Having sponsors for a virtual event is a big consideration when you start planning how the virtual experience will be set up and ultimately how the attendees' experience will be outlined. 

For some events, I never think twice about having at least one sponsor, and for others, the thought of sponsorship isn't something I consider at all. So take it from me when I say each event is different and some are better suited to highlight key companies you've identified as well aligned with your event goals and values. 

But once you've decided on the sponsorship route for your event, you have to clearly define what will be included in your packages, as well as how you'll be highlighting them throughout your event. 

in this blog post, I want to provide a list of 25 creative strategies to highlight your sponsors before, during, and after your event.

Pre-Event Promotion Ideas:

Building Excitement & Visibility

1. Dedicated Sponsor Page: Create a visually appealing page on your summit website featuring sponsor logos, links to their websites, and short descriptions of their products or services.
2. Social Media Shoutouts: Craft engaging posts introducing your sponsors, tagging them on relevant platforms (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.), and using event hashtags.
3. Email Announcements: Highlight sponsors in your pre-event emails, inviting attendees to learn more about them.
4. Sponsor-Exclusive Content: Offer pre-event webinars or Q&As hosted by your sponsors, giving them a platform to share their expertise and connect with your audience.
5. Joint Contests or Giveaways: Partner with sponsors to offer exclusive prizes or discounts to your summit attendees, generating excitement and engagement.

During the Event:

Seamless Integration & Engagement

1. Welcome Videos or Messages: Feature short video clips or personalized messages from your sponsors during opening and closing remarks. (HeySummit makes it easy to feature intro videos on Sponsor pages)
2. Sponsor-Branded Virtual Booths: Create interactive virtual booths where sponsors can showcase their offerings and engage with attendees through live chats or Q&A sessions. (HeySummit also now has the ability to offer Direct Chat with sponsor booths at your events.)
3. Sponsored Sessions or Workshops: Let sponsors lead presentations or workshops that align with their expertise and your summit's theme.
4. Sponsor Mentions During Sessions: Briefly mention sponsors relevant to their topic, seamlessly weaving them into the content.
5. Animated Lower Thirds or Overlays: Include sponsor logos or banners as animated overlays during presentations or videos.
6. Gamification with Sponsor Prizes: Incorporate sponsor-branded prizes into quizzes, polls, or challenges to incentivize attendee participation.
7. Sponsored Breaks: Use short breaks between sessions to showcase sponsor ads or messages.

Post-Event Follow-Up:

Extending Sponsor Value

1. Thank You Emails & Posts: Publicly acknowledge and thank your sponsors in post-event emails and social media posts.
2. Sponsor Highlight Reel: Create a short video montage featuring sponsor logos, key messages, and event highlights to share on social media.
3. Sponsor Case Studies: Publish case studies showcasing the successful collaboration with your sponsors and the positive impact on your event.
4. Shared Social Media Content: Encourage sponsors to share event photos, videos, and testimonials on their own channels, further extending their reach.
5. Exclusive Sponsor Offers: Work with sponsors to offer post-event discounts or bonuses to attendees, extending the value of their partnership.
6. Year-Round Recognition: Continue to highlight sponsors on your website or in newsletters throughout the year, demonstrating your commitment to their partnership.

Bonus Tips:

1. Personalized Gifts or Thank You Notes: Show your appreciation with personalized gifts or handwritten thank-you notes to sponsors.
2. Sponsor-Exclusive Networking Opportunities: Host private events or meetups for sponsors to connect with each other and your team.
3. Co-Created Content: Partner with sponsors to create valuable content like blog posts, eBooks, or webinars that showcase their expertise.
4. Offer Early Access to Future Events: Give sponsors early access to register for or sponsor your next virtual summit as a thank-you for their support.

Ready to Make Your Sponsors Feel Like Rockstars?

Then it's time to make the shine in more ways than just slapping up a logo int he footer of your event website!

Use the list above to explore which options are viable choices in spotlighting your event sponsors and start working out a game plan for how to make it happen.

Let's transform your sponsors into raving fans and turn your virtual summits into win-win experiences for everyone!