HBCU PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Join the Conversation.
Shape the Future.
LEAD Conference 2026 brings together higher education leaders, corporate executives, government agencies, nonprofits, and economic development organizations to explore the partnerships driving innovation, talent development, and economic growth.
As anHBCU, Community College, or Higher Ed Partner, your institution becomes part of a growing network committed to advancing student success, strengthening industry relationships, and creating new pathways for collaboration.
2026 LEAD CONFERENCE
Why Partner with LEAD 2026?
LEAD is designed to connect HBCUs with the organizations, leaders, and opportunities shaping the future of research, workforce development, innovation, and economic mobility.
Partnership provides your institution with a platform to:
✓ Strengthen industry relationships
✓ Increase visibility among corporate and government leaders
✓ Showcase academic programs and initiatives
✓ Create opportunities for student engagement
✓ Participate in conversations shaping future workforce strategies
✓ Connect with potential collaborators, sponsors, and employers
✓ Position your institution as a leader within the innovation ecosystem
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.
HBCU Partners don't simply support an event. They invest in the future of talent, innovation and economic opportunity.
LEAD & HBCUGROW TITLE & PRESENTING PARTNERS
SIGNATURE SPONSORS
HBCU PArtnerSHIP opportunities
Download the Partnership Prospectus
Explore our partnership 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