Aid in shaping the future of consciousness and community:

Sponsor The 2024 Detroit Psychedelic Society Conference

Mission Statement:

Founded in 2014 by Ahati Kilindi Iyi, the Detroit Psychedelic Society has been a pioneering intelligence in fostering community, education, and the responsible exploration of psychedelics.

Rooted in a commitment to inclusivity and the exchange of knowledge, we believe education is an important tool to combat ignorance, fear, and division.

Our goal is to create transformative experiences that blend ancient wisdom with modern insights, pushing the boundaries of what psychedelics can offer in terms of healing, growth, and collective consciousness. As we continue to grow, our focus remains on building a family-driven community while offering exceptional resources and support to those on their journey.

Context

We understand this is short notice for sponsorship. Unfortunately, a primary sponsor withdrew unexpectedly, forcing us to make significant budget cuts.

This funding and sponsorship request focuses on ensuring that we document and share the information and ideas from this conference. The information shared here has a profound effect on those at the conference, and we want to ensure others who couldn't be physically present have equal access to the information. We're asking for your help to make this possible.

We are incredibly thankful for the generous funders we've worked with up to this point, but the budget projections are looking poor. Expected ticket sales will likely fall short of the costs to host the conference. These costs include flights and lodging for speakers, facilities costs, digital infrastructure, ticket transaction fees, and more.

A third party has stepped in at the last minute to produce a $35K video production at an "At Cost" price, but we're out of cash, so we're asking for you to consider supporting.

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Why You Want to Fund DPS Work

Healing The World

You're looking at this page because you understand the role that psychedelics can play in healing, transformation, and expansion of the human experience.

While academic research is receiving astronomical funding perpetuating a scientific materialist perspective, indigenous and cultural perspectives that have persisted for thousands of years are receiving little to no funding.

Our funders know that this work matters on a global scale and provide funding, yes for pragmatic reasons of marketing, but also because they believe that psychedelics as medicine and technology are key to the awakening of humanity and that ensuring the perspectives of indigenous and culturally diverse peoples are funded and respected.

Show Your Community You’re Giving Back

The Way Summit is hosted by the Detroit Psychedelic Society(DPS), an organization run exclusively by African Americans and women who serve the historically economically disadvantaged city of Detroit in Southeast Michigan, USA.

Many organizations deeply desire to support minority-run organizations within the psychedelic space who have been historically and systematically overlooked from a funding perspective. DPS is led by Mama Ayana Iyi, the wife of the late Baba Kilindi Iyi, and Baba Moudou Baqui, Kilindi’s primary student.

Baba Kylindi was one of the primary proponents of psychedelics in the United States starting in the 1980s but has been historically overlooked, with focus and funding going to the white academic elite.

We're entirely delighted to be thanking you publicly for your support and are 100% dedicated to helping you signal to your audience that you're aligning your values as an organization with your financial giving.

Share The Load

Mama Ayana and Baba Moudou have been carrying the financial burden of this organization using their personal finances for a decade. With minimal external funding and limited volunteer support, they have been taking nearly the entirety of the financial and administrative burden for years. It's time the community steps up and helps.

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Pragmatically Good Marketing

Market to a Niche Demographic

Affiliation With Industry Thought Leaders

With 300 expected conference attendees over the course of 4 days, many of whom are leaders in the psychedelic ecosystem including researchers, doctors, indigenous healers, and enthusiasts, you'll be able to connect with these people from a trusted source all in the same room. You can't target ads at these people on Instagram, so this is a unique opportunity.

Many of the speakers at The Way Summit are the premier thought leaders within the psychedelics movement. Both academic medical researchers and alternative healers from a variety of traditions and lineages are represented. When you sponsor content with The Detroit Psychedelic Conferences, you're connecting your brand to these leading thought leaders.

High Quality Short and Long Form Video Content

Significant Organic Exposure

These videos are being produced by a third-party vendor with a background in conference video production for large international conferences. While we are choosing a budget option, these videos will be produced with full 3-point lighting, dedicated audio recording with lavalier mics, a 3-point multi-cam system, and a small crew of staff. We're devoted to high-quality video productions while still keeping the budget reasonable.

By launching these videos across all social media platforms, generating blog content with AI, and creating long-form YouTube videos in collaboration with speakers and our loyal community, we expect strong organic traction. Respected thought leaders will share this content, giving your brand exposure in ways that paid ads simply can't achieve.

