FestiGals

News Release
For Immediate Release:

FESTIGALS OFFERS WOMEN AN AUTHENTIC NEW ORLEANS EXPERIENCE

World-renowned Carla Harris Set as Keynote Speaker at the Exclusive Women's Festival 

(New Orleans, La.) - FestiGals, the first and only New Orleans festival that celebrates, empowers and connects women, is slated for July 28 - 30, 2016 at the JW Marriott. Now in its sixth year, the popular weekend event was created by women for women; and it combines a powerful, day-long Women's Conference with bodacious festivities that offer many unique New Orleans experiences.

This year's downtown Stiletto Stroll, which offers women the opportunity to participate in an authentic New Orleans walking parade, is gearing up to become the world's largest all women's second line complete with live music, entertainers and dance groups. The crowds will saunter from the Piazza d'Italia through the Central Business and Warehouse Districts to Mardi Gras World where party-goers will enjoy the tunes of Rockin' Dopsie at the fabulous After-Glow Party. FestiGals is donating all proceeds of the event to the New Orleans Family Justice Center which helps families and individuals suffering from domestic violence.

The expanded FestiGals schedule kicks into high gear on Friday, July 29 with the New Orleans Women's Conference. Nationally-renowned investment expert Carla Harris is the keynote speaker for the Strategies for Success Luncheon. Carla Harris is Vice Chairman, Managing Director and Senior Client Advisor at Morgan Stanley; a decorated author known for "Carla's Pearl's" which provide insight to financial success and stability; an international motivational speaker and a soulful gospel singer who has performed for sold-out shows at Carnegie Hall and has released several albums.

The New Orleans Women's Conference at FestiGals also features relaxed networking sessions, inspirational seminars and informative workshops led by eminent speakers, including James Beard Lifetime Achievement winner, Leah Chase. New this year are FestiTalks, rapid-fire, dynamic presentations on a variety of topics which are delivered in small segments that are easy to retain.

On Saturday, July 30, FestiGals is hosting its cherished Bodacious Bras for a Cause Brunch and Auction where the top fundraising bras from the Bodacious Bras Challenge are sold to the highest bidders. The Cancer Association of Greater New Orleans and Breastoration, Inc. will receive all proceeds from the auction which is preceded by the Thriver Fashion Show where models "thriving in their cancer recovery" sport fabulous summer attire from Stein Mart on the catwalk.

FestiGals' single event tickets are available; but for the true festive ladies, the FestiGals Diva Package is available. Further details and event pricing are available on the website. FestiGals pictures are available for download at https://goo.gl/f8rp9E.

About FestiGals New Orleans:

FestiGals is a unique celebration of women and New Orleans. Now in its sixth year and attracting women from across the country, FestiGals Girlfriend Weekend Getaway is New Orleans first and only women's event of its kind in which women from all backgrounds are inspired and empowered in a festive environment including New Orleans largest women's second line parades. Founded in 2011 and produced by Diane B. Lyons and ACCENT- DMC, FestiGals, Inc. has collectively raised more than $95,000 through the highly acclaimed Bodacious Bras for a Cause Luncheon & Auction (now a brunch event) and the Bodacious Bras Challenge which benefit the Cancer Association of Greater New Orleans and Breastoration, Inc. Endorsed by the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation, the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau and the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce, FestiGals annually attracts more than 2,200 women from around the U.S. and Greater New Orleans area to the summer event. FestiGals 2016 is slated for July 28 - 30 at the JW Marriott on Canal Street.

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