How to Get Sponsors for an Event: The Complete Guide for 2025

One of the most important (and often overlooked) parts of successful event planning is figuring out how to get sponsors for an event. Whether you’re hosting a corporate conference, a non-profit fundraiser, or a virtual summit, event sponsorship can help offset costs, increase your event’s credibility, and improve the attendee experience.

Read this complete guide on how to find sponsors for your event. We will cover what to include in your event sponsorship packages, how to put together a request for sponsorship, and more!

Table of Contents:

• What is an event sponsor?
• Benefits of having sponsors
• What are event sponsorship packages?
• Sample event sponsorship packages
• Levels of sponsorship for events
• How to find sponsors for an event
• 5 tips for obtaining sponsorship
• How to gain sponsorship
• Event promotion resources

What is an event sponsor?

An event sponsor is a person, company, or organization that provides financial support, products, or services to an event in exchange for promotional benefits.

There are a variety of reasons a person or group may sponsor an event. For example, some popular event sponsorship benefits include:

• Increased brand exposure for the sponsor
• Opportunities for logo placement(s)
• Access to speaking opportunities
• Rights to attendee information
• Access to discounted or free tickets

In some cases, sponsors may receive naming rights, custom event sponsorship packages, or the chance to sponsor an awards category.

Event sponsorship is a strategic way for both parties to gain value: Organizers get funding, and sponsors gain visibility with their targeted audience.

Should my event have sponsors?

Events often come with a lengthy list of expenses. By building strong relationships with corporate sponsors, non-profits, local businesses, or individual donors, you create mutually beneficial partnerships that can elevate the impact of your event.

Here are five reasons why gaining sponsorship for events is essential to your financial success and your event’s overall quality:

1. Offset event costs.

Unfortunately, ticket sales rarely cover all the expenses associated with hosting an event. Event sponsors bridge the budget gap, covering everything from venue costs to event marketing efforts, experiential event activations, and more.

2. Increase your event’s trustworthiness.

Partnering with well-known brands supports your event’s reputation by associating it with respected names in your industry. The more trusted sponsors you have, the more attendees, speakers, and media attention you will attract.

3. Boost event marketing reach.

Sponsors will often promote your event to their own audiences, which instantly helps expand your visibility. By leaning into their marketing channels, you can attract new attendees and expand brand awareness beyond your immediate network.

4. Improve the attendee experience.

Sponsors can use their resources to improve the attendee experience at your event! For example, lean on sponsors to cover costs for happy hour beverages, catering, premium event swag, fun entertainment, and interactive sessions.

5. Align with relevant brands.

Creating an event sponsorship plan can help you collaborate with brands that closely align with your mission, values, and audience interests. When sponsors are a good fit, their involvement feels natural and creates a positive experience for your attendees.

Attract future sponsors. By giving your event sponsors an amazing experience, you instantly improve your chances of attracting other high-profile sponsors for future events. This creates a cycle of growth, helping you build momentum toward better sponsorship opportunities.

What are event sponsorship packages?

Event sponsorship packages are pre-designed offerings that outline the benefits sponsors will receive in exchange for supporting an event.

Sponsorship packages for events typically include tiered options, such as “bronze, gold, silver, and platinum” levels, that vary the amount of exposure, benefits, and pricing a sponsor gets. Read on to learn more about the various levels of sponsorship for events!

Event Sponsorship Packages Examples

Offer multiple event sponsorship levels to appeal to a variety of potential sponsors. Tiered sponsorship levels for events (such as Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum) allow brands to choose the visibility and benefits that best align with their budget and goals.

Remember to customize offerings to your event or have fun naming each sponsorship level! If you need inspiration, below are examples of what each level might include to help you build a well-structured, enticing sponsorship offer.

🟫 Sample Bronze Event Sponsorship Package

• Ideal for entry level exposure
• Example Price Range: $500 to $1,500
• Best for small businesses or first-time sponsors

Include the following benefits:

• Company logo on event website and signage
• Mention in one pre-event email
• One social media shoutout
• Option to include a flyer or small promo item in attendee gift bags
• One complimentary event ticket

⬜ Sample Silver Event Sponsorship Package

• Ideal for mid-tier level exposure
• Example Price Range: $1,500 to $5,000
• Best for growing brands wanting moderate exposure

Include the following benefits:

• All Bronze-level benefits, plus the following:
• Medium-sized logo placement on printed materials and event signage
• Dedicated post on social media (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram)
• Mention during event opening or closing remarks
• Two complimentary event tickets
• Small exhibit table in sponsor area

🟨 Sample Gold Event Sponsorship Package

• Ideal for premium brand presence
• Example Price Range: $5,000 to $10,000
• Best for companies looking for prominent placement

Include the following benefits:

• All Silver-level benefits, plus the following:
• Large logo placement on all event collateral
• Speaking opportunity or panel participation
• Featured placement in 2+ marketing emails
• Social media spotlight series (multi-post promotion)
• Medium exhibit booth space
• Four complimentary tickets
• Access to attendee list (if permitted)

⬛ Sample Platinum Event Sponsorship Package

• Ideal for maximum exposure and exclusivity
• Example Price Range: $10,000 to $25,000+
• Perfect for key sponsors wanting top-tier visibility and influence.

Include the following benefits:

• All Gold-level benefits, plus the following:
• Premium logo placement in all event materials (i.e., name badges, stage screens, etc.)
• Exclusive naming rights to a session, lounge, or awards category
• Inclusion in press releases and media mentions
• Custom co-branded giveaway or experience opportunity
• VIP networking access
• Six+ complimentary tickets
• Opportunity to host a breakout session or sponsor a major event feature 

Nothing is set in stone when it comes to sponsorship levels for events. Have fun with it, adjust pricing as needed, and vary the value of benefits offered. Also, consider the industry you're working within. For example, tech events may command higher rates than non-profit fundraisers.

