Sponsorship Opportunities

Thousands of public librarians, library directors, trustees, and others will converge on Philadelphia for the only conference dedicated exclusively to the public library world. Don't miss this opportunity. PLA will work with our PLA 2012 Conference sponsors to maximize recognition. We are seeking sponsors for these events, or we can tailor a package to meet sponsor goals.

Stand out at the PLA 2012 Conference by becoming a PLA Partner! PLA Partners have increased visibility, including signage, recognition in conference materials, links from our website to yours, and are recognized by our attendees and members as an integral part of the public library community. Read more about the PLA Partners Program. The 2012 PLA Partners commitment year begins September 2011 and runs through the PLA Conference until end of August 2012. This entitles your organization to Partner's coverage through this period.

To secure your sponsorship, contact Mary Michalik at 312-265-9650, mary@corcexpo.com, or Matt McLaughlin at 312-265-9655, matt_mclaughlin@corcexpo.com.

PLA conference sponsorships include additional benefits.

Meetings and Sessions

Nancy Pearl Presents "Book Buzz" – SOLD!

— $5,000 (one opportunity available)
Nancy Pearl is back for another exciting round of “Book Buzz.” Sponsor this perennial favorite that attracts standing room only crowds of more than 500 people. Exclusive sponsorship benefits include:

  • Signage featuring your logo as attendees enter and exit the event
  • Signage featuring your logo on the stage during the program
  • Logo included next to program on the website and in marketing materials
  • Recognition for your company from the podium
  • Includes Gold Partner benefits

Opening General Session with Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

— $5,000 each (multiple opportunities available); or be the exclusive sponsor of this event for $10,000
The official kick off of the PLA Conference typically attracts 5,000 attendees. This year’s event will open with the inspiring advocate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who spends much of his personal time and legal expertise fighting for the future of our environment. Don't miss out on this opportunity to get your name and logo in front of attendees at the beginning of this exciting conference. Exclusive benefits include:

  • Signage featuring your logo as attendees enter and exit the Opening General Session
  • Signage at book signing table, if applicable
  • Recognition for your company from the podium
  • Logo included next to program on the website and in marketing materials
  • VIP seating for two company representatives
  • Sponsor logo displayed on large screens at the front of the stage during the beginning and end of event
  • Depending on level of partnership, includes Gold or Platinum Partner benefits

Closing Session with Betty White

— $5,000 each (multiple opportunities available); or be the exclusive sponsor of this event for $10,000
This year the Closing Session will headline with Betty White—comedienne, singer, author, and former game show personality. She will delight PLA with stories from a career that has spanned more than seven decades. Exclusive benefits include:

  • Signage featuring your logo as attendees enter and exit the Closing Session
  • Signage at book signing table, if applicable
  • Recognition for your company from the podium
  • VIP seating for two company representatives
  • Sponsor logo displayed on large screens at the front of the stage during the beginning and end of event
  • Depending on level of partnership, includes Gold or Platinum Partner benefits
  • Logo included next to program on the website and in marketing materials

Programs and Preconferences

— $5,000 and $10,000 (multiple opportunities available)
PLA is the recognized leader in public library continuing education offerings. PLA Conference preconferences and programs attract from 100–1,000 attendees. Find program content that complements your company's products and services and sponsor the program. Exclusive benefits include:

  • Logo recognition on signage outside of the program room
  • Recognition in the conference materials as a program sponsor
  • Recognition on the website and in marketing materials with your logo next to the program sponsored
  • Depending on level of partnership, includes Gold or Platinum Partner benefits

Virtual Conference

— $5,000 each (multiple opportunities available); or be the exclusive sponsor of this event for $10,000
Reach beyond the conference walls and make your organization visible to in-person attendees as well as those participating in the Virtual Conference. The 2008 PLA Conference featured the first-ever Virtual Conference, and we expect it to be an even bigger success than it has been in the past. In addition to the 300–500 attendees who will participate in just the Virtual Conference, all PLA Conference attendees have access to the Virtual Conference. And the Virtual Conference content is available to attendees for a year after the Conference. Exclusive benefits include:

  • Recognition in all Virtual Conference specific marketing pieces
  • Recognition on the Virtual Conference website
  • A link to your website from the Virtual Conference website
  • Depending on level of partnership, includes Gold or Platinum Partner benefits

Food and Beverage Events

All Conference Reception

— $12,000 (one opportunity for title sponsorship)
Increase your organization's visibility by sponsoring the All Conference Reception. This event features an evening of lively entertainment and hors d'oeuvres, and is a perennial favorite of conference attendees. More than 3,000 conference attendees come to the All Conference Reception to mix and mingle with their peers. Exclusive benefits include:

  • Logo recognition on signage at the entrance of the event, at food stations, and on the entertainment stage
  • Tent cards on each table featuring your company's logo
  • Exclusive naming rights (The “PLA All Conference Reception — sponsored by YOUR NAME”)
  • Your logo printed on cups and napkins (extra cost)
  • Hospitality/drink tickets for your staff
  • Includes Platinum Partner benefits

Exhibit Hall Opening Reception

— $5,000 (one opportunity available)
The Opening Reception attracts the majority of the conference's attendees who are all eager to get a glimpse of the Exhibits Hall. Capitalize on the high energy of attendees when the conference opens by sponsoring this event, which includes appetizers. Exclusive benefits include:

  • Announcements in the hall during event to thank you for your support
  • Signage featuring your logo as sponsor at refreshment areas on show floor
  • Event is scheduled during a “no conflict” time, meaning no other events take place during the Opening Reception
  • Includes Gold Partner benefits

Exhibits Closing Reception

— $5,000 (one opportunity available)
PLA surveys indicate 99 percent of attendees visit the exhibits and 73 percent of those visit more than three times during the show. Benefits include:

