To deliver a standout event, you’ll often need help amplifying your message and securing sponsorships and partnerships.
Your job is to stage an event that gives sponsors real exposure and measurable returns—while creating value for attendees.
That means designing a program that feels relevant and useful, so participants want to engage with you and your sponsors. But first, you need to convince the right partners to come on board.
So how do you find like-minded sponsors, get them excited about your proposal, and prove you can deliver value?
1) Know Your Audience
Start by defining who will care about your event—your sponsors likely target the same people.
If you’re running a business conference, your core audience may be small business owners seeking growth.
Pitch your event to established brands and experts who can share proven insights that help your attendees reach their goals. This alignment increases sponsor value and attendee satisfaction.
2) Network, Network, Network
You already have a shortlist of companies that share your values and objectives. Now approach them with a clear, compelling offer.
Example: if you’re producing an education event for a web/IT association, contact relevant tech firms and industry groups for sponsorships and partnerships. Many already have event kits and sponsorship packages you can leverage.
Speak their language and be specific about outcomes. Show how their involvement benefits them:
- Your audience = their audience
- More brand awareness → more qualified leads → potential new revenue
With MeetApp’s event app, you can spotlight sponsors directly in attendees’ phones—upload sponsor presentations and videos, run banner ads, and send push notifications that drive discovery.
Built-in networking (e.g., an activity feed) connects attendees and sponsors to start real conversations.
3) Nail the Pitch (Dos & Don’ts)
Before you pick up the phone or send that email, prepare:
- Open strong: Introduce yourself and get to the point within 20 seconds.
- Lead with the biggest benefit: Typically revenue or qualified pipeline—include a realistic projection if you have numbers.
- Size & fit: Share expected attendance and why your demographics match their ICP (e.g., “200 confirmed attendees, ages 25–30—your core customer base”).
- Be clear about the ask: It isn’t always cash—consider speakers, venue, catering, swag, or media support.
- Use smart flattery: You value their expertise; with them, the event will be bigger and better.
- Follow up in writing: If you don’t get a clear yes/no, send a concise recap with your USPs and follow up in a few days.
- Show proof: If you’ve run successful events before, share outcomes and how past sponsors benefited.
4) Spotlight Sponsors During the Event
As promised, give sponsors prime exposure—both digitally via MeetApp and on-site:
- Dedicate segments: “Session name — sponsored by…”
- Place banners with sponsor logos around the venue—especially on stage backdrops.
- Add sponsor logos to all marketing materials, ads, and print/digital programs.
- Distribute sponsor collateral on tables and common areas.
- Include sponsor samples or offers in goodie bags for attendees.
High-quality sponsors elevate the attendee experience, which in turn boosts your event’s ROI.
Why an Event App Helps (MeetApp)
- Showcase sponsors & partners directly in the app
- Upload presentations & videos to drive discovery
- Run banner placements for targeted visibility
- Send push notifications to prompt actions at key moments
- Enable networking via dialogs and activity feeds to connect sponsors and attendees
Follow these four steps to attract credible sponsors, grow revenue, and deliver more value to your participants—while keeping your promises to partners.
