LOOKING TO COLLABORATE?
STEP INTO THE SPOTLIGHT!
The Friday Table is more than a gathering. It’s a curated space where creativity, connection, and collaboration thrive. The Spotlight Application is your chance to be considered for future events and bring your unique ideas to the table.
WHY APPLY?
As a Spotlight Creator, you will:
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Connect with a Captive Audience: Each dinner hosts 50 engaged guests, giving you the chance to showcase your work, product, or space directly to people excited about local culture.
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Boost Your Visibility: Past social media posts have reached over 30,000 viewers, and our events have been featured in the news twice. Collaborators can gain exposure through our growing channels, including Instagram (500+ followers) and press mentions.
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Grow Your Network: Join a thriving network of Charlotte businesses and creatives. Spotlight collaborators meet other chefs, artists, and business owners, opening doors to partnerships, collaborations, and new opportunities.
- Network with Influential Leaders: Meet and connect with high-value community leaders, opening doors to meaningful collaborations that can create real impact.
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Drive Revenue: Venues hosting our events see tangible benefits, like $600 in drink sales in one evening, proving that participation is not only fun but profitable.
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Showcase Your Brand: Every event is a chance to present your concept, products, or creative vision in a curated, high-quality setting. Collaborators leave with meaningful connections and potential customers.
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Be Part of Something Noteworthy: Our events attract press, podcasts, and social buzz, offering collaborators recognition beyond the room.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
We review Spotlight applications on a rolling basis, considering your vision and availability alongside upcoming Friday Table events. If there’s a fit, we’ll reach out with next steps. Even if it’s not immediate, we’ll keep your info on file for future opportunities.
FAQ
What is the process for becoming a Spotlight?
First you will complete the application, which is a chance to share your story. If you are selected, we will schedule a call to talk through your background and how you might contribute to the dinner experience. If you are not selected right away, you will still be added to our Spotlight directory for future opportunities, and you are always welcome to attend a dinner as a guest. Every application matters, and there are many ways to be part of the table.
How much time and preparation is required?
Before the dinner, our team will schedule a meeting with you to go over all of the details and make sure you feel confident about what is needed for your role. Preparation will look different depending on your specialty. A chef may plan a menu, an artist may decide what to share, or a venue host may prepare the space. Whatever your contribution, you will never be on your own. We will walk you through the process, answer questions, and ensure you are supported well in advance of the event.
What does the day of the event look like for a Spotlight?
On the day of the dinner, you will know exactly what time to arrive and what to expect. Our team and a group of volunteers will be there to help set up, manage details, and bring your vision to life. Once the evening begins, you will have plenty of opportunity to connect, network, and share in the experience as both a guest and a guide. The night itself is designed to feel welcoming, intentional, and full of connection so you can focus on being present.
Do I have to attend a dinner before I can be a Spotlight?
No, you do not need to attend a dinner before becoming a Spotlight. However, we highly recommend it. Experiencing a dinner first helps you understand the flow, the energy, and the way connection builds throughout the evening. While it is not required, it is a wonderful way to see the magic in action.
Check our website for upcoming Friday Table events.
Do I need to buy a ticket to the dinner I am the featured Spotlight at?
No, you do not need to purchase a ticket to the dinner when you are selected as a Spotlight. Your seat is reserved as part of your contribution and particapation.
Where are the dinners held?
Dinners take place in Charlotte and are hosted in partnership with local venues. Once you are selected as a Spotlight, we will share the confirmed location and all of the details you need to plan your evening.
What should I wear, and can I bring a guest?
The atmosphere is elevated but comfortable, so we encourage you to dress in a way that feels both polished and authentic to you and your specialty. For example, if you are a chef, you will wear your preferred clothes for cooking, while a fashion designer might wear one of their own designs.
Spotlights are invited to experience the dinner as our guest, which means your seat is reserved. Additional seats for friends or family can be purchased through the regular ticket process as space allows.
