2026 AHEAD Annual Conference Exhibit & Marketing

AHEAD 2026: July 20-24, Rhode Island Convention Center

Nightscape view of Providence, Rhode Island

Welcome from Jane Johnston, AHEAD Director of Member Services

Since 1977 AHEAD has been providing invaluable resources to professionals who work in disability services in higher education and beyond. AHEAD’s Annual Conference usually draws approximately 1700 attendees.

All attendees have the same goals and seek to gain knowledge about disability services in higher education. Accessible technology, improving accommodations, postsecondary transition tools, universal design, AI , notetaking and legal updates are just a few of the topics our attendees pursue.

You’re invited to join us July 20 – 24 in Providence, Rhode Island. We invite you to be creative! Put your company or organization in the spotlight. From sponsoring to exhibiting in person to presenting, you can leave a lasting impression on this important audience.

Feel free to contact me with any questions.

Headshot: Jane Johnston

Jane Ayres Johnston 
AHEAD Director of Member Services
jane@ahead.org / 704-947-7779

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Exhibit Hall Schedule of Events

The 2026 Exhibit Hall will be in the Rhode Island Convention Center. In addition to the schedule below, exhibitors are welcome and encouraged to stay for, and participate in, the entirety of the 2026 Conference that will begin with Preconference Institutes on Monday, July 20 (additional registration required) and end on Friday, July 24.

Wednesday, July 22

  
Noon - 5:00 pm Exhibitor Setup
5:00 - 7:00 pm Exhibit Hall Grand Opening and President’s Reception
   

Thursday, July 23

  
8:30 am - 4:30 pm Exhibit Hall open. Activities include poster sessions, breakfast, grab-and-go-lunch, and refreshment breaks
   

Friday, July 24

  
10:00 - 11:30 am Exhibit Hall poster sessions and extended refreshment break
11:30 am - 12:30 pm Exhibit booth breakdown

View of an AHEAD Conference Exhibit Hall from overhead


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Hotel Information

Hotel information will be available in March 2026. 

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Important Deadlines

  • April 1, 2026 - Last Chance for Early Bird Exhibitor Rate
  • May 9, 2026 - Advertising and Marketing Applications and Final Advertisements Due
  • June 1, 2026 - Exhibitor Applications Must be Submitted

Quicklinks

Downloads

Exhibit Hall Map

The 2026 AHEAD Exhibit Hall will be in Exhibit Hall B at the Rhode Island Convention Center. While every effort has been made to ensure this drawing is accurate; this floorplan representation is subject to alteration and the Providence Fire Marshall approval and should be referred to for general illustrative purposes only.

2026 AHEAD Exhibit Hall Map with booth locations

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Conference Sponsorship Details

Become a sponsor at the AHEAD Conference and get exclusive access to attendees! If you have other sponsorship ideas not listed on this form, contact Jane Johnston, Director of Member Services at 704-947-7779 or jane@ahead.org. 

Overall Conference Sponsorship 

$12,000 (up to three available), or $27,500 for Exclusive Sponsorship 

  • Your logo and/or company name prominently displayed on the conference website/app, Online Exhibit Hall, and in the conference program book
  • One 2-minute video played at the introduction of the keynote
  • Two Exhibit Hall booths
  • Up to four complimentary conference registrations
  • Full-page ad in program book and pre-conference marketing
  • Pre- and post-conference mailing list databases of members and attendees
  • Partner membership to AHEAD for 2026

Gold-Level Sponsorship 

$4250 

  • One-hour Product Introduction presentation
  • Your logo and/or company name prominently displayed on the conference website/app, Online Exhibit Hall, and in the conference program book
  • One Exhibit Hall booth
  • One complimentary conference registration
  • One full-page ad in the conference program book and pre-conference marketing
  • Pre- and post-conference mailing list of members and attendees

Silver-Level Sponsorship 

$3000 

  • Your logo and/or company name prominently displayed on the conference website/app, Online Exhibit Hall, and in the conference program book
  • One Exhibit Hall booth
  • One complimentary conference registration
  • One half-page ad the conference program book and pre-conference marketing

Lanyard Sponsorship  (SOLD)

$5000 (One available) 

  • Your company name/logo printed on conference lanyards
  • Your logo and/or company name prominently displayed on the conference website and in the conference program book
  • One Exhibit Hall booth
  • One complimentary conference registration

WiFi Sponsorship

$5000, or two at $2500 each 

  • Your company name/logo printed on the app WiFi page
  • Your logo and/or company name prominently displayed on the conference website/app, Online Exhibit Hall, and in the conference program book
  • One Exhibit Hall booth
  • One complimentary conference registration
  • One half page ad in the conference program book and pre-conference marketing

Reusable Water Bottle Sponsorship (SOLD)

$4000 
  • Your company name/logo printed on conference water bottles 
  • Your logo and/or company name prominently displayed on the conference website and in the conference program book 
  • One Exhibit Hall booth 
  • One complimentary conference registration 

Charging Table Sponsorship

$3000 

  • Your logo and/or company name prominently displayed on the conference website/app, Online Exhibit Hall, and in the conference program book
  • One Exhibit Hall booth
  • One complimentary conference registration
  • One half-page ad the conference program book and pre-conference marketing
  • Your logo/URL on the charging table.

Download the Sponsorship Application (DOC)

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Advertising and Marketing

Advertise in the AHEAD Conference Program

The Conference Program contains information pertaining to sessions, presenters, and activities. All conference attendees, speakers, and primary exhibitor representatives receive a copy at registration. An invaluable tool, the Conference Program is referred to many times during and after the event.

  • Format for Conference Program: 5.5” x 8.5” Full Color
  • Art must be in JPEG or PDF format at 300 dpi resolution or higher
  • Deadline for submitting application and advertisement: May 9, 2026

Advertising Specifications

Ad Size Rate Dimensions
Full Page $900 4.5” x 7.5”
Half Page $550 4.5” x 3.5”

Banner Ad in Conference App 

Placed at the bottom of each page in the app; sold on a first-come, first-serve basis.

  • Monday $250 
  • Tuesday $250
  • Wednesday $450 
  • Thursday $450 
  • Friday $450 

Advance and Follow-up Marketing: Keys to Success

Exhibitors and advertisers may purchase an AHEAD member mailing list (no emails) at a significantly reduced price of $400 (a $600 value). This benefit is your ticket to successful pre-show marketing, and will be sent to you in early May 2026. Partner members receive a complimentary mailing list once AHEAD has processed your membership application.

All exhibitors and advertisers are also entitled to order a conference attendee mailing list for a cost of $250, which will be delivered in August 2026. Both lists may be purchased for a reduced cost of $500. 

Download the Advertising & Marketing Application (DOC)

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