This year marks the fifth statewide Poverty Summit hosted by Missourians to End Poverty -- a non-partisan coalition comprised of non-profits, religious organizations, businesses, government agencies and concerned citizens who have come together around the goal of eliminating poverty throughout the state. The 2018 Missouri Poverty Summit will take place on Thursday, September 20, 2018 in Jefferson City at the Capitol Plaza Hotel. This year’s theme and focus is “Together We Can: Building Resilient Communities" and will bring together Missourians from across the state to engage in dialogue and identify real-world strategies proven to build resilient communities and support Missourians.

Missouri’s poverty rate steadily increased from 13.3% in 2007 to 16.2% in 2012. Since 2012, the poverty rate has declined to today’s poverty rate of 14%. Given these dates coincide with the Great Recession and the years following, it’s an indicator of resilience! Despite the progress, however, there are still 826,358 Missourians in poverty -- of which 260,867 are children. From food insecurity to restricted access to healthcare, lack of a living wage to inadequate housing, people living in situations of poverty may face these challenges and more. With communities dedicated to helping local people -- walking alongside those who struggle and equipping them along the way -- and showing hope in the face of despair, people can persevere through the hard times. Resilient communities are key to ending poverty.

Missourians to End Poverty believes all communities across the state, whether urban or rural, have the potential to persevere through hard times and possess a spirit of resilience. It takes everyone in the community -- community leaders, elected officials, business leaders, government agencies, advocates, teachers, and everyday citizens -- working together to build a resilient community. Please join us in making the 2018 Missouri Poverty Summit a success as we build resilient communities across Missouri. Sponsorship categories are outlined below. Please contact Jessica Hoey, MEP Chairperson, with questions at jhoey@communityaction.org or (573) 634-2969 ext. 31. Many thanks for working to end poverty across our state through your sponsorship of the 2018 Missouri Poverty Summit.

Platinum Sponsor: $5,000 +

+ Complimentary registration for six individuals with reserved table near stage

+ Full-page advertisement in Poverty Summit program

+ Distinct recognition during Poverty Summit including your company signage

+ Company logo on home page of MEP website and summit web page linked to your company site

+ Complimentary exhibit space at Poverty Summit

Gold Sponsor: $2,500 +

+ Complimentary registration for four individuals with reserved table near stage

+ Half-page advertisement in Poverty Summit program

+ Distinct recognition during Poverty Summit

+ Company logo on Poverty Summit web page

+ Complimentary exhibit space at Poverty Summit

Silver Sponsor: $1,500 +

+ Complimentary registration for three individuals

+ Quarter-page advertisement in Poverty Summit program

+ Appropriate recognition during Poverty Summit

+ Company logo on Poverty Summit web page

+ Complimentary exhibit space at Poverty Summit

Bronze Sponsor: $750 +

+ Complimentary registration for two individuals

+ Logo in the Poverty Summit program

+ Appropriate recognition during Poverty Summit

+ Company name on Poverty Summit web page

Exhibitor: $250

+ Exhibit space at the Poverty Summit

+ Complimentary registration for one individual

+ Listing in Poverty Summit program

Below is the current schedule of events for the 2018 Poverty Summit*:

8:00 am - Registration Opens

9:00 am - Welcome & Opening

9:30 am - Community-Based Solutions Panel | Addressing the Five Elements of Poverty: How an Assets-Based Approach Leads to Better Outcomes

10:45 am - Morning Break & Refreshments

11:15 am - Opening Keynote Speaker

12:15 pm - Luncheon & Networking

1:15 pm - Public Policy Issues Panel | The Policy-Practice Connection: Strengthening Missouri’s Public Policies to Uplift Low-Income Missourians

2:45 pm - Closing Keynote Speaker

3:45 pm - Closing Remarks

4:00 pm - Conclusion

* Please note that the above is a draft program agenda; the order of events and program content are subject to change.

Hotel reservations can be made at Capitol Plaza Hotel and Convention Center.

Please call the hotel directly to make reservations and mention Missouri CAN for your discount, which is $93 per room, per night:

Capitol Plaza Hotel and Convention Center

Address: 415 W McCarty St, Jefferson City, MO 65101

Phone: (573) 635-1234