WELCOME TO EDF 2026
JOZELLE BOOKER PRESIDENT AND CEO
As business conditions continue to shift, momentum has become essential, not optional. The decisions we make, the relationships we build, and the opportunities we pursue must be intentional and forward-looking.
The 19th annual Economic Development Forum (EDF), hosted by the Mid-South Business Continuum, formally known as the MMBC Continuum, reflects this moment. Guided by this year’s theme, Power Forward, the EDF has been thoughtfully designed to help businesses move with purpose by bringing the right people together in ways that lead to meaningful outcomes.
EDF has long served as a trusted space for connection and insight. In 2026, that role evolves. This year’s experience emphasizes intentional engagement —creating structured opportunities for small businesses, corporations, public agencies, and capital ecosystem partners to connect around shared priorities and real opportunity.
Through curated matchmaking, focused programming, and purpose-driven interaction, EDF 2026 is designed to support relationships that extend beyond the event itself. The goal is not simply to convene, but to create momentum that carries forward into partnerships, growth, and measurable progress.
We are proud to continue EDF’s legacy while advancing its impact. I look forward to welcoming you to EDF 2026 and to the conversations and connections that will help move our business community forward.
A SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR 2025 SPONSORS
EDF 2026: THE EXPERIENCE
EDF 2026 is designed with purpose
Guided by this year’s theme, Power For p businesses move from conversation to connection, and from connection to op atchmaking to shared spaces has been thoughtfullydesignedtosupportmeanin
At its core, EDF 2026 is about intentiona onal networking formats, the experience prioritizescuratedinteractionsthatbring rtunities.Smallbusinesses,corporations, public agencies, and capital ecosystem p to lead somewhere before, during, and aftertheevent.
EDF 2026 blends dynamic programming ed sessions, immersive experiences, and curatedmatchmakingopportunitiesthat nvironmentwhererelationshipscanform naturally,conversationsareproductive,a Thisisnotaneventbuiltaroundvolume— y,outcomesoveroptics,andmomentum over moments. It is an experience desig move forward with intention in a rapidly evolvingbusinesslandscape.
2026EDFPOWERFORWARD-EVENTAGENDA
Tuesday|August25
Arrival&EarlyConnection
8:30AM–3:30PM
Vendor&SponsorMove-In 5:30PM–7:30PM
OpeningNetworkingReception(AllAccess)
Purpose: Earlymomentum&relationship-building
Wednesday|August26
Learning+CuratedMatchmaking
7:30AM–8:30AM
Breakfast(AllAccess) 8:30AM–10:15AM
OpeningKeynote&RibbonCutting ExhibitHallOpens
10:30AM–11:45AM CuratedMatchmaking(AM) 11:45AM–1:30PM Lunch&Learn 1:45PM–4:05PM CuratedMatchmaking(PM) 4:10PM–4:30PM
Day1Close-Out
Purpose: Activateconnections&moveconversationsforward
Thursday|August27
PrimaryMatchmaking+Celebration
7:30AM–8:45AM
Breakfast(AllAccess)
9:00AM–12:00PM ExhibitHallOpens CuratedMatchmaking(AM) 12:00PM–2:00PM
ExhibitHallCloses LuncheonKeynote 2:15PM–4:15PM ExhibitHallRe-Opens CuratedMatchmaking(PM) 4:15PM–4:45PM
Day2Close-Out&Awards 6:30PM–9:00PM AchievementAwardsGala
Purpose: Deepenengagement&celebrateimpact
WHY SPONSOR EDF 2026?
Sponsoring EDF 2026 means aligning your organization with momentum.
Thisyear’sEDFisintentionallydesignedtodelivermeaningfulengagement notpassivevisibility.Sponsorsare datthecenterofconnection,whereinfluenceisbuilt,relationshipsareformed,andopportunitytakes
alAccess,NotJustExposure
moves beyond traditional sponsorship models. Sponsors gain direct access to small businesses, makers,andecosystempartnersthroughcuratedmatchmakingandpurpose-drivenengagementpoints osupportrealconversationsandrealoutcomes.
onThatLeadsSomewhere
raction at EDF 2026 is designed with intent. Sponsorship places your organization in environments tnershipscanform,pipelinescandevelop,andcollaborationcanmovefromintroductiontoaction. twithProgressandGrowth
gEDFsignalsmorethansupport—itdemonstratesleadership.Yourpresenceshowsacommitmentto ovement,economicmomentum,andbuildingpathwaysforbusinessestogrow,scale,andcompetein gmarketplace. sponsors are not on the sidelines. They are embedded in the experience—helping to shape conversations,accelerateconnections,andpowerwhatcomesnext.
