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8 Phases
IMAL Timeline
May 18 → November 15
From launch to crowning the first IMAL titleholder — a complete 6-month roadmap.
Phase 0
Pre-Launch
Now → May 17

Set foundation before public launch
What Happens
Finalize website (MVP version)
Lock contest format + rulebook (v1)
Recruit core team (at least 3–5 people)
Begin judge outreach (soft conversations)
Prepare application form + materials
Outputs
Website live
Application form ready
2–3 judges tentatively confirmed
Branding + messaging finalized
Phase 1
Applications Open
May 18 → August 31

Maximize reach + get strong applicant pool
What Happens
  • Public launch announcement
  • Social + community outreach (Asian leather groups, global leather networks)
  • Weekly promotion cadence (profiles, mission posts, founder message)
  • Answer applicant questions (DMs, email, FAQ updates)
Key Actions by Week
1
Week 1: Launch announcement + founder story
2
Week 2–6: Community amplification
3
Week 7–8: "Last call" urgency push
Outputs
  • Target: 10–20 applications (global)
  • Strong geographic diversity
Phase 2
Selection & Finalists
September 1 → September 7

Select top finalists (6–10)
What Happens
  • Review applications with scoring rubric
  • Internal discussions (core team)
  • Select finalists
  • Send acceptance + confirmation packages
Outputs
Finalist cohort locked
Public announcement content ready
Phase 3
Finalist Announcement & Engagement
September 8 → September 14

Build audience + legitimacy
What Happens
  • Publicly announce finalists
  • Release intro content (photos, bios)
  • Begin storytelling: "Meet the contestants"
Outputs
Audience awareness grows
Contest feels real and credible
Phase 4
Leadership Assignment
September 15 → October 15

Evaluate depth + give contestants time
What Happens
  • Release assignment prompt
  • Provide guidelines + examples
  • Optional office hours / support sessions
Midpoint & Outputs

Check-in with contestants
4–6 min videos from each contestant
Content you can reuse for promotion
Phase 5
Public Content & Build-Up
October 16 → November 10

Build momentum toward live event
What Happens
  • Release clips or summaries of leadership videos
  • Continue "Meet the contestants" content
  • Introduce judges publicly
  • Open audience registration for livestream
Outputs
Growing audience
Strong narrative around contestants
Phase 6
Interview, Rehearsal & Final Prep
October 16 → November 10

Ensure smooth execution and complete all final evaluations prior to the live event.
What Happens
  • Technical onboarding (lighting, framing, audio)
  • Panel interviews with finalists (judges evaluate vision and communication)
  • Full run-through rehearsal(s)
  • Judge briefing session
  • Finalize run-of-show
  • Prepare contingency plans
Critical & Outputs

At least 1 full dress rehearsal
Contestants and judges ready
Tech tested
All panel interviews completed
Phase 7
Live Contest
November 15 — Event Day Duration: ~2 hours

Crown the first IMAL titleholder 🎉
What Happens
Opening
Contestant Intro
Group Interview
Speech
Audience Q&A
Judging + Announcement
Outputs
Crown first IMAL titleholder 🎉
Record full event
Phase 8
Post-Event Activation
November 16 → December (2–4 weeks)

Turn event into movement
What Happens
  • Publish recordings / highlights
  • Announce winner broadly
  • Support titleholder (media kit, messaging)
  • Collect feedback (contestants, judges, audience)
Outputs
Foundation for Year 2
Community momentum
🧠 At a Glance
High-Level Timeline Summary
For website use
1
May 18 — Applications Open
2
Aug 31 — Applications Close
3
Sept 7 — Finalists Announced
4
Sept–Oct — Leadership Assignment
5
Oct-Nov — Interview + Rehearsals
6
Nov 15 — Live Virtual Contest 🎉