FAQs
Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce
Annual Awards 2025
The EVENT
How do I register to attend the event?
Is there a theme for this event?
Yes, the theme is “Old Hollywood” to align with the Presenting Sponsor, Hollywood Casino Hotel and Raceway, as they celebrate 20 years of business in Bangor in 2025!
This event has typically been held in January? Why was it moved to April?
Several factors influenced this decision, including the risky nature of January weather, given many attendees travel from outside the Bangor region to attend. The timing worked better internally for both the Chamber and the presenting sponsor (Hollywood Casino Hotel). Finally, the date was driven by the availability of space.
Will the event be the same as in prior years?
Historically, the Chamber’s annual awards event has included a reception, followed by a sit-down dinner. Based on feedback from a survey taken by past attendees, we are changing the format by shortening the evening and trying something new and different! Instead of a sit-down dinner, yummy hors d’oeuvres, refreshments, and other treats will be available.
This year’s event will feature performances by the Penobscot Theatre Company and members of the Bangor Symphony Orchestra. Marc Guastella, the new General Manager of our presenting sponsor/Hollywood Casino Hotel will serve as co-host along with representatives from the Chamber and sponsor organizations.
Will the set up be the same?
Nope. The layout will change from seating attendees at round tables on the arena floor to seating guests in the arena seats (much like attending a show or concert) with a full view of the stage. There will be some round tables on the floor for special guests, award winners and major sponsors.
When will the event start and end?
FIRST ACT: Doors open at the Cross Insurance Center at 4:00 pm for the reception. The reception will run until about 5:30 pm, and then the awards event will start and end by 7:30 pm.
Hollywood Casino Bangor will offer a “SECOND ACT” following the awards ceremony, featuring food and entertainment for those wishing to continue the evening. We also encourage attendees to support local restaurants after the event.
Where will the event take place?
The event will be held in the arena of the Cross Insurance Center. Attendees will enter the RED CARPET through the Hammond Lumber Company entrance. One half of the arena will be set up for the reception. After the reception, attendees will walk to the other side of the curtain for the awards ceremony.
Is there a dress “code”?
Absolutely not. Come as you are. If you want to dress to the “theme” of “Old Hollywood” go for it!
The AWARDS
Are the awards going to be the same as in prior years?
For the most part, yes. Although we are combining two of the awards into one (given they are very similar).
How does the nomination process work?
The chamber will announce when nominations are open and the deadline to submit. All of the information can be found at bangorregion.com with nomination forms to submit online.
Can I nominate myself or my business or organization?
No, but you can ask others to nominate you!
If someone or a business/organization has received an award in the past, can they win again?
It’s not out of the question, but we prefer to recognize those who have not received a chamber award previously.
Do the award winners have to be chamber members?
New this year, any business and organization can be nominated and considered for an award, regardless of their affiliation with the chamber.
What is considered when selecting the winners?
The most important consideration is if the nominee is the best fit given the award criteria for each award. It doesn’t matter if there is one nomination or many, the decision is not based on the number of nominations, but rather the quality.
Who chooses the winners?
A volunteer committee made up of prior award recipients, representatives from the Chamber Board of Directors and the Chamber programs.
Do chamber staff decide who receives an award?
No, those decisions are made by the committee. The only exception is the “Volunteer of the Year” award. That award is selected by the staff of the chamber and not the committee.
SPONSORSHIPS
How would I go about being a sponsor for this event?
We offer many sponsorship opportunities. It’s a great way to support this event and bring name recognition to your business or organization. If you would like to learn about what is available, contact Scott at the chamber. scott@bangorregion.com.
VOLUNTEERING
This sounds like fun! Can I help?!
Absolutely! We are looking for volunteers to assist with event prep, set up, and execution the day of the event. If you are interested in helping out, reach out to Sam at the chamber, sam@bangorregion.com.
