Download printable version of the AFB Leadership Conference Sponsorship Opportunities package.
2018 AFB Leadership Conference
Cohosted by the
LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired in San Francisco
and Northern California AER.
April 5-7
Oakland Downtown Marriott
afb.org/afblc
Thank you for considering sponsorship opportunities for the upcoming American Foundation for the Blind Leadership Conference (AFBLC) and the Helen Keller Achievement Awards (HKAA).
Our flagship conference will be co-hosted by the LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired in San Francisco and the Northern California Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER). Our goal is to improve the quality of programs and services for children and adults with visual impairments so that they can live a life with no limits.
The Achievement Awards were established by AFB in 1994 to acknowledge Keller's extraordinary efforts and to promote the notable achievements of individuals and organizations that have improved the quality of life for people with disabilities.
Individuals are recognized for a lifetime achievement and dedication to significantly improving the lives of people with vision loss. Established corporations and organizations are recognized for exceptional and innovative efforts that have improved the lives of people with vision loss by enhancing access to information, arts/leisure, the environment, technology, education, or employment, including making mainstream products, services, and communities inclusive and accessible.
Who Are We?
The mission of the American Foundation for the Blind is to create a world of no limits for people who are blind or visually impaired. We mobilize leaders, advance understanding, and champion impactful policies and practices using research and data.
Headquartered in Washington, DC, AFB is proud to house the Helen Keller Archives and honor the more than 40 years that Helen Keller worked tirelessly with AFB.
Our annual conference is designed to convene current leaders in the field to educate the next generation of bright minds for leadership roles.
For more information about AFB, please visit www.afb.org.
Who Attends?
The AFBLC attracts the leaders of the field—those who are the influencers, as well as the decision-makers for their organizations. When you meet with participants at AFBLC, you will be meeting with those who have the authority to make purchasing decisions for their organization, and the people who will promote your brand to the rest of the field.
Conference attendees include technology experts, corporate representatives, university professors, teachers of students with visual impairments, orientation and mobility (O&M) instructors, vision rehabilitation therapists, individuals with vision loss and parents. They come from diverse organizations and institutions spanning the public and private sectors.
In 2017, nearly 450 attendees (our largest attendance yet) from 41 states and seven countries joined us for three days of informative sessions and exhibits (another conference record with 40 vendors and organizations), inspirational keynotes, and affirming award presentations.
Sessions and Events
Sessions are designed to meet the interests and educational needs of our diverse attendees, with most qualifying for continuing education credits. The 2017 agenda was packed with sessions on topics such as technology, education, transition, employment, aging, and leadership.
In addition to the sessions, we were pleased to celebrate the publication of the third edition of the AFB Press text, Foundations of Education, at a special breakfast. Other highlights included the presentation of awards, including the Stephen Garff Marriott Award, the Irvin P. Schloss Award in Advocacy, and the Migel Luncheon. New this year, we will be kicking off the conference on Wednesday, April 4, with the Helen Keller Achievement Awards Gala. This event acknowledges Keller's extraordinary efforts and promotes the notable achievements of individuals and organizations that have improved quality of life for people with disabilities.
"Facebook has chosen to be a repeat sponsor of the AFBLC because the American Foundation for the Blind has always been a strong supporter of our work and the AFBLC is a unique opportunity to connect with organizations, companies and leaders in the vision loss and accessibility space."
—Jeff Wieland, Project Manager, Engineering, Facebook
Executive Sponsorships
If you want to drive traffic, strengthen your brand, and help your organization STAND OUT, these premium-level sponsorships will do just that. Each includes the following benefits:
- Sponsorship presence at the Helen Keller Achievement Awards (HKAA) and AFB Leadership Conference (AFBLC)
- Exhibit booth
- A slot in the demo room (based on availability)
- Company logo and link on the AFBLC website
- Company logo and link on the HKAA website
- Company logo on sponsor poster on site
- Option to include item(s) in conference registration bags and HKAA favor bags
- Full-page ad in HKAA dinner journal
- Full-page ad in AFBLC conference program
Diamond—$75,000
HKAA Benefits
- Three (3) tables providing seating for up to 30 guests at the Helen Keller Achievement Awards with prime placement
- Acknowledgement as a Diamond Sponsor during the evening remarks, in event signage, on the event website, on screen during the event, and in the dinner journal
- Full-page color ad in the dinner journal (subject to deadlines and availability)
- Banner ad in two (2) pre-event email blasts
- Opportunity to include an item in the gala favor bags (subject to approval)
AFBLC Benefits
- One exhibit booth with prime placement
- Prime speaking opportunity (at a general session or host breakfast or lunch in the demo room)
- Opportunity to be listed as a session track sponsor (e.g., the Technology Track or Education Track)
- Opportunity to be listed as a coffee break sponsor
- Acknowledgement as a Diamond Sponsor during the general session and in email blasts to the conference list
- An onsite poster acknowledging your organization as a Diamond Sponsor
- Your logo on the conference website and in the conference program
- Five invitations to the VIP opening night reception
- Five complimentary conference registrations
- A full-page color ad in the program, with prime placement (subject to deadlines and availability)
- Your banner ad (a $1,500 value) sent to two of the following e-mail subscription lists: AFBLC Updates, JVIB, AccessWorld Magazine, and VisionAware
- Two half-page print JVIB ads (a $570 value) OR two online AccessWorld ads (a $450 value)
