What's Inside
Your guide to sponsoring, exhibiting, and making the most of EDF 2026.
Get Started
Welcome
Prepare and Register
Sponsor Deliverables
Your Tier at a Glance
Registration Process
Key Dates and Deadlines
Make the Most of Your Team
Meals and Receptions
Additional Passes and Tickets
On the Floor
Exhibitor Move-In and MoveOut Matchmaking: How It Works
Zone, Venue and Logistics
The Innovation Zone
Electrical and Wi-Fi Ordering
The Power Zone: Your Exhibit Booth Inside the Power Zone
Questions along the way? Contact information is on the final page.
Venue: Move-In, Dock and Shipping
Venue: Rules and Regulations
WELCOME
EDF 2026: Power Forward
Welcome, and thank you for partnering with us for EDF 2026: Power Forward, the 19th Annual Economic Development Conference.
This year's conference is built around momentum. Every element, from curated matchmaking to focused programming to the Power Zone exhibit hall, is designed to turn conversation into connection and connection into opportunity. As a sponsor and exhibitor, you help shape the conversations that move our business community forward.
This guide is your resource for getting set up and making the most of your investment. Inside you will find your tier benefits at a glance, key dates and deadlines, deliverable requirements, registration and booth logistics, and an overview of how matchmaking works.
Please review it early so we can represent your organization accurately and prominently across event materials. We look forward to welcoming you to Memphis in August.
With gratitude,
The EDF Planning Team
The Mid-South Business Continuum
Your Tier at a Glance
Find your tier, then follow the shared steps in this guide. Host sponsors receive separate onboarding.
Key Dates and Deadlines
JULY 31, 2026
Sponsor deliverables due – Click here to submit.
Logo, digital ad, video where applicable, and participation confirmation. Late items may miss printed and digital materials.
TUE, AUG 25
Exhibitor move-in
8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, followed by the Opening Reception from 5:30 PM.
WED, AUG 26
Conference Day 1
Opening Keynote and Ribbon Cutting, the Power Zone opens, and curated matchmaking begins.
THU, AUG 27
Conference Day 2
Luncheon Keynote and primary matchmaking. Move-out begins 4:00 PM.
THU, AUG 27
Achievement Awards Gala
Robert R. Church, Sr. Achievement Awards, 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM.
Meals and Receptions
Every sponsor registration and All Access registration includes all conference meals and receptions.
TUE, AUG 25
Opening Reception
5:30 to 7:30 PM. Kick off the conference with networking over food and drinks.
WED + THU
Continental Breakfast
From 7:30 AM both mornings, served before sessions begin.
WED, AUG 26
Lunch and Learn
11:45 AM to 1:30 PM. A working lunch on Day 1 paired with a keynote conversation.
THU, AUG 27
Luncheon Keynote 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. A seated luncheon on Day 2 with the closing keynote.
THU, AUG 27
Achievement Awards Gala
6:30 to 9:00 PM. The closing celebration. Gala seating is set by tier.
Sponsor Deliverables / 06
Submit your branding assets and confirm participation so we can represent your organization accurately.
All deliverables due Wednesday, July 31, 2026 – CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT. Items received after this date may not appear in printed or digital materials.
1 Company logo
High-resolution PNG with a transparent background. Vector (EPS or AI) welcome for print use.
3 Sponsor video Platinum and Diamond only. One 30-second video, MP4, 1080p, horizontal. Full specs provided on request.
2 Digital ad PNG or JPEG, 300 dpi, vertical orientation.
Full-page: 5.75 x 10.25 in (Platinum, Diamond)
Half-page: 5.75 x 5.125 in (Gold)
Quarter-page: 2.875 x 5.125 in (Bronze, Star)
CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR DELIVERABLES
4 Participation confirmation
Confirm your matchmaking streams, Innovation Zone participation, and giveaway item details so we can plan activations.
Opens your Smartsheet deliverables form.
Early submission lets us feature your brand accurately and prominently across event materials.