  • Announcements in the hall during event to thank you for your support
  • Signage at entry to show floor acknowledging your sponsorship
  • Event is scheduled during a “no conflict” time, meaning no other events are scheduled during this time
  • Signage at coffee and dessert station
  • Includes Gold Partner benefits

Exhibit Hall Coffee Breaks

— $5,000 each (three opportunities available)
An estimated 7,000 conference attendees visit the exhibits during the designated coffee breaks to enjoy refreshments in the hall. Send them straight to your booth. Exclusive benefits include:

  • Announcements in the hall during event to thank you for your support
  • Signage at coffee stations featuring your logo
  • Announcement thanking your organization prior to each coffee break
  • Your name and logo imprinted on napkins and cups (customized at additional cost)
  • Includes Gold Partner benefits

Attendee Services

Shuttle Bus Transportation

— $10,000 each (multiple opportunities available)
The Shuttle Bus partner will be the provider of attendee transportation to and from the conference. At previous PLA Conferences, 75 percent of attendees have used to shuttle bus transportation to travel to and from the conference. Make an impression on attendees by ensuring that your brand is the first thing attendees see when arriving at the conference and the last thing they see when departing. Exclusive benefits include:

  • Logo recognition on signage posted in each shuttle bus
  • Logo recognition on signage posting the shuttle bus schedule in each hotel and at the convention center
  • Logo recognition on signage at the shuttle bus loading point
  • Includes Platinum Partner benefits

Hotel Keycards

— $10,000
Be the last name attendees see as they leave their rooms for the conference and the first when they return to their rooms in the evening. Your logo along with PLA2012 branding will be imprinted on each keycard, providing thousands of impressions.

  • Your company artwork imprinted on 2 color keycard used at the Marriott Hotel, Sheraton Hotel, and the Crowne Plaza Hotel
  • Includes Platinum Partner benefits

Exhibit Hall Aisle Signs

— $7,500 for entire Exhibit Hall
Increase awareness of your company by exclusively displaying your company logo on all overhead Aisle Signs throughout the show floor. Attendees will see your logo each time they look for an aisle number. Includes 12 aisles. Benefits include:

  • Your company logo and booth number are displayed on all Exhibit Hall Aisle Signs
  • Includes Gold Partner benefits

Recharge Station

— $7,500 (includes two stations)
Enable participants to power up their smart phones, laptops, and other wireless devices without leaving the Exhibit Hall. During the recharging process, your company will be prominently featured:

  • Your company’s video message is on a continuous loop at each recharging station
  • Your company’s print message is displayed on each station
  • Includes Gold Partner benefits

Stair Sponsorship

— $6,000
Your exclusive advertisement will run up the stairs to the PLA Exhibit Hall and General Sessions. PLA attendees will travel these stairs several times each day giving your company thousands of impressions.

  • Your company designed artwork on stairs going from Registration up to the Exhibit Hall (for a graphic, please contact mary@corcexpo.com)
  • Includes Gold Partner benefits

Recycle Bins

— $5,000 (includes 40 bins)
Put your company’s message on the recycle bins located throughout the PLA Conference and Exhibit Hall. Your message will be seen repeatedly on 40, 4-sided corrugated recycle bins.

  • Includes Gold Partner benefits

Hand Sanitizer Stations

— $5,000 (includes 4 stations)
Attendees will be grateful for the easy access to these protective products within and around the exhibit hall and conference areas. Your company name and logo will be attached to each of the four stations located throughout the Conference (for a graphic, please contact mary@corcexpo.com).

  • Includes Gold Partner benefits

Water Stations

— $5,000 (includes 4 stations)
Attendees appreciate the simple availability of water. Place your eye catching company designed message on floor mats directly in front of each water station in and around the Exhibit Hall.

  • Your company designed artwork on floor mat signage place directly in front of the water station
  • Includes Gold Partner benefits

Internet Café

— $5,000 each (two opportunities available); choose the café on the show floor or in the registration area, or be the exclusive sponsor of both cafés for $10,000
Internet Cafés are set up in high traffic areas, making your sponsorship not only visible to those using the cafés, but also to heavy conference foot traffic. Benefits include:

  • Signage with your logo in café area, as well as on all directional signage
  • Your logo on each monitor wallpaper and as a screensaver
  • Includes Gold Partner benefits; or Platinum Partner benefits for both cafés

Wireless Internet

— $5,000 (one opportunity available)
As the exclusive sponsor of Wireless Internet, your company's name and logo will be the first thing attendees see when they log on. Benefits include:

  • Your company’s website automatically set as the homepage
  • Includes Gold Partner benefits

Attendee Bag Insert

— $3,000 (four opportunities available)
Include a promotion flier from your company in the conference bags that all participants receive at registration.

Standing Sign Board

— $2,500 (four opportunities available)
Your advertisement will be prominently displayed on these free-standing, double-sided signboards. Measuring 8’ high x 3’ wide, your sign board will be placed in a high traffic area at the Conference.

Attendee Premium Items

Do you want to ensure that your company's name and logo get into the hands of every conference attendee? Your branded items are included in the conference goodie bag that is provided at registration. Opportunities include:

  • Conference Badge Holders – SOLD!
  • Official Conference Attendee Bag – SOLD!
  • Pens – SOLD!

General Support

Available at all levels. Show your organization's ongoing support for PLA all year and at the PLA Conference through your general support partnership. Enjoy benefits at conference, including:

  • Announcements thanking you as a PLA Partner
  • Links from our website to yours

To secure your sponsorship, contact Mary Michalik at 312-265-9650, mary@corcexpo.com, or Matt McLaughlin at 312-265-9655, matt_mclaughlin@corcexpo.com.