Exhibit at NERFA 2026 Albany, NY

November 12 - 15, 2026

The NERFA Conference is where relationships turn into bookings, collaborations, and long-term partnerships.

For three energizing days, artists, presenters, venues, agents, managers, and industry professionals gather to connect, learn, and support one another. As an exhibitor or sponsor, you are not just promoting a product or service. You are investing in the folk community and positioning your organization at the center of meaningful conversations.

When we come together, we grow stronger.

Why Exhibit?

The Exhibit Hall is a high-traffic hub throughout the conference. It is intentionally designed to encourage conversation, discovery, and connection.

As an exhibitor, you will:

  • Connect directly with artists, venues, and booking professionals
  • Build brand visibility within a highly targeted regional audience
  • Develop relationships that lead to bookings and long-term partnerships
  • Showcase services, festivals, venues, educational programs, or industry resources
  • Be part of a collaborative, relationship-driven environment

You will get a 6’ table with linen and skirting and 2 chairs. 

This is not a passive trade show floor. It is a community gathering space where real conversations happen. Ready to join us? Sign up at the link below to reserve your table today!

Sponsorship at NERFA 2026 Albany, NY

November 12 - 15, 2026

Why Sponsor?

Sponsorship at NERFA is about visibility and alignment.

Your support helps us provide professional development, mentorship, artist showcases, and community-building experiences that strengthen the folk ecosystem across the Northeast region.

Sponsorship allows you to:

  • Increase brand recognition before, during, and after the conference
  • Align your organization with a respected regional music network
  • Demonstrate support for artists and industry professionals
  • Gain exposure across multiple touchpoints including digital, print, and on-site recognition
  • Support emerging artists and grassroots venues

Together, we create opportunities that would not exist otherwise.

For questions or to secure your sponsorship: Bernie Drury

 

Sponsorship Opportunities

We offer a range of sponsorship options designed to meet a variety of budgets and goals, including:

  • Conference-wide recognition sponsors
  • Coffee and conversation sponsors
  • Snack break sponsors
  • Emerging artist support sponsors
  • Lanyard and program sponsors
  • Limited-edition conference poster sponsors
  • A la carte visibility opportunities

Custom packages are available to align with your specific marketing and engagement goals.

When we come together, we grow stronger.

Who Should Exhibit or Sponsor?

NERFA partners typically include:

  • Festivals and venues
  • Booking agencies and management companies
  • Arts organizations and nonprofits
  • Music industry service providers
  • Instrument makers and retailers
  • Recording studios and media outlets
  • Regional tourism and cultural organizations
  • If your organization supports artists, live music, or the broader folk community, NERFA is the place to connect.

What Makes NERFA Different? 

NERFA is relationship-first.

Conversations here turn into:

  • Showcase opportunities
  • Festival bookings
  • Venue partnerships
  • Mentorship relationships
  • Long-term collaborations

As an exhibitor or sponsor, you are not just gaining impressions. You are building trust in a community that values authenticity, collaboration, and shared growth.

Ready to Join Us?

We would love to partner with you for NERFA 2026.

Download the Sponsor Prospectus below to review available opportunities, pricing, and benefits. Space is limited and early commitment ensures maximum visibility.

Let’s support artists.
Let’s strengthen venues.
Let’s build partnerships.
Let’s be Stronger Together.

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