- Media visibility (press release and social media outreach)
- Your insert in registrant tote bags (subject to approval)
Platinum—$50,000
HKAA Benefits
- Two (2) tables providing seating for up to 20 guests at the Helen Keller Achievement Awards with prime placement
- Acknowledgement as a Platinum Sponsor during the evening remarks, in event signage, on the event website, on screen during the event, and in the dinner journal
- Full-page color ad in the dinner journal (subject to deadlines and availability)
- Banner ad in one (1) pre-event email blast
- Opportunity to include an item in the gala favor bags (subject to approval)
AFBLC Benefits
- One exhibit booth with prime placement
- Prime speaking opportunity in the demo room (breakfast or lunch spot)
- Opportunity to be listed as a coffee break sponsor
- Acknowledgement as a Platinum Sponsor during the general session and in email blasts to the conference list
- An onsite poster acknowledging your organization as a Platinum Sponsor
- Your logo on the conference website and in the conference program
- Four invitations to the VIP opening night reception
- Four complimentary conference registrations
- A full-page color ad in the program, with prime placement (subject to deadlines and availability)
- Your banner ad (a $750 value) sent to one of the following e-mail subscription lists: AFBLC Updates, JVIB, AccessWorld Magazine, and VisionAware
- One half-page print JVIB ad (a $285 value) OR one online AccessWorld ad (a $225 value)
- Media visibility (press release and social media outreach)
- Your insert in registrant tote bags (subject to approval)
Leadership Track Sponsor— $50,000 (Limit 1) SOLD
Be the sole sponsor of AFBLC's Leadership Track! This session series will feature high-profile speakers from across the country, speaking on the most pressing topics at the intersection of leadership and blindness issues.
AFBLC Benefits
- Prominent signage as the Leadership Track Sponsor on meeting room placards and on convention center session listings (if available)
- Listing as the Leadership Track Sponsor in the program and in pre-conference email blasts
- Prime speaking opportunity in the demo room or during a general session
- Acknowledgement as the Leadership Session Sponsor during the general session
- An onsite poster acknowledging your organization as the Leadership Track Sponsor
- Your logo on the conference website and in the conference program
- Four invitations to the VIP opening night reception
- Four complimentary conference registrations
- A full-page color ad in the program, with prime placement (subject to deadlines and availability)
- Your banner ad (a $750 value) sent to one of the following e-mail subscription lists: AFBLC Updates, JVIB, AccessWorld Magazine, and VisionAware
- One half-page print JVIB ad (a $285 value) OR one online AccessWorld ad (a $225 value)
- Media visibility (press release and social media outreach)
- Your insert in registrant tote bags (subject to approval)
HKAA Benefits
- Two (2) tables providing seating for up to 20 guests at the Helen Keller Achievement Awards with prime placement
- Full-page color ad in the dinner journal (subject to deadlines and availability)
- Banner ad in one (1) pre-event email blast
- Opportunity to include an item in the gala favor bags (subject to approval)
Gold—$25,000
HKAA Benefits
- One (1) table providing seating for up to 10 guests at the Helen Keller Achievement Awards with prime placement
- Acknowledgement as a Gold Sponsor during the evening remarks, in event signage, on the event website, on screen during the event, and in the dinner journal
- Full-page color ad in the dinner journal (subject to deadlines and availability)
- Opportunity to include an item in the gala favor bags (subject to approval)
AFBLC Benefits
- One exhibit booth with prime placement
- Speaking opportunity in the demo room
- Acknowledgement as a Gold Sponsor during the general session and in email blasts to the conference list
- An onsite poster acknowledging your organization as a Gold Sponsor
- Your logo on the conference website and in the conference program
- Three invitations to the VIP opening night reception
- Three complimentary conference registrations
- A full-page color ad in the program, with prime placement (subject to deadlines and availability)
- One half-page print JVIB ad (a $285 value) OR one online AccessWorld ad (a $225 value)
- Media visibility (press release and social media outreach)
- Your insert in registrant tote bags (subject to approval)
Silver—$20,000
HKAA Benefits
- Seating for five guests at the Helen Keller Achievement Awards
- Acknowledgement as a Silver Sponsor on the event website, on the sponsor poster, and in the dinner journal
- Full-page color ad in the dinner journal (subject to deadlines and availability)
- Opportunity to include an item in the gala favor bags (subject to approval)
AFBLC Benefits
- One exhibit booth with prime placement
- Speaking opportunity in the demo room (subject to availability)
- Acknowledgement as a Silver Sponsor during the general session and in email blasts to the conference list
- An onsite poster acknowledging your organization as a Silver Sponsor
- Your logo on the conference website and in the conference program
- Two invitations to the VIP opening night reception
- Two complimentary conference registrations
- A full-page color ad in the program, with prime placement
- Media visibility (press release and social media outreach)
- Your insert in registrant tote bags (subject to approval)
Bronze—$15,000
HKAA Benefits
- Seating for up to four guests at the Helen Keller Achievement Awards
- Acknowledgement as a Bronze Sponsor on the event website, on the sponsor poster, and in the dinner journal
- Full-page color ad in the dinner journal (subject to deadlines and availability)
- Opportunity to include an item in the gala favor bags (subject to approval)
AFBLC Benefits
- One exhibit booth
- Speaking opportunity in the demo room (subject to availability)
- Acknowledgement as a Bronze Sponsor during the general session and in email blasts to the conference list
- An onsite poster acknowledging your organization as a Bronze Sponsor
- Your logo on the conference website and in the conference program
- Two invitations to the VIP opening night reception
- Two complimentary conference registrations
- A full-page color ad in the program (subject to deadlines and availability)
- Media visibility (press release and social media outreach)
- Your insert in registrant tote bags (subject to approval)
HKAA-Only Sponsorships and Ads
These options may be added to other sponsorship packages or purchased separately.
