What's Inside
Your guide to sponsoring, exhibiting, and making the most of EDF 2026.
Get Started
Welcome
Prepare and Register
Sponsor Deliverables
Your Host Sponsorship at a Glance Key Dates and Deadlines Meals and Receptions
Registration Process
On the Floor
Make the Most of Your Team
Additional Passes and Tickets
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
Venue: Move-In, Dock and Shipping Venue: Rules and Regulations
Questions along the way? Contact information is on the final page.
WELCOME
EDF 2026: Power Forward
Welcome, and thank you for partnering with us for EDF 2026: Power Forward, the 19th Annual Economic Development Forum.
This year's Forum 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 Host Sponsorship at a Glance
As EDF 2026's Host Sponsor,
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
Forum Day 1
Opening Keynote and Ribbon Cutting, the Power Zone opens, and curated matchmaking begins.
THU, AUG 27
Forum 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 Forum meals and receptions.
TUE, AUG 25
Opening Reception
5:30 to 7:30 PM. Kick off the Forum 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.
FedEx Sponsor Deliverables (1 of 2)
Submit your branding assets and confirm participation so we can feature FedEx accurately and prominently. All deliverables due Wednesday, July 31, 2026 – CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT.
1 Brand assets
Website link for the top-tier clickable logo already featured on the EDF site, plus your full-page digital ad, 5.75 x 10.25 in, high-resolution PDF, full-color.
3 Plenary remarks
Name, title, bio, and headshot for the FedEx representative delivering two minutes of remarks at the Opening Plenary, Wed, Aug 26, 8:30 to 10:15 AM, and joining the ribbon cutting immediately after.
https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/019ed66c6f76722a8ba89a1794ca1 d52
CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR DELIVERABLES
2 Video assets
Four sponsor-produced videos: 30-sec for the Opening Keynote, 30-sec for EDF seminars, 30-sec for the Luncheon Keynote, and 15-sec for TV and social.
4 Luncheon remarks
Name, title, bio, and headshot for the representative delivering two minutes of remarks prior to the Luncheon Keynote, Thu, Aug 27, 12:00 to 2:00 PM. May be the same as the Plenary speaker.
https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/019ed66c6f76722a8ba89a1794ca1 d52
Opens your FedEx Smartsheet deliverables form.
Early submission lets us feature FedEx accurately and prominently across event materials.
FedEx Sponsor Deliverables (2 of 2)
Confirm your registrations, matchmaking priorities, and exhibit details so we can plan your presence on the floor. All deliverables due Wednesday, July 31, 2026 – CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT
1 Attendee registration FedEx disseminates the unique registration link to your team and is responsible for registering all twenty (20) attendees directly.
2 Matchmaking Company profile and your matchmaking priorities (for example, Procurement, Workforce and Hiring, Business Services), to support up to 52 curated meetings.
3 Exhibit presence Booth layout and Wi-Fi/electrical needs for your 20' x 20' open-air exhibit space. Additional costs may apply for power and connectivity.
4 Innovation Zone Let us know if FedEx would like to be featured separately in the Innovation Zone, in addition to your main exhibit space. No additional sponsorship commitment, only optional Wi-Fi/electrical costs. CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR DELIVERABLES Opens your FedEx Smartsheet deliverables form.
Early submission lets us feature FedEx accurately and prominently across event materials.
Registration Process
As Host Sponsor, FedEx receives 20 complimentary All Access registrations.
1 FedEx disseminates the unique registration link to your team.
2 The complimentary rate is already applied, so there is no promo code to enter.
3 Share the link with each of your 20 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: www.eventbrite.com/e/1985921029258/?discount=FEDEX26
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 Forum.
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 and items during load-out.
• Provide your own carts, dollies, or flatbeds.
• The Robert R. Church, Sr 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. As Host Sponsor, FedEx receives a 20' x 20' open-air exhibit space in a high-traffic location.
Your Host Sponsor space
• Your 20' x 20' open-air footprint sits in a high-traffic location for both Forum days.
• Move-in is Tuesday, August 25, 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Move-out begins Thursday, August 27, at 4:00 PM.
• Wi-Fi and electrical are available at an additional cost, ordered through the venue exhibitor store.
• 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.
No additional cost to participate. Confirm your Innovation Zone interest on your FedEx deliverables form; you're only responsible for optional Wi-Fi and electrical fees if you choose those add-ons.
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.
