How can you create a customized sponsorship or partnership package for a conference?

1 Know your goals

Before you approach any potential sponsor or partner, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve with your conference and how they can help you. Do you need financial support, in-kind donations, media exposure, or access to a specific audience? What are the benefits and challenges of working with each sponsor or partner? How can you align your goals with theirs and create a compelling story that shows why they should invest in your conference?

2 Research your prospects

Once you have your goals in mind, you need to do some research on the sponsors and partners you want to target. Find out what their mission, vision, values, and interests are, what kind of events they have sponsored or partnered with before, what their budget and timeline are, and what they are looking for in return. This will help you tailor your package to their needs and preferences, and avoid wasting time on mismatched or unrealistic proposals.

3 Offer different levels and options

One of the keys to creating a customized sponsorship or partnership package is to offer different levels and options that suit different budgets and objectives. For example, you can have a platinum, gold, silver, and bronze level, each with a different price and value proposition. You can also offer different options within each level, such as naming rights, logo placement, speaking opportunities, booth space, attendee data, or social media mentions. This will give your prospects some flexibility and choice, and allow them to select the package that best fits their goals and resources.

4 Highlight the value and impact

Another key to creating a customized sponsorship or partnership package is to highlight the value and impact that your conference can offer to your prospects. You need to show them how sponsoring or partnering with you can help them reach their target audience, increase their brand awareness, generate leads, showcase their expertise, or support a cause. You also need to show them how your conference can make a difference in your industry, community, or society, and how they can be part of that change. Use data, testimonials, or case studies to back up your claims and demonstrate your credibility.

5 Negotiate and follow up

The final step to creating a customized sponsorship or partnership package is to negotiate and follow up with your prospects. You need to be prepared to answer their questions, address their concerns, and adjust your package if needed. You also need to be respectful, professional, and courteous throughout the process, and keep them updated on the status of your proposal. Once you have secured a sponsor or partner, you need to send them a contract, an invoice, and a thank-you note, and keep in touch with them until the conference is over. You also need to deliver on your promises, measure and report on the results, and solicit feedback for improvement.