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How to Find (and Keep!) Event Sponsors

Hosting an event can be a great way to bring people together and create memorable experiences, but it can also be a costly endeavor. That’s why finding sponsors for your event can be an important step in ensuring its success. Sponsors can provide financial support and other resources that can help you offset the costs of your event and make it more successful.

Here are some steps you can take to find sponsors for your event:

  • Identify your target audience: Before you start reaching out to potential sponsors, it’s important to have a clear understanding of who your target audience is. This will help you determine which companies and organizations are most likely to be interested in sponsoring your event. The more specific you can be about the demographics your event serves, the better chance you’ll have at capturing a sponsor’s interest. 
  • Research potential sponsors: Once you have a clear understanding of your target audience, you can start researching potential sponsors. Look for companies and organizations that align with your event’s mission and values, and that have a history of sponsoring similar events.
  • Create a sponsorship package: Once you have identified potential sponsors, it’s time to create a sponsorship package. This should include information about your event, including the dates, location, and expected attendance, as well as the benefits that sponsors will receive by supporting your event. Be sure to include different levels of sponsorship, with varying benefits. Don’t forget digital benefits as well, these can be extremely valuable to potential sponsors and the data can serve as selling points for next year’s sponsors.  Determine price point, but don’t include it in the messaging itself. 
  • Reach out to potential sponsors: After you have created your sponsorship package, it’s time to start reaching out to potential sponsors. Personalize your approach and be sure to mention the benefits that they will receive by supporting your event. Follow up with them and make sure they received your message.
  • Negotiate and close the deal: Once you have received interest from potential sponsors, it’s time to negotiate the terms of the sponsorship. Be sure to clearly communicate the benefits that they will receive and the expectations you have for their involvement in the event. Once you have agreed on the terms, be sure to put it in writing and have both parties sign the agreement. Once you know more about exactly what the prospect wants and the value to that sponsor, price the specific proposal for that sponsor. Package deals are not worth the same amount to every sponsor. You may be leaving money on the table. 
  • Show your gratitude: After the event, be sure to thank your sponsors for their support and provide them with any materials they may need. This will help to build a positive relationship and increase the chances that they will sponsor your event again in the future.

By following these steps, you can increase your chances of finding the right sponsors for your event. Remember, it’s important to be proactive, personalize your approach and be grateful for their support. With the right sponsors in place, you can create a successful event that will be memorable for all the right reasons.

Are you overwhelmed by the prospect of attracting sponsors? Are you wanting support and guidance from a sponsorship professional? Check out our consultation page to see if an hourly consultation or project-based sponsorship package could be right for you.

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Why do sponsor prospects keep delaying decisions?

Why do sponsor prospects keep delaying decisions?

In today’s fast-paced business world, time is of the essence. But when it comes to making sponsorship decisions, many companies find themselves taking their time to ensure they’re making the right choice. While this may seem frustrating for those on the other end of the negotiation, it’s important to understand that sponsors are carefully weighing the potential benefits and risks of a partnership before committing.

In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the reasons why a sponsor might take a long time to decide on a sponsorship opportunity and what it means for those seeking sponsorship. 

There are several reasons why event sponsors may delay making a decision, some of which include:

  • Lack of budget: Sponsors may not have the budget to commit to an event at the current time, and may need to wait until they have more funds available.
  • Uncertainty: Sponsors may be uncertain about the potential return on investment for the event, and may want to wait until they have more information before making a decision.
  • Lack of alignment: Sponsors may not feel that their brand or products align with the event, and may want to wait until they find a better fit.
  • Due Diligence: Sponsors may want to conduct more research or due diligence on the event and the organization running it before committing to sponsorship.
  • Competition: Sponsors may be considering multiple events and are trying to decide which one to sponsor.
  • Other Priorities: Sponsors may have other priorities in their business, which they need to attend to before focusing on event sponsorships.

It’s important to remember that sponsors are running a business just like you, and they have their own set of goals and priorities to consider. It’s not a personal rejection when they take a long time to decide on a sponsorship opportunity. From lack of budget to competition and other priorities, there are a variety of reasons why sponsors may delay making a decision. 

By understanding these reasons and the sponsor’s decision-making process, you can better navigate the sponsorship landscape and increase your chances of success. In the end, it’s about finding the right match for both the sponsor and the event. By staying patient and being proactive, you can increase your chances of finding a mutually beneficial sponsorship opportunity.

Are you struggling to secure sponsors for your event or organization? Let a sponsorship expert help you navigate the process. Visit our consultation page to learn more about our hourly consultations and our project-based sponsorship packages. Don’t let the stress of attracting sponsors hold you back, take the first step and schedule a consultation today.