Sponsorship and displays

In 2018 the Australian Council for Adult Literacy (ACAL) will hold its 41st annual conference at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. ACAL is the national organisation that promotes adult literacy and numeracy policy and practice through providing research, advocacy, debate, and professional development to practitioners in the field. For forty years, ACAL has provided a forum for language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) organisations and providers from across the country to advocate for the needs of learners and provide forums and webinars for LLN professionals. In 2018 the Victorian Adult Literacy and Basic Education Council (VALBEC), the state association for the adult literacy field, will host the conference in Melbourne and celebrate its own 40th anniversary. In this prospectus you will find more information about how you can contribute to the success of the 2018 ACAL Conference – Learning In Diverse Communities – Strengths, Reflections, Questions. Adult literacy is a significant issue in Australia with approximately 7.3 million (44.4%) of Australians aged 15 to 74 years having literacy skills that make everyday tasks difficult (ABS, 2013). Further to this, an additional 1 in 3 Australians (30 %) have literacy skills that make them vulnerable to unemployment and social exclusion. The impacts of low levels of adult literacy in a modern knowledge-based economy and society are of critical concern for individuals, employers, industry, policy makers, health providers and educational institutions. The ACAL conference will bring together delegates from Victoria and across Australia, as well as international speakers, academics and delegates. This is a great opportunity for sponsors to partner with ACAL to promote their services and provide support for adult literacy in Australia. Your message will reach managers, teachers and support staff across a range of youth, adult education and community providers from around Australia, Including from the VET sector, workplace literacy settings and libraries.

The conference

The conference will begin on Thursday 13th September and conclude on Friday September 14th. The conference program offers a two-day exploration of new research and practice into teaching foundation skills to learners in post-compulsory education with keynote speakers, presentations or workshops each day.

Who will attend?

Each year the ACAL conference is held in a different state with numbers ranging between 200-250 delegates. Attendees may be teachers, vocational trainers, curriculum designers, managers, volunteer tutors, librarians, academics, researchers, and postgraduate students. They work in a range of sites including Learn Locals, Neighbourhood Houses, Community Colleges, TAFEs, universities and private providers. The conference provides an opportunity for practitioners from around the country to come together and discuss important issues pertaining to the adult literacy field, as well as share experiences and build new networks.

The Venue

The Melbourne Conference and Exhibition Centre, South Wharf.

Sponsorships on offer

You are invited to partner with ACAL by selecting a sponsorship option outlined below.\ All benefits are subject to change and variations can be negotiated to suit your products and services.

Platinum Sponsor – $8,000 (incl. GST) one sponsor – exclusive

The Platinum sponsor will receive:

• Acknowledgment by the President at the official opening and closing ceremonies of the conference
• Acknowledgment and promotion as the Platinum Sponsor in Conference communication material and social media in the months proceeding the conference and post publications
• Four complimentary conference tickets
• A list of contact details of all consenting conference delegates
• Opportunity to address the conference delegates
• A link to your organisation’s website for duration of conference promotion
• An opportunity for editorial and a link to your organisation’s website in the ACAL & VALBEC electronic newsletters (database 2,200)
• Display banners in prominent positions for the duration of the conference
• Exhibition table (see below) in the prime position to maximise engagement with delegates for the conference

Gold Sponsor – $5,000 (incl GST) (up to two sponsors)

The Gold sponsorship opportunity will provide you with:

• Acknowledgment by the President at the official opening and closing ceremonies of the conference
• Acknowledgment and promotion as a Gold Sponsor in all Conference communication material and social media in the months proceeding the conference and post publications
• Two complimentary conference tickets
• A list of contact details of all consenting conference delegates
• Display of banners
• A link to your organisation’s website for duration of conference promotion
• Set up an exhibition table (see below) in a prime position

Silver Sponsor – $2,500 (incl GST)

Silver sponsors will receive:

• Acknowledgment in welcome by the President
• Acknowledgment as a Silver Sponsor in all Conference communication material and social media
• One complimentary conference ticket
• Set up an exhibition table (see below) for the duration of the conference

Bronze Sponsors – $1,000 (incl. GST)

• Acknowledgment as a Bronze Sponsor in all Conference communication material and social media
• Set up an exhibition table (see below) for the duration of the conference with allocation of two staff passes

Table Display Only – $500 (incl GST)

Morning and afternoon teas and lunch will be held in the exhibition area, providing sponsor and supporter access to an immediate audience and resources and information to delegates. Exhibitors have the opportunity to hold a Table Display. The exhibition will be open both conference days. Spaces are limited. This will include:

• One table (approx 1.8m x 0.8m), with a table cloth and 2 chairs
• 2 of your own pull up banners (to be provided by sponsor)
• Listing on the conference website as an exhibitor
• Included in this display opportunity is catering for 1 person per display per day but not attendance at conference sessions or addresses.

Your own sponsorship option

We would be happy to discuss a customised sponsorship to meet your organisation’s needs. Complete the application form at https://acal.edu.au/2018conference/sponsorship-application/