Registration Process
Your tier includes complimentary All Access registrations, 2 to 12 by tier.
1 Open the unique registration link in your welcome email.
2 The complimentary rate is already applied, so there is no promo code to enter.
Register early
Matchmaking meetings are scheduled before the event. Early registration ensures your team can access meeting opportunities before slots fill.
3 Share the link with each of your All Access Passholders.
4 Each team member registers individually, entering their name, email, and additional requested details.
5 Each registrant receives a confirmation email.
Register: EDF2026.eventbrite.com
Make the Most of Your Team
You can invite unlimited staff and contacts to join you across the two-day Power Zone.
Recommended booth roles
Procurement Assess vendor capabilities and spot partnerships on the spot.
Recruitment & workforce Engage job seekers and promote your workforce initiatives.
Sales & business development Turn conversations into leads and outline next steps.
Marketing & community Drive buzz, run giveaways, and amplify your presence online.
Product & technical Demo, answer detailed questions, and build trust with prospects.
Make your presence count
• Invite unlimited staff and contacts beyond your pass holders. The Power Zone is free and open to all attendees.
• Rotate staff so the booth stays covered while others attend sessions.
• Work the room: walk the hall, attend panels, and network beyond your booth.
• Prepare talking points in advance for consistent, on-brand messaging.
• Capture leads with business cards, QR scans, or sign-up forms for follow-up after the conference.
Add team members or invite clients beyond your included registrations.
Access Pass $999
Booth not included.
Exhibitor Move-In and Move-Out /
MOVE-IN
Tuesday, August 25 | 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM
• Enter at the Front Street ramp entrance.
• Check in at the Help Desk for booth assignment, badges, and assistance.
• Limit loading to two vehicles. Extra parking is in the exhibitor lot by the ramp.
• Pick up badges at registration on arrival or at the Opening Reception.
MOVE-OUT
Thursday, August 27 | begins 4:00 PM
• Move-out begins at 4:00 PM, after the Power Zone closes on Day 2.
• Remove all materials, tape, and markings during load-out.
• Provide your own carts, dollies, or flatbeds.
• The Achievement Awards Gala follows at 6:30 PM.
Matchmaking: How It Works
Curated, request-based meetings that connect the right people around shared goals.
1 Complete your matchmaking profile when the link is emailed to the point of contact you provide in the onboarding form.
2 Browse hosts and participants, then request meetings aligned to your goals.
3 Meetings are scheduled in advance by alignment, availability, and mutual interest.
4 Meet on-site in the Power Zone on Wednesday and Thursday. A shared space: corporations and institutions primarily host; small businesses participate. Capacity is offered as opportunity, not a guaranteed number of meetings.
The Power Zone: Your Exhibit Booth
The Power Zone is the EDF exhibit hall, open both days. New this year: a two-day experience.
Standard booth setup
• Each 10 x 10 booth includes a 6-foot table with black linen, two chairs, a trash can, and company name signage.
• 10 x 20 booths (Diamond and Platinum) receive a double setup: two tables, four chairs, and matching signage.
• This uniform setup gives every exhibitor a clean, professional presence on the floor.
• For decor or specialty furniture, Hick’s Convention Services, Memphis, is a trusted local vendor.
Enhancing your booth
Go beyond the standard setup to create a memorable impression:
• Branded signage or backdrops that showcase your logo and key messaging.
• Decor such as floral arrangements, lighting, or branded table coverings.
• Interactive activities like product demos, prize wheels, or hands-on experiences.
• Digital displays or tablets for presentations, sign-ups, or company videos.
Ready to enhance your booth? Contact Rhonda at Hick's Convention Services to arrange furniture, decor, and custom booth enhancements at 901-272-1171 or rhonda@hicksconventions.com.
Inside the Power Zone /
Five experiences fill the hall, all built to move you forward.
The Innovation Zone
The featured section of the Power Zone, built around three focus areas:
• Small Business Resources & Growth Solutions
• AI & Emerging Technology
• Edutainment
The Clinics
Focused, interactive sessions offering practical guidance you can put to work right away.
