How to Get Sponsors for an Event: The Complete Guide

 The Complete Guide on How to Get Sponsors For Events 

If you are planning on hosting an event, the big question is: How do you finance it? Although larger corporations might have the resources to support their event, they may not be able or willing to spend as much on marketing. Another great option for financing? Find sponsors.

It can be difficult to find a sponsor. Some proposals may be rejected, while others will not receive any response at all. You have a few options to make your event more attractive as a sponsor.

Find out how to get sponsors to your event. Continue readingDoes an event require sponsors?

Sponsorship is key to strong marketing for many events. Apart from raising funds, sponsorship can also open up possibilities for:

Building brand awareness

Increasing sales numbers

Enhancing brand image

There are many benefits to this kind of strategic partnership. Sponsorship is not necessary for every event to succeed. Sponsorship doesn't have to be required for the above benefits, although it can help tremendously.

So how can you determine if your event actually NEEDS them? Here's how you can tell:

Celebrities or other high-profile guests are invited to your event, which is large and/or high-profile. Your event will be covered extensively by media sponsors.

Events that have high-end or extra budget requirements are often not covered by the allocated funds. You can make your brand stand out in the industry by having extras such smart badges or mobile apps.

It is important to increase your customer base. You need to increase your customer base. Influencers such as top executives, bloggers and local celebs have an audience whose interests might overlap with your event. You can transfer this audience to your event by inviting them as sponsors. This helps you establish your brand image in their eyes.

Help is needed to plan a major part of your event, such as the venue, transportation, and catering. Even local restaurants and hotels can offer their services and provide transportation to those who can't or won't be able to afford it.

Your event may be brand new, or your brand must build its industry credibility. Sponsorships from companies that are well-known in your field is the best form of testimonial. It is a sign that they support your work, which helps to encourage people to register.

There are many reasons that sponsors are needed for events large and small. It doesn't have be difficult or complicated, contrary to popular belief. All it takes to find the best sponsors for your event is some research.

How to choose a Sponsor for Your Event

Yes, there will be many options for you to choose from. You might find this because event sponsors reach out to you.

It is important to understand your event goals and to know your expectations of sponsorship.

To which companies should I reach out?

It can be overwhelming to choose from so many options when you first start out. The reputation of potential sponsors and their views on events will impact the type of partnership that you have with them, and ultimately how successful your event.

Sponsors that understand the value and importance of this type marketing are better.

Sponsors with a target audience that matches yours in demographics or interests. Although it is impossible to align completely with every brand, you can certainly highlight key areas during an event and stick to sponsors that share these points.

Event ROI is what sponsors are focused on. Vanity sponsors are happy to sign their names onto an event and call it done. You'll get the best out of your partnership if you reach out to companies that realize it's a two way street.

These are 5 great ways to find event sponsors.

There are 5 ways you can find a event sponsor

Finding event sponsors can be done with a little imagination and elbow grease.

1. You can use digital tools to search for and secure sponsors.

This problem is common for both event planners seeking sponsors and those looking for sponsors for events. There are reliable solutions that can help.

Make sure you are very specific about your event goals.

SponsorPark – Best for corporate sponsors or events in the arts, entertainment and sports categories.

Sponeasy: This drag-and-drop tool allows you to create a sponsorship desk. There are templates available.

SponsorMyEvent – Forbes, TEDx and many other brands use this search engine.

OpenSponsorship: This platform is specifically for athletes, teams, or sports-related events.

SponsorPitch: Search their database, use their CRM and export sponsor data through this collaborative tool.

2. Make sure you are very specific about your event goals.

Even if you have financial goals, any sponsor won't work. You wouldn't look for media sponsors if you needed help booking a hotel during peak season.

You can also use multiple sponsors to accomplish your event goals. For example, if you need PR help for all the industry speakers, and both types of sponsors are available, then perhaps the hotel could offer VIP suites to the media personnel.

3. Reach out to sponsors for related events

Retention rates for event sponsorship are falling. A mere 17% of event professionals believe there is a decrease in their retention rates. This is why it is important to look for sponsors who are already involved with events related to your industry.

These brands understand the importance of event sponsorship, and they are likely to continue investing in this type if marketing as it benefits them. This makes pitching a lot easier because they already know your audience will agree with you.

4. Limit your search to those brands that are strongly aligned with your event values.

Events sponsor meetings and pitches can take a lot of time so limit your reach to brands. Cherry select the names from your existing list that best reflect your event's goals and image. You might also consider partnering with eco-friendly businesses if you are looking for partners.

5. Let your audience decide.

Your target market research should reveal the social media accounts and interests of your audience. Why not reach out and contact companies that they are already familiar with?

It can be very nice for an attendee to see a well-known name on a sponsor's list. However, it can be quite exciting to see someone they love and know on a sponsor list. It helps them feel part of this interconnected ecosystem of brands and values.

Once you have reached out to sponsors, here are the steps to close the deal.how to make money with conference races