Many conferences and events are partially funded through corporate sponsorship.  This makes an event coordinator's job twice as difficult, as they must not only organise every aspect of the event, but must do so without any certainty as to the eventual budget.

There are two main approaches to gaining sponsorship.

1.    Present the potential sponsor with an idea of the benefits of the event their money will contribute towards (ie: increase funding and awareness for a charity cause), and an offer of exposure (their name associated with the event, and promoted to the audience during the proceedings).

2.    All of the above, but entice those responsible for the sponsorship with the promise of something unique and exciting that will guarantee recall of the event to those attending, as well as gain increased media exposure. 

If the event can be guaranteed to be fun and exciting for the decision-maker to attend, there is a far higher chance that the decision maker will fight on your behalf to find funds to make the event happen. 

Means and methods of increasing sponsor exposure

There are many ways of impressing your sponsor’s logo or branding on to an audience.  The most common way is to project a loop of sponsor’s logos during portions of the evening, or during breaks at a conference.  However, there are