Sample Event Sponsorship Packages [Free Template]

The best thing about event sponsorship packages is that they are completely customizable to your event, its needs, priorities, and goals.

Most event sponsorship packages include varying levels of branding opportunities, logo placement, digital mentions, social media promotion, booth space, speaking opportunities, and VIP access. Well-crafted packages help organizers attract sponsors by clearly communicating value.

• FREE TEMPLATE: Curious about event sponsorship package examples? Get a free template you can design yourself in Canva or Adobe Illustrator by filling out the form below. ⬇️⬇️⬇️

How do I find sponsors for an event?

If you’re wondering, “How can I find sponsors for an event?,” then you are in good company. It can be difficult to know where to look and how to pitch your event's value effectively. Try these methods for gaining sponsorship for events of any size.

1. Identify companies that align with your audience.

The first step to getting sponsors for an event is looking for brands that serve a similar demographic or share your organization’s values. For example, if you are planning a tech event, consider partnering with software or hardware brands. For non-profit events, reach out to community-minded businesses or philanthropic foundations.

2. Create a sponsor wish list.

Make a list of dream sponsors and realistic candidates. Do your research on their past sponsorship history, mission statements, and current campaigns. Tailor your pitch to show how sponsoring your event supports their goals.

3. Partner with vendors and partners you already know.

Reach out to contacts, vendors, or past event partners you know and trust. Even if they cannot sponsor directly, they may connect you to someone who can. LinkedIn is a powerful tool when considering how to look for sponsors for an event. For instance, try searching for marketing, PR, or partnership managers at organizations that could potentially sponsor your event.

4. Ask event industry peers for sponsor referrals.

One of the quickest ways to find quality event sponsors is by tapping into your professional network. Reach out to other event organizers in your industry and ask if they have worked with any sponsors they would recommend. First-hand referrals save you time and lead you to brands that are already experienced and enthusiastic about supporting events like yours.

5. Start local, then expand your search.

If you are new to sponsorships, begin with local businesses that care about your event’s mission and vision. For example, if you are hosting a 5k charity run, ask for sponsorship from local restaurants, gyms, banks, or businesses for community visibility. Once you build a sponsorship track record, larger brands will be more likely to engage.

Tips for Obtaining Sponsorship for an Event

Always emphasize how your event will benefit the sponsor. Remember, it's not about what you need; it's about what the sponsor stands to gain.

Sponsors want visibility, brand alignment, lead generation, and ROI. Make your pitch all about how supporting your event helps them achieve their goals, whether that’s reaching a new audience, boosting their reputation, or creating lasting brand impressions. In your event sponsorship letter, emphasize benefits your sponsors stand to gain from a partnership.

Share these potential benefits with sponsors:

1. Increased Exposure Through Event Press: Offer sponsors media coverage from local TV, radio, publications, or industry podcasts! This exposure adds value to their investment.

2. Features in High-Quality Content: Highlight the opportunity for sponsors to be included in professional event photography and videography, which builds their marketing portfolio.

3. Boost Their Brand Reputation: Highlight how partnering with your event will enhance their brand credibility through exposure and social media visibility, reaching a wider audience.

4. Expand Their Social Media Reach: Promote social media marketing opportunities! With posts on your event's TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook Live, sponsors can access potential new followers.

5. Collaborate with a Non-Profit: Let sponsors partner with a non-profit to increase the event's appeal, enhance their reputations, and show their commitment to social responsibility.

5 Pitching Tips to Help You Gain Sponsorship for an Event

Attracting and retaining event sponsors requires a strategic approach. Here are five tips to create a compelling pitch and secure the right sponsors for your event:

1. Evaluate your event’s mission and align with sponsors.

Start by clearly understanding your event's mission and the overall brand purpose. Aligning your event with sponsors whose values or target audience match can strengthen the partnership and make your pitch more appealing.

2. Define the sponsorship benefits.

Clearly outline the event sponsorship benefits that sponsors will gain from partnering with your event. Whether it's increased brand exposure, social media visibility, or exclusive access to attendees, make sure to highlight these benefits in your pitch and sponsorship packages.

3. Create a compelling sponsorship letter or pitch email.

Your email should be concise yet informative, emphasizing your event’s mission, vision, and the sponsorship opportunities available. Tailor the message to the sponsor by detailing how their brand fits into your event, and highlight the value they will receive, such as promotional content and media coverage.

4. Follow up with a phone call.

Taking the conversation off email and into a phone call can significantly increase your chances of securing a sponsor. Use the call to elaborate on the event sponsorship packages and answer any questions the sponsor may have. Ensure you clearly articulate the specific benefits they will receive and how the sponsorship aligns with their goals.

5. Be persistent and follow up regularly.

After the initial contact, persistence is key. Regularly follow up with the potential sponsor via email and phone calls. Ask for feedback on the sponsorship opportunities and gently remind them of the benefits, keeping the conversation warm and moving toward a positive decision.

Promotion Ideas for Event Planners and Organizers

When you take the time to prove the value your event can offer, sponsorships are sure to follow! For more event promotion advice, explore the following articles or head to pc/nametag’s YouTube channel for Event Promotion Ideas on a Budget, a podcast episode from The Event Connection!

• Blog: Event Promotion Ideas to Attract More Attendees
• Blog: How to Sell Tickets for an Event and Drive Attendance
• Blog: Event Marketing with ChatGPT: Tips and Prompt Ideas
• Blog: Event Email Marketing Strategies for Beginners
• Blog: Social Media Event Marketing: Tips and a Timeline