BYA Gala Committee

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Current Committee

Chair

Jennifer Reynolds
byagala@womensbusinessnetwork.ca

Vice Chair

Caitlin Spearing

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COMMITTEE OBJECTIVES

To plan and execute the Businesswoman of the Year Awards including;

  • Finalist Cocktail Reception
  • VIP Jewellery event
  • BYA Gala
  • To be ambassadors to the 15 businesswoman of the year finalists
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WHAT WE DO

  • We are responsible for 3 events; the Businesswoman of the Year Awards Gala, the Finalist Cocktail Reception and the Finalist and Sponsors reception.
  • We plan all aspects of these events from staging, décor, and food to music, VIPs, Emcee, gifts and prizes.
  • We work with the Executive Board to secure BYA-specific sponsorships, and corporate table sales.
  • Once the BYA Nominations Committee have confirmed the selection of the 15 Finalists, the BYA Gala Committee coordinates with the Finalists to set up headshots, videos and special sponsor offerings.
  • The committee works with local media to market and provide media coverage. The year-long gala planning cycle culminates in the fall with one of Ottawa’s premier business award events.
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COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Committee meetings are typically monthly at a minimum, and depending on the project timeline for the gala, the meetings may be more frequent. Reach out to the Gala Chair if you’re interested in learning more about the committee.

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REQUIREMENTS TO JOIN

A great attitude, and you must be looking to have fun! We have lots of work you can get involved in on the BYA Gala Committee.

Committee member roles:

  • Sponsor liaison - know all sponsor contracts or where to get the information, be the point of contact for sponsor questions
  • Design and print lead - work with contractors to bring the finished creative to the committee for final approval
  • Social media lead - promote our sponsors, ticket sales, finalists and any other aspects of the BYAs
  • Finalist Reception lead - budget, plan, and organize all aspects of the finalist reception
  • Finalist offering coordinator - manages contracts, people and logistics of the complimentary services offered to Finalists
  • Finalist Ambassadors - one will be the lead, ensuring all the Ambassadors are fully briefed. (Be the primary contact point for the finalists in a category)
  • VIP Jewellery Event coordinator - work with the jewellery reception host to finalize logistics and ensure invitations go out to finalists, sponsors, and committees who should attend
  • Logistics - person to oversee scripts, proofreading, day of timeline, verifying speaking roles, presenters
  • Chair and vice chair oversee the master timeline and budget

These roles are subject to change based on the gala requirements and availability of volunteers.