NMEA 2026

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

NMEA Sponsorship Levels & Benefits
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

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
Plenary Sponsor
Plenary Session$4,5003
Stegner Lecture$4,5001
Concurrent Session Sponsor
Full Day 10 rooms × 4 sessions/day$15,0003
Single Strand 4 sessions/strand$1,50030
Logistics Sponsor
Printed Programs$4,0001
Lanyard Sponsor$3,0001
A/V Sponsor$2,5002
Wi-Fi$2,0002
Student Day @ NMEA
Student Support$1,0005
Food & Beverage
Mon Evening Social$5,0002
Tue Evening Social$5,0002
Wed Evening Social$5,0002
Poster Session Reception$2,5001
Breakfasts$3,0003
Breaks$2,5002

In-Kind Sponsorship Opportunities

Category Details
Media/PR SponsorPromote NMEA/MAMEA & the conference; logo on program & website
Auction ItemsDonate item/experience; logo in marketing; acknowledgement during auction
Beer & WineProvide beverages for events; logo in marketing; acknowledgement at event
Conference SwagSwag for 300–350 attendees (sustainable preferred); logo in marketing & on swag
Local DiscountsOffer coupon/discount for attendees; logo in marketing; distribute materials
Field TripsSupport trips or transport; logo in marketing