Networking Experiences

  Kick Off the Convention with Energy and Connection.Align your brand with the official start of the SHAPE America National Convention & Expo by sponsoring the Welcome Happy Hour, held immediately following the General Session. This high-traffic gathering offers attendees their first opportunity to connect, network and engage with colleagues in a relaxed, social environment.

With all General Session attendees flowing directly into the reception space, this sponsorship provides broad visibility and association with one of the most well-attended networking moments of the convention.

Sponsorship Inclusions

Event Presence & Recognition

• Exclusive “Welcome Happy Hour presented by [Sponsor Name]” attribution across event signage, promotional materials, and the Online Program and Mobile App Listing
• Verbal recognition during the General Session as sponsor of the Welcome Happy Hour
• Prominent sponsor logo placement throughout the Welcome Happy Hour event space

Branded Experience Elements

• Exclusive naming rights for one (1) signature cocktail or beverage featured during the Welcome Happy Hour
• Opportunity to incorporate sponsor-provided branded elements into the Happy Hour experience, such as:
  • Branded cocktail napkins
  • Commemorative cups or drinkware
  • Attendee giveaways or promotional items
• Optional opportunity to collaborate with SHAPE America on a limited promotional activation (e.g., drink ticket or “golden ticket” experience tied to the General Session)

Attendee Engagement

• Invitation for sponsor representatives to attend and engage with attendees during the event (conference badge required)

  Kick Off the Convention with Energy and Connection.Align your brand with the official start of the SHAPE America National Convention & Expo by sponsoring the Welcome Happy Hour, held immediately following the General Session. This high-traffic gathering offers attendees their first opportunity to connect, network and engage with colleagues in a relaxed, social environment.

With all General Session attendees flowing directly into the reception space, this sponsorship provides broad visibility and association with one of the most well-attended networking moments of the convention.

Sponsorship Inclusions

Event Presence & Recognition

• Logo recognition on a slide displayed during the conclusion of the General Session prior to attendee transition to the Welcome Happy Hour
• Sponsor logo and attribution featured on signage displayed throughout the Happy Hour space
• Logo and attribution featured in the Happy Hour listing in the Online Program and Mobile App

Branded Experience Elements

• Optional opportunity to provide a branded giveaway or promotional item for distribution during the Welcome Happy Hour

Attendee Engagement

• Invitation for sponsor representatives to attend and engage with attendees during the event (conference badge required)

   Make a Lasting First Impression.Connect with attendees at the very start of their convention experience by sponsoring the First-Time Attendee Orientation. With a significant portion of attendees new to the event each year, this session provides a unique opportunity to build early awareness, establish relationships, and position your organization as a helpful and welcoming presence.

Timing

Date: Thursday, April 8, 2026
Time: 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM (TBC)

Sponsorship Inclusions

• Opportunity to greet attendees as they arrive for the orientation
• Verbal recognition during the session
• Opportunity to provide up to 5 minutes of welcome remarks or facilitate a brief icebreaker activity
• Opportunity to provide a giveaway for orientation participants (optional)
• Sponsorship of light refreshments (e.g., coffee, water, light snacks) during the orientation
• Sponsor logo and attribution featured on session schedule signage displayed outside of the orientation room
• Logo and sponsor attribution featured in the orientation listing in the Online Program and Mobile App
• Sponsor logo and attribution included on orientation presentation slide
• Inclusion of sponsor logo, attribution and banner ad in a targeted pre-convention email sent to first-time attendees

   Support Connection, Representation, and Community.Align your brand with a meaningful and impactful gathering designed to celebrate and support BIPOC educators within the HPE community. This dedicated networking social provides a space for connection, shared experiences, and professional relationship-building in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Typically hosted at a local, minority-owned venue, this event offers a unique opportunity to demonstrate your organization’s commitment to access, belonging and community.

Timing

Date: Thursday, April 8, 2026 or Friday, April 9, 2026 (TBC)
Time:TBD
Location: Offsite Venue (TBD)

Sponsorship Inclusions

Event Presence & Recognition

• Exclusive “BIPOC Educators Social presented by [Sponsor Name]” attribution across event signage, promotional materials, and the Online Program and Mobile App listing
• Recognition in communications promoting the social
• Prominent sponsor logo placement throughout the event space

Attendee Engagement

• Greet attendees at the door as they arrive for the social
• Five (5)-minute welcome remarks from a sponsor representative during the social
• Opportunity to provide a branded giveaway for attendees (optional)
• Invitation for up to four (4) sponsor representatives to attend and engage with attendees

Data & Follow-Up

• Post-event attendee list including name, title, organization, and email address for registered participants, in accordance with SHAPE America policies

   Support Connection, Representation, and Community.Align your brand with a meaningful and impactful gathering designed to celebrate and support BIPOC educators within the HPE community. This dedicated networking social provides a space for connection, shared experiences, and professional relationship-building in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Typically hosted at a local, minority-owned venue, this event offers a unique opportunity to demonstrate your organization’s commitment to access, belonging and community.

Sponsorship Inclusions

Event Presence & Recognition

• Recognition in communications promoting the social
• Sponsor logo and attribution featured on shared signage displayed during the event
• Logo and sponsor attribution featured in the event listing in the Online Program and Mobile App

Attendee Engagement

• Invitation for up to two (2) sponsor representatives to attend and engage with attendees

   Support Connection, Representation, and Community.Align your brand with a meaningful gathering designed to celebrate and support LGBTQ+ educators within the HPE community. This dedicated networking social creates space for connection, shared experiences, and professional relationship-building in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Hosted at a local offsite venue in Charlotte, this event provides a unique opportunity to demonstrate your organization’s commitment to belonging, representation, and community within health and physical education.

Timing

Date: Thursday, April 8, 2026 or Friday, April 9, 2026 (TBC)
Time:TBD
Location: Offsite Venue (TBD)

Sponsorship Inclusions

Event Presence & Recognition

• Exclusive “LGBTQ+ Educators Social presented by [Sponsor Name]” attribution across event signage, promotional materials, and the Online Program and Mobile App listing
• Recognition in communications promoting the social
• Prominent sponsor logo placement throughout the event space

Attendee Engagement

• Greet attendees at the door as they arrive for the social
• Five (5)-minute welcome remarks from a sponsor representative during the social
• Opportunity to provide a branded giveaway for attendees (optional)
• Invitation for up to four (4) sponsor representatives to attend and engage with attendees

Data & Follow-Up

• Post-event attendee list including name, title, organization, and email address for registered participants, in accordance with SHAPE America policies

   Support Connection, Representation, and Community.Align your brand with a meaningful gathering designed to celebrate and support LGBTQ+ educators within the HPE community. This dedicated networking social creates space for connection, shared experiences, and professional relationship-building in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Hosted at a local offsite venue in Charlotte, this event provides a unique opportunity to demonstrate your organization’s commitment to belonging, representation, and community within health and physical education.

Sponsorship Inclusions

Event Presence & Recognition

• Recognition in communications promoting the social
• Sponsor logo and attribution featured on shared signage displayed during the event
• Logo and sponsor attribution featured in the event listing in the Online Program and Mobile App

Attendee Engagement

• Invitation for up to two (2) sponsor representatives to attend and engage with attendees