EDFMatchmakingOverview
Matchmaking is a cornerstone of the EDF experience, intentionally designed to create structured, high-value connection opportunities between corporations, institutions, and small businesses. Rather than informal networking alone, EDF matchmaking provides a curated environment where conversationsarepurposeful,time-bound,andalignedwithrealbusinessneeds.
Purpose-DrivenConnections
EDFmatchmakingexiststosupportoutcomes notvolume.Eachmatchmakingstreamisdesignedto:
Connectcorporatedecision-makerswithqualifiedsmallbusinesses
Facilitateconversationsaroundprocurement,partnerships,workforce,capital,andvisibility
Supportbusiness-readyinteractionsthatcancontinuebeyondtheevent
ASharedMarketplaceModel
EDFmatchmakingoperatesasasharedmarketplace,notaclosedsystem.
Corporationsandinstitutionsprimarilyparticipateasmeetinghosts,offeringtimeandaccesstoexploreopportunities.
Smallbusinessesandmarketplaceparticipantsengageasmeetingparticipants,requestingconversationsalignedwiththeircapabilitiesandgoals.
Selectsmallbusinesses—particularlythosethatarescaled,product-based,orservice-ready—mayalsoparticipateashosts,especiallywithinB2Cand corporategiftingstreams.
Thisapproachensuresflexibilitywhilemaintainingqualityandbalance.
MatchmakingStreams
Matchmakingconversationsareorganizedacrossmultiplefocusareas,includingbutnotlimitedto:
ProcurementMatchmaking(Public&Private)
CorporateGifting&B2CProductMatch
Workforce&HiringMatchmaking
Banking&FinancialServicesMatchma
Eachstreamisclearlydefinedtohelpparti
Capital&InvestorMatchmaking
IntentionalAccess,NotOpenVolume
Matchmakingparticipationisrequest-base
Alignment of Needs and Capabilities, A ant time, improves meeting quality, and supports meaningful outcomes. Matchma to ensure a seamless, well-coordinated experienceforallparticipants.
DesignedforAllStakeholders
EDFmatchmakingisintentionallystructure
Corporatesponsors,byprovidingorga
Smallbusinesses,byprioritizingmean
Marketplaceparticipants,bycreatingp
Theresultisanenvironmentwhereconver
InSummary
EDFmatchmakingisnotaboutwhogetsth
By combining clear roles, defined stream perience that supports real opportunity, measurablevalue,andlastingconnections.
2026 SPONSORSHIP LEVELS
$50,000
Designedfororganizationsseekingthehighestlevelofbrandprominence,leadershiprecognition,andevent-wide associationwithEDF2026.
SponsorAccess&Hospitality
Fifteen(15)registrations
PrivateOpeningReception
ContinentalBreakfast—Day1andDay2
Lunch Day1
LuncheonwithKeynote—Day2
VIPseatingforfifteen(15)atth A d G l
Program&EngagementAccess
AccesstoallEDFprogramming
FullExhibitHallaccess(Day1andDay2)
Top-TierBrandVisibility&Recognition
Top-tierclickablelogoonEDFeventwebsite
Top-tierlogoplacementinEDFeventapp
Full-pagedigitalcoloradvertisement
Liverecognitionduringopeningandclosingremarks
$50,000 HOST
Designedfororganizationsseekingthehighestlevelofbrandprominence,leadershiprecognition,andevent-wide associationwithEDF2026.
OpeningPlenary/KeynoteRemarks
Two-minute speaking opportunity during Opening PlenaryorKeynote
VideoBranding
One (1) 30-second sponsor-produced video during the OpeningKeynoteonDay1
One (1) 30-second sponsor-produced video prior to selectEDFseminars
One (1) 15-second video for local TV and social promotion
MatchmakingCapacity
Dualmatchmakingcapacitywithtwoconcurrent meetings
MatchmakingCapacity:
Upto22meetingsonWednesday
Upto30meetingsonThursday
Upto52totalmeetingsacrossEDF2026
ExhibitPresence
One (1) 20’ x 20’ open-air exhibit area in high-traffic location
NewThisYear:Two-DayExhibitHallExperience
HostSponsorLounge
AccesstosharedHostSponsorLoungeonDayOne
PLATINUM
$25,000
Designedfororganizationsseekingpremiervisibility,increasedscale,andleadershippositioning.
