2024 EDF Digital Sponsorship Guide

FUTUREREADY: Reimagining, Collaboratingand Transforming 2024

Welcome

JOZELLE BOOKER

President and CEO, MMBC Continuum Operator, Tennessee MBDA Business Center

For 17 years, the MMBC Continuum has presented its regional conference here in the Mid-South (Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas).

The Economic Development Forum (EDF) convenes national thought leaders, representatives from all levels of government, corporate representatives, minority-owned and women-owned business enterprises (M/WBEs), representatives from the M/WBE economic and advocacy ecosystem, and the greater community. Over the years, the EDF has:

Assembled a lineup of national thought leaders, consultants, and distinguished speakers to present groundbreaking research findings, insights, and data as compelling evidence in support of small business engagement, corporate procurement policies, diverse corporate governance, and economic strategy.

Presented federal, state, and local policy positions that supported or furthered corporate and M/WBE procurement engagement.

Showcased proven strategies through presentations tailored for both corporate and small business audiences

Provided hundreds of face-to-face corporate and M/WBE procurement connections in the Exhibition Hall.

Facilitated millions of dollars in post-Exhibit Hall procurements.

WHY BECOME A 2024 EDF SPONSOR

Brand Visibility and Product Exposure:

As an EDF sponsor, your company will enjoy significant brand exposure among a diverse audience of business leaders, community members, and stakeholders. Further, direct interactions with attendees offer valuable insights for product introduction, development and marketing strategies

Access and Introduction to New Suppliers

Your sponsorship will provide you with unique access to a range of businesses, including a diverse mix of small business owners Seize the opportunity to make strategic connections, secure leads and collect contact information.

Community Engagement:

Direct engagement with the community through face-to-face interactions and plenary sessions to increase consumer and stakeholder awareness of corporate strategic priorities

SPECIAL THANKS TO THE 2023 SPONSORS

Thank you to our 2023 EDF sponsors for your ongoing commitment to improving the economy through the inclusion of diverse suppliers.

A-1

Artizan

Bruce

Campbell

The

Castle

Dortch

Fresh

Gipson

LATROBE

Mid-South

New

Pete

Oteka

Precise

Self

SOL

Stragistics

Taylormade

Thomas

Veasley’s

WABTS

2023 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FORUM SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR 2023 EDF COMMUNITY PARTNERS

UT CIS APEX Accelerator

Black Business Association

City of Memphis HCD

Downtown Memphis Commission Pathway Lending

Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC)

Unistar-Sparco Computers, Inc.

Greater Memphis Chamber Youdle

Memphis Area Minority Contractors Association (MAMCA)

United Way of the Mid-South

Historically hosted as a luncheon in November, the Robert R Church, Sr Achievement Awards Gala was held immediately following the 2023 Economic Development Forum.

We, along with our guests for the evening, celebrated, rallied and engaged with local and national corporations, organizations and small businesses leading the way in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and making positive societal impacts. Prior to the award ceremony, our guests enjoyed live entertainment, a silent auction, networking and dancing.

We also had the great honor of awarding a combination of both companies and individuals in the following eight (8) categories:

Corporation of the Year

M/WBE Quality Assurance Business of the Year

Tennessee MBDA Business of the Year

Scalable M/WBE Business of the Year

D & I Heroes Award

Great Beginnings Award

Rising Star Award

Chairman’s Circle Award

Corporation oftheYear Winner ArchKeySolutions Finalists

MemphisLight,Gas&Water

Memphis-ShelbyCounty Schools

M/WBEQuality Assurance BusinessoftheYear Winner Unistar-SparcoComputers Finalists AccessBuilders,LLC

TNMBDABusiness oftheYear Winner W&TContractingCorporation Finalists PreciseContracting,LLC ServiceMasterFacilitiesMaintenance

ScalableM/WBE BusinessoftheYear

Winner

W&TContracting Corporation Finalists

TopCatMasonry Contractors,LLC

Veasley’sPavingServices, Inc

GreatBeginnings Award

Winner TopCatMasonry Contractors,LLC

RisingStarAward Winner KanishaMassey Memphis-ShelbyCountySchools

Chairman’sAward Winner ScottBrockman PresidentandCEO

Memphis-ShelbyCounty AirportAuthority

WHATTOEXPECTAT EDF2024

Economic Development Forum

September 10-12, 2024

Renasant Convention Center Memphis, TN

The 2024 Economic Development Forum, scheduled to take place from September 10-12 at the Renasant Convention Center in Downtown Memphis, promises to be an unparalleled event. Our theme is “Future Ready: Reimagining, Collaborating, and Transforming,” will bring together businesses of all sizes to explore the latest trends, best practices, and strategies that can be immediately applied to enhance business operations

Our commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration will be evident through a comprehensive lineup of events and opportunities that will be available throughout the two-and-a-half-day forum, which includes the following highlights:

1. A Day-Long Exhibition: Immerse yourself in interactive experiences offered by exhibitors. From demonstrations of the latest technology to hands-on workshops, the exhibition floor is designed to captivate and engage attendees in unique and memorable ways.

