![\"Download](\"https:\/\/www.eventmobi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Sponsorship-Levels_Skinny-CTA-1024x220.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat Are Sponsorship Levels?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nSponsorship levels provide potential sponsors with options to support your next event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That could mean they receive more benefits for more money; they could be themed for different types of sponsors (eg. media, venue); or they could be off-the-wall creative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"This](\"https:\/\/www.eventmobi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/What_Are_Sponsorship_Levels-1024x450.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nFor events like conferences, trade shows, or festivals, sponsorship levels can include benefits like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n- Speaking opportunities<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Branding<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Session sponsorship<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Venue sponsorship<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Different sized booths<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
\n- Event app banners<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- On-site signs and banners<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Recognition during opening & closing ceremonies<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Social media shout-outs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- VIP treatment (special seats, merch, food and drink)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
And tons of other boons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For nonprofit events like a charity run or a gala, sponsorship levels can include donor networking opportunities or exclusive access to events. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ask First:<\/strong> Do I Have to Have Sponsorship Levels?<\/h2>\n\n\n\nHold up: not every event needs sponsorship levels!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Managing levels of sponsorship can take a lot of time and energy from your team, so ask yourself these questions first:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- How big is your event?<\/strong> Sponsorship levels may be more suitable for larger, more complex events with a range of potential sponsors and stakeholders. Plus, you need an audience big enough to attract sponsors!<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Do you have different types of sponsors?<\/strong> If your event attracts sponsors with different needs and goals, creative sponsorship levels can provide them with benefits tailored to their needs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Do you have the capacity to manage tiers?<\/strong> Consider whether you’ll have the time and resources to implement sponsorship levels. You’ll need to fulfill benefits for each tier, manage and track sponsor agreements at each level, and more.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Are you bringing value at every tier?<\/strong> Ensure you can offer unique value at every sponsorship level, and make sure you can deliver on the promises made to sponsors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Can you meet your event’s needs without sponsorship levels?<\/strong> You might not need sponsor levels if you have a small event or a big one with a small range of sponsors. Or your sponsors may prefer having tailored sponsorship packages for their investment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
To summarize, whether you need sponsorship levels will depend on your goals, your event’s size and scope, your resources, and your sponsors. Think about what’s involved in having basic sponsorship offerings vs. levels or custom packages, and which will fit your sponsor profiles more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Benefits of Event Sponsorship Levels<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nOkay, so we know<\/strong> we need sponsor levels. Your sponsors are ready to feel special and gain extra value\u2014and your event has tons of needs to fulfill.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat\u2019s in it for you? Here are the common benefits:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Generate more revenue through upselling<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSay you\u2019ve worked with a sponsor who\u2019s totally invested in your mission. If you build out a tiered sponsorship level package, you give them the opportunity to invest more in your event\u2014and get even more out of it. That\u2019s an A+ for both parties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lighten your team\u2019s workload<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThere are two ways sponsor levels help you ease the stress of event planning. First, you\u2019re not running around creating custom packages for every single sponsor\u2014you\u2019ve got a plan! Second, it gives you more ways to have your sponsors help you run an awesome event. For example, what if you had a sponsor responsible for your networking programming?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Better sponsor relations<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nEveryone likes to feel seen. When you craft sponsorship levels that are made directly<\/em> for your target\u2014or existing\u2014sponsor types, you make it easier on both of you to have a relationship that works. It\u2019ll make pitching sponsors easier, and they\u2019ll also know they\u2019ll be taken care of and understood when they sign on.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIncrease sponsor visibility<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nYour sponsor levels should offer benefits that get sponsors directly in front of the audience they\u2019re trying to reach. Do you have a stage that\u2019s all about marketing nonprofit events? Make sure a nonprofit advertising agency has the chance to sponsor that stage!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Give sponsors the VIP treatment<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSponsors that invest at higher levels can have unique perks, such as dedicated speaking time to event attendees and access to VIP areas of the event. This can make sponsors feel valued and appreciated, which can help to build stronger relationships and loyalty over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to Create Sponsorship Levels<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nYou\u2019re ready to build out your sponsorship levels, put together your sponsorship packages, and start converting sponsors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are the 9 steps that will help you create your sponsor tiers, monitor them, and improve them for the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Evaluate current sponsors and identify potential sponsors<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Before looking for new sponsors, you should first look into current sponsors and their contributions to past events. This can help you understand the benefits sponsors are looking for, which allows you to improve your event sponsorship levels to attract new sponsors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You should also take a look around your space. What are the sponsors for similar events? Which potential sponsors are out there still?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Figure out sponsor needs<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Once you’ve identified the targeted sponsors for your event, you can start figuring out and categorizing their needs and goals. Learn what sponsors hope to achieve<\/a> through this collaboration and what benefits are most important to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSurvey sponsors, check out competing sponsorship levels, and look at sample sponsor packages from outside your space\u2014you never know where inspiration will strike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Assign resources to fulfill sponsorship agreements<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Before reaching out to sponsors, make sure you know if you have the resources to fulfill your offers. Make someone your sponsorship lead, responsible for fulfilling any and all obligations that come with signing on a new sponsor\u2014especially the big ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Identify the benefits for each level<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Start categorizing your benefits into your sponsorship levels. Make sure you clearly define and communicate these, and make them look absolutely irresistible. If you decide to offer \u00e0-la-carte sponsorship packages, start writing these down too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Name your event sponsorship levels<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
