TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2026 | CHASE CENTER, WILMINGTON
Position your brand as an indispensable partner for Delaware's top restaurant leaders by securing your exclusive opportunity to connect directly with decision-makers
The Delaware Restaurant Association (DRA) is the only trade association dedicated to the success, education and advocacy for Delaware's vibrant restaurant community. Delaware’s 2,300+ restaurants employ more than 53,000 Delawareans and support the state’s economy with over $4.6 billion in annual sales. The DRA and its philanthropic arm, The Delaware Restaurant Foundation (DRF), both play vital roles in policy, education and workforce development. The strength of our organization lies in the close relationships the DRA has built between its executive management team, our diverse membership, and our surrounding communities. Each DRA/DRF event is unique, well-attended and an exciting collaboration between industry entrepreneurs (DRA Members) and suppliers (DRA Allied Members)!
The annual ‘Fast Forward’ Educational Symposium delivers the knowledge, trends, and regulatory updates Delaware restaurant operators need to succeed in a competitive and constantly changing business environment.
Over 200 restaurant professionals—including owners, operators, managers, and HR leaders—will gather to:
• Connect with Allied DRA Members (suppliers, service providers, and partners)
• Learn from expert speakers and industry leaders
• Gain practical tools to improve operations, regulatory compliance, and workforce retention
Now at the Chase Center on the Riverfront (Wilmington) — o ering more exhibitor space, larger stages for keynotes, breakout session rooms, and easy access to hotels for attendees who want to maximize their time at the conference.
More room for sponsors and partners to showcase products and services directly to Delaware’s restaurant decision-makers.
This year we’re engaging with our biggest audience yet! Conference attendees will include restaurant owners/operators, managers, HR professionals, training supervisors, women of hospitality, Hispanic restaurant owners and new/emerging foodservice industry entrepreneurs.
Fresh insights on industry tech, trends and data - designed to give operators actionable takeaways, featuring:
• AI in Restaurants — how operators can harness technology to streamline operations and improve customer service
• Healthcare & Benefits Trends — understanding workforce expectations and innovative benefit models
• The Six Generation Workforce — practical strategies for leading and engaging a multigenerational team
• Policy & Regulatory Updates — what’s changing in Delaware and how it impacts your bottom line
• Leadership & Training Development — new opportunities for professional growth through Expert Exchange Groups and DRA initiatives
The Delaware Restaurant Association’s ‘Fast Forward’ Educational Symposium is the premier gathering of Delaware’s hospitality leaders — owners, operators, HR managers, and decision-makers. Sponsorship gives your business direct access to the state’s largest private-sector employer group, representing more than 2,300 restaurants and 53,000 employees.
This is your opportunity to:
• Build brand visibility with Delaware’s most influential restaurant leaders
• Showcase products and services directly to decision-makers who are oen the sole purchasing authority in their businesses
• Engage in meaningful conversations with operators seeking solutions for regulatory compliance, workforce solutions, and trending industry technology
• Align your company with the DRA — Delaware’s trusted source for restaurant advocacy, education, and workforce development
• Event Headliner + company name & logo as presenting sponsor
• Opportunity to present directly to the Delaware Restaurant Association and Foundation board members the day prior to the event, at our winter Board of Directors’ Meeting
• Invitation to exclusive VIP reception the evening prior to the event
• Prominent Signage: Company recognition on all prominent signage throughout the event with exclusive placement on Chase Center monitors
• Media: Company recognition on website, all event social media and press releases
• Opportunity to lead a conference session
• Exclusive Exhibitor placement with double display tables in main function space (4 table workers comped)
• Full-page advertisement in the event program advertisement in the event program
• 6 complimentary attendee tickets + Attendee list with contact information provided
$10,000
• Opportunity to present directly to the Delaware Restaurant Association and Foundation board members the day prior to the event, at our winter Board of Directors’ Meeting
• Invitation to exclusive VIP reception the evening prior to the event
• Prominent Signage: Company recognition on all prominent signage throughout the event
• Media: Company recognition on website, all event social media and press releases
• Opportunity to lead a conference session
• Exhibitor display table in main function space (2 table workers comped)
• Full-page advertisement in the event program
• 4 complimentary attendee tickets + Attendee list with contact information provided
Fast Forward isn’t just an event — it’s where Delaware’s hospitality leaders prepare for the year ahead, and where sponsors have a front-row seat to build relationships that last.
$5,000 | SESSION SPONSORSHIP
• Prominent Signage: Company recognition on all prominent signage throughout the event with exclusive placement on Chase Center monitors
• Media: Company recognition on website, all event social media and press releases
• Exhibitor display table in main function space (2 table workers comped)
• Half-page advertisement in the event program
• 2 complimentary attendee tickets + Attendee list with contact information provided
$2,000 | INDUSTRY AMBASSADOR
• Prominent Signage: Company recognition on all prominent signage throughout the event with exclusive placement on Chase Center monitors
• Exhibitor display table in main function space (2 table workers comped)
• Half-page advertisement in the event program