2. Speaking Engagements and Seminars: Industry leaders will lead insightful sessions, offering a wealth of knowledge and expertise as keynote speakers, seminar panelists and workshop presenters.

3. Numerous Networking Opportunities: The conference is designed to promote opportunities for attendees to make strategic connections. Our private, invite-only reception, bustling exhibition hall and corporate connection zone are just a few opportunities for securing new contacts

3. The Corporate Connection Zone: In today's dynamic business landscape, finding the right partners, suppliers, or clients is essential for success. That's where our Corporate Connection Zone comes in. This is where M/WBEs engage directly with corporate decision-makers to explore potential partnerships

4. The Capital Connection Zone: A dedicated space for M/WBEs to interact with bankers and financial experts, facilitating tailored financial solutions.

FUTUREREADY:

Reimagining,CollaboratingandTransforming

Imagine you have a time-traveling machine, and you were able to observe the progression of your business What would you see? More technology? New skill sets? Maybe a strategic partnership? In short, is your company or organization “future-ready”?

"Future-ready companies" refers to organizations that are well-prepared and adaptable to thrive in the rapidly changing business landscape of the future. These companies anticipate and respond effectively to emerging trends, technological advancements, and shifts in consumer behavior. Characteristics of future-ready companies include:

Innovation: They prioritize innovation, constantly exploring new ideas, technologies, and business models to stay ahead of the competition.

Strategic Partnerships: Collaboration is key for future-ready companies They may form strategic partnerships with other organizations, startups, or industry leaders to enhance their capabilities and stay innovative

Adaptability: Future-ready companies are flexible and able to adapt quickly to changing market conditions They embrace change rather than resist it

So, how can companies and organizations become future-ready or increase their futurereadiness? During the 2024 Economic Development Forum, we will explore strategies in three focus areas: Reimagining, Collaborating and Transforming.

Reimagining

Change begins with first developing innovative concepts that unlock new possibilities and potential for your company or organization, such as incorporating new strategies, increasing skill sets, improving operations and expanding abilities Let’s discover them together at EDF 2024!

Collaborating

Businesses of all sizes can greatly benefit from collaborations, especially when faced with obstacles that appear impossible to overcome alone We invite companies and their employees to explore both internal and external collaboration strategies and opportunities

Transforming

In a world where disruption is constant, organizations must have the capability to continuously adapt and evolve During EDF 2024, we will explore strategies to enhance capabilities, expand operations and adopt innovations that are crucial for both short-term and long-term success.

Future Ready: Reimagining, Collaborating and Transforming

HostLevelSponsorship

$50,000

Maximize sponsorship advertising and Maximize sponsorship advertising and Maximize advertising and marketing benefits marketing benefits with early commitment. with early commitment.

Up to 20 Registrations to each of the following EDF events:

Private Reception

Power Breakfast with Keynote

Continental Breakfast

Lunch on Day 1

Luncheon with Keynote on Day 2

EXCLUSIVE Host Sponsor Lounge

Awards Gala with VIP Seating

15-Second Sponsor-Produced Video Ad

Pre-Event Promotions

Social Media Posts and Ads

TV Ad Placements – Local News Station(s)

EDF Event Webpage

YouTube Ads

Links in E-newsletters

Linked to Logo on Sponsor Page (Optional)

HostLevelSponsorship

$50,000

30-Second Sponsor-Produced Video Ad

During Power Breakfast on Day 1

Exhibit Hall throughout Day 1

During the Luncheon on Day 2

During Seminars and Workshops

During the Robert R. Church, Sr. Achievement Awards Gala

Linked to Logo on Sponsor Page

Speaking Engagement Opportunities

Opening Remarks at Power Breakfast on Day 1

Host a Seminar or Workshop (Optional)

Brief Remarks at Opening Reception

Award Presenter at the Robert R. Church, Sr.

