When you are planning to host an event, one of the biggest questions on the table is how to fund it. An established company may have a marketing budget- but if you’re a small company, you may need some help. One great option is to find sponsors.

Unfortunately, finding a sponsor can be a lot like finding a job. You will likely send out lots of proposals. Some of them will be ignored. Some will be rejected. However, there are a few things you can do to make your event more attractive to potential sponsors. In this article, we’ll explain how to choose a sponsor for your next event.

Do You Need a Sponsor for Your Event?

Many times, sponsorship can help with marketing. In addition to providing the funds, having sponsors for your event can do the following:

• Build brand awareness 

• Increase sales 

• Improve brand image  

There are a lot of benefits that stem from having event sponsors- but you don’t necessarily need a sponsor to be successful. How can you determine if you need a sponsor for your event? Consider the following:

• Is your event large/high profile or do you have celebrity speakers/guests? 

• Do your event goals involve expensive/additional items not covered in your budget? 

• Are you trying to bulk up your customer base? 

• Do you need help with planning the various aspects of your event? 

• Is this a new type of event or do you need to build industry credibility with your brand?  

There are lots of reasons why you may need a sponsor for your event. The truth is, it’s not that difficult to find one. All you need is a bit of research and understanding of which sponsors would be best for your event.

Choosing a Sponsor for Your Event

You’ve answered the questions above and determined that you do need a sponsor for your event. Now, it’s time to choose one. After all, you will have so many options on the table that you will have a choice in who to work with. You may find that potential sponsors are reaching out to you.

The key is to understand your event goals, what you want from the sponsorship, and be clear on how your event offers value to potential sponsors.

Who Should You Reach Out To?

When you are just starting, you may feel a bit overwhelmed by your options. However, the reputation of your potential sponsor, as well as their thoughts on events will determine the type of partnership you’ll have with them and the success of your event. So, who should you reach out to?

• Companies that understand this type of marketing 

• Companies whose audience aligns with yours in demographics/interests/etc 

• Companies focused on ROI  

If you’re still not sure who you should reach out to, contact Triport for more information. We’ll be more than happy to help you. After all, sponsorship is key to your event success.