Sponsorship Opportunities
Who is the National Marine Educators Association (NMEA)?
National Marine Educators Association (NMEA) is an influential, member-based organization of classroom teachers, informal educators, college professors and scientists from around the world working together to advance the understanding and protection of our freshwater and marine ecosystems.
What is the Mid-Atlantic Marine Education Association (MAMEA)?
MAMEA is an organization of people whose common goal is to improve education about all aspects of marine and aquatic environments. Members come from Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, the District of Columbia, and beyond. We represent many institutions, organizations, communities and programs. MAMEA is thrilled to co-host the 50th Annual Conference of NMEA.
Why sponsor the NMEA 2026 Conference?
By supporting the NMEA 2026 Conference you will be part of a special event that brings together hundreds of inspired and passionate professional educators dedicated to teaching about our marine, coastal and aquatic environments. NMEA members promote the stewardship and enjoyment of our aquatic resources, and help inspire a new generation of environmental leaders, creating a lasting impact for learners everywhere. When you support educators attending this conference, you're directly empowering them to engage with cutting- edge science, explore innovative teaching techniques, and foster invaluable professional connections. What they gain here, they will then teach to countless students, creating a ripple effect that profoundly improves the future of our waterways and communities.
What does the money I donate support?
Conference sponsors make it possible for registration to be affordable for all educators. Many teachers receive no support from their employers to attend professional development programs during the summer. Similarly, smaller organizations struggle to send informal educators when working with a tight budget. Your sponsorship will positively impact local educators and help provide young people with inspiring curriculum, hands-on experiences and life-changing learning.
Thank you for considering becoming a sponsor! To become a sponsor contact nmea2026@marine-ed.org
Financial Sponsorship Opportunities
| Benefits |
Ocean
(Emerald–Platinum)
$10,000+
|
Bay
(Gold)
$5,000–$9,999
|
Watershed
(Silver)
$2,500–$4,999
|
River
(Bronze)
$1,000–$2,499
|
Stream
(Contributor)
Under $1,000
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Logo Display | Prominent | Prominent | Included | Included | Included |
| Exhibit Table | 2 Complimentary tables, Prime location | Complimentary table, Prominent location | Complimentary table | Discounted table | — |
| Registrations | 2–4 free | 1 free | 2 discounted | 1 discounted | — |
| Ad | Full page | Half page | Quarter page | — | — |
| NMEA Memberships | 2–4 individual | 1 individual | 1 individual | 1 individual | — |
Thank you to our 2026 Financial Sponsors:
Custom Sponsorship Opportunities
NMEA invites you to partner with us for our upcoming 2026 conference. We offer a variety of sponsorship opportunities and would love to work with you to find a partnership that aligns with your goals. For more information or to discuss your ideas, please reach out to us at nmea2026@marine-ed.org.
All Custom Sponsorships Options Include:
Sponsor Logo/Name on signage at Entrance to conference exhibit hall and sponsor specific events
Sponsor Logo & Link on NMEA Website
Sponsor Logo & Link on Email promotion of conference
Opportunity to leave hand-outs or giveaways during socials
Continuous Slideshow with Sponsor Logo in Ballroom and dining area.
| Item | Price | Availability | Sponsor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plenary Sponsor | |||
| Plenary Session | $4,500 | 3/3 | |
| Stegner Lecture | $4,500 | 1/1 | |
| Concurrent Session Sponsor | |||
| Full Day 10 rooms × 4 sessions/day | $15,000 | 3/3 | |
| Single Strand 4 sessions/strand | $1,500 | 25/30 | |
| Logistics Sponsor | |||
| Printed Programs | $4,000 | 1/1 | |
| Lanyard Sponsor | $3,000 | 1/1 | |
| A/V Sponsor | $2,500 | 2/2 | |
| Wi-Fi | $2,000 | 2/2 | |
| Student Day @ NMEA | |||
| Student Support | $1,000 | 5/5 | |
| Food & Beverage | |||
| Mon Evening Social | $5,000 | 1/2 | Blue Robotics |
| Tue Evening Social | $5,000 | 2/2 | |
| Wed Evening Social | $5,000 | 2/2 | |
| Poster Session Reception | $2,500 | 1/1 | |
| Breakfasts | $3,000 | 3/3 | |
| Breaks | $2,500 | 2/2 | |
Thank you to our 2026 Custom Sponsors:
In-Kind Sponsorship Opportunities
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Media/PR Sponsor | Promote NMEA/MAMEA & the conference; logo on program & website |
| Auction Items | Donate item/experience; logo in marketing; acknowledgement during auction |
| Beer & Wine | Provide beverages for events; logo in marketing; acknowledgement at event |
| Conference Swag | Swag for 300–350 attendees (sustainable preferred); logo in marketing & on swag |
| Local Discounts | Offer coupon/discount for attendees; logo in marketing; distribute materials |
| Field Trips | Support trips or transport; logo in marketing |