SponsorAccess&Hospitality
Twelve(12)registrations
PrivateOpeningReception
ContinentalBreakfast—Day1andDay2
Lunch—Day1
LuncheonwithKeynote—Day2
Premiumseatingfortwelve(12)attheAwardsGala
Program&EngagementAccess
AccesstoallEDFprogramming
FullExhibitHallaccess(Day1andDay2)
VideoBranding
One (1) 30-second sponsor-produced video during theLuncheononDay2
BrandVisibility&Recognition
ClickablelogoonEDFeventwebsite
ProminentlogolistinginEDFeventapp
Full-pagedigitalcoloradvertisement
Digitalmain-stagerecognition
MatchmakingCapacity
Dualmatchmakingcapacitywithtwoconcurrentmeetings
Upto22meetingsonWednesday
Upto30meetingsonThursday
Upto52totalmeetingsacrossEDF2026
ExhibitPresence
One(1)10’x20’exhibitareainahigh-trafficlocation
NewThisYear:Two-DayExhibitHallExperience
DIAMOND
$15,000
Designedfororganizationsseekingsharedprominence,expandedengagementcapacity,andelevatedbrandpositioning.
SponsorAccess&Hospitality
Ten(10)registrations
PrivateOpeningReception
ContinentalBreakfast—Day1andDay2
Lunch—Day1
LuncheonwithKeynote—Day2
Premiumseatingforten(10)attheAwardsGala
Program&EngagementAccess
AccesstoallEDFprogramming
FullExhibitHallaccess(Day1andDay2)
VideoBranding
One (1) 30-second sponsor-produced video prior to oneEDFseminar
BrandVisibility&Recognition
ClickablelogoonEDFeventwebsite
ProminentlogolistinginEDFeventapp
Full-pagedigitalcoloradvertisement
Digitalmain-stagerecognition
MatchmakingCapacity
Dualmatchmakingcapacitywithtwoconcurrentmeetings
Upto22meetingsonWednesday
Upto30meetingsonThursday
Upto52totalmeetingsacrossEDF2026
ExhibitPresence
One(1)10’x20’exhibitareainahigh-trafficlocation
NewThisYear:Two-DayExhibitHallExperience
$10,500
Designedfororganizationsseekingelevatedbrandpresence,increasedteamparticipation,andenhancedvisibility.
SponsorAccess&Hospitality
Eight(8)registrations
PrivateOpeningReception
ContinentalBreakfast—Day1andDay2
Lunch—Day1
LuncheonwithKeynote—Day2
Seatingforeight(8)attheAwardsGala Program&EngagementAccess
AccesstoallEDFprogramming
FullExhibitHallaccess(Day1andDay2
BrandVisibility&Recognition
LogolistingonEDFeventwebsite
EnhancedlogolistinginEDFeventapp
Half-pagedigitalcoloradvertisement
MatchmakingCapacity
Upto11meetingsonWednesday
Upto15meetingsonThursday
Upto26totalmeetingsacrossEDF2026
ExhibitPresence
One(1)10’x10’exhibitbooth
NewThisYear:Two-DayExhibitHallExperience
BRONZE
$5,500
DesignedfororganizationsseekingfoundationalbrandvisibilityandbroadaccesstoEDFprogrammingwithorganic engagement
SponsorAccess&Hospitality
Five(5)registrations
PrivateOpeningReception
ContinentalBreakfast—Day1andDay2
Lunch—Day1
LuncheonwithKeynote—Day2
Seatingforfive(5)attheAwardsGala
Program&EngagementAccess
AccesstoallEDFprogramming
FullExhibitHallaccess(Day1andDay2
BrandVisibility&Recognition
LogolistingonEDFeventwebsite
LogolistinginEDFeventapp
Quarter-pagedigitalcoloradvertisement
MatchmakingCapacity
Upto11meetingsonWednesday
Upto15meetingsonThursday
Upto26totalmeetingsacrossEDF2026
ExhibitPresence
One(1)10’x10’exhibitbooth
NewThisYear:Two-DayExhibitHallExperience
STAR
$2,500
DesignedforsmallbusinessesandnonprofitorganizationsseekingaccesstoEDFprogramming,foundationalbrand visibility,andopportunitiestoconnectwithinadynamic,relationship-drivenenvironment
SponsorAccess&Hospitality
Two(2)registrations
PrivateOpeningReception
ContinentalBreakfast—Day1andDay2
Lunch Day1
LuncheonwithKeynote—Day2
Seatingforseatingfortwo(2)attheAwardsGala
Program&EngagementAccess
AccesstoallEDFprogramming
FullExhibitHallaccess(Day1andDay2)
BrandVisibility&Recognition
LogolistingonEDFeventwebsite
LogolistinginEDFeventapp
Quarter-pagedigitalcoloradvertisement
MatchmakingCapacity
Upto11meetingsonWednesday
Upto15meetingsonThursday
Upto26totalmeetingsacrossEDF2026
ExhibitPresence
One(1)10’x10’exhibitbooth
NewThisYear:Two-DayExhibitHallExperience
UniqueSponsorshipOpportunities
EventAppSponsorship-$15,000
