Vendor + Sponsor Move-In
Dedicated setup window for confirmed vendors and sponsors.
- Location: Renasant Convention Center | Memphis, TN
- Phone: 901-525-6512
Event Agenda
Tuesday | Aug 25, 2026
Arrival & Early Connection
EDF Opening Networking Reception
Start EDF 2026 with an evening of early connections before the full conference experience begins. (All Access Pass)
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Purpose
Early Momentum & Relationship Building
Wednesday | Aug 26, 2026
Learning + Curated Matchmaking
A Cup of Joe With the CEO
Continental Breakfast with Jozelle Booker, President and CEO
(Sponsored by W&T Contracting Corporation)
All Passholders Only
Opening Plenary & Ribbon Cutting
Kevin Russell, Senior Fellow with the McKinsey Global Institute, opens EDF 2026 with a look at AI-powered markets and the industries positioned to lead the next generation of economic growth. (Open to all) Exhibit Hall Opens.
Curated Matchmaking (AM Block)
The morning (am) Curated Matchmaking session.
Power Zone Hours
Power Zone Operating Hours (Exhibit Hall Floor) Open 10:30 am – 4:00 pm (Breaks from noon – 1:30pm)
Innovation Zone Open
Innovation Zone Hours (Exhibit Hall Floor)
Power Session 1 – Behind the Build
Lessons from the Obama Presidential Center with Travis Spencer and Rashod Johnson. An in-depth conversation on delivering landmark projects at scale
I-Zone Presentations
Hands-on small business resources, growth solutions, AI, emerging technology and edutainment.
Lunch & Learn Keynote – Bethanie Nonami
Put AI to work immediately with practical strategies to strengthen decision-making, unlock productivity and prepare for what is next. Attendees who complete the session earn an AI Certification. (Lunch included with All Access Pass)
Curated Matchmaking (PM Block)
The afternoon (pm) Curated Matchmaking session.
Power Session 2 – Booked for Business
Featured authors share the stories, lessons and practical takeaways behind useful small business reads. Book sales and signing follow.
Power Session 3 – Advertising 101
How Advertising Helps Small Businesses Grow. Presented by:
Announcements + Giveaways
Wrapping up the first day of the EDF Conference!
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Purpose
Activate Connections & Move Conversations Forward
Thursday | Aug 27, 2026
Primary Matchmaking + Celebration
Continental Breakfast
Continental Breakfast. All Access Pass
Curated Matchmaking (AM Block)
The morning (am) Curated Matchmaking session. Exhibit Hall Opens
Seminar – The Human Premium:
AI Won’t Replace Great Leaders. But Leaders Who Master AI Will Outpace Those Who Don’t. Presented by:
Bank On It – Tools, Talk + Time with Financial Experts
Local financial institutions share banking resources for small businesses, entrepreneurs and individuals, followed by one-on-one conversations with bank representatives.
Luncheon Keynote – Calvin Zhou
The Magnus Labs co-founder brings a Silicon Valley perspective to how Memphis can lead in robotics, AI and intelligent automation, strengthening regional competitiveness and preparing the next generation of talent. (Ticketed Event) Sponsored by FedEx Exhibit Hall (Closed)
Curated Matchmaking (PM Block)
The fourth Curated Matchmaking session. Exhibit Hall Re-Opens
Seminar – 2G:MPower | Shaping the Future:
Discover What’s Missing to Create What’s Next High school and college students explore how robotics and AI are reshaping local businesses, automation and emerging job opportunities.
Final Announcements + Giveaways + Booth Awards
Wrapping up the second day of the EDF Conference! Giveaways, Booth Awards and the Grand Prize!
Robert R. Church, Sr. Achievement Awards Gala
An elegant black-tie evening honoring small business enterprises and leaders whose achievements are driving economic growth across the Mid-South. (Ticketed Black Tie Event)
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Purpose
Deepen Engagement & Celebrate Impact
Rub shoulders with thought-leaders, trendsetters and executives from your industry. Top-tier investors, policymakers, startups, and scale-ups, are among the many features of these two days of business, knowledge sharing and a whole lot of fun.
Contact Info
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Renasant Convention Center
Downtown, Memphis, TN 38103 - 901-526-5261
- edf@mmbc-memphis.org
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Event Hours: Wednesday, 8/26: 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
Thursday, 8/27: 7:30 am - 9:00 pm