FORWARD FAST
A DELAWARE RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE ADVOCACY | LEADERSHIP | INNOVATION
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
POSITION YOUR BRAND AS AN INDISPENSABLE PARTNER FOR DELAWARE'S TOP RESTAURANT LEADERS BY SECURING YOUR EXCLUSIVE OPPORTUNITY TO CONNECT DIRECTLY WITH DECISION-MAKERS
ORGANIZATIONAL SUMMARY
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)!
EVENT SUMMARY
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 300 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 inviting hospitality industry leaders from across the region to attend our lunch session, featuring a keynote address from Google, preparing businesses to capitalize on 2026 sports tourism events.
Fresh insights on industry tech, trends and data - designed to give operators actionable takeaways, featuring:
• Maximinzing 2026 Tourism Events - Hospitality businesses have unique opportunities to capitalize on increased toursime and visibility during one-in-a-lifetime events happening in the Delaware Valley in spring/summer 2026
• Healthcare & Benefits Trends — understanding workforce expectations and innovative benefit models
• 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
WHY SPONSOR?
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
SPONSORSHIP LEVELS
$15,000
| HEADLINER SPONSORSHIP
• 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
| TITLE SPONSORSHIP
• 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
$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 CUSTOM SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES AVAILABLE. WE’RE HAPPY TO WORK WITH YOU TO CREATE THE RIGHT LEVEL OF VISIBILITY AND ENGAGEMENT FOR YOUR BUSINESS. To begin the conversation on Sponsorship Opportunities please contact: RAE WHICHARD, DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP / CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS rae@delawarerestaurant.org | 302.738.2545 ON BEHALF OF THE DELAWARE RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION, WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION AND CONTINUED SUPPORT OF DELAWARE'S RESTAURANT INDUSTRY!