Health Policy
Vendors
Why Sponsor Brainstorm?
For Ed Techs

BrainStorm is a conference for K20 technology directors, network administrators, and other IT personnel. This is NOT a conference about curriculum but instead for the bits’n’bytes warriors that support and drive technology in schools.

Decision Makers

A typical attendee has a high degree of decision-making authority for their school district. Sponsoring and/or exhibiting at BrainStorm guarantees that your products and services are in front of the right people.

Vendor Fair

BrainStorm’s vendor fair is one-of-a-kind! This is a reserved time of 4 hours for attendees to see vendor exhibits. There are no breakout sessions running at the same time so all attendees may participate without conflicts.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Your company or organization can sponsor BrainStorm at various levels. Check out all of our sponsorship opportunities in this document.

Sponsorships
Booth Pricing
Double Premium
$2695
Includes Four Expo-Only Passes
20' x 10' Space at Monday's Expo
Listing in mobile app and attendee hub
Single Premium
$1595
Includes Two Expo-Only Passes
Near a Bar or Food Station
10' x 10' space at Monday's Expo
Listing in mobile app and attendee hub
Single Standard
$1295
Includes Two Expo-Only Passes
10' x 10' space at Monday's Expo
Listing in mobile app and attendee hub
Hotel & Accommodations

BrainStorm is held each year at the Kalahari Convention Center in Wisconsin Dells, WI.

Hotel accomodations are NOT included with your registration fees.
A block of rooms has been reserved at the Kalahari Resort. We typically sell out of rooms so be sure to make your reservations early (we also have other hotel options in the reservation site that are nearby to the Kalahari). The hotel reservation site is a button off our event registration confirmation page this year (so you can’t make the reservation without having first registered for BrainStorm and being logged into our event portal).

Hotel Cost

Please use the link below to check pricing for the hotel accomodations.

Hotel Pricing
venue photo
venue photo venue photo venue photo venue photo
Vendor Details
Door Prizes
Vendors may participate in the publicly announced door prize giveaway at the conclusion of the Vendor Expo on Monday.
Lead Retrieval Service
Exhibitors can collect attendee contact information during the Vendor Expo directly from the attendees.
Legal Contract
All vendors must agree to this contract when registering.
Vendor Service Kit
The Vendor Service Kit includes items not available for order through our registration site.
General Conference Details
Code of Conduct
We want everyone to feel comfortable at our conference. Please read our code of conduct.
Conference Agenda
See this year's schedule.
Conference Fees
Attendee fees, cancellation policy, and payment information.
Conference Menu
Get a taste (see what we did there?) of the meals at BrainStorm.
Conference Sessions
View this year's session descriptions and speakers.
Future Conference Dates
You like to be prepared. We get that. Mark your calendar for next year's BrainStorm. And then every year until 2035!!!
Vendor Expo
Find out more about our vendor expo, including a booth map and vendor directory.
W-9 Form
If you need our Taxpayer Identification Number, here's the form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Lead Retrieval devices available to rent?

Yes, we work with a third party to provide rental of Lead Retrieval devices. For more information please see the Lead Retrieval Service link from the vendor menu on our website.

Can I bring my family?

You are more than welcome to bring your family with you to the Kalahari.  We find many of our attendees and vendors will bring their families so they can enjoy the waterpark and other hotel attractions.  It can be a nice family getaway combined with a work trip.  

Family members CANNOT attend the conference itself, unless they are a registered attendee.  We do not allow anyone under 18 to attend the conference.  If you have a spouse or significant other that wants to participate in meals, those can be added during registration for a fee.  You can find that information on the event pricing page or during registration.  

Can we hand out flyers?

Check the Sponsorships document information regarding flyers for attendees to be giving out at the conference registration table.

Flyers may be freely given out to attendees during the Vendor Expo from vendor tables instead of or in addition to sponsoring a flyer at conference registration table.

Can we host functions for attendees on our own?

After-hours events are a great way to make additional connections with the attendees.

Any events you want to arrange, whether at the Kalahari or off-property, cannot start until 30 minutes after all BrainStorm events have wrapped up for the evening (Sunday at 9pm and Monday at 8pm are the earliest your events can start).  

Any arrangements for after-hour events need to be made directly with the venue.  

How do I add booth staff?

The easiest way to add booth staff is at the time of original registration.

  • On the Registration Summary page during registration, use the “Add Group Member” button to assign your booth workers.
  • Assign your complementary passes first, then purchase any additional needed.
  • The people you register must be from your company...not a third party vendor.
  • Full Conference passes will need to be purchased for anyone that wants to participate in any meals or sessions if they are going to be at the conference other times than the vendor expo.

If you have already registered and received your confirmation email, you can still add your booth workers.   ONLY the Exhibitor Coordinator may make the following changes! The Exhibitor Coordinator is the person whose email address was used to register your company's booth for the conference.

