2020’s Covid-19 pandemic has created a rise in virtual events, pushing the industry to learn new and innovative ways to not only promote their own company, but their Sponsors too. While virtual events may not offer the face to face connection that a typical event once had, virtual events can actually achieve a wider reach and a unique experience for many. With the right strategies in place, virtual events can certainly still succeed and provide as much value to all involved, even in this new Covid normal world.

Sponsors are an integral part of your event, so it is vital that they generate value from their involvement.

Here are a few ways to provide value for virtual event Sponsors pre, during and post event.

Pre-Event:

Social Media – In the lead up to the event, have sponsors create short video content explaining a bit about who they are and what they do, this can then be posted and promoted on social media.

Giveaways/Discounts – Sponsors can give away small promotional gifts to send to attendees such as drinks and nibbles, hampers or even their own products to enable extra interest and engagement between the Sponsors and attendees. Depending on the type and scale of the event, sponsors can partner with companies like Uber Eats, Menu Log and other food delivery services, to create a discount code for attendees to have the option to order from their favourite local restaurants.

Event website – Have a page on the event website for sponsors, include sponsor logos and landing pages so attendees can learn about the sponsors and the connection they have to the event.

During Event:

Presentations – Encourage sponsors to create short relevant video or marketing content that is engaging for attendees. Throughout the event, when transitioning between speaker presentations and during breaks, make use of that time and take this opportunity to promote sponsors by adding slides with sponsor logos, short videos or mini advertisements. These time fillers are a great way to promote sponsors during the quiet periods, making it more entertaining for attendees whilst providing valuable brand awareness.

Sponsor Q&A – Allow the Sponsors to moderate a panel. The Sponsors can provide a session moderator, the Q&A moderators and polling questions. This is valuable as Sponsors get to directly engage with the attendees.

Post Event:

Data – Provide Sponsors with the attendee company details, polls and surveys.
Try using higher-end virtual event platforms as they are able to track the interaction and behaviour data of the attendees. You can also provide Sponsors with event engagement data, social media reach and leads captured. This is great information for not only the Sponsors but for your company as well.

Post Event follow up – Have a post event meeting with your Sponsors to discuss the results and data gained from the virtual event. This is a great opportunity to discuss and reflect on the event with your Sponsors, take this time to seek feedback from them on how to improve the experience for future events and what they would like to see more or less of in future events.

These are only just a handful of ways to enhance value to Sponsors that you can utilise. Creativity is an endless resource and you’ll need to dig in to that creativity now more than ever.