A little innovation and some elbow grease are required, but finding options for event sponsors is a super achievable goal.
Thankfully there are now a few definitive solutions in the market that can help:
1. Get really specific about your event goals.
SponsorPark – Best for corporate sponsors and events under the arts & entertainment, sports, festivals, and special causes & need categories.
Sponeasy – If you need a well-designed sponsorship desk, try this drag-and-drop builder (it even has templates you can use).
SponsorMyEvent – Forbes and TEDx are just some of the brand names that use this search engine.
OpenSponsorship – This platform specifically caters to athletes, teams, and sports-related events.
SponsorPitch – Search their database, use their CRM, and export sponsor data with this collaborative tool.
2. Get specific about your event goals.
Even if your goals are only financial, not just any old sponsor will do! For example, if you need help booking a hotel venue during a really busy season, you wouldn’t go looking for media sponsors to secure a space.
And, if you have more than one event goal, you can utilize a blend of sponsors to achieve them. Like for example, let’s say that same event needed help with PR for all the amazing industry speakers presenting, perhaps you could get both kinds of sponsors and have the hotel treat the media personnel to some VIP suites.
3. Reach out to sponsors from related events.
Event sponsorship confinement rates are slipping. 18% of experienced event professionals say there is a noticeable decrease — which is why you should take note of sponsors who already work with events in or related to your industry.
These brands already recognize the value of event sponsorship and are likely to keep investing in this type of marketing because it benefits them as well.
4. Narrow down your options to brands who strongly align with your event values.
Event sponsor pitches are time-consuming, which is why regulating the number of brands you reach out to is important. Cherry pick the names on your current list that represent the key goals and image of your upcoming event. For example, if your event is eco-friendly, do a little digging to see if the businesses you’d like to partner with also use sustainable practices for their products or services.
5. Let your audience decide.
Your target market research should reveal all the interests, social media accounts, and brands your audience loves. Why not reach out to companies who they’re already amicable with?
For an attendee, seeing a recognizable name on a sponsor list can be nice. But seeing a name they know and love can be downright exciting. It really helps make them feel like they belong in this ecosystem of interconnected brands and values.
And now, once you’ve found some sponsors worth reaching out to, seal the deal.
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