Sponsorship Matters: Building Lasting, Impactful Partnerships for Events

Session Title: Sponsorship Matters Date: 2nd December 2024 | Time: 10:45 am – 11:35 am Facilitator: Kristen Skinner

In today’s business landscape, genuine connections and meaningful partnerships are more essential than ever. Corporates, in-house meeting planners, associations, agencies, and PCOs rely on effective sponsorships to drive growth, create value, and achieve strategic goals. "Sponsorship Matters," a key session at PCOA 2024, will guide you through building, managing, and sustaining impactful alliances.

Why Sponsorship Matters More Than Ever for Events

In an age where so many people work from home or juggle demanding schedules, face-to-face interactions at events are invaluable. For sponsors, your event is a rare opportunity to engage directly with potential clients, partners, and peers—a benefit that’s tough to replicate virtually. This makes sponsorships more valuable than ever and positions your event as a prime networking opportunity.

However, sponsoring an event today doesn’t have to mean just setting up a booth or sending a representative. Think creatively: could a sponsor be part of an interactive session, engage attendees in a breakout experience, or host a branded lounge? Sponsorship can go far beyond traditional support by integrating in unique ways, allowing brands to stand out while adding value to the event experience. Plus can it go beyond the conference room doors.

Managing Sponsor Relationships Effectively

It’s common for sponsors to commit months in advance, only to arrive at the event with new staff or forgotten details. Ensuring their experience is fulfilling requires proactive communication. As an organizer, your support can make the difference between a one-time sponsor and a long-term partner. The most cost-effective way to secure repeat sponsors is by fostering valuable, memorable sponsorships that deliver on expectations and keep them coming back year after year.

Led by Kristen Skinner, director of Sponsorship Matters, this session will explore frameworks, best practices, and hands-on strategies for creating sponsorships that foster sustainable growth and connections. Kristen’s diverse background across education, tourism, sports, arts, and major events, paired with her intuitive and people-focused approach, make her a trusted expert in building partnerships that last.

Session Highlights:

1. Introduction to Sponsorship Principles Gain insights into strategic sponsorships and how they open new doors for corporates, planners, associations, agencies, and PCOs.
2. Frameworks for Success Learn streamlined processes for identifying, securing, and nurturing partnerships with practical strategies that apply to both new and established relationships.
3. Key Partnership Dynamics Discover the importance of collaboration, clear communication, and alignment in sponsorships and learn how these principles drive success.
4. Reading the Fine Print Whether it’s in-kind support, subvention from a destination, or industry sponsorship, understand the full scope of agreements to prevent misunderstandings and maximize value.
5. Interactive Q&A Kristen will lead an open forum for insights, challenges, and best practices.
6. Applying Sponsorship Lessons Beyond Business Effective sponsorships can transform your approach to stakeholder engagement, fostering trust and value in every interaction.

Kristen’s session promises actionable insights, innovative strategies, and a touch of fun. Join us at PCOA 2024 to learn how to leverage sponsorships for growth and meaningful connections.

This session is ideal for corporates, in-house planners, associations, agencies, and PCOs. Discover how sponsorships can transform your growth strategy and create lasting impacts.

#PCOA2024 #SponsorshipMatters #BusinessGrowth #StrategicPartnerships #CorporateSuccess #AssociationPartnerships #EventManagement #KristenSkinner #PCOAustralia

Register for PCOA24 today! https://www.pcoaconference.com.au/registration