Masterminds 'n' events 819: Virtual events sponsorship & exhibitor opportunities

For September's #MnE819 topic, we are featuring two featured resources from industry experts on virtual event sponsorship & exhibitor opportunities. Stay tuned on our social media for our weekly #MnE819 updates: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Youtube, Pinterest. 

OVERVIEW

1. Take the time to understand what will make the event worth the investment of time and resources for sponsors.
2. Before making an “ask to sponsor” - invite to a conversation to determine how your offerings align with their business goals.
3. Paint the picture how you’re creating a campaign that will reach your sponsors goals using your event as the touch point to connect with a mutual audience.

I. METHODS 'N' EDUCATION
Attracting and Obtaining Event Sponsors | Michelle Nicole McNabb

4. The initial outreach is to have the opportunity to explore if your event is a solution to connect them with their audience and how they would benefit.
5. List out all opportunities your event can offer then open the conversation about what tactics align with what they already find works to leverage their business. Repurpose their tactics to connect them in front of their ideal audience - using the event as a touch point of a customer journey.

II. Weekly Featured Resource
Power Sponsorship | Kim Skildum-Reid

6. Kim Skildum-Reid is a thought leader in the sponsorship industry. “She has 29 years’ experience in corporate sponsorship and is a professional credited with defining and setting the best practice benchmark for the sponsorship industry”.
7. Power Sponsorship is a blog site which talks about sponsorship as well as some other aspect of marketing - take a peak!

III. MASTERMINDS 'N' EVENTS
Exhibitor Connect, HiO Social, InEvent, Vii

8. Optimize event technology to build relationships with your ideal audience and generate business opportunities and connections.
9. Event platforms such as Exhibitor connect, Hio Social, InEvent, Vii are some current platforms we’re working with that optimize sponsorship opportunities and engagement before, during, and after the event.

IV. Weekly Featured Resource
BizBash

10. Bizbash empowers event professionals with ideas, intelligence, and resources to create smarter events. They’re a go-to resource and publisher in the event space and worth following.
11. Check out BizBash for venue discovery, event style and trends, technology, and tools. They recently shared several great virtual event resources to shift events 

V. MINDSET 'N' ENTREPRENEURSHIP
5 Things My Event Entrepreneurship Journey Has Taught Me | Michelle Nicole McNabb

12. Prioritize intentional relationships for both personal and business.
13. Continue to learn, practice self worth, and reflect on character development - Live life along the way

VI. Weekly Featured Resource
 The Sponsorship  Guy | Larry Weil

14. The Sponsorship guy is headed by Larry Weil, who is an expert seller, negotiator, presenter, and strategist. Their mission is to improve results for sponsors and sponsorship properties.
15. The Sponsorship Guy has a blog that focuses on three primary topics: sponsorship insights and the tips of the trade; sponsorship news and comments on innovation and deals that deserve discussion; and sponsorship sales because selling is a skill. 


VII. METRICS 'N' EVENT TOOLS/APPS/CHECKLISTS 
 The Bizzabo Blog

10. Use Audiobooks! Use ‘lost time’ to learn anything from listening to Audiobooks during your commute to work, cleaning the house, watering the garden, taking shower, going for a run, or even picking up groceries.
11. Protect your focus! Download website blockers. Listen to music. Give yourself a time limit to complete a task. Track your habits. Use noise-cancelling earbuds. 

4 WEEKLY RESOURCES

V. Hio wants to put networking events back on your remote-only calendars

12. Hio initially launched as an app that allows users to share their chosen social media handles with others - ideally at networking events. They’re the official networking app of the Event Planner Expo and event organizers nationwide are optimizing their attendees' experience and meaningful connections before, during, and after the events.
13. Hio launched a virtual lounge so now 1-1 video connection is added to their list of features - in addition to their follow up templates by email or text messages. 

VI. Infographic: What Events Need to Know About Instagram Stories
14. If Instagram is where your audience hangs out, us Instagram stories to test out content. Create polls, tease announcements, new releases, and inspire FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)
15. Optimize Instagram features to drive engagement. Tag attendees,  partners,  and event hashtags. Add links to your CTA. Include poll for a quick follower feedback. 

VII. How A Technical Producer Will Take Your Event To The Next Level
16. Add a technical producer to your event planning team. Consider someone on your team with the technical aspects of the event in mind and stay up to date with new capabilities.
17. Find a technical producer who can take on all areas within your tech needs . A team that understands how sound works, how lights work, how computers work, how apps work, necessary equipment etc...

VIII. How to Leverage Technology in Your Event Marketing Plan
18. Create an event website and landing pages. Create speaker web page to showcase your lineup and attract attendees. Check out IDloom.com
19. Consider gamification such as leadership boards contest, scavenger hunts, tally points to encourage attendees to participate in events.

Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comment.
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