Partnerships

Organizations & companies

What we need from partners

Event logistics & hospitality

Food & beverage sponsorship – Fuel the experience at our in-person events and workshops
Pop-up signage & wayfinding – Branded banners, sandwich boards, or directional signs
Photo backdrops & display materials – For media capture and promotional content
Signup table supplies – Tablecloths, clipboards, badge materials
Lanyards & name badges – For speakers, mentors, and organizational partners
Chapter swag – Stickers, shirts, pins, or printed goods to help amplify awareness

Learning, visibility & community Growth

Speaker referrals – Connect us with builders, researchers, or founders working on AI, no-code, and emerging tech
Workshop facilitation or mentorship – Volunteer-led or sponsored skill-building sessions
Photography & media support – Capture the energy of our events and community for future storytelling
Social media amplification – Reposts, cross-promotions, or highlights from aligned organizations
Access to event spaces – Free or low-cost venues, especially those open to the public or accessible by transit

Tech tools, talent & career Development

Tech resource donations – Licenses or demos of AI or no-code platforms for learning and project building
Job & internship leads – Help connect our members to companies hiring in AI, data, or low-code roles
Resume or portfolio nights – Co-host sessions that support career advancement in the region
Subscriptions or grants – Fund access to key tools, design systems, or automation platforms we use regularly

Financial support & infrastructure

Monetary contributions – To cover space rental, insurance, subscriptions, and honorariums for expert speakers
Paid speaker fees – Help us ensure local and visiting talent is recognized and supported
Storage or logistics support – Small space for gear, signage, and supplies
Professional services – Legal, accounting, or fiscal sponsorship support as we formalize operations
Grant & development support – Assistance with identifying, applying for, or managing regional or national grant funding

What we’re offering to partners

When you invest in our community, you’re not just helping us host events. You’re helping shape the future of innovation, education, and connection across Hampton Roads. Our team believes that every partner should feel like a meaningful part of the journey — visible, valued, and celebrated.

Below, you’ll find an overview of how your support translates into real impact, along with the benefits we offer to keep you engaged and informed. If anything sparks a question or an idea, please reach out using the contact details at the bottom of this page. We’re always open to conversation.

Important information

The tiers and numbers listed below are based on how much is given in funds or resources per month.
If a large fund ($250 and above) is given and it’s not meant to support a particular meetup or set of meetups, these funds may be spread out over several months and meetups. The partner will still be highlighted as a Platinum partner for the month when the funds were given and going forward the tier/benefits will match the amount of money or resources allotted to that month.
The sizing, placement, and presentation style of partner logos on The AI Collective • Hampton Roads graphics outside or during meetups will directly coordinate with the tiers listed below and the various partners supporting a particular meetup.
In order to properly receive benefits, food/beverage, swag, speaker costs, etc. costs will need to be communicated with the 757 ANC team via email or Ted Patterson via text at least three weeks before an event

Interested in learning more?

If you're local to the Hampton Roads, reach out to Pratik Kothari via email - pratik@aicollective.com
If you're based outside the Hampton Roads, reach out to Andrew Staffor via emal - andrewstafford@aicollective.com

We look forward to talking with you!