Many organizations are moving to virtual events because this allows them to reach a larger audience while also being cost-effective, flexible, and offering hybrid options for physical events as well. To guarantee success for an online event, an organization could offer many benefits like first-look reveals, promotions, incentives, and even high profile speakers such as celebrities.
In this article, we’ll go over how you can utilize these strategies for your online event, especially landing virtual event sponsors to join in. These tips will guide you in making choices that reflect the guidance and adaptability needed to succeed in today’s market. Event participants are looking for more authentic connections to thrive. Adapting is essential, so keeping an open mind and remaining innovative will bring positive results.
Reach out to suppliers
One common tactic to finding a virtual event sponsor would be to reach out to suppliers of products that relate to your audience. Many people might show interest in the event because they also want to learn more, experience a brand, or get a promotion or special incentive from a brand they already know and love. Use your network to connect with your ideal sponsors. LinkedIn could be a beneficial source for making strong, direct connections through mutual contacts. As long as you’re making the effort to connect directly with your ideal virtual event sponsor, you would be surprised by the positive responses you’re likely to get. The most important thing to remember is to take action and put yourself and your vision out there.
Offer an opportunity for influence
Product promotions or giveaways aren’t a one size fits all solution. This direction doesn’t work for every brand and may not work for every event either. Another recommendation could be providing an influence platform for your sponsor. Try to find someone who is well-known in your field and someone that your audience would love to engage with. Many big sponsors do enjoy helping others in their industry as long as they can use the platform to influence returning or potential clients. This connection does not have to be competitive because both you and the sponsor are looking to achieve the same goal, and you’re helping each other make this happen. As an additional reference, check out 13 Strategies For Ensuring The Success Of A Virtual Event by Forbes.
Choose the right platform
There are many options for event platforms, and they are evolving every day. One important factor to consider when you select the perfect platform is how it will enable sponsorship opportunities. When you’re recruiting a virtual event sponsor, they’re going to be more likely to work with you if they’re familiar with the technology being used. Use your knowledge about your audience and your sponsor to choose the perfect platform. Some require attendees to sign up ahead of time. Some platforms are free while others might require a payment to secure a strong internet connection for a large audience. Whatever your needs might be, first start with the outcome you want to create for your audience, and then build the team that will get you to your goals. This includes aligning the best platform for your event’s purpose and vision. Having a platform that enables multiple sponsorship options like co-branding, dedicated events or content areas, and virtual exhibitor floors create more partnership opportunities.
For many organizations, learning how to move most of their business online has been an amazing challenge. By using your virtual event as an added extension for sponsorship partners, you’re creating win-win situations. Try to make the information as accessible as possible for people to connect and engage with your business. No matter what route you take, just remember to be authentic with your networking and connections. That will create solid relationships for future events as well.
At Encompass, we have unique backgrounds that situate us perfectly to produce high end and complex offerings. We’ve worked in broadcast television, touring entertainment, live sporting events, and countless convention facilities across the country.
We have technical design experience and a disciplined process in place that allows us to easily scale events and shift from in-person to virtual without angst. There isn’t much that’s beyond our scope and we love the intensity of putting on events!
If you’re a planner working to create an event, seeking help with virtual event technology, or simply want to learn more … we can help! Sign up below to receive our updates (we promise to keep your contact information secure and won’t “overshare”).