If you’ve ever been handed the task of “finding a few sponsors” for your next corporate event, you know it’s not as easy as sending out a few emails and waiting for the cash to roll in. Great event sponsors don’t just support your event financially, they enhance the experience for your guests and add long-term value to your brand.
So, how do you attract the right partners? And more importantly, how do you keep them coming back for your next event? Let’s break it down.
1. Know What You Bring to the Table
Before you even think about contacting potential sponsors, take a moment to define your value:
Who attends your events? Are they decision-makers, industry leaders, or local business owners?
What kind of exposure can you offer? Think branding, speaking opportunities, digital promotion, and social media shoutouts.
What makes your event special? Is it the setting, the guest list, or the vibe?
The more clearly you understand your offering, the more confidently you can pitch it.
2. Align with the Right Brands
This isn’t speed dating, choose sponsors whose goals align with yours and whose target audience overlaps with your guest list.
For example:
Hosting a tech innovation night? Look for software platforms or IT firms.
Planning a wellness-themed conference? Consider health brands, fitness studios, or nutrition services.
Spend time researching your potential sponsor – what events have they engaged with previously, do they currently sponsor something else? How do they engage with their audience? It’s not just about the money, it’s about synergy and collaboration.
3. Create Tailored Event Sponsor Packages
One-size-fits-all sponsorship proposals are a thing of the past. Instead, create 2–3 tailored options with a mix of:
Bonus points for adding an “Exclusive Sponsor” option for top-tier exposure.
Remember, attendees want to be feel engaged in the event so think about unique sponsorship opportunities for attendees to engage.
4. Make It Easy to Say Yes
Don’t make potential sponsors work to support you. A slick, branded proposal PDF should include:
Event overview and audience profile
Partnership options and inclusions
Clear deliverables and timelines
Contact info and next steps
Keep it professional, but warm and approachable – just like you.
5. Show Love to Event Sponsors Before, During & After
Securing a sponsor is just the start. Now you need to deliver on your promises and keep the relationship glowing. The following list will give you some pointers on what to consider before, during and after the event to ensure that your sponsors are getting the most out of their investment.
Before: Confirm inclusions, gather assets, and share your event plan. Make time to brainstorm any unique opportunities tailored to the event AND their brand.
During: Give shoutouts, snap pics, tag them online, and make intros to guests. Ensure supplier briefings for photographers, videographers and social media staff include the appropriate tags and the outcomes you are looking to achieve through the sponsorship.
After: Send a thank-you, share results (stats, photos, testimonials), and ask for feedback. Identify new opportunities that may have arisen during the event that could be considered for the next event.
Relationships grow through appreciation and communication. Your next sponsorship starts here so be sure to make the sponsor feel that they received a good ROI.
Final Thought
Corporate sponsorships aren’t just about covering costs. They’re about creating valuable brand partnerships that elevate your event and your sponsors’ visibility.
Need help crafting a sponsorship strategy that works? That’s our jam at Events Outsourced. Let’s make your next event unforgettable and unmissable. For sponsors and attendees alike.
Events Outsourced are the trusted event management company in Sydney for growing Australian businesses looking to achieve strategic event outcomes. Based in Sydney, NSW, we provide a national service to our clients.
