SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Position Your Organization at the Intersection of Innovation, Talent & Economic Growth
LEAD Conference 2026 brings together the leaders shaping the future of higher education, corporate innovation, workforce development, research collaboration, and economic growth.
As a sponsor, your organization will gain direct access to decision-makers from corporations, HBCUs, universities, community colleges, government agencies, nonprofits, and economic development organizations - all actively seeking partnerships that drive impact.
2026 LEAD CONFERENCE
Why Sponsor LEAD 2026?
Today's innovation economy depends on stronger partnerships between industry, education, government, and community stakeholders. LEAD 2026 is where those conversations happen.
By sponsoring LEAD, your organization will be positioned alongside leaders and institutions committed to advancing research, innovation, workforce readiness, and economic opportunity.
✓ Increase brand visibility among executive-level decision makers
✓ Build strategic partnerships across industry and higher education
✓ Showcase your commitment to innovation and talent development
✓ Connect with future workforce and research leaders
✓ Demonstrate leadership within the innovation ecosystem
✓ Support collaboration that drives long-term economic impact
who you'll meet
Corporate Leaders
Innovation Executives, R&D Leaders, Talent Acquisition, ESG & Community Impact
Higher Education
University Presidents, Provosts, HBCU Leadership, Faculty & Researchers
Government & Agencies
Federal, State & Local Agency Leadership
Economic Development
Economic Development, Organization & Workforce Leaders
Nonprofits & Foundations
Executive Directors, Program Leaders & Community Partners
Students & Emerging Leaders
Undergraduate, Graduate & Early Career Professionals
why lead matters
Stronger Partnerships.
Stronger Communities.
Today's challenges require stronger collaboration between education, industry and community stakeholders.
Sponsors don't simply support an event. They invest in the future of talent, innovation and economic opportunity.
LEAD & HBCUGROW TITLE & PRESENTING PARTNERS
SIGNATURE SPONSORS
sponsorship opportunities
Download the Sponsorship Prospectus
Explore our sponsorship package, audience insights, brand exposure opportunities and the many ways your organization can make an impact.
past conference highlights
2024 LEAD Conference
The 2024 LEAD Conference & Awards was our highest attendance yet! We addressed The Intersection of Business & Education on November 12 @ U.S. Space & Rocket Center.
Seeing students, non-profits, government, business and education come together was inspiring Watch for highlights coming soon.
Our leading speakers discussed AI, empowering success through collaboration, STEM, getting your share of the $16T AI Economy, the Presidential Panel, and an experiential session with the US Space & Rocket Center.
PAST SPEAKERS HIGHLIGHT
Dr Tom Osborn, M.D.
Microsoft
Mona Nour, PhD,
LCMHC
Dr. Alex Carlisle
CEO of the National Alliance Against Disparities in Patient Health
Dr. Carolyn Henderson
Dean of Instruction, Drake State Technical College
Dr. Mark Brown
President, Tuskegee University
Dr. Felesia Stukes
Johnson C. Smith University
Capt. Anthony (AJ) Johnson, Ph.D.
Scientific Advisor & Training Director, NIMHD
Tamara Terry
RTI International
Help Shape The Future Of Innovation & Talent Development
Join the leaders shaping the future of research, innovation and talent development.
November 12, 2026 Research Triangle Park, NC