BusinessWest Announces Update on 40 Under Forty Gala

SPRINGFIELD — On Thursday, Sept. 23, BusinessWest will stage its annual 40 Under Forty Gala at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke.

Given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, a series of steps are being taken to help ensure the health and safety of all those who will be attending the 40 Under Forty Gala. The overriding goal is to create an event that will recognize these rising stars in the manner they deserve, but in a way that addresses the health and safety concerns related to COVID for attendees and Log Cabin employees alike.

As we continue to monitor local and state guidance, 40 Under Forty event organizers have worked creatively and collaboratively to create an event that keeps everyone’s safety in mind. Thus, the following steps are being taken:

• Masks must be worn by ALL attendees when not eating or drinking or seated at your assigned table.

• ALL registration and check-in will be conducted outdoors, outside the main entrance.

• The popular VIP reception hour prior to the event will take place outdoors on the terrace located directly outside the Grand Edna Ballroom.

• Both indoor and outdoor seating will be utilized to create the ability for social distancing and spacing between tables: indoors in the Grand Edna Williams Ballroom and the Southampton Room; and outdoors (ALL tented) on the Grand Edna Terrace, the Southampton Room Terrace, and the Upper Vista (the event space above the Log Cabin that comes complete with breathtaking views of Mount Tom and the valley below).

Details of the program and presentation are still being finalized, but the plan is to bring portions of the announcement of the 40 Under Forty class live to those in both the indoor and outdoor spaces. Streaming of the proceedings will remain available to all those gathered at the Log Cabin and those wishing to join remotely.

Watch for updates on the event in the coming days at businesswest.com.