5 p.m. – Doors open & reception

6  p.m. – Formal Dining Room opens for dinner

7  p.m. – Awards Ceremony begins 

Tickets and check-in will be handled digitally.

• Guests who secure seats should enter each guest’s name at the time of purchase to ensure a smooth check-in process at the door.
• Guests who secure tables must enter their guests’ names when their tables are secured.
• Sponsors, please note:  If you did not provide guest names, please inform your guests that they can check in under your company name.

Staff and volunteers will be available to help guests at check-in. If you are seated at a sponsored table, your reservation may be under the company/organization name.

• Presenters, please let the staff at the check-in line know that you have arrived. Seating is assigned for this event, so please pay attention to your table assignment.

Following the event, guests will be able to view, purchase, and download photos from the gala at April McGill Photography.

See the full 2026 nominee list HERE.

Nominees
If you are a nominee, please take special attention to the following: 

Social Media 
Nominees can find a social media kit for their personal use at the link HERE.

Directions for Nominees
We kindly ask that all nominees be prepared to deliver a brief speech and to take the stage.

• Speech Time Limit: Please prepare a brief acceptance speech no longer than 60 seconds. 
• Speaking Tips: The average person speaks at 150 words per minute; please aim to stay within this limit.
• Livestream & Broadcast: The event will be broadcast live on KGET-TV 17.

Directions for Award Winners

• If you or your organization are announced as a winner:
  • Please proceed promptly from your seats to the right side (west side) of the stage.
  • Event staff will guide and support you up the stairs and onto the stage, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for you.
• Safety notice: For safety purposes, no more than 2 individuals per category will be allowed onto the stage to accept an award.
• Once on stage:
  • Each winner may make remarks (60-second limit).
    • At 45 seconds, music will begin playing as a gentle cue.
    • Please conclude your comments and walk toward the stage right (your left when looking out toward the audience) and walk down the ramp.
    • At 60 seconds, your microphone will be faded out, and you’ll be guided off stage.
    • Adhering to the 60-second limit is crucial for maintaining the live KGET-TV 17 broadcast schedule.
  • Your cooperation is appreciated as it ensures ample time for all award winners.
• After leaving the stage:
  • If you have additional team members or guests joining you for backstage media opportunities, they may accompany you at this time.
  • Our event staff will guide you to the backstage media room for two quick photos:
    • One photo with your category sponsor
    • One photo with just the award winner(s)
  • Following your photos, you’ll be escorted for a brief on-camera interview with KGET-TV 17.
• We strive to ensure you return to your seats with ample time to see the rest of the show. Please refrain from loitering or engaging in excessive conversation in the media room during this process, as it will disrupt the event’s flow.