Matchmaking
Curated, request-based meetings across seven streams. See the matchmaking page for how it works.
The Marketplace
A curated space where Memphis small businesses showcase products and services to the EDF community.
Giveaways
Stage-announced giveaways throughout both days. Offer an item through the onboarding form.
The Innovation Zone /
Spotlight your latest technology, product, or service in the Power Zone.
At the forefront of innovation
A dynamic section of the Power Zone built to spotlight innovation, creativity, and opportunity. Secure a prime spot on the exhibit hall floor and put your company front and center.
Three focus areas:
• Small Business Resources & Growth Solutions
• AI & Emerging Technology
• Edutainment
Why participate
• Gain visibility with a highly engaged audience.
• Connect with corporate decision makers and small business owners.
• Showcase your products, services, and innovations in a high-energy environment.
• Be part of a space built to celebrate creativity, progress, and opportunity.
Space is limited. Apply by July 31. Confirm your Innovation Zone participation on the onboarding form, or apply at edf.businesscontinuum.org.
Order directly through the Renasant Convention Center exhibitor store.
1 Visit the venue exhibitor store, linked below.
2 First-time users create an account before checkout.
3 Select the services and quantities you need.
4 Pay at the time of order: Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Amex. Order link: exhibitors.venueops.com/exhibitorStore/account-1889-A/exhibition-4297-A
Advance rates
Order at least 10 calendar days before the first move-in day for advance pricing. Aim for August 15 or earlier.
Venue: Move-In, Dock and Shipping
Renasant Convention Center procedures. Follow these closely to avoid charges.
Loading dock
• Docks are for exhibition materials and displays only.
• Maximum vehicle time on the dock is 20 minutes. Unattended vehicles may be towed at the owner's expense.
• Do not block dumpsters or stalls.
• Docks remain under RCC control and are not leased event space.
• Refrigerated trailers or storage require prior approval. Dock guards direct parking during load-in and load-out.
Shipping and parking
• Use an approved Expo Decorator Company (Hicks, Grit, Mahaffy, Fern, Heritage, and similar) for all shipments.
• Direct shipments to the RCC must be arranged in advance with your RCC Event Manager for pricing and details.
• Park in the RCC garage at 266 North Front Street, Memphis.
• An Exhibitor Lot beside the garage handles oversized exhibitor vehicles.
• Rate for either lot is $10 plus tax, subject to change.
Venue: Rules and Regulations
These RCC policies are binding. Violations can result in charges to your organization.
Setup and materials
• Nothing may be taped, tacked, Velcroed, or affixed to walls, doors, floors, or furniture.
• No duct tape or high-residue adhesive. Approved tape: Kendall 105, TC1900, or Gaffer's. Remove all tape and markings at load-out.
• Protect doorways, carpet, and floors when moving heavy items. You are responsible for any floor or carpet damage.
• Hardboard required for concrete-to-carpet transitions. Forklifts must have non-marking tires.
• RCC cannot loan tools, ladders, or equipment. Bring your own carts, dollies, or flatbeds.
• Decor must be flame-retardant or non-combustible, with proof on-site.
Prohibited, and displaying a vehicle
• Prohibited: tents, canopies, roofs, pop-up covers, and booth coverings; helium balloons; outside food and beverage (sample giveaways need prior approval).
• No fog machines, hazers, pyrotechnics, open flames, or drones without RCC and fire-marshal approval and documentation.
• Smoke and vape free facility; use designated outdoor areas. Dispose of trash in designated receptacles.
• Displaying a vehicle: disconnect the battery within 30 minutes of parking inside, keep fuel to a quarter tank or 5 gallons, seal fuel openings, and do no fueling inside.
• Keys stay with RCC Security until the event ends. Place pads or carpet and visqueen under tires, masonite under heavy vehicles, and use no Armor-All inside. This summarizes the Renasant Convention Center exhibitor kit. The full kit governs; contact us for the complete document.