Achievement Awards Gala

LIVE interview participation prior to the conference

LIVE, onsite interview(s) with local media

Additional Sponsorship Benefits:

Access to All Seminars and Workshops

Access to Exhibit Hall throughout Day 1

Booth E-blast to Increase Traffic to Booth

Logo Featured on Public Transit Bus Side Ads

Logo featured in the Event App

Full Page Digital Color Ad

20 x 20 Open Air Exhibit Area

Branded Stage in Exhibit Hall

Access to Corporate Connection Zone

Participation in Ribbon Cutting

Additional Tickets for Meal Functions Can Be Purchased Separately.

PLATINUM-$25,000

FOUR(4)10X20BOOTHSAVAILABLE

Up to 15 Registrations to each of the following EDF events:

Business Reception

Power Breakfast with Keynote

Continental Breakfast

Lunch on Day 1

Luncheon with Keynote Day 2

Awards Gala with VIP Seating

30-Second Sponsor-Produced Video Ad

During Luncheon with Keynote Day 2

Prior Seminars and Workshops

Linked to Logo on Sponsor Page

DIAMOND

Additional Benefits:

Access to All Seminars and Workshops

Access to Exhibit Hall throughout Day 1

Logo on Event Website Homepage

Logo Featured in the Event App

Full Page Digital Color Ad

1 – 10 x 20 Exhibit Booth

Access to Corporate Connection Zone

Award Presenter at the Robert R. Church, Sr. Achievement Awards Gala

Additional Tickets for Meal Functions Can Be Purchased Separately.

- $15,000

SEVEN (7) 10X10 BOOTHS AVAILABLE

Up to 10 Registrations to each of the following EDF events:

Business Reception

Power Breakfast with Keynote

Continental Breakfast

Lunch on Day 1

Luncheon with Keynote Day 2

Reserved Table for 10 Guests at Awards Gala

Additional Tickets for Meal Functions Can Be Purchased Separately.

15-Second Sponsor-Produced Video Ad

During Luncheon with Keynote Day 2

Prior Seminars and Workshops

Linked to Logo on Sponsor Page

Additional Benefits:

Access to All Seminars and Workshops

Access to Exhibit Hall throughout Day 1

Logo on Event Website Homepage

Logo Featured in the Event App

Full Page Digital Color Ad

1 – 10 x 10 Exhibit Booth in the Exhibit Hall

Access to Corporate Connection Zone

GOLD-$10,500 SEVEN(7)10X10BOOTHSAVAILABLE

Up to 5 Registrations to each of the following EDF events:

Private Reception

Power Breakfast with Keynote

Continental Breakfast

Lunch on Day 1

Luncheon with Keynote Day 2

Reserved Table for five (5) at Awards

Gala

SILVER-$7,500

Additional Benefits:

Access to All Seminars and Workshops

Access to Exhibit Hall throughout Day 1

Half Page Digital Color Ad

Logo Featured in the Event App

1 – 10 x 10 Exhibit Booth in the Exhibit Hall

Access to Corporate Connection Zone

Up to 3 Registrations to each of the following EDF events:

Private Reception

Power Breakfast with Keynote

Continental Breakfast

Lunch on Day 1

Exhibit Hall throughout Day 1

Seating for three (3) at Awards Gala

Additional Benefits:

Access to All Seminars and Workshops

Access to Exhibit Hall throughout Day 1

Logo Featured in the Event App

Quarter Page Digital Color Ad

1 – 10 x 10 Exhibit Booth in the Exhibit Hall

Access to Corporate Connection Zone

BRONZE-$5,500

Up to 2 Registrations to the following EDF events

Private Reception

Power Breakfast with Keynote

Continental Breakfast

Lunch on Day 1

Luncheon with Keynote Day 2

Seating for two (2) at Awards Gala

Additional Benefits:

Access to All Seminars and Workshops

Access to Exhibit Hall throughout Day 1

Logo Featured in the Event App

Quarter Page Digital Color Ad

1 – 10 x 10 Exhibit Booth in the Exhibit Hall

Access to Corporate Connection Zone

Additional Tickets for Meal Functions Can Be Purchased Separately.

SmallBusiness& Non-ProfitSponsorship

STAR SPONSORSHIP

$2,500

Up to 2 Registrations to the following EDF events:

Private Reception

Power Breakfast with Keynote

Continental Breakfast

Lunch on Day 1

Luncheon with Keynote Day 2

Seating for two (2) at Awards Gala

Additional Benefits:

Access to All Seminars and Workshops

Access to Exhibit Hall throughout Day 1

Logo Featured in the Event App

Quarter Page Digital Color Ad

1 – 10 x 10 Exhibit Booth in the Exhibit Hall

Access to Corporate Connection Zone for Small Business Owners

Additional Tickets for Meal Functions Can Be Purchased Separately.