  • From the registration page, click the “already registered” link or use the link in your confirmation email.
  • Login using your email address and confirmation number.
  • Scroll down to the bottom of the “Registration Summary” section and click on the “Add Group Member” button
  • Assign your complementary passes first, then purchase any additional needed.
  • The people you register must be from your company...not a third party vendor.
  • Full Conference passes will need to be purchased for anyone that wants to participate in any meals or sessions if they are going to be at the conference other times than the vendor expo.
How do I edit my vendor information?

If you are looking to swap people, or change an email address, you will need to email the planner at registration@brainstormk20.com.  Changes to name spelling, job title, etc. can be made using the following steps. 

  • From the registration page, click the “already registered” link or use the link in your confirmation email.
  • Login using your email address and confirmation number.
  • Click on the “My Registration” button
  • Once you are on the General Information page you will have button that you can choose to “Modify Registration”
How do I know what state other attendees are from?

We have had the request to print the state for each attendee on the nametag.  Because BrainStorm is about networking and making connections, we do not segregate based on state.  We realize that there may be things related to a state that other states don't have to worry about, but the premise of BrainStorm is to network with your peers to learn unique things and share tips and tricks.  We don't want attendees feeling like they can't talk to another attendee because they are from a different state.  

How do I modify payment for an exhibitor booth or sponsorship?

Please contact our Treasurer at 800-910-6382 option 1 to make alternative payment arrangements.

How do we particiapte in the vendor door prizes?

Door prize forms will be distributed by a BrainStorm staff member prior to the Expo starting.  It is your responsibility to turn in the form to the stage prior to the door prize presentation.   The door prize drawing typically starts about 7:00 pm.

How do we purchase a speaking slot?

BrainStorm does not sell speaking slots/sessions. The steering committee chooses sessions from volunteer submissions. Call for Presentations is opened about 7 months prior to the event to all Attendees and Vendors. Check the website and choose the “Call for Presentations” button on the main event page. That page will list the current year’s deadline.

NOTE: If a vendor is chosen to speak, they must purchase a booth or sponsorship.

How many companies can occupy one booth?

One company per booth! Sponsor/Exhibitor shall not assign to a third party its booth space or any portion of that space without the prior written consent of BrainStorm, which BrainStorm may grant or withhold at its sole discretion.

Per our legal contract that must be agreed to when registering for a booth, we only allow one vendor per booth.  Any requests for additional vendors to participate in your booth needs to be submitted to BrainStorm at least 30 days prior to the event.  Approval or denial of such request is at the sole discretion of the BrainStorm steering committee.

Legal contract section pertaining to this question:

USE OF DISPLAY SPACE: Sponsor/Exhibitors are allowed to distribute literature, run demonstrations, and sell products in their assigned exhibit spaces. Sponsor/Exhibitor shall not assign to a third party its display space or any portion of that space without the prior written consent of BrainStorm, which BrainStorm may grant or withhold at its sole discretion. If such permission is given, the Sponsor/Exhibitor shall assume full responsibility for the conduct of the assignee and all its representatives. Sponsor/Exhibitor’s product demonstration may in no way interfere with demonstrations at adjacent booths. Demonstrations using audio must use headsets to demonstrate audio capabilities.

How many passes do we receive?
  • One company per booth! Sponsor/Exhibitor shall not assign to a third party its booth space or any portion of that space without the prior written consent of BrainStorm, which BrainStorm may grant or withhold at its sole discretion.
  • Single booths include 2 complimentary Expo only booth passes, up to 2 more Expo only booth passes can be purchased per booth. Any additional staff beyond those 4 must purchase a Full Conference pass.
  • Double booths include 4 complimentary Expo only booth passes, up to 4 more can be purchased per booth. Any additional staff beyond those 8 must purchase a Full Conference pass.
  • Sponsors are given between 2-10 complimentary Full Conference sponsor passes depending on the sponsorship level. These CANNOT be combined with the complimentary Expo only booth passes to increase the available booth staff. Any additional staff must purchase a Full Conference pass.
  • The Full Conference passes include all meals and all sessions.
  • All booth staff must be registered with an Expo only pass or a Full Conference pass. Speaker only passes (free passes) may not participate in the Vendor Expo.
  • For current pricing for the Expo only and Full conference passes, please see the pricing page on our website.
How will I get the best ROI for my booth?

With our unique 4 hour vendor expo, it is important to be engaged the entire time to maximize the number of leads you will get during the event.  Here are a few tips we have for you to help you do that:

  1. DO NOT sit behind your table.  Stand out front and be approachable.
  2. DO NOT sit with your nose buried in your phone or computer.  If you look busy, the attendees will walk past.  
  3. Have a door prize drawing item that people can sign up for.  (You can scan badges and use the lead retrieval app to select the winner, or you can go old school and have people sign up on a sheet of paper.  Please keep in mind that the lead retrieval will get you the official contact information for the attendees that they submitted during registration.)
  4. Have demos and fun activities for the attendees to engage in.
What and where is the Vendor Service Kit?

