The CTN Leading Ladies Networking Gala, presented by Change the Narrative, stands as a premier annual gathering designed to celebrate, connect, and empower women leaders across diverse industries. Now as its year anniversary, this signature movement has evolved into a catalyst for professional development, strategic partnerships, and transformative conversations that challenge conventional narratives, consideration for self, and change the narrative about women in leadership and the entire community at large.

At its core, the networking gala serves multiple interconnected purposes. First, it creates a deliberate space for high-achieving women to forge meaningful connections beyond superficial networking. Second, it showcases the accomplishments and innovations of women-led businesses and initiatives through our carefully curated vendor exhibition. Third, it provides a platform for thought leadership through panel discussions, keynote addresses, and interactive workshops focused on relevant challenges and opportunities in today's professional landscape and opens the door for healthy collaboration with our male counterparts.

This year's theme, "Rewriting the Narrative: Leadership Without Limits," reflects our commitment to dismantling barriers and expanding possibilities for women in all sectors. The programming emphasizes practical strategies for career advancement, authentic leadership development, and sustainable business growth. With an expected 200 attendees—including C-suite executives, community leadership, developers, investors, entrepreneurs, emerging leaders, and allies—the networking gala represents a unique opportunity to align your brand with a movement dedicated to transforming how women lead and succeed and how we partner and colloaborate moving forward.

Securing your place at the CTN Leading Ladies Networking Gala requires timely completion of our structured registration process. Early bird registration is opened until sold out. Standard registration continues thereafter, with late registration (subject to a higher premium) available until 2 days prior, contingent upon space availability.

Successful participation in the CTN Leading Ladies Networking Gala depends on thorough preparation and understanding of the venue logistics. This section provides comprehensive details to ensure a smooth setup experience and professional presentation.

The venue provides dedicated vendor access through the elevator entrance. Upon arrival, check in with the assigned coordinator who will assign a 30-minute unloading window. Vendors must remove vehicles immediately after unloading. Dollies and flatbeds are available on a first-come, first-served basis, though bringing your own equipment is strongly recommended.

To maintain the premium aesthetic of the gala, all displays must be professional and aligned with the event's sophisticated atmosphere. Handwritten signs, unfinished surfaces, and exposed storage are prohibited. Displays must not exceed the 8' height limitation or extend beyond the assigned booth boundaries. Interactive elements are encouraged but must not create noise disturbances for neighboring exhibitors. All promotional materials must be pre-approved if not included in your initial application portfolio.

The CTN Leading Ladies Networking Gala features a carefully choreographed schedule designed to maximize engagement between vendors and attendees. Understanding the flow of activities will help you strategically staff your booth and participate in networking opportunities.

Vendor representatives must be present at their booths from 10:15 AM (for VIP preview) until at least 7:00 PM. Brief staffing rotations are acceptable during breakout sessions, but booths should never be left unattended during prime networking hours. The dedicated exhibition hour from 4:30-5:30 PM represents your highest-value engagement opportunity and should be staffed with your most knowledgeable team members.

The CTN Leading Ladies Networking Gala is meticulously designed to facilitate meaningful connections beyond transactional encounters. As a vendor, understanding the structured networking components allows you to maximize relationship-building opportunities and position your brand within the broader conversation about women's leadership.

To maintain the integrity of our networking environment, vendors are encouraged to approach connections with a relationship-first mindset rather than immediate sales focus. Participation in special programming requires separate applications submitted at least 14 days before the event. All vendors receive a complimentary access to general networking sessions, though some specialized activities may have limited capacity requiring early registration.

Vendors temporary parking passes for unloading and loading from the Street. Additional parking is available at a discounted rate of $25 per vehicle for the event duration and free street parking. For oversized vehicles or those with substantial equipment, a limited number of loading zone permits are available by request.

The venue is accessible by public transportation with the subway station blocks away. Rideshare pickup and drop-off points are suggested. Shuttle service will operate between the venue and partner hotels every 40 minutes from 8:00 AM to midnight on the event day (request require and service fee in advance).

For efficient resolution of questions or issues before and during the Leading Ladies Networking Gala, please direct your inquiries to the appropriate team member:

During the event, vendor support stations will be located at both the north and south entrances of the exhibition hall, staffed continuously from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Look for staff wearing purple blazers with "Vendor Support" badges for immediate assistance.

The safety and security of all participants is our highest priority. Familiarize yourself and your team with the following emergency protocols: