How can you create a sense of belonging and purpose in your event partnerships?

1 Identify your event vision and values

Before you reach out to potential partners, you need to have a clear idea of what your event is about, what you want to achieve, and what you stand for. Your event vision and values will guide your selection of partners, as well as your communication and expectations with them. You want to partner with people and organizations that share your vision and values, and that can contribute to your event goals in a meaningful way. Having a common purpose and direction will help you create a sense of belonging and alignment among your partners, and avoid conflicts or misunderstandings.

2 Communicate your expectations and benefits

Once you have identified your ideal partners, you need to communicate with them effectively and transparently. You need to explain what your event is about, what you expect from them, and what they can expect from you. You also need to highlight the benefits and opportunities that your partnership can offer, such as exposure, networking, learning, feedback, or recognition. You want to make your partners feel valued and appreciated, and show them how they can grow and benefit from being part of your event. Communicating your expectations and benefits will help you create a sense of trust and mutual support among your partners, and motivate them to deliver their best.

3 Involve your partners in the planning and execution

Another way to create a sense of belonging and purpose in your event partnerships is to involve your partners in the planning and execution of your event. You can ask for their input, feedback, suggestions, or ideas on various aspects of your event, such as the agenda, the format, the content, the promotion, or the evaluation. You can also assign them specific roles or tasks that match their skills, interests, or goals, and give them autonomy and responsibility to carry them out. By involving your partners in the planning and execution, you will make them feel more engaged and invested in your event, and leverage their expertise and creativity to enhance your event quality and experience.

4 Create opportunities for networking and collaboration

One of the main benefits of partnering with other speakers, sponsors, or collaborators for your event is the opportunity to network and collaborate with them. You can create opportunities for networking and collaboration by facilitating introductions, creating online or offline spaces for interaction, organizing social or informal activities, or encouraging co-creation or cross-promotion. You can also showcase the work and achievements of your partners, and celebrate their successes and contributions. By creating opportunities for networking and collaboration, you will make your partners feel more connected and inspired by each other, and foster a culture of learning and sharing among your event community.

5 Provide feedback and recognition

Finally, you can create a sense of belonging and purpose in your event partnerships by providing feedback and recognition to your partners. You can ask for their feedback on your event, and share your feedback on their performance, impact, or value. You can also recognize and appreciate their efforts, achievements, or learnings, and express your gratitude and satisfaction. You can provide feedback and recognition verbally, in writing, or through gestures, such as certificates, gifts, or referrals. By providing feedback and recognition, you will make your partners feel more confident and proud of being part of your event, and strengthen your relationship and loyalty with them.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?