How to Get Sponsors for An Event (Tips to Follow)

When planning to host an event, the first thing you need to do is to get your funding in place. And for funding, all you need is to get sponsors for your event because they are the best way to get funding.

Additionally, sponsors can not only provide financial support, but they can also bring credibility, exposure, and access to their networks as well.

Whether you are planning a charity fundraiser, a business conference, or a local community event, this guide will walk you through the whole process of how to get sponsors for your event, including how to create a sponsorship proposal, how to approach potential sponsors, what to include in your sponsorship proposal, and much more.

So, without further ado, let’s get started!

First and Foremost: Do You Really Need Sponsors For Your Event?

As we know, gettings sponsors help you raise the funding for the event but securing event sponsors can also be an effective way to establish new business partnerships, especially for large companies that often have designated funds for events.

In short, the purpose of getting sponsors is not only to bring funding for the event but also to provide an opportunity to;

Enhance the brand image
Raise brand awareness
Increase sales

So, to determine whether you need event sponsors, consider the following questions:

Are you planning a high-profile event featuring reputable guests or speakers?
What are the goals of your event, and would they be difficult to achieve without additional funding?
Is your goal to raise brand awareness or grow your client base through this event?
Will you require assistance with any of the main aspects of your event, such as transportation, catering, venue, or accommodation?
Is the event unique, or does it provide an opportunity to build credibility in your industry?

Asking these questions will help you get a better idea about determining the need to find sponsors.

However, not every sponsor is suitable for your event. So, read on to find out how to pick the right sponsor for your event.

How To Pick The Right Sponsor For Your Event

The first thing to know is that there are so many sponsors out there, and even some of them might contact you. But not every sponsor is the right fit for your event.

So, finding the right sponsor for your event requires understanding your goals, what you want from the sponsor, and knowing what value you can provide to your sponsor in exchange.

10 Things To Consider Before Choosing A Sponsor For An Event

The following guidelines will help you narrow down the potential sponsors for your event:

Compatibility: It is important to consider whether the values and goals of the sponsor align with those of the event and the audience.
Financial Considerations: Determine the budget for the event and the financial support that the sponsor can provide.
Marketing Opportunities: Consider the marketing opportunities that the sponsor can offer, such as signage, advertising, and social media exposure.
Previous Experience: Look into the sponsor’s past experiences with similar events and consider their track record of success.
Reputation: Research the sponsor’s reputation in the industry and consider whether they have a positive image that aligns with the event.
Contract Terms:Carefully review the contract terms to ensure they are fair and beneficial to both parties.
Legal Issues: Consider any legal issues that may arise, such as intellectual property rights or liability.
Event Logistics: Consider how the sponsor can assist with logistics, such as providing supplies or manpower for the event.
Diversity and Inclusion: Consider whether the sponsor is committed to diversity and inclusion and whether they have a diverse range of products or services.
Sustainability: If sustainability is a priority for the event, consider whether the sponsor has a track record of sustainability and environmental responsibility.

After determining the event sponsors, it’s time to find the right approach to contact them.

5 Effective Methods To Reach Sponsors

You can use any single method or a combination of these several methods to contact your list of sponsors. The right approach is to focus on one and then include others if necessary.

1. Digital Marketplaces

Many digital marketplaces can assist event planners and sponsors in finding each other. These platforms can help you connect with your desired sponsor faster.

Here is a list of some reliable platforms to consider:

SponsorMyEvent: A search engine to find sponsors trusted by well-known brands such as Forbes and TEDx.
SponsorPark: It’s an excellent option for corporate sponsors looking to support events in the arts, entertainment, sports, festivals, and special causes categories.
OpenSponsorship: A dedicated platform for athletes, sports teams, and sports-related events
SponsorPitch: A collaborative tool that allows users to search their database, use their customer relationship management (CRM) system, and export sponsor data.
LookingForSponsor: A platform designed specifically for creators to find sponsors and collect tips from fans

2. Send Emails To Potential Sponsors

Before sending any sponsorship proposal email to get sponsors for your event, it is important for you to pay close attention to your approach. If this is your first contact, you should avoid appearing needy or asking too many questions.

When reaching out to a company via email to get sponsors for your event, it is important to include a subject line that provides context for your message. This can help the recipient understand why you are reaching out and why they should be interested in your event.

For instance, if you have already met the company at a previous event and made a good impression, you can mention that in the subject line. It can help establish a connection and provide a foundation for future communication.

3. Utilize the Network of Your Event Organizers

If you are planning to get sponsors for your event, it is important to remember that you are not the only one who has done this before. Utilizing your network of connections can be a valuable asset in finding sponsors.

It can be beneficial to seek guidance from individuals with experience in securing sponsorships, even if they are not direct competitors. Not only can they provide valuable advice, but you may also expand your list of contacts through these consultations.

Gaining experience is crucial in the process of finding sponsorships. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or seek advice from fellow event organizers who have more experience. By doing so, you can improve your knowledge and skills in this area.

