LEAD
February 26–28, 2027 | Washington Hilton | Washington, D.C.
LEAD is the premier conference for students and advisers, bringing together over 2,000+ participants from the National Honor Society (NHS), National Junior Honor Society (NJHS), and National Association of Student Councils (NASC). Attendees gather to explore leadership, share ideas, and learn from one another’s experiences.
NHS, NJHS, and NASC students are accomplished leaders equipped with essential life skills like public speaking and problem-solving. Alongside them, dedicated advisers, school leaders, and teachers participate in professional development and connect with peers, all while supporting student growth and leadership.
New in 2027: Meet the Next Generation of Inspiring Students
NEW this year, our NHS and NASC Scholarship finalists will be attending with their adviser, where they will be celebrated and recognized among peers for their outstanding commitment to scholarship, service, leadership, and character, and extraordinary contributions to their school communities.
The Power of Becoming a LEAD Sponsor or Exhibitor
Direct Access to Top Talent
Connect immediately with high-achieving students and influential school leaders from across the country—giving your brand exposure to a wide and engaged audience.
Meaningful Engagements
Exhibitors typically leave with 10–20 students who express interest in continued engagement, creating opportunities for lasting connections and future collaborations.
Position Your Brand as a Leader
Share your expertise, showcase your solutions, and build credibility as a thought leader in the education and youth leadership space.
Sponsorship Packages
Sponsorship Opportunities
Tote Bag Sponsor - $8,500
- Exhibit table
- (2) Conference registrations
- Sponsor logo recognition on the conference site
- Sponsor recognition in the mobile app
- Sponsor logo recognition on signage
- Logo on the conference tote bag
- DEADLINE: November 20, 2026
Notebook Sponsor - $6,000
- Exhibit table
- (2) Conference registrations
- Sponsor logo recognition on the conference site
- Sponsor recognition in the mobile app
- Sponsor logo recognition on signage
- Logo on the conference tote bag
- DEADLINE: November 20, 2026
Keynote Sponsor (3 available) - $4,500
- Sponsor recognition on the conference site in keynote mention
- Sponsor logo recognition in the mobile app
- Sponsor logo recognition on keynote slides
- Verbal recognition (short company description read by student emcee during keynote introduction)
T-Shirt (Exclusive) - $15,000
- Exhibit table
- (2) Conference registrations
- Sponsor logo recognition on the conference site
- Sponsor recognition in the mobile app
- Sponsor logo recognition on signage
- A registration kit that includes a LEAD t-shirt, baseball cap and water bottle will be given to every attendee at check-in. T-shirts will be pre-ordered to size for each attendee. Leave your mark on this high visibility merch item. Logo will be placed on the back of the t-shirt.
- DEADLINE: November 20, 2026
Photo Booth Sponsor - $3,500
- Sponsor logo inclusion on the conference site
- Branding on the photo booth
- Creation of your own digital background
- Logo inclusion on most digital photographs
Mobile App Sponsor - $3,500
- Sponsor logo recognition on the conference site
- Banner ad in the mobile app
- Mobile app push notification
Adviser Coffee Station (2 available) - $1,000
- Signage by break stations
- Sponsor recognition on the mobile app
- Opportunity to place promotional materials (postcards) at the break stations
Printed Agenda (Exclusive) - $3,000
- Gain premium visibility with your logo, short message (50 word max), and QR code featured on the official printed agenda handed out to all attendees. Drive engagement, traffic, and conversions with this high-impact placement.
- DEADLINE: November 20, 2026
Sponsor a Student Scholar - $500
- The nominee, school principal, adviser, and guardian will be notified that you supported the student’s trip to LEAD. Sponsor will be able to include contact information and a congratulatory note to the student, principal, adviser, and guardian
Scholarship Donation
- We invite donors to support our scholarship program. Scholarships are awarded in the following amounts:
- NHS Semi-Finalist donation: $3,200 (575 available)
- NHS Finalist donation: $5,625 (20 available)
- NHS Pillar Award donation: $10,625 (4 available)
- NHS National Scholarship donation: $25,000 (1 available)
- NASC Finalist donation: $1,500 (75 available)
- NASC National Scholarship donation: $10,000 (10 available)
*Semi-finalists are not invited to the conference as part of their scholarship
Session Sponsor - $500
- Slide inclusion and mention at the beginning of the session by presenter. Sponsor may choose the session based on availability and NASSP approval.
Ribbon Sponsor - $3,500
- Sponsor logo inclusion on the conference site
- Logo inclusion on signage for the ribbons
- Sponsor logo on name tags for all attendees
- DEADLINE: November 20, 2026
Additional Opportunities:
- Lanyard Sponsor – $4,500
- Pen Sponsor – $1,500 (Sponsor provides pens)
- Bag Insert – $1,250
- DEADLINE: November 20, 2026
Exhibit Only Opportunity
Exhibitor Tables - $2,500
À la carte exhibitor tables will be located in the high-traffic corridors adjacent to the concurrent session rooms—ideal for maximizing visibility throughout the event. Each space includes a 6’ table and two chairs.
Exhibit Hours
- Friday, Feb. 26: Set up at 12:00 p.m.
- Exhibit hours from 2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
- Saturday, Feb. 27: 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
- Sunday, Feb. 28: 8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Customize Your Own Experience
Customize your impact and create a fun experience for our attendees!
We’re open to ideas! Want to host a game show, talent show, debate, concert, slam poetry session, meet ups, wellness lounge? The possibilities are endless as we work together to create a memorable conference for our students and advisers! The customized sponsorship is subject to approval. Sponsor will coordinate the experience with the NASSP planning team.
