Pillar Awards - a Dayla

About this event

The Pillar Awards is the flagship event of Brave Women Project, created to recognize and elevate women who lead with courage, integrity, and impact in their professional and personal spheres.

Launched in 2023, the Pillar Awards honor women who embody Brave Women Project’s 5 Es for Life: Educate, Empower, Encourage, Engage, and Evolve . These honorees are changemakers, leaders, and advocates whose work strengthens workplaces, communities, and industries.

Nominate today! Nominations are open through Friday, August 21: https://www.bwp.life/pillar-awards-2026

More than an awards luncheon, the Pillar Awards Dayla brings together entrepreneurs, executives, nonprofit leaders, community influencers, and individual contributors to celebrate bravery in action while fostering connection, visibility, and collaboration among women across sectors.

Attendees represent a broad spectrum of professional stages and industries, including founders, executives, nonprofit leaders, entrepreneurs, and emerging professionals. Many hold influence within their organizations and networks and are deeply invested in meaningful connection, professional development, and values-aligned leadership.

While rooted in Pittsburgh, the Pillar Awards extend far beyond a single city. Through nominee engagement, digital storytelling, and year-round visibility, the event reaches audiences nationally and internationally, amplifying the voices of honorees and the organizations that support them.

The day begins with the Connection Corridor from 9:00 am to 11:00 am , intentionally curated to spark conversation, collaboration, and discovery. Guests will have the opportunity to engage with select organizations and businesses that support professional women. This is more than networking. It is a chance to build authentic relationships, exchange ideas, explore valuable resources, and step into the energy of the day before the program begins.

At 11:00 am , guests will enter the ballroom for the Pillar Awards Dayla , where the atmosphere shifts into a beautiful and celebratory luncheon experience. Lunch will be served at 11:45 am as we honor women whose leadership, courage, and impact are shaping industries, strengthening communities, and inspiring others to rise.

From the first conversation in the Connection Corridor to the final applause in the ballroom, Pillar Awards Dayla 2026 is designed to leave every guest feeling seen, energized, celebrated, and more deeply connected than when they arrived.

Agenda:

7:00 am | Connection Corridor set up begins. The Brave Backstage Lounge opens for Connection Corridor Hosts, 2026 Pillar Award Winners and Nominees, Sponsors, and Volunteers.

8:30 am | All Connection Corridor displays must be fully completed and event ready.

9:00 am | Guest arrival and Connection Corridor experience begins with bar service.

11:00 am | Regency Ballroom doors open for luncheon seating.

11:30 am | Dayla Awards Luncheon program begins.

11:45 am | Luncheon service commences.

12:30 pm | Awards presentation begins.

2:00 pm | Event concludes.

Single Tickets

The 5 Es for Life Experience – $200

Step into more than an event. Step into the community. Includes one full year of Brave Women Project membership* ($125 value) and admission to the Pillar Awards, giving you both the experience of the day and the connection, growth, and support that continues long after it ends.

Early Registration Admission – $100

A limited number of early seats (100) are available at a special early rate, welcoming both members and nonmembers.

Member Admission – $110

Brave Women Project members receive preferred pricing as part of their continued investment in growth, connection, and community.

Standard Admission – $125

Join us for a powerful experience designed to connect, elevate, and celebrate women creating meaningful impact.

Group Tickets

Bring a Brave Woman - or Man! (2 Admissions) - $210

Attend the Pillar Awards with someone who inspires you. This option is available to BWP members and nonmembers.

Half Table (4 Admissions) - $400 Gather your (half) circle and experience the Dayla together. Attend with colleagues, clients, friends, or the men who support your brave journey.

Pillar Awards Host Committee

Host a guest table and bring your network together for this meaningful day of connection and recognition. Includes 8 seats at the Pillar Awards at a special rate that includes a Pillar Party Pack – everything your guests need to celebrate bravery in action! Would you like to be part of the Host Committee?

Table of 8: $800 (increases to $1,000 after the first 100 tickets are sold)

Sponsorships

Sponsorships offer meaningful visibility while supporting the continued growth and impact of Brave Women Project. Each sponsorship includes event seating, BWP membership(s), and recognition across multiple platforms, including the BWP newsletter, website, social media channels, and event signage.

Sponsorships start at $1,500

Important Note on 5 E Sponsorship Opportunities

The 5 E Sponsorships are intentionally aligned with the women being honored each year and are offered after the Pillar Award winners are selected. These sponsorship opportunities are first offered to the 2026 Pillar Award winners, so they can align their name or organization with one of the 5 Es for Life: Educate, Empower, Encourage, Engage, and Evolve. If any remain available, they are then offered to our valued 2025 sponsors before being opened to the public.

Registration Information Please have the following information for all guests before registering: Name, email, company, title, meal selection, food allergies or mobility concerns, and if they're attending the Connection Corridor portion of the day.

BEEF: Petite Grilled Black Angus Strip Steak, Vesuvio Potatoes, Roasted Seasonal Vegetables, Truffle Demi-Glace

CHICKEN: Sauteed Chicken Scallopini, Quinotto Braised Kale & Squash, Heirloom Carrots, Mushroom Demi-Glace

GF/DF/VEG: Soft Corn Polenta, Sauteed Spinach, Mushrooms & Seasonal Vegetables

Event Essentials

Dress Code: Brave Attire Encouraged

We invite you to be brave in your attire and wear what makes you feel confident, comfortable, and ready for a day of connection and celebration. As a Dayla, attire can reflect either daytime polish or evening elegance.

Parking: Parking is complimentary. Upon entering the airport complex, follow the signs to the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Enter through the glass doors, then turn left toward the registration area before proceeding into the Connection Corridor. Your parking ticket will be validated.

Brave Backstage Lounge : The Lounge ("Green Room") will open at 7:00 am for Connection Corridor hosts, Host Committee members, sponsors, volunteers, and 2026 Pillar Award Winners and Nominees. There will be coffee, tea, water, and light snacks available.

Refreshments : Coffee, tea, and water will be available beginning at 9:00 am. Three bars will also open at 9:00 am. One bar will accept both cash and credit cards, while the other two bars will be cash only. An ATM is located in the hotel lobby for your convenience.

Overnight Accommodations: Brave Women Project has secured a preferred hotel room block for both Thursday and Friday evening. For reservation details and booking information visit: https://www.hyatt.com/events/en-US/group-booking/PITAP/G-BWPP

* Membership requires a completed application and alignment with Brave Women Project’s membership criteria.

Thank You, Generous Sponsors!

Signature Partners

Industry Impact Partners

Connection Corridor Sponsor and Showcase

Celebration Stations

Event Production Sponsor