How do you acknowledge and appreciate your conference sponsors and partners?

1 Pre-conference communication

One of the first steps to acknowledge and appreciate your sponsors and partners is to communicate with them clearly and regularly before the event. You can send them a welcome email, a sponsorship agreement, a sponsorship kit, and a timeline of deliverables and expectations. You can also ask them for their input, feedback, and preferences on how they want to be featured and involved in the conference. By communicating with them early and often, you can build trust, rapport, and excitement for the event.

2 Conference branding and promotion

Another way to acknowledge and appreciate your sponsors and partners is to include their logos, names, and messages in your conference branding and promotion. You can display their logos on your website, social media, email newsletters, brochures, posters, banners, and signage. You can also mention them in your press releases, media interviews, podcasts, and blogs. You can also create dedicated web pages, videos, or podcasts to showcase their stories, products, or services. By featuring them in your conference branding and promotion, you can increase their visibility, credibility, and reputation.

3 Conference program and activities

A third way to acknowledge and appreciate your sponsors and partners is to integrate them into your conference program and activities. You can invite them to speak, moderate, or participate in keynote sessions, panels, workshops, or roundtables. You can also give them opportunities to exhibit, demo, or pitch their products or services in booths, tables, or stages. You can also organize networking, social, or entertainment events where they can interact with attendees, speakers, or organizers. By integrating them into your conference program and activities, you can enhance their value, engagement, and satisfaction.

4 Conference recognition and appreciation

A fourth way to acknowledge and appreciate your sponsors and partners is to express your recognition and appreciation during the event. You can thank them verbally in your opening and closing remarks, in your session introductions, or in your announcements. You can also thank them visually by displaying their logos or names on screens, slides, or badges. You can also thank them tangibly by giving them certificates, plaques, trophies, gifts, or swag. By expressing your recognition and appreciation during the event, you can demonstrate your gratitude, respect, and professionalism.

5 Post-conference follow-up

A fifth way to acknowledge and appreciate your sponsors and partners is to follow up with them after the event. You can send them a thank-you email, a thank-you card, a thank-you video, or a thank-you call. You can also share with them the conference outcomes, feedback, testimonials, or metrics. You can also ask them for their evaluation, suggestions, or testimonials. You can also discuss with them the possibilities of future collaboration, referrals, or support. By following up with them after the event, you can maintain the relationship, show the impact, and create opportunities.

6 Best practices and tips

A sixth way to acknowledge and appreciate your sponsors and partners is to follow some best practices and tips. You can customize your acknowledgment and appreciation according to their level of sponsorship, their goals, their interests, and their preferences. You can also be creative, authentic, and personal in your acknowledgment and appreciation. You can also be consistent, timely, and responsive in your communication and delivery. You can also seek feedback, recognition, and appreciation from your attendees, speakers, or organizers for your sponsors and partners. By following some best practices and tips, you can optimize your acknowledgment and appreciation and make your sponsors and partners happy.

7 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?