Get The Proposal Right
Sponsorship Rights and Benefits
As you prepare to solicit the business community for support through sponsorship, you will have to determine what rights and benefits you have to offer. In other words, what do you have for the sponsor in exchange for their sponsorship fee?
Following is a list of potential inventory items that could be offered to sponsors of your Tip-Off. It is doubtful you will have each available, but starting with a long list makes selecting the best items easier. This list is not necessarily all-inclusive but rather a starting point. You should look at the property you have for sale (in this case, the Tip-Off) and create your own inventory list.
Title Sponsorship
You may consider making a Title Sponsorship your top item. When combined with additional inventory items, the right to have title to your event can be very appealing.
Presenting Sponsorship-Slightly less prestigious than the title sponsorship is the presenting sponsorship. The K-Town Tip-Off, presented by Cost Cutters, would be an example. Once again, this primary billing, when combined with additional rights, can be a significant attraction.
Title Sponsor of Fan Fun Events-Past experience has shown that the most popular opportunity is to title one of the Fan Fun events. For example, the "Pepsi Musical Chairs."
Presenting Sponsor of Entertainment-Allows a corporate partner the opportunity to share top billing with the featured entertainment. Example: "Subway presents Myron Noodleman!"
Sampling Opportunities -Companies that are either introducing a new product or targeting a new audience often look for sampling opportunities. This would include handing out samples of a product to fans or allowing them to "try" a product.
Opportunity to Sell Product On-Site-Exclusive or nonexclusive This would be determined by category such as pizza, carbonated beverage, etc.
Coupon or Premium Distribution -Some companies will appreciate the opportunity to distribute coupons to a very targeted audience.
Signage-Venue signage (signs placed in the actual venue, i.e., stadium, arena, track, course, etc.)
Ball Racks-Signs on ball racks can be seen on the court during warm-ups and on the sideline during the event. This offers excellent visibility and is relatively inexpensive.
PA Announcements-Include general announcements as well as during specific sponsored events if appropriate.
Traditional Media-Many companies are used to working with the media. By including radio, television, or newspaper advertising with your package, you may improve your credibility.
Digital Media-You can offer many arrangements to appear in your Instagram feed, Facebook page, or YouTube channel.
Program Ads-Each sponsor should have some type of presence in your event program.