You can use the good ol’ tier names (Diamond, Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze) or come up with new ones depending on your event. Events with creative sponsorship levels<\/a> may even attract the attention of more sponsors.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSay you’re organizing an annual fundraising event called the “Stars of Hope” Gala. The names of the gala sponsorship levels could stick to this theme. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here’s an example: Supernova Supporters ($50,000), Glittering Galaxies ($25,000), or Guiding Lights ($10,000). Or you can name your fundraiser sponsorship levels based on planets or solar systems. For example: Big Dipper Sponsors, Milky Way Sponsors, and Andromeda Sponsors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Price your sponsorship levels and create your sponsorship package<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Pricing your sponsorship levels is the trickiest part of the process. You\u2019re going to want to look at your organization\u2019s needs, what your sponsors can afford to pay, what competitors are offering, and what the overall cost of your event is. Every event is different, but make sure you\u2019re meeting industry standards!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Reach out to sponsors and follow up with good leads<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
After creating and designing your sponsorship package, you can start contacting sponsors. As mentioned, make sure you reach out to your current sponsors first. And don\u2019t send and forget: create a follow-up system to secure sponsor support and keep leads hot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Deliver on your promises<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s time! Your sponsors have held up their end of the bargain, so make sure you put together a sponsorship fulfillment checklist and start checking off those boxes. Keeping sponsors in the loop at every step is another great way to build trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Report on the results<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Track and report on the results of your event and sponsorship efforts. This helps sponsors know how their support has paid off and can encourage them to collaborate with you again. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some event management platforms allow you to track and report on your analytics. EventMobi, for example, offers different ways to measure your event analytics<\/a> like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Meetings booked<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Banner views and clicks<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Company page views<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Live poll and survey results<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Session data for sponsored programming<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Gamification participation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Video views<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Whether your event is virtual, hybrid, or in person, your sponsors will have a clear idea of the benefits of your partnership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nFor events like conferences, trade shows, or festivals, sponsorship levels can include benefits like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Speaking opportunities<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Branding<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Session sponsorship<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Venue sponsorship<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Different sized booths<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Event app banners<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- On-site signs and banners<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Recognition during opening & closing ceremonies<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Social media shout-outs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- VIP treatment (special seats, merch, food and drink)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
And tons of other boons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For nonprofit events like a charity run or a gala, sponsorship levels can include donor networking opportunities or exclusive access to events. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ask First:<\/strong> Do I Have to Have Sponsorship Levels?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Hold up: not every event needs sponsorship levels!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Managing levels of sponsorship can take a lot of time and energy from your team, so ask yourself these questions first:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- How big is your event?<\/strong> Sponsorship levels may be more suitable for larger, more complex events with a range of potential sponsors and stakeholders. Plus, you need an audience big enough to attract sponsors!<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Do you have different types of sponsors?<\/strong> If your event attracts sponsors with different needs and goals, creative sponsorship levels can provide them with benefits tailored to their needs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Do you have the capacity to manage tiers?<\/strong> Consider whether you’ll have the time and resources to implement sponsorship levels. You’ll need to fulfill benefits for each tier, manage and track sponsor agreements at each level, and more.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Are you bringing value at every tier?<\/strong> Ensure you can offer unique value at every sponsorship level, and make sure you can deliver on the promises made to sponsors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Can you meet your event’s needs without sponsorship levels?<\/strong> You might not need sponsor levels if you have a small event or a big one with a small range of sponsors. Or your sponsors may prefer having tailored sponsorship packages for their investment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
To summarize, whether you need sponsorship levels will depend on your goals, your event’s size and scope, your resources, and your sponsors. Think about what’s involved in having basic sponsorship offerings vs. levels or custom packages, and which will fit your sponsor profiles more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Benefits of Event Sponsorship Levels<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Okay, so we know<\/strong> we need sponsor levels. Your sponsors are ready to feel special and gain extra value\u2014and your event has tons of needs to fulfill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What\u2019s in it for you? Here are the common benefits:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Generate more revenue through upselling<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Say you\u2019ve worked with a sponsor who\u2019s totally invested in your mission. If you build out a tiered sponsorship level package, you give them the opportunity to invest more in your event\u2014and get even more out of it. That\u2019s an A+ for both parties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lighten your team\u2019s workload<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