LogoIncludedinApp-RelatedEmails
ListasAppSponsorinDigitalProgramBookandEventApp
Two(2)FullConferencePasses
AnnouncementofScavengerHuntWinner(s)
Two(2)FullConferencePasses
**BoothNotIncluded** EntertainmentSponsorship–$5,000
ListedastheEntertainmentSponsorintheDigitalProgramBook&EventApp
VerbalAcknowledgement
Two(2)TicketstoPrivateReception
Two(2)TicketstoAwardsGala
**BoothNotIncluded** NetworkingLoungeSponsorship–$15,000
ExclusiveNamingRights-“The[SponsorName]NetworkingLounge” Prominentlogoplacement
Verbalrecognitionduringdailyexhibithallannouncements
Loungepositionednearmajortrafficflowormatchmakingzones
Optiontostafftheloungewithbrandambassadorsforlightengagement
Two(2)FullConferencePasses
LuncheonSponsorship-Day2-$15,000
ListedasLunchSponsorinDigitalProgramBookandEventApp
BriefRemarksPriortoLunchKeynoteDay1
Lunchforupto10Guests
NamesakeofLunchKeynote
**BoothNotIncluded**
ContinentalBreakfastSponsorship–$5,000 Day1ORDay2
LogoIncludedonPrintedSignageNearContinentalBreakfast
ListedasContinentalBreakfastSponsorinDigitalProgramBook&Event App
Two(2)FullConferencePasses
**BoothNotIncluded** LunchandLearnSponsorship-Day1-$15,000
ListedasLunchSponsorinDigitalProgramBookandEventApp
BriefRemarksPriortoLunchKeynoteDay1
Lunchforupto10Guests
NamesakeofLunchKeynote
**BoothNotIncluded**
The 2026 Robert R. Church, Sr. Achievement Awards recognize excellence in business leadership, strategic partnerships, and economic advancement.Theseawardshonororganizationsandsmallbusinessesthatarecreatingrealimpactthroughsmartgrowthstrategies,expanded accesstoopportunities,andastrongcommitmenttobuildingthrivingcommunitiesandbusinessecosystems.
IndividualPassOption
Inadditiontosponsorshippackages,EDFoffersonecomprehensivepaidregistrationdesignedtoprovidemeaningfulaccessto programming,connectionopportunities,andthefullEDFexperience.
AllAccessPass—$999
DesignedforindividualsseekingthecompleteEDFexperience.
Includes:
Accesstoallspeakingengagements
FullExhibitHallaccess(Day1andDay2)
Allscheduledmealsandreceptions
LuncheonKeynote
RobertR.Church,Sr.AchievementAwardsGala
Matchmaking:
Matchmaking meetings will be scheduled in advance of the live event day, and early registration is strongly encouraged to ensure access to meeting opportunities.
À La Carte Advertising Opportunities
Advertisingoptionsareavailableasstandalonepurchasesorasadd-onstosponsorships
DigitalAdvertising
Full-PageDigitalAd—$1,500
Half-PageDigitalAd $1,000
Quarter-PageDigitalAd—$500
VideoAdvertising
30-SecondVideoAd—$1,000
EventAppPromotion
PushNotification—$50per message
Digital ads appear in the official EDF
digital program guide and offer visibilityduringandaftertheevent.
Sponsor-produced30-secondvideo featuredduringdesignatedEDF programmingmomentsordigital placements,subjecttoavailability.
DeliveredviatheEDFeventapp,ideal for: Boothpromotions
Timelyannouncements
Callstoactionduringtheevent
NEXT STEPS
Review the sponsorship levels.
Identify the option that best aligns with your goals. Our sponsorship and registration options are intentionally designed to support a range of goals allowing you to select an approach that feels focused, effective, and aligned.
Connect with our team.
Confirm availability and discuss alignment. If you’d like to explore options further, we encourage you to schedule a conversation with our team.
Requestan invoice.
Once you’ve identified the option that best fits your goals, the next step is to request an invoice to reserve your participation. Upon request, we will issue an invoice and provide next steps for confirmation and onboarding.
Whetheryourgoalisvisibility,connection,procurementengagement,orcommunityimpact,EDFoffersaplatformtomeetyourobjectives inafocused,high-valueenvironment.Let’sbuildyourEDFexperience—together.Todiscusssponsorshipopportunitiesoraskquestions, pleasecontactBrittneyElkinsat901-525-6512orbelkins@mmbc-memphis.org.