Guide to Getting Your Event Sponsored

Are you planning an event and wondering how to secure the support of sponsors? Look no further. In this blog, we will guide you through the process of getting sponsors for your event, along with some innovative event sponsorship ideas.

Successful event sponsorship can take your event to the next level, providing the resources and exposure you need. We'll discuss various sponsorship levels, offer tips on finding the right sponsors, and provide valuable insights to ensure your event's success. Whether you're looking for financial sponsors, media exposure, in-kind contributions, or promotional partners, we've got you covered. So, let's dive into the world of event sponsorship and discover how to make your event unforgettable. 

What Kinds of Event Sponsors Are There?

It’s best to know your options before searching for a prospective sponsor. Generally, a potential event sponsor will fall under the following four categories:

Financial sponsor

A financial corporate sponsor offers money to the event planner in exchange for perks, such as their logo on event materials or a sponsored booth in your virtual event platform

Media sponsor

Instead of contributing funds, a media sponsor offers exposure in the form of advertising campaigns.

In-kind sponsor

An in-kind sponsor provides goods and services and other important resources to the event, including catering, venue space, prizes, and event technology.

Promotional partner

Promotional sponsors are big-name influencers who attach their name to your event. By leveraging their fanbase and social media influence they generate publicity and interest for your target audience.

How to Get Sponsored

One of the best ways to find sponsors is to research organizations who have a target audience that aligns with your event attendees and engage in direct outreach. For example, if your event is highly attended by 20-somethings and college students, a good option for food sponsorship could be the dive bars and local take out restaurants rather than higher end dining establishments, as the former is much more likely to have a similar target market to yours. If you run a conference mostly attended by professionals and need help getting the word out, a good option for media sponsorship could be local trade publications in your area who can spread the word about your conference in exchange for promotion at the event.

Have sponsorship deliverables listed clearly

What will this company be getting in return for their patronage of your event? The most common sponsorship deliverables are:

• Signage on event stages
• Logos on event programs or mentions on your website (popular with media sponsorships)
• Branded refreshment zones (these are especially popular for food and beverage sponsorships)
• Entrance and exit signage (especially popular for corporate and technology sponsors)
• Speaking opportunities at the event (popular for promotional/influencer sponsorships)
  

Have Supplemental Materials Ready 

To drive the value of working with your event to potential sponsors, it's wise to have infographics and other supplemental materials available. If your event is brand new, or hasn't had sponsors before it will be difficult to come up with hard data to support your sponsorship ask. In this case, gather all of the information you can about ticket sales and expected number of attendees, attendee demographics, and expected media coverage.

 Tip: Identify Potential Sponsors by Looking at Past Sponsors of Similar Events

I’ve gotten my event sponsored, now what?

Once you’ve found the perfect sponsor for your event, you’ll need to write up a sponsorship agreement. This is just a simple outline of what your sponsor will be providing for the event, and what deliverables they’ll receive in return. 

A sponsorship agreement should include:

• Your company name & the name of the sponsoring organization
• Term & Termination (On what dates will the sponsorship start and end)
• Sponsor obligations
• Sponsee obligations
• Sponsor trademark and materials (Access to your sponsors logos and marketing materials in accordance with the details of the sponsorship)

Securing sponsors for your event is a crucial step towards making it a resounding success. By defining clear event sponsorship levels and knowing where to find the perfect sponsors, you can create a win-win partnership that benefits both parties. Whether you're seeking financial support, media exposure, in-kind contributions, or influential partners, understanding the different types of sponsors and their expectations is key. Once you've found your ideal sponsor, crafting a comprehensive sponsorship agreement is essential to ensure a smooth collaboration. With the right sponsors on board, your event is poised for greatness. So, why wait? Start reaching out to potential sponsors, and remember that success is just one collaboration away. Elevate your event to new heights with creative sponsorship packages and watch it shine with the support of your valued sponsors.

Congratulations! Now that you’ve acquired the perfect sponsorships, your event is set to go off without a hitch. You can keep track of sponsorship deliverables, contracts, and payments all in one place using Eventeny!