There are two ways sponsor levels help you ease the stress of event planning. First, you\u2019re not running around creating custom packages for every single sponsor\u2014you\u2019ve got a plan! Second, it gives you more ways to have your sponsors help you run an awesome event. For example, what if you had a sponsor responsible for your networking programming?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Better sponsor relations<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Everyone likes to feel seen. When you craft sponsorship levels that are made directly<\/em> for your target\u2014or existing\u2014sponsor types, you make it easier on both of you to have a relationship that works. It\u2019ll make pitching sponsors easier, and they\u2019ll also know they\u2019ll be taken care of and understood when they sign on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Increase sponsor visibility<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Your sponsor levels should offer benefits that get sponsors directly in front of the audience they\u2019re trying to reach. Do you have a stage that\u2019s all about marketing nonprofit events? Make sure a nonprofit advertising agency has the chance to sponsor that stage!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Give sponsors the VIP treatment<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Sponsors that invest at higher levels can have unique perks, such as dedicated speaking time to event attendees and access to VIP areas of the event. This can make sponsors feel valued and appreciated, which can help to build stronger relationships and loyalty over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to Create Sponsorship Levels<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
You\u2019re ready to build out your sponsorship levels, put together your sponsorship packages, and start converting sponsors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are the 9 steps that will help you create your sponsor tiers, monitor them, and improve them for the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Evaluate current sponsors and identify potential sponsors<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Before looking for new sponsors, you should first look into current sponsors and their contributions to past events. This can help you understand the benefits sponsors are looking for, which allows you to improve your event sponsorship levels to attract new sponsors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You should also take a look around your space. What are the sponsors for similar events? Which potential sponsors are out there still?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Figure out sponsor needs<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Once you’ve identified the targeted sponsors for your event, you can start figuring out and categorizing their needs and goals. Learn what sponsors hope to achieve<\/a> through this collaboration and what benefits are most important to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Survey sponsors, check out competing sponsorship levels, and look at sample sponsor packages from outside your space\u2014you never know where inspiration will strike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Assign resources to fulfill sponsorship agreements<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Before reaching out to sponsors, make sure you know if you have the resources to fulfill your offers. Make someone your sponsorship lead, responsible for fulfilling any and all obligations that come with signing on a new sponsor\u2014especially the big ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Identify the benefits for each level<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Start categorizing your benefits into your sponsorship levels. Make sure you clearly define and communicate these, and make them look absolutely irresistible. If you decide to offer \u00e0-la-carte sponsorship packages, start writing these down too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Name your event sponsorship levels<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
You can use the good ol’ tier names (Diamond, Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze) or come up with new ones depending on your event. Events with creative sponsorship levels<\/a> may even attract the attention of more sponsors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Say you’re organizing an annual fundraising event called the “Stars of Hope” Gala. The names of the gala sponsorship levels could stick to this theme. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here’s an example: Supernova Supporters ($50,000), Glittering Galaxies ($25,000), or Guiding Lights ($10,000). Or you can name your fundraiser sponsorship levels based on planets or solar systems. For example: Big Dipper Sponsors, Milky Way Sponsors, and Andromeda Sponsors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Price your sponsorship levels and create your sponsorship package<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Pricing your sponsorship levels is the trickiest part of the process. You\u2019re going to want to look at your organization\u2019s needs, what your sponsors can afford to pay, what competitors are offering, and what the overall cost of your event is. Every event is different, but make sure you\u2019re meeting industry standards!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Reach out to sponsors and follow up with good leads<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
After creating and designing your sponsorship package, you can start contacting sponsors. As mentioned, make sure you reach out to your current sponsors first. And don\u2019t send and forget: create a follow-up system to secure sponsor support and keep leads hot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Deliver on your promises<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s time! Your sponsors have held up their end of the bargain, so make sure you put together a sponsorship fulfillment checklist and start checking off those boxes. Keeping sponsors in the loop at every step is another great way to build trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Report on the results<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Track and report on the results of your event and sponsorship efforts. This helps sponsors know how their support has paid off and can encourage them to collaborate with you again. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some event management platforms allow you to track and report on your analytics. EventMobi, for example, offers different ways to measure your event analytics<\/a> like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Meetings booked<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Banner views and clicks<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Company page views<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Live poll and survey results<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Session data for sponsored programming<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Gamification participation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Video views<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Whether your event is virtual, hybrid, or in person, your sponsors will have a clear idea of the benefits of your partnership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
- Report on the results<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- Deliver on your promises<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- Reach out to sponsors and follow up with good leads<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- Price your sponsorship levels and create your sponsorship package<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- Name your event sponsorship levels<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- Identify the benefits for each level<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- Assign resources to fulfill sponsorship agreements<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- Figure out sponsor needs<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- Do you have different types of sponsors?<\/strong> If your event attracts sponsors with different needs and goals, creative sponsorship levels can provide them with benefits tailored to their needs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- How big is your event?<\/strong> Sponsorship levels may be more suitable for larger, more complex events with a range of potential sponsors and stakeholders. Plus, you need an audience big enough to attract sponsors!<\/li>\n\n\n\n