There are traditional sponsorship opportunities that show organizers have been successfully using to boost their show revenue for years. These include sponsorship of badges/lanyards, show directory, banners, and signage to name a few. These avenues are not going anywhere, but as technology evolves more sponsorship opportunities present themselves. The key is finding new opportunities that benefit all stakeholders (organizers, attendees and exhibitors). Below are a few examples that have benefits to all parties involved:
1. Apps – I was at IAEE’s Expo! Expo! show last December, and it seemed that every other booth was a company that had something to do with Apps. Apps are here to stay, and their increased use at shows is prime real estate for a sponsor.
2. Emails – Many shows don’t provide their attendee list to exhibitors on any level anymore, so letting sponsors reach registrants by email can be an extremely valuable sponsorship. You can sell banner ads on your newsletters to attendees and/or allow select sponsors send their specific show related messages directly to the attendees.
3. WIFI – Everyone at the show still has work to do. Offering designated areas with free WIFI (provided by a Sponsor) will be much appreciated by attendees and exhibitors alike.
4. Charging Stations – Charging stations for cell phones and tablets are typically in high demand when available on the show floor and are a great place for sponsor signage.
5. Blog Sponsorship – Organizers can have an overall sponsor of the show’s blog, as well as have sponsors provide some of the blog content.
6. LCD Displays – Instead of having printed banners, you can implement LCD displays. By utilizing these displays you can have more than one sponsor on each “sign” and run them on a loop (on the Charging Station, for example). This enables you to lower the price per participant and increase your revenue.
These are just a few examples of what I’ve recently seen and read about. If you would like to add to this list, please do so in the comments section below and I will make an update.
