There’s no denying things have changed due to COVID-19. And with that change comes new ways of doing things – including getting virtual event sponsorships!
Virtual event sponsorship is something that becomes a little more difficult to execute as the usual methods aren’t available. Sponsored banners, branded signage, face-to-face meetings, and individually named spaces are a lot harder to implement without the valuable in-person element.
Luckily, there are ways to now bring your events into the virtual space without losing current sponsorship opportunities. The online environment provides tons of ways to shift your current sponsorships and even develop new virtual event sponsorship opportunities.
Virtual Event Sponsorship Opportunities
With a little creative thinking (and the help of this list) you’re sure to find valuable ways to include sponsorships in your virtual event. Always be sure to think about what it is your audience will be happy to see sponsorship wise so you can leave them with the positive experience they’re looking for!
(Speaking of creative thinking, here are 10 virtual event ideas to keep you ahead of the curve!)
Blog post feature
You might start by looking for virtual event sponsorship opportunities on your registration page. Including a featured guest blog post is a great way for sponsors to get their name out there, all while providing valuable information to potential sign-ups.
Order in and send out ahead of time
Just because you can’t be in person doesn’t mean sponsored items can’t be sent off or ordered in. You might look to send out branded swag to attendees ahead of time, along with a digital event bag.
It’s also a great idea to order a sponsored lunch or snacks for attendees at home to enjoy a meal together virtually.
Email and social media opportunities
As the world becomes more and more digital, email and social media are thriving! As you send out communications, use logos and messaging as sponsorship opportunities. You might consider a special area on your email communications for sponsored logos or sponsor messages.
Social media is also a fantastic space for sponsors as you can create specific posts about them or even include their logos in your profile banners and imagery.
Here’s your perfect 7 step social media marketing event strategy.
Branding opportunities
Brand signage is still possible with virtual events – especially virtual trade shows. Add sponsors to signage or use their logo on laptop covers and visible props.
Logos can also be used on your registration pages or as wallpaper backgrounds.
Video
You might consider using promotional videos before the event starts to display sponsorships or during the event during break times. Quick promotional videos are great for getting messaging across as they pull attention on screen.
Questions, Games, and Q&A’s
One of the best ways to increase audience engagement at any kind of event is by mixing in questions or games to get them involved.
By using these as sponsorship opportunities, you also increase engagement from audience members with the sponsored brand. You might also provide digital prizes in order to further audience engagement.
Q&A’s are also a great way to get your audience involved while getting sponsors noticed in the virtual space.
We talk about how and when to manage audience Q&A here. Don’t miss it!
Keep the exposure going
After the virtual event is over, the sponsorship opportunities don’t need to end! As you plan to keep up the relationships gained from your virtual event, you’ll likely send out further communications.
Whether it’s company blog posts, smaller follow up discussions, or monthly newsletters, there are plenty of ongoing opportunities to include your sponsors. You might consider getting your sponsors to offer free trials to try out the offered services. Don’t forget to include contact information to ask any questions they might have.
Unleash the Potential of Your Virtual Event
If you’re looking to plan a virtual event with sponsors and speakers, eSpeakers can help to bring enterprise-quality tools to the professional speaking industry. Become more connected to more audiences that want to hear your message and increase traffic!
Interested to hear more? Contact us about our services today!
Enjoyed this article? Here are three more to help you:
Nine tips to promote your virtual event effectively
Virtual Event Planning: 8 Tips to Help You Move An Event Online at the Last Minute
7 Questions to Include in Your Virtual Post-Event Survey
