How to Find Sponsorship for Your Educational Event

  1. Think creatively about who else could benefit from hearing your speaker. A specialty practice wanted to have a program on generating patient referrals. The practice’s law firm was delighted to sponsor the event. The attorneys had an opportunity to spend time with their physician clients while learning strategies that were applicable to all professional practices.
  2. Who could benefit from sponsoring your event? Many large corporations have funds designated for client relations and welcome the opportunity to strengthen their relationship with you.
  3. Develop a list of sponsor benefits. Some of the benefits might include:
    • Company name printed on program announcements.
    • Describe how the program will be promoted – postings throughout the hospital, your newsletter, in a brochure that will be regionally or nationally advertised, the size of the mailing list, etc.
    • Opportunity to introduce the program and the speaker.
    • Free booth space or table to showcase products or services.
    • Acknowledgement of sponsorship at meeting.
    • Signage recognizing contribution at event.
    • Acknowledgement on program learning materials.
    • Publication of an article or ad in your newsletter.
    • Attendance at the program for a specific number of sponsor representatives and/or guests.
  4. If you don’t feel comfortable approaching an individual directly to ask for sponsorship, create a “Call for Sponsorship” flyer and send it to potential sponsors. The flyer should describe:
    • The name of your event.
    • Outline of your event objectives
    • When and where it will be held.
    • Name and credentials of your speaker.
    • Description of the program.
    • Who will attend or is expected to attend. And who attended prior events, if that information is available.
    • The benefits of sponsorship – see #3 above.
    • Cost for sponsorship.
    • Your name and telephone number to sign up!
  5. Consider breaking out sponsorship opportunities. One company might be interested in sponsoring the educational program, while another prefers to host a meal or refreshment break.
  6. Be sure to send a letter of thanks after the event, and offer your sponsor the right of first refusal for sponsorship of your next event.