWBO – California Education Fund.

The mission is to:

  • Celebrate and empower women and girls during Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, which is every year on March 8.
  • 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., Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) and the Women’s Foundation of California.
  • Empower advocates and provide resources to leaders and policy makers.

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

When is it?
The 2014 Women’s Festival will be on March 7, 8 & 9, 2014. Expo set up is on Friday, March 7 from 9:00 to 5:00 p.m. followed by the VIP reception from 4:00-7:00 p.m., the main expo and presentations will be on Saturday, March 8 from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.., and a private event for VIP ticket holders will be on Sunday, March 9 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at a Montecito estate.

Where is it?
Earl Warren Showgrounds, located at 3400 Calle Real • Santa Barbara, CA 93105. Click here to learn more about the venue.

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 – $35.00 (Saturday, March 8 @ Earl Warren Showgrounds)
  • Weekend Admission – $79.00 (Friday, March 7 & Saturday, March 8 @ Earl Warren Showgrounds)
  • VIP Weekend Admission – $350.00 (Friday, March 7 through Sunday, March 9 @ Earl Warren Showgrounds and private Montecito estate)
  • Power Up at the Power House ONLY – $300.00 (Sunday, March 9 @ private Montecito estate)
  • Expo ONLY – $5.00 (Saturday, March 8 @ Earl Warren Showgrounds – restricted to expo hall)

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 online. You may expect a decision within 2 weeks of returning the scholarship application. Click here to download a scholarship application.

How can I volunteer?
We have many volunteer opportunities before, during and after March 7-9, 2014, and we welcome your support! Please become a volunteer by visiting www.womensfestivals.org and completing 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 before the event; all volunteers will be notified of the time and place. We can use your administrative, social media and tech skills.

Who do I contact with questions about logistics and volunteers?

Please contact Janis Johnson at janishoppy@cox.net.

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

  • For only $595 (6’ x 30” tabletop) or $1,000 (10’ x 10’ booth), get an exhibit space to market your business
    • 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

Who do I contact with questions about the expo?
Please contact our office at (805) 565-9967 or email Sharon Vega at Sharon.vega1@gmail.com.

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 nonprofits; we do, however, encourage you to donate to them directly.

Who do I contact with questions about contracts?
Please contact Patty DeDominic at patty@dedominic.com.

Who do I contact with questions about the Gutsy Gals Inspire Me! ® Award(s)?
Please contact Tracy Beard at teatrace@aol.com.

Who do I contact with questions about presenters?
Please write to info@womensfestivals.org or visit www.womensfestivals.org for more information.

Who do I contact with questions about sponsors?

Please contact Patty DeDominic at patty@dedominic.com.

Do I need special permits or insurance for the Festival?
All you need is your own, personal insurance to participate in the Festival as an exhibitor. If you need insurance, please click here to fill out an insurance form and return it to RJ Ahmann Company. They have approved the Festival for inexpensive event insurance that exhibitors may purchase. This year’s price for exhibitors is only $65!

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. Proceeds after expenses are donated to nonprofits—so far, Patty DeDominic has been responsible, in one way or another, for over $500,000 in donations to women’s and girl’s NPOs.

Our Non-profit Partners:
The Women’s Foundation of California
SCORE
Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara and Carpinteria
NAWBO

WEV

 

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 5,000 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 http://www.womensfestivals.org, click on “Program” on the right hand menu.

Will there be entertainment?
Yes. In the past, our entertainers have included Indigie Femme, Stefana, Katie Goodman of Broad Comedy and Mimi Donaldson, plus others. For inquiries and requests, write to info@womensfestivals.org.

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 $100 you help with 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 Education Fund, C/o DeDominic & Associates at the Women’s Festivals address listed below, or call us at 805-453-7490 to discuss other options.

NAWBO – California Education Fund
333 Hayes Street, Suite 203

San Francisco, CA 94102

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, logo, and  link on our website and in our online newsletter, a 2.5” x 4” high (quarter page) ad in our program; and 2 General Admission tickets to the event
  • $500 for your name, logo, and  link on our website and in our online newsletter; a 5.25” x 4” (half page) ad in our program; and 3 General Admission tickets to the event
  • $850 for your name, logo, and  link on our website and in our online newsletter;  a 5.25” x 8.25” high (full page) ad in our program; a 6’ x 30” tabletop exhibit space; and 5 General Admission tickets to the event

Click here for ad specs

Click here for ad application

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

  • Join advocates and leaders who empower our attendees, stimulate the local economy, and increase your company’s 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, WEV and the Women’s Foundation of California
  • International connections with affiliated conferences and events

What are the sponsorship levels?
Please click here to read more about our sponsorship levels and apply to be a 2014 sponsor.

*Premiere $25,000 – Cash or ‘In Kind’ (SOLD)

  • Naming rights
  • Two tables of ten at the VIP reception on Friday, March 4, 2014 or 20 tickets to the eventLogo 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.
  • 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’

*Community Advisor – $5,000

*Community Supporter – $3,000

*Friend – $1,500

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 Nonprofit Fiscal Agent is:
NAWBO – California Education Fund
333 Hayes Street, Suite 203

San Francisco, CA 94102

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

What is the dress code?
Dress code is business attire.