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Sponsorship Levels

Heroic Dose Sponsorship

As a Heroic Dose Sponsor your brand will stand at the forefront of this transformative event, enjoying exclusive visibility, engagement, and long-lasting impact across our digital and in-person platforms. This top-tier sponsorship offers a unique opportunity to align your organization with the leading voices in the psychedelic movement, connecting directly with thought leaders, researchers, and a highly engaged audience.

What’s Included in the Heroic Dose Sponsorship:

Headline Sponsor Title: Your brand will be prominently displayed as “Presented by [Brand Name]” on dedicated banners, and incorporated into the current promotional materials
Keynote Video Sponsorship for a Headlining Speaker: Be the exclusive sponsor for a TED Talk-style, one-hour-long video of one of our Headlining Speakers' professionally produced keynote presentations, with pre-roll and post-roll branding.
Sponsorship of 5 Short-Form Videos: Your brand will be featured in five short-form videos with a logo overlay, “Brought to You By” pre- and post-roll branding, and social media tagging, ensuring high visibility and organic engagement across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube Shorts.
Complimentary Passes: Receive 4 tickets for your team, giving them access to experiences throughout the event.
Branded Merchandise & Swag Distribution: Choose between including your branded items in attendee swag bags or setting up a branded table for direct distribution to engage attendees throughout the event.
On-Stage Acknowledgment: Verbal Recognition: Your brand will be recognized during keynote introductions and throughout the event.
Featured in Post-Event Reports and Blogs: Your brand will be highlighted in post-event recaps and blogs that are shared with attendees and the wider community.
Access to Discord and Digital Program: Heroic Dose sponsors gain access to the attendee Discord and are featured in the digital program, both of which remain active and updated during and after the event for continued engagement.
Awakening Initiatives Sponsor: Align your brand with a Minority-Led psychedelic movement to demonstrate your values to your audience.

As a Heroic Dose Sponsor, your brand will gain exclusive access to a unique, high-impact audience, aligning with the transformative power of psychedelics and supporting a movement that is reshaping the future of healing, consciousness, and personal growth.

Cost: $9,800 / Unit Available: 1

Sponsor

Standard Dose Sponsorship

As a Standard Dose Sponsor, your brand will gain solid visibility and engagement across the conference’s digital platforms. This tier offers a balance of exposure and access, allowing you to reach attendees without the full Heroic Dose commitment.

What’s Included:

Keynote Video Sponsorship (2 Videos): Your brand will be featured as the sponsor of two keynote videos, with logo overlays and “Brought to You By” branding on both.
Logo in the Digital Program: Your logo will be prominently displayed in the digital program used by all attendees during and after the event.
Social Media Tagging: Your brand will be tagged in posts and stories related to your sponsored videos, driving engagement with attendees and beyond.
Access to Discord Community: Engage with attendees directly through the exclusive conference Discord, where conversations continue post-event.
On-Site Branding: Small logo placement on banners and materials used throughout the event, providing in-person exposure.

$2,950 (5 Available)

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Micro Dose Sponsorship

The Micro Dose Sponsorship is a great way to show support for The Way Summit 2024 with a modest financial contribution. While this tier is primarily about donation, your brand will still receive recognition for your support.

What’s Included:

Logo on Website and Digital Program: A small logo and link on the event website and digital program, showcasing your contribution.
Social Media Mention: A one-time thank you post on social media, recognizing your brand’s support of the event.
Limited Discord Access: Receive read-only access to the Discord to stay updated with event conversations and activities.

$450 (10 Available)

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Sponsor a Keynote Video at The Way Summit 2024

By sponsoring one of our Ted Talk Style keynote videos, your brand will enjoy premium exposure and direct alignment with leading voices in the psychedelic community.

Here’s what you’ll get as a keynote video sponsor:

“Brought to You By” Branding: Your brand featured at the start and end of the keynote video with a custom “Brought to you by” pre-roll and post-roll message.
Logo Overlay Throughout the Video: Your logo will be subtly overlaid on the bottom third of the screen for continuous visibility during the presentation.
High-Quality Video Production: Professionally produced video content with multi-camera setups, 3-point lighting, and dedicated audio equipment, ensuring your sponsorship is associated with polished, high-quality media.
Long-Term Digital Exposure: Keynote videos will be shared across platforms like YouTube, social media, and our website, giving your brand long-lasting visibility.
Targeted Audience Reach: Direct access to an engaged, niche audience of researchers, doctors, healers, and psychedelic enthusiasts passionate about healing and consciousness expansion.
Social Media Mentions and Tagging: Your organization will be tagged in posts across all social platforms when the keynote video is shared, increasing your reach and visibility.

