Feb 15, 2021
7 ideas for virtual event sponsorship
Rounding up sponsors for your next virtual event is easier if you have a clear vision for the role those businesses and individuals will play. You can include them in pre- and post-event activities as well as during the event. Here are seven ways to get your sponsors involved.
1. Include sponsors in the registration information
Your sponsors should be an active part of the event before it even begins. Give them a presence on your registration page, including their names and logos. Add that information to the email confirmation you send attendees and the directions for logging in to the event.
2. Give shout-outs on social media
As you promote your virtual event on social media, devote one day to each sponsor, thanking them for their support and highlighting unique aspects of their business. You can even link to their websites.
3. Send guests a digital event bag
Just because an event is virtual doesn’t mean you skip the swag. Your attendees will love getting a virtual grab-bag of extras from your promotional partners. Sponsors can offer free sign-ups for their services or coupons recipients can redeem by visiting a physical location.
4. Provide your guests with branded food
Luncheons may look a little different with a virtual event, but you can still bring your attendees food branded with your sponsors’ names. Try these ideas:
- Brand napkins with all your sponsors’ logos
- Allow sponsorship for each course, such as one sponsor’s logo on the sandwich wrapping and another on dessert
- Add branded water bottles to attendees’ lunch kits
Have your attendees pick up their lunches ahead of time or drop them off if you have enough help. Your sponsors will appreciate the effort to stand out.
5. Play short commercials during dead time
During a virtual event, your guests sit through plenty of downtime waiting for the speaker to begin or their breakout room to open. Take advantage of this by inviting sponsors to film short ads that you run during these times. This offers sponsors a chance to convey their messages in addition to sharing their logos.
6. Incorporate sponsors into opening remarks
Make sure to thank your sponsors by name as you begin the event. Go beyond the usual, “We couldn’t be here without our sponsors.” When you mention them, include a description of what they do and why they are a valued partner. Your sponsors will love the individual attention.
7. Add poll questions related to your sponsors
Keeping your attendees engaged is critical to your success, and polling them during the event keeps them interested. Use questions that relate to your sponsors or allow sponsors for each question to keep their names top of mind with your attendees.
Use GiveSmart’s Fundraising Software
If you’re searching for additional ideas for your next virtual event, GiveSmart is offering a webinar on fostering sponsor relationships, and we’d love to see you there!