How to Find Sponsorship
for Your Educational Event
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