The Vendor Service Kit includes items not available for order through our registration site, such as:
– Electrical connections above 500w (each booth has one 500w electrical connection)
– Additional furniture
– Misc trade show services
– Shipping information

To access the Vendor Service Kit, go to the Brainstorm website.  From the Vendor page, find the “Vendor Service Kit” link.

What is included in the purchase of a booth?

Each 10′ wide x 10′ deep carpeted space includes one table with skirting, 2 chairs, wireless Internet, electrical up to 500 watts, and exhibitor’s name on a small sign. Sponsorships and double booths would have proportionally more equipment. Booth worker details can be found above under “Vendor Fair Booth Pricing”.

What is the policy regarding release of attendee contact info?

We do not release attendee contact information to exhibitors. We reverse the role and provide the attendees with all the exhibitor’s contact information. Attendee lists have never been released and there are no plans to change this policy.

Vendor/Exhibitors can collect the info they are looking for by renting a Lead Retrieval device or by asking attendees to register at their booths (sign-up or drop a business card) for a door prize.

What is the Vendor Expo?

A reserved time of 4 hours for attendees to see vendor exhibits. There are no breakout sessions running at the same time so all attendees may participate without conflicts. Food (heavy Hors d’oeuvres) and drinks (1-2 free drink tickets given to attendees and pay-as-you-go bar) are provided for attendees & vendors. Door prizes provided by the vendors are given out near the end of the Expo.

What levels of exhibitors/sponsors are available?

The following are the levels of exhibitors/sponsorships in increasing value. Current pricing is available from the Vendor menu on our website.  You can check regular booth pricing from the “pricing” option and sponsorship pricing from the “sponsorships” option.

General Exhibitors
Single standard booth
Single premium booth
Double premium booth

Sponsorships
Silver
Gold
Platinum
Diamond

What meals are included?

Depending on your registration you are entitled to the following meals:

Vendor Expo Only – All the Expo vendor workers are welcome to any of the food and drinks (pay-as-you-go bars) throughout the Expo.

Full Conference Pass – All meals are included.  The meals included are:
     Sunday Dinner
     Monday Breakfast
     Monday Lunch
     Tuesday Breakfast
     Tuesday Lunch
(Please note that we do have heavy hors d'oeuvres at the Vendor Expo on Monday evening, but we DO NOT have a Monday evening meal...please make arrangements to eat after the Expo on your own). 

What types of payment does the Kalahari accept on-site?

The Kalahari has gone 100% cashless.  

Per the Kalahari website:  In order to provide a smoother and safer transaction for our guests and associates, our resort will be 100% cashless as of February 22, 2023. We accept credit and mobile payments (Apple/Google Pay) as well as room charges through your RFID wristband. Should you arrive on property with only cash, we do have kiosks to exchange your dollars onto a Mastercard that can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted.  For more information, please visit https://www.kalahariresorts.com/wisconsin/ways-to-pay/

When can we begin setting up for the Expo?

Generally about 3 hours prior to the start of the Expo. 12:00pm-2:45pm.

When can we take down our booths?

Vendors are expected to keep their booths completely assembled until the end of the Expo OR earlier if a Steering Committee member approves the request.  The expo ends at 7:30pm and everything has to be torn down before you leave the expo area.

When is the Vendor Expo?

The Expo is held on Monday from 3:30pm-7:30pm.

Where can I get a W-9 form?

Click on the link above to get a BrainStorm W-9 form.

Where do we ship equipment?

Generally you ship to the Expo company in charge of setting up for the show. Our Vendor Service Kit will have the contact information.

If you need equipment for a Sunday session or early Monday, you must ship directly to the Kalahari. The Expo company won’t deliver until Monday late morning.

Shipping directly to the Kalahari should ONLY be done if you have contacted the Kalahari ahead of time (ask to speak to the conference center office about shipping trade show equipment) and have taken into consideration that they don’t have much space compared to the Expo company. The Kalahari only accepts shipments up to 3 days prior to an event. 

Which airport is recommended?

If you will be flying to our conference, we suggest using the Dane County Regional Airport in Madison, WI. It is the closest commercial airport and is about 50 miles from the Kalahari Resort.

Which vendors will be attending?

From the Brainstorm website go to the Vendor Expo menu item and click the “Exhibitor Directory” link.

Who determines where our booth is located?

During registration you will choose your registration type (sponsor level or booth type).  During registration you will select the booth number you want from the remaining available booths for the type of registration you selected.

Why is the Vendor Expo only four hours long?

This was requested by our vendors in our early years and has been very well received by vendors and attendees.  Rather than exhibiting for 2 days with little to no foot traffic most of the time, we reserve a time with no attendee conflicts.

Why present at Brainstorm?

BrainStorm is a conference for K20 technology directors, network administrators, and other IT personnel. This is NOT a conference about curriculum but instead for the bits’n’bytes warriors that support and drive technology in schools. A typical attendee has a high degree of decision-making authority for their school district.