UniqueSponsorship Opportunities

Exhibit Hall Sponsorship- $25,000

Namesake of Exhibit Hall

Customizable 20 x 20 Open Air Booth

Lunch for up to 15 Guests

Participation in Ribbon Cutting

30-second Sponsor-Produced Video Ad to be Viewed Prior to Exhibit Hall Workshops

Print and Digital Signage with Logo Present in and around Exhibit Hall

Exhibitors of the Year Award Presenter - Small Business and Corporate

Listed as Exhibit Hall Sponsor in Digital Program Book & Event App

Private Reception Sponsorship - $25,000

Logo included on Printed Signage Near Private Reception

Opportunity to Provide Remarks to Private Reception Guests (2 Minutes Max.)

Listed as Private Reception Sponsor in Digital Program Book & Event App

Tickets for five (5) guests to attend the Private Reception

Two (2) Full Conference Passes

**Booth Not Included**

Power Breakfast Sponsorship - $20,000

Reserved Table for up to 10 Guests

Brief Remarks Prior to Power Breakfast Keynote

The Namesake of 2024 Power Breakfast

Logo Included in All Print and Digital Signage Promoting the Power Breakfast

30-Second Sponsor-Produced Video Promoting the Power Breakfast and Speaker

Sponsor-Produced Video Ad Viewed Prior to Power Breakfast Keynote – Max. Length:

One (1) Minute

Participation in Ribbon Cutting

Listed as Power Breakfast Sponsor in Digital Program Book & Event App

**Booth Not Included**

Lunch Sponsorship - Day 1 - $15,000

Listed as Lunch Sponsor in Digital Program Book and Event App

Brief Remarks Prior to Lunch Keynote Day 1

Lunch for up to 10 Guests

Namesake of Lunch Keynote

**Booth Not Included**

UniqueSponsorship Opportunities

Luncheon Sponsorship - Day 2 - $15,000

Listed as Lunch Sponsor in Digital Program Book and Event App

Brief Remarks Prior to Lunch Keynote Day 1

Lunch for up to 10 Guests

Namesake of Lunch Keynote

**Booth Not Included**

Event App Sponsorship - $15,000

Logo Included in App-Related Emails

List as App Sponsor in Digital Program Book and Event App

Announcement of Scavenger Hunt Winner(s)

**Booth Not Included**

Entertainment Sponsorship – $5,000

Listed as the Entertainment Sponsor in the Digital Program Book & Event App

Verbal Acknowledgement

Two (2) Tickets to Private Reception

Two (2) Tickets to Awards Gala

**Booth Not Included**

Continental Breakfast Sponsorship – $5,000

Logo Included on Printed Signage Near Continental Breakfast

Listed as Continental Breakfast Sponsor in Digital Program Book & Event App

Two (2) Full Conference Passes

**Booth Not Included**

Silent Workshop Sponsorship - $2,500 (Up to Two (2) Sponsors)

Brief Remarks Before four (4) Silent Workshop

30-Second Sponsor-Produced Video Ad to be Viewed Prior to Exhibit Hall Workshops

Listed as Silent Workshop Sponsor in Digital Program Book & Event App

Print Signage with Logo Near Silent Workshops

**Booth Not Included**

ALL ACCESS PASSES

The All Access Package (for two attendees), All Access Pass and Day Pass are great for your whole team, including C-Suite Executives. Whether you need a pass for one or many, there’s an option that fits your company’s needs.

ALL ACCESS PACKAGE (2.5 DAYS) - $1,950

Includes Two (2) Passes to the following

Private Opening Reception

Power Breakfast with Keynote Speaker

Lunch on Day 1

Continental Breakfast Day 2

Luncheon with Keynote Day 2

Access to Exhibit Hall throughout Day 1

Entry to All Seminars and Workshops

Robert R. Church, Sr. Achievement Awards Gala

**Booth not included with purchase**

ALL ACCESS PASS (2.5 DAYS) - $999

Save When You Purchase a Package for 2!

Includes One (1) Pass to the following

Private Opening Reception

Power Breakfast with Keynote Speaker

Lunch on Day 1

Continental Breakfast Day 2

Luncheon with Keynote Day 2

Access to Exhibit Hall throughout Day 1

Entry to All Seminars and Workshops

Robert R. Church, Sr. Achievement Awards Gala

**Booth not included with purchase**

DAY PASS (1 DAY) - $599

Access for a single pass holder to all Day 2 events, including:

Continental Breakfast

Ticket to Luncheon with Keynote

Entry to All Seminars (total of 5)

Ticket to the Robert R. Church, Sr. Achievement Awards Gala

**Booth not included with purchase**