Welcome
JOZELLE BOOKER
President and CEO, MMBC Continuum
On behalf of the MMBC Continuum, I am pleased to welcome you to the 2025 Economic Development Forum (EDF) a premier event for business leaders, corporate decision-makers, government representatives, and small business owners from across the region For 18 years, this Forum has catalyzed strategic dialogue, purposeful connection, and economic growth across Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, and beyond.
This year’s theme, “Future Focused,” reflects our commitment to helping businesses of all sizes prepare for what’s next EDF 2025 will spotlight forward-thinking strategies, emerging trends, and innovative solutions that can strengthen operations, improve competitiveness, and create new opportunities.
Each year, the Forum provides a unique combination of insight and access Through research presentations, interactive sessions, and high-value networking experiences, EDF continues to support the success and advancement of businesses in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
WHY BECOME A 2025 EDF SPONSOR
Sponsoring EDF is a strategic investment in growth and visibility. As a sponsor, your company will benefit from:
Brand
Visibility and Product Exposure
Position your brand in front of a broad audience of business leaders and decision-makers. EDF sponsors enjoy meaningful exposure through event signage, digital features, and direct engagement with attendees
Access to New Business Relationships
Meet small business owners, entrepreneurs, and potential partners in a space designed to spark conversation and connection The event facilitates relationship-building that can lead to future collaborations and opportunities.
Community and Market Engagement
Gain valuable insight into the regional business landscape and connect with stakeholders who are shaping the future of commerce. Your presence signals a commitment to shared success and forward momentum.
We are excited about the opportunities ahead and look forward to welcoming you to this year’s Forum Thank you for your support and continued partnership
SPECIAL THANKS TO THE 2024 SPONSORS
WHATTOEXPECTAT EDF2025
Economic Development Forum
September 9-11, 2025
Memphis, TN
Mark your calendar for September 9–11, 2025, as the MMBC Continuum presents the Economic Development Forum (EDF) a premier regional convening dedicated to accelerating economic growth and creating opportunities for small businesses to thrive. Hosted at the Renasant Convention Center in Downtown Memphis, EDF 2025 will once again bring together influential leaders from across the public and private sectors
This year’s theme, “Future Focused,” reflects our commitment to equipping businesses with the insights, tools, and connections needed to navigate what’s next. EDF 2025 will explore future-forward strategies, elevate innovation, and foster collaborative partnerships that strengthen supply chains and drive sustainable growth
Over two-and-a-half days, attendees will experience:
1. The Business Innovation Zone - 2025 EDF Exhibition
Step into The Vision Vault, an immersive destination where business owners unlock strategic insights, explore future trends, and connect with visionary tools to power their next move. This vibrant exhibition space is designed to spark curiosity and open doors to new opportunities. Featuring live demonstrations, interactive workshops, and hands-on experiences, the 2025 EDF Business Exhibition is where innovation meets action empowering entrepreneurs to elevate their business potential and embrace what's next.
2. Expert-Led Seminars and Speaking Engagements
EDF 2025 features a robust speaker lineup of industry experts, corporate leaders, and national voices Through keynote addresses, panel discussions, and workshops, attendees will gain practical insights into economic trends, procurement strategies, and business growth.
3. Strategic Networking Opportunities
Whether through our exclusive, invite-only networking reception or spontaneous hallway conversations, EDF is designed for meaningful connections. These moments create space for partnerships to emerge and new opportunities to take shape.
4. The Corporate Connection Zone
A signature feature of EDF, this space connects small businesses directly with corporate decision-makers. It’s a high-impact environment where procurement professionals and suppliers can discuss potential opportunities and build lasting business relationships.
2025 CONFERENCE THEME FUTUREFOCUSED
What does it mean to be Future Focused? Imagine fast-forwarding your business five or ten years. What would it take to not just survive — but thrive? Would you see bold innovations, new revenue streams, smarter systems, or deeper partnerships? Would your team be more agile, more skilled, more connected?
Being Future Focused means preparing today for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow. It’s about anticipating change, embracing innovation, and building the capacity to pivot when needed. Future-focused organizations don’t just react to disruption they help shape what comes next.
At the 2025 Economic Development Forum, we’ll explore what it takes to lead with vision in a world of constant change. Through immersive discussions, practical tools, and powerful networking, attendees will leave with strategies to elevate their future-readiness.
This year’s program is anchored in three essential focus areas: Innovation and Resource Optimization – Discover transformative tools and smart strategies to help businesses do more with less, scale responsibly, and build toward long-term success.
Reimagining
Market Trends and Business Agility – Decode what’s next in your industry, understand emerging consumer behavior, and sharpen your business’s ability to adapt and thrive.
Collaborating
Transforming
Networking and Strategic Partnerships – Learn how to craft your story, expand your influence, and turn connections into meaningful collaborations that fuel growth.
Whether you're part of a major corporation, a solo venture, or anything in between, EDF 2025 offers the insights and relationships to help you future-proof your business and chart a course for sustainable growth.
SPONSORSHIP LEVELS AND BENEFITS
HostLevelSponsorship
$50,000
Maximize sponsorship advertising and marketing benefits 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 Billboards Across the City
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:
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
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.
DIAMOND - $15,000
SEVEN (7) 10X10 BOOTHS AVAILABLE
Up to 10 Registrations to each of the following:
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
Up to 5 Registrations to each of the following:
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
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
Additional Tickets for Meal Functions Can Be Purchased Separately.
SILVER-$7,500
Up to 5 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
Reserved Table for five (5) 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.
Up to 5 Registrations to the following:
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
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
$2,500
Up to 2 Registrations to the following:
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.
ALL ACCESS PASSES & SINGLE TICKETS
Whether you're joining us for the full forum experience or attending specific high-impact events, EDF 2025 offers flexible access options tailored for professionals across industries.
All-Access Pass (2.5 Days) – $999
The best value for participants looking to engage fully in EDF 2025. Includes one (1) pass with access to:
Private Opening Reception
Power Breakfast with Keynote Speaker (Wednesday, September 10) Lunch on Day 1
Continental Breakfast (Thursday, September 11) Luncheon with Keynote (Thursday, September 11)
Full access to Exhibit Hall (Wednesday)
Entry to all seminars, panels, and workshops
Robert R. Church, Sr. Achievement Awards Gala (Thursday evening)
Note: Booth not included with purchase.
Signature Event Tickets – $150 each
For attendees interested in specific EDF experiences, individual event tickets are available:
Private Opening Reception Power Breakfast with Keynote Luncheon with Keynote Awards Gala
Tickets are limited and sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
