Multiple sports events are seeking the same sponsor. How will you navigate conflicting sponsorship interests?

1. Transparency and Communication: - Be open with all parties involved explain that you're committed to finding a fair solution. 2. Prioritize Alignment: - Evaluate each event and prioritize events that closely match the sponsor's objectives. 3. Negotiation: - Facilitate negotiations and explore creative solutions, such as shared sponsorships or tiered levels of support. 4. Time Management: - Allocate time efficiently and avoid delays that could harm relationships or sponsor interest. 5. Professionalism: - Maintain professionalism and avoid favoritism or bias toward any event. 6. Mindfulness and Adaptability: - Stay mindful of the sponsor's needs and goals and be adaptable and willing to adjust plans if necessary.

One thing that helps is asking the brands directly. Asides what you have observed through diligence and studious research that the brands need, you might be right but it might not be their pressing need at that time. You could leave the door open to the brand/individual to help you understand what needs they would also like met with your events. You could also add a line to your proposal that helps show the brand/individual you care about their needs as much as you care than their support or sponsorship. It worked for me with some brands in the past.

Prioritize and Segment: Identify the most valuable sponsorships based on factors like brand alignment, target audience, and potential revenue. Leverage Relationships: Highlight the benefits of a long-term partnership and the potential for increased brand exposure. Cross-Promote Events: Promote multiple events to the same sponsor, emphasizing the synergies between them and the potential for broader reach. Negotiate Flexible Terms: Be open to negotiating flexible terms with sponsors. Offer Value-Added Services: Provide additional value to sponsors beyond traditional advertising, such as hospitality, VIP experiences, or data analytics. Track Sponsorship Performance: Use data to inform future negotiations and strategies.

I have found that "negotiation tactics" is the most important part of getting sponsorship. Being able to explain how your program is important to the brand's present or timeless needs is crucial to negotiations. In my experience, when multiple events need the same sponsor, explaining the vision of the organizers with these events instead of the standout points of each event is usually the key ingredient. That way the sponsor (individual or corporate) feels like another team player and an indirect contributor to your vision. If you have events A and B and want to use "Sponsor C" for both, instead of proposing sponsorship for two events, pitch your vision instead.