$10,000
- Ten VIP Ticket Package (Includes a full-page ad in the dinner journal and acknowledgment on online sponsor page and sponsor poster)
$5,000
- Five VIP Ticket Package (Includes a full-page ad in the dinner journal and acknowledgment on online sponsor page and sponsor poster)
$500
- Individual Ticket
| $5,000 | Gold-page ad |
| $3,500 | Silver-page ad |
| $3,000 | Full-page ad |
| $2,500 | Half-page ad |
AFBLC-Only Sponsorships
$10,000
- Two complimentary conference registrations
- One half-page print JVIB ad (a $285 value) OR one online AccessWorld ad (a $225 value)
- Your organization's logo in the conference program
- Your logo and link on our conference sponsor webpage for one year OR your name and link on promotional emails
- A full-page ad in the program AND your insert in registrant totebags
$5,000
- Two complimentary conference registrations
- Your organization's logo in the conference program and AFB FOCUS
- Your logo and link on our conference sponsor webpage for oneyear OR your name and link on promotional emails
- A full-page ad in the program OR your insert in registrant totebags
AFBLC Ads
Every attendee receives the conference program in multiple formats. Reach an audience that has averaged 400+ attendees representing the leaders and decision makers in the blindness field with a program ad.
| AD PAGE SIZE (W x H) | PRICE |
|---|---|
| Full page (8.5 x 11) | $600 |
| Half page (8.5 x 5.5) | $300 |
*Add a half-page e-book ad in the Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness (JVIB) for just $75 more. Requires purchase of a program ad.
Add 50% per ad for color printing.
All ads are due by February 23, 2018. Ads are printed in black and white unless color is requested (additional fee) and should be submitted as high-resolution (300 dpi) PDFs with no bleeds.
Additional Sponsorship Options
The items below may be purchased as standalone items or in addition to the packages above. Please contact us if you have any questions or would like to create a custom sponsorship package.
| Sponsorship Item | Standalone | As an add-on to sponsorship |
|---|---|---|
| Presenting sponsor for VIP opening night reception SOLD | $15,000 | $10,000 |
| Session track sponsor | $15,000 | $10,000 |
| Coffee break sponsor | $10,000 | $5,000 |
| Wi-Fi for all attendees | $10,000 | $5,000 |
| Badge sponsor | $7,500 | $5,000 |
| Tote bag sponsor | $7,500 | $5,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do you have sponsorship opportunities for non-profits?
A. Yes! Please contact us for sponsorship opportunities that will best fit your needs.
Q. What is the demo room?
A. The demo room allows companies to speak about and demonstrate products and services, survey attendees, or conduct focus groups. Sessions in these rooms will appear in the program and will be promoted in emails to registrants prior to the conference. Sponsors must provide speaker title, abstract, and session topic by deadline (all presentations require AFB approval).
Sponsors at the $75,000 and $50,000 levels have access to premium breakfast and lunch slots in the demo room. AFB will cover the costs of a continental breakfast or lunch for up to 30 participants.
Q. What are JVIB, AccessWorld, and VisionAware?
We are pleased to offer banner ads on emails sent to JVIB, AccessWorld, AFBLC Updates, and VisionAware subscribers, which allows for better message and audience targeting. The Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness (JVIB) and AccessWorld are AFB's online publications. JVIB is the international peer-reviewed journal of record in the field. AccessWorld is AFB's monthly technology magazine, which publishes product reviews of assistive and mainstream technologies. AFBLC Updates is a list of all current and former AFBLC conference attendees, as well as subscribers of several other popular AFB program updates. VisionAware is AFB's program dedicated to adults with vision loss.
Have more questions?
For sponsorship/advertising opportunities, please contact:
Amanda Kolling
Communications and Marketing Manager
E-mail: akolling@afb.net
Phone: 304.710.3031
For questions about exhibiting, please contact:
Lee huffman
AccessWorld Editor and Manager,
Technology Information
E-mail: lhuffman@afb.net
Phone: 304.781.3487
