I invite you to participate as an exhibitor in the 2010 Arizona Council of the Blind (AzCB) convention being held April 16 and 17 in Phoenix Arizona. This year’s convention will offer you an excellent opportunity to showcase your products and services to convention attendees. This page includes information about the Convention and details about becoming an exhibitor. This page also includes information about additional advertising and sponsorship opportunities.
About the Convention and Exhibitor Participation
When – Friday and Saturday, April 16 and 17, 2010 - The Exhibits Area will be open from 8 am to 4 pm on Friday.
Where – Phoenix International Airport Crown Plaza Hotel, located at 4300 E. Washington Street in Phoenix – This hotel is located adjacent to the 44th Street Phoenix Metro Light Rail Station and is well served by Valley Metro transit and regional Paratransit systems. It is also very convenient to the freeway system and the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
About the Exhibits Area - In the past, the AzCB has spread exhibitor hours over two full days. However, it has been our experience that attendance in the Exhibits Hall during the second day has been relatively low. The result was additional costs for exhibitors without a corresponding benefit for either exhibitors or attendees. Exhibitors expressed a desire for a full day of exhibits hours and an exhibits area which would facilitate more traffic from convention attendees. Therefore, in light of this feedback, here is what exhibitors can expect in 2010.
Exhibits hours on the first day which are convenient for exhibitors and prospective visitors and customers alike – Exhibits hours will be on Friday, April 16 from 8 am to 4 pm. This time block does not conflict with any affiliate or chapter business meetings, and these hours represent the time when convention attendance is at its peak.
A spacious exhibition room located adjacent to convention activities that will be easily accessible to convention attendees – In fact, the Exhibits area will be adjacent to the meeting rooms where all meetings will take place. This area is near the elevators and just down the hall from the hotel restaurant and Starbucks.
Opportunities to meet more visitors and prospective customers – This year, the AzCB is taking a number of steps to increase the convention visibility and attendance. More convention attendance means more visitors to the Exhibits Hall and more visitors to Exhibits means more customers. Some of the steps we are taking to boost interest and attendance at our convention include:
? We are holding the convention at a venue which is highly accessible to transit, Paratransit, Light Rail and the street and freeway network.
? We are offering on-line convention registration, including the ability to pay convention registration fees through PayPal.
? We are marketing the convention to more individuals, agencies and organizations than ever.
The result of our efforts is our goal of at least 100 attendees, to include blind and visually impaired guests, professionals from state, non-profit and private rehabilitation agencies, teachers, orientation and mobility specialists, and others interested in issues impacting the blindness community. This means that you’ll be talking to people who want to buy your merchandise and access your services.
Costs and Requirements
? The cost for a booth is $100
? This charge is waived for non-profit and governmental agencies (please indicate this on your exhibitor registration form)
? Exhibitors are requested to be available during all Exhibits hours, which are between 8 am and 4 pm on Friday, April 16.
? Any promotional literature you plan to distribute should be available in alternative formats such as large print, Braille and or on disk (the AzCB can not assist in this)
? Arrangements for electricity, Internet access and other extras must be made between you and the conference hotel
? Any overnight accommodations should be made directly with the hotel and are the responsibility of the exhibitor
Advertising and Sponsorship Opportunities
The Arizona Council of the Blind is pleased to offer you an opportunity to more directly market your products and services to attendees of our state convention. You can choose from any of the following options.
Convention Sponsor: $500
Your company will be promoted as a convention sponsor through mentions at main sessions, the convention Banquet and workshops. You will also have the opportunity to place materials in attendee registration bags and will be given an opportunity during the main session on Friday morning, April 16 to promote your products and services.
Workshop or session sponsorship: $250
Your company will be mentioned at the start and end of the session as the sponsor of that particular event. You will also have the opportunity to place materials in convention attendees’ registration bags.
Placement of literature in attendee registration bags: $100
A brochure or informational document (provided by you in an accessible format such as Braille or disk) is included in the materials provided to all registrants. We will provide you with the number of registrants on or about April 1.
For more information about these opportunities and a listing of workshops and sessions available for sponsorship, or to make further arrangements, please contact me as soon as possible.
Please note the exhibitor registration Link below. You should complete the form no later than march 15. SORRY, WE ARE NOT ABLE TO ACCEPT ANY EXHIBITOR REGISTRATIONS PAST THIS DATE.
If you need further information or have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me. You can email me at ronlbrooks@msn.com or contact me at (480) 221-4387. I look forward to working with you and seeing you here in Phoenix this spring.