Upcoming Event

The First Annual CASUAL-LA

A Professional Networking Masterclass + Gala Event

Join us for a sophisticated networking gala featuring masterclasses on authentic business development while supporting local charitable organizations.

The First Annual CASUAL-LA

Event Details

Date & Time

September 25, 2025

Location

Modern Style Events
400-2 Talcottville Rd, Vernon, CT 06066

Duration

Doors open at 5:30pm

Cost

$50 Per Person per professional

Includes professional development materials

Focus

Professional Excellence: Authentic Business Development

About This Event

The First Annual CASUAL-LA is a sophisticated professional networking gala created to advance business excellence while supporting meaningful charitable causes in our community.

This event transcends traditional business networking. It's about building authentic professional relationships while making a tangible difference. For attendees, CASUAL-LƏ delivers exceptional value through strategic learning, meaningful connections, and the opportunity to contribute to community organizations.

At the heart of CASUAL-LƏ is a foundational principle: Authenticity drives successful business relationships. When professionals show up as their genuine selves, they create lasting partnerships, build companies that serve their communities, and develop strategies that truly resonate with their audience.

Professional Experience

Masterclass on Professional Excellence: Authentic Business Development
Presentation from our featured charitable partner (5-10 minutes)
Strategic leadership presentation on community impact and professional growth
Executive masterclass on business development that creates connection
Interactive Q&A session with industry leaders
Networking with business owners, executives, and community leaders
Community fundraising supporting local charitable organizations
Premium refreshments and professional dining experience

Event Schedule

Doors Open

5:30pm

Attendees arrive, settle in, and engage in initial networking. Premium refreshments and networking atmosphere.

Opening Remarks

6:15pm

Welcome remarks, sponsor acknowledgments, presentations from charitable partners, executive leadership talks, and interactive Q&A sessions.

Masterclass with Matt Miale: Building Through Service and Leadership

6:30pm

Masterclass on building through service and leadership with Matt Miale.

Masterclass with Danny Legare: Creating Content That Connects

7:15pm

Masterclass on creating content that connects with your audience.

Networking, Raffle, and Refreshments

8:00pm

Networking with business owners, executives, and community leaders. Raffle and refreshments.

Time to Go Home, It's a School Night

9:00pm

It's been fun, you dont have to go home but you can't stay here.

Speaker Lineup

Danny LeGare
Headliner

Danny LeGare

Burden Media

Danny LeGare is the founder of Burden Media and Trash Panda Pictures, and one of Connecticut’s most sought-after experts in content strategy, brand st...

Matt Miale

Matt Miale

The Miale Team

Matt Miale is the founder and team leader of The Miale Team at Keller Williams, one of Connecticut’s most successful and community-driven real estate ...

Derek Slapp

Derek Slapp

The Village

Derek Slap, MBA is the Vice President of Advancement at The Village for Families & Children, where he leads development, marketing, and community enga...

Brian Waddell

Brian Waddell

Community Leader

Brian J. Waddell, CFP®, RICP®, AIF® is a seasoned financial advisor and the founder of Dad’s in Business, a peer network created to help entrepreneuri...

Ways to Make an Impact

Join us in making a difference through various donation opportunities that directly support The Village for Families & Children

Memorial Sidewalk Bricks

$1,000+donation

Anyone who donates $1,000 or more will receive a brick in the memorial sidewalk at The Eagle House, engraved with your family or business name. It’s a permanent way to show your support and be part of the story we’re building.

Learn More About Memorial Bricks

Raffle

$50+

Raffle items

We’re actively collecting donations for our raffle. Any donated item or service valued over $50 will be included in the raffle. We’re looking for anything that creates excitement, gift cards, event tickets, unique experiences, services, products, getaways, or anything else that brings value.

Donate Items or Services

Partnership Opportunities

Partner with us to create meaningful community impact while gaining valuable exposure for your organization among industry leaders

SOLD OUT

Executive Producer Sponsor

$1,000

LIMIT 4

  • Premier logo on all signage, program, website, and marketing
  • Verbal acknowledgment during opening and closing
  • Five-minute speaking opportunity (topic pre-approved)
  • Premium vendor space (prime location)
  • Six (6) event tickets and books
  • Dedicated social media spotlight and thank-you post
  • Option to provide branded materials or swag
SOLD OUT

Director Sponsor

$750

LIMIT 3

  • Logo placement on signage, program, and select marketing materials
  • Recognition during opening ceremony
  • Professional vendor space
  • Four (4) event tickets and books
  • Social media thank-you post
  • Option to include branded materials at partnership table
SOLD OUT

Screenwriter Sponsor

$500

LIMIT 4

  • Logo placement on signage, program, and select marketing materials
  • Group recognition during event
  • Three (3) event tickets and books
  • Group social media thank-you post
  • Option to provide materials for attendee gift bags or registration table
SOLD OUT

Cameo Sponsor

$250

LIMIT 6

  • Logo placement on social media and website
  • Two (2) event tickets and books
The First Annual CASUAL-LA | CASUAL-LƏ