4. Seek Out Local Sponsors

It’s not always hard to find the best sponsors. In many cases, local businesses such as restaurants and other brands familiar with you and your reputation may be interested in supporting the local market. These businesses are often the best candidates for sponsorships.

To get a local sponsor, consider targeting companies with a strong presence in your community. Develop a strategy that highlights your shared interests and clearly outlines the benefits you can offer.

Be flexible, as the sponsor may be interested in unpaid sponsorship rather than financial support. In turn, this can open up new possibilities and perspectives. And after you’ve secured a sponsor, be sure to nurture the relationship and build upon it.

5. Utilizing Social Media

Social media is a great way to connect with the desired sponsors. Use relevant hashtags and tag the sponsor’s social media accounts in relevant posts. This increases the visibility of your content to the sponsor’s audience and may attract their attention. Moreover, you can Dm them on their official profiles as well.

Collaborate with influencers who have a relationship with the sponsor. This can increase the reach of your content and potentially lead to the sponsor noticing your efforts.

Also, create and share sponsored content on your own social media channels. This allows you to directly promote the sponsor’s products or services to your own audience and potentially catch the sponsor’s attention. Make sure to follow all necessary regulations and disclose any sponsored content appropriately.

Important Note: No matter how you approach your potential sponsors, you must have a proper mechanism to book appointments and schedule meetings with them. And to do so, you can useGravity Booking, a premium WordPress plugin that automates all types of appointments and schedules within Gravity Forms via Google Calendar so you can never miss a meeting with your sponsor or any event bookings.

5 Tips On How To Write A Winning Proposal To Get Sponsors

Tip#1: Create A Proposal That Is Unique To Make It Stand Out

When you’re trying to get sponsors for your event, you need to make sure your proposal stands out from the others that the company is likely receiving on a regular basis. To increase the chances of getting sponsorship, you should include the following details in your proposal:

Your company’s story: Share information about your company’s history and mission to create an emotional connection with the potential sponsor.
A description of your company’s work: Explain your company’s mission and how you accomplish it daily.
Information about your target audience: It’s helpful if your target audience aligns with the sponsors, so they know their sponsorship is reaching the right people.
Specific funding requests: Clearly outline what you need funding for, for example, rental costs, food, guest speakers, etc.

Tip#2: Highlight The Sponsor’s Benefits

Sponsorship involves a mutual exchange of benefits. Sponsors want to maximize the value of their investment, so it’s important to consider what they will get in return for supporting your event.

Here are some ways to make the sponsorship more attractive:

Offer a free booth at exhibitions or trade shows.
All promotional materials should include the sponsor’s name and logo.
Offer discounts or perks to customers who sign up for the sponsor’s services or purchase their products during the event.
Include sponsor information (company name, logo, etc.) in your online content, including newsletters, blog posts, and social media posts.
Invite your followers on social media to share or like the content of the sponsor.

By offering a range of benefits, you can demonstrate your commitment to making the event a success and show the sponsors that you value their support.

Tip#3: Minimize Sponsor Risk

Sponsoring an event can be risky, especially for smaller companies. One way to mitigate this risk is to propose a trial deal, where you request a smaller amount of funding in exchange for some incentives.

For example, if your company needs $50,000, you can ask as minimum as possible such as $5000, and offer some free incentives. Therefore, it allows the sponsor to test out your company and see how the event goes without taking on too much risk.
This strategy can be particularly effective if you plan to collaborate with the sponsor in the future so they can use the trial run to evaluate the potential for future collaboration.

It’s important to note that you may need to secure more than one sponsor for your event, but this can be a good thing as it diversifies your funding sources and doesn’t rely on just one sponsor.

Tip#4: Conduct In-Depth Research On Your Potential Sponsors

When contacting to get sponsors for your event, it’s important to conduct some research on them. Look for any recent news articles or events that may be relevant to your proposal. This can include changes to the company’s leadership, current events that could affect their business or the launch of new products.

By incorporating this information into your proposal, you can show the sponsor that you understand their business well and that your event can be a beneficial platform for promoting their products or services.
To stay up to date on the sponsor’s news and activities, you can follow their official social media profile and blog posts or search for their name on news websites.

Tip#5: Be Confident & Professional

In the end, it’s important to remember that sponsors are businesses, not charities. They expect to receive some kind of benefit in exchange for sponsoring your event.

The key to getting sponsors to invest in your event is effectively communicating your event’s value and showing them why it’s worth their effort. Thus, Confidence is key when approaching sponsors, as it can increase your chances of receiving a positive response.

Wrapping Up

Acquiring sponsorships is not an easy task, but very rewarding as well. If you are trying to get sponsors for your event, it is important to remember that the most important thing is to provide value to the sponsors.

To do this, you should reach out to the appropriate individuals well in advance of the event and follow the above guidelines to ensure that you get sponsors for your event.