*Schedule is subjected to change*

Thursday, April 3rd:

12:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Registration at MSAD

3:00 – 4:00 PM: MSAD ECE Tour

4:30 - 6:00 PM: Shuttle Services (MSAD, hotels, Northfield Armory)

4:00 - 6:00 PM: Registration at The Armory Northfield

6:00 – 9:00 PM: Open Ceremony and Reception at The Armory Northfield (Shuttle services will be provided to return to hotels).

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Friday, April 4th: 

7:30 – 9:00 AM: Breakfast (MSAD) 

9:00 – 10:00 AM: Opening Keynote Presentation

Malibu Barron: “From Roots to Rights: Educators as Foresters, Empowering Our Young Sapling”

10:00 – 11:00 AM: Global Connection (0-3, 3-5, 5-8, specialists, administrators)

11:00 AM – 12:30 PM: Spotlight Presentations 

Joseph (Jojo) Lopez & Juan Bernal Mondragon: “From Family to School with Heritage Sign Languages Center” 

Twila Latini: “It is NOT Just Vocabulary... Classifiers - They Matter, Too!” 

Morgan Lee: “Culturally Responsive Teaching for Students with Language Deprivation"

12:30 – 1:30 PM: Lunch (MSAD) 

1:30 – 3:00 PM: Spotlight Presentations

Celena Ponce: "Engaging immigrant families" 

Millicent Musyoka: "Engaging Deaf Children in Storytelling to Support Language Development"

Justine Gonzalez & Robin Riley: "Engaging the Whole Child: Integrating S.M.A.R.T. into the Classroom"

3:00 – 4:30 PM: Spotlight Presentations

Emma V. Mang: "Creating an Inclusive Canvas: Cultural Art Programming for Young Learners"

Cicely Boggan: "Using ASL Manipulatives to Teach Literacy Skills for Early Childhood"

Cara Barnett: "Connecting VCSL and MCDI"

4:30 – 5:30 PM: Roundtable Discussion 

5:30 – 9:30 PM: Mall of America (Transportation will be provided from MSAD to Mall of America, and then from Mall of America to the hotels in Northfield and back to MSAD).

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Saturday, April 5th: 

7:30 – 9:00 AM: Breakfast (MSAD)

9:00 – 10:30 AM: Spotlight Presentation

Fred Beam: "The Arts of Storytelling: Incorporating theater Arts, Literacy and S.T.E.M. in Classroom and on Stage"

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Spotlight Presentations

Carly Leannah: “Exploratory play in museums: how sensory experiences and language shape discovery”

Twila Latini: “Language Deprivation: NOW WHAT?”

12:00 – 1:00 PM: Lunch & Group Picture

1:00 – 2:00 PM: Closing Keynote Presentation

Amanda Kline: “Strengthening Early Literacy in D/HH Children with a Focus on Dyslexia”

2:00 – 4:00 PM: Business Meeting/Closing Ceremony

Explanation and Expectations for the ECE Summit 2025

sponsors and exhibitor request form

The ECE Summit 2025 provides a unique opportunity for sponsors and exhibitors to engage with early childhood education professionals, educators, and families who serve deaf, deafblind, deafdisabled, and hard of hearing children. This summit is dedicated to fostering collaboration, professional development, and the sharing of innovative resources that support the education and development of young minds.

Why Sponsor or Exhibit at the ECE Summit?

• Visibility: Gain exposure to a diverse group of early childhood professionals who are passionate about inclusive education for deaf and hard of hearing students.
• Networking: Connect with educators, professionals, and administrators who are eager to learn about new products, services, and resources that can benefit their students and classrooms.
• Brand Alignment: Align your brand with a cause that focuses on accessibility, education, and empowerment for young learners and their families.
• Direct Engagement: Participate in an interactive environment where you can demonstrate your products, share insights, and provide valuable solutions to summit attendees.

Exhibitor Hall Details: Exhibitors will have a dedicated space in the Exhibitor Hall, where attendees can interact with your booth throughout the summit. We encourage all exhibitors to engage with attendees, answer questions, and provide hands-on demonstrations where applicable. Exhibitors will also have opportunities to participate in networking events and break sessions.

Sponsorship Packages: Our sponsorship packages offer various levels of visibility and engagement, including opportunities to sponsor keynote sessions, meals, or networking events. Each package includes tailored benefits designed to maximize your exposure to summit attendees.

Expectations for Sponsors and Exhibitors:

• Professionalism: We ask all sponsors and exhibitors to maintain a professional, friendly demeanor while interacting with attendees.
• Setup and Breakdown: Exhibitors are expected to set up their booths prior to the start of the summit and ensure they are properly staffed during designated hours. Detailed setup and breakdown times will be provided in advance.
• Materials and Resources: Please bring any marketing materials, product samples, or informational resources you wish to distribute to attendees.
• Digital Presence: Sponsors and exhibitors will be featured on our event website, with options for enhanced visibility based on sponsorship level.

For more information on how to become a sponsor or exhibitor at the ECE Summit 2025, please contact us at info@msa.state.mn.us. We look forward to partnering with you to make this event a valuable experience for all!

 

1. Platinum Sponsor: $10,000 (Max 5 sponsors)

Exclusive Benefits:

• Exclusive Sponsorship of the ECE Summit's Opening Ceremony

• Recognition as the Official Summit Sponsor with your logo prominently featured on all summit materials, including the website, social media platforms, program, and signage

• Full-page ad in the Summit Program (digital and print versions)

• Exhibitor Hall Premier Booth with priority placement

• Company-branded welcome gift for all attendees

• Logo on summit swag (tote bags or badges)

• Special recognition and opportunity for 1-minute remark at the Opening Ceremony

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2. Gold Sponsor: $7,500

Key Benefits:

• Sponsorship of a networking event or meal (Thursday dinner, Friday breakfast or lunch, or Saturday breakfast or lunch), with your logo displayed prominently at the event

• Half-page ad in the Summit Program (digital and print versions)

• Exhibitor Hall Premium Booth with a prime location

• Recognition on the summit website and in social media promotions

• Logo on summit signage and event materials

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3. Silver Sponsor: $5,000

Core Benefits:

• Sponsorship of one breakout session or panel discussion, with recognition in session materials

• Quarter-page ad in the Summit Program (digital and print versions)

• Exhibitor Hall Standard Booth with excellent visibility

• Recognition with your logo prominently featured on all summit materials, including the website, social media platforms, program, and signage

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4. Bronze Sponsor: $2,500

Essential Benefits:

• Sponsorship of a coffee break or snack session, with signage at the event

• Quarter-page ad in the Summit Program (digital and print versions)

• Exhibitor Hall Standard Booth

• Recognition on the summit website and in social media promotions

• Logo on event signage

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5. Friend of the Summit Sponsor: $1,000

Basic Benefits:

• Logo on the summit website as a "Friend of the Summit"

• Business card ad in the Summit Program (digital and print versions)

• Recognition on social media channels

• Exhibitor Hall Booth 

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5. Community Sponsor: $100

Basic Benefits:

• Logo Placement on ECE Summit's webpage

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Additional Opportunities:

• Exhibitor Hall Booth (without sponsorship - For Profit): $650

• Exhibitor Hall Booth (without sponsorship - Non-Profit): $200
  Includes booth space and recognition in the Summit Program.

• Ad Placement in the Summit Program:

  • Full-page ad: $200
  • Half-page ad: $150
  • Quarter-page ad: $100
  • Business card ad: $50

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Why Sponsor the ECE Summit? Sponsoring the ECE Summit 2025 is an excellent opportunity to align your brand with an event that fosters growth and innovation in early childhood education, specifically for professionals supporting deaf, deafblind, deafdisabled, and hard of hearing children. You’ll gain valuable exposure, connect with a targeted audience, and showcase your commitment to inclusive and accessible education.

For more information or to secure your sponsorship, please contact info@msa.state.mn.us. We look forward to partnering with you to create a memorable and impactful event!

Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf will provide CEUs and clock hours within 15 business days after the ECE Summit 2025 concludes. To receive these credits, educators and professionals must complete an evaluation for workshops they attend at the end of the summit. The link to the evaluation form will be shared at the NASLECE business meeting. Your feedback is important and helps us continue offering high-quality professional development opportunities.

Hotel Accommodations for the Early Childhood Education Summit (ECE Summit)

Room blocks will be available for reservations starting October 15th. Participants can contact the hotels listed below and mention the Early Childhood Education Summit (ECE Summit) block to receive the discounted rate and secure their accommodations.

• GrandStay Hotel (Faribault - 3 miles away from MSAD): 507-334-2888 - Hotel Link (Ask for ECE SUMMIT)
• Fairfield Inn (Northfield - 14 miles away from MSAD): 507-366-5000 - Hotel Link (Ask for MN Academy)
• AmericInn (Northfield - 13 miles away from MSAD): 507-645-7761 - Email the Hotel (Ask for ECE SUMMIT)

We encourage you to book early to ensure availability.