Sponsoring a keynote video allows your brand to be part of important conversations and content in the psychedelic space, offering meaningful and sustained engagement with a growing community.

Cost: $850 / 15 slots available

Sponsor

Sponsor a Short-Form Video Clip at The Way Summit 2024

Sponsoring a short-form video clip offers your brand the chance to engage with a fast-growing audience on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. These impactful, vertical videos capture the most powerful moments from keynote speeches, audience interviews, and personal testimonials. Here’s what you’ll receive as a short-form video sponsor:

Logo Overlay Throughout the Clip: Your logo will be overlaid on the bottom third of the screen, ensuring continuous brand visibility throughout the video.
“Brought to You By” Branding: A custom “Brought to you by” message at the end of each short-form video, ensuring your brand is recognized as the sponsor of the content.
Targeted Social Media Exposure: These clips will be posted across TikTok, Instagram, YouTube Shorts, and other platforms, providing direct access to a younger, highly engaged audience.
Organic Social Media Traction: Short-form videos generate significant organic engagement, allowing your brand to reach users in a way that paid ads can’t easily achieve.
Social Media Mentions and Tagging: Your social media accounts will be tagged in all posts where the short-form video is shared, further expanding your brand’s reach.
Quick, Impactful Content: These 30–60 second clips focus on the most compelling moments from the event, ensuring your brand is associated with highly engaging, digestible content.

Sponsoring short-form clips is an excellent way to reach a broader audience and connect your brand to the most exciting and shareable moments of The Way Summit 2024.

Cost: $250 / 50 slots available

Sponsor

FAQ & Contact

To request additional information please contact

Spencer Field: hello@spencerfieldme | Cell: 810-775-9299

Baba Mouou: ateneducation1@gmail.com | Cell: ‭(313) 819-9699‬

What will the funds be used for?

The first funds received will go to Sundries LLC, where Spencer Field will be reimbursed for equipment, software rentals, purchases, and subscriptions, all tracked with full transparency and receipts. Up to $2,000 will also be used to pay contractors and internal staff for media editing.

Additional funds may be used to support volunteers assisting with media production.

Remaining funds will reimburse Mama Ayana and Baba Moudou, who have already contributed significant personal funds in the cost of flights, lodging, facility upgrades ect.

Any surplus will support the ongoing work of the conference and the society, overseen and accounted for by Mama Ayana and Baba Moudou.

Sponsorship and Tax Information

Currently, the Detroit Psychedelic Society operates as a for-profit LLC and has not yet converted to an IRS-recognized nonprofit. As a result, sponsorship payments are not considered charitable donations and are not tax-deductible as such.

However, because services are provided in exchange for your payment, these transactions can generally qualify as a reasonable and necessary business expense, which may be deductible.

Please consult your CPA or tax advisor for specific guidance regarding your situation.

Transparency & Accountability

All transactions with Sundries LLC, our video vendor, are tracked in a shared Notion database, which includes itemized receipt tracking for complete transparency and integrity.

Mama Ayana and Baba Moudou are responsible for the bookkeeping of The Detroit Psychedelic Society and are committed to transparency.

They are willing to share financial information regarding the use of funds upon request, under certain conditions to ensure the privacy and security of sensitive information.

Where is the content posted?

The volunteer team at Sundries LLC will edit the content through their channels. They will post it with appropriate tagging on both their social media channels and likely the Detroit Psychedelic Society channels.

What are the media rights?

Sundries LLC and Detroit Psychedelic Society (KOI LCC) have shared unlimited rights to the media in all forms and retain exclusive rights to the media. However, we have been known to share quite liberally when asked.

Is there anything illegal happening?

The leadership team at the Detroit Psychedelic Society chose early on to protect the safety and liability of speakers, guests, and sponsors.

There will be no selling, vending, or donating of illicit substances by our organization, its collaborators, or any vendors.

The conference is informational in nature only, and no chemical substances of any kind will be provided in any form—whether paid for, by donation, or for free.

What is the Timeline?

The conference begins on October 31st, and with a sponsor recently pulling out, we are working up to the wire. Sponsorships are first-come, first-served based on payment.

Our tech team is on standby to quickly implement any necessary changes. However, to ensure inclusion in printed materials, payment must be received by October 28th. If payment is made after this date, some limitations on printed content may apply.

What is the Legal Entity

Currently, the Detroit Psychedelic Society operates as an LLC (KOI LCC) but is transitioning to a nonprofit over the next few months. This shift will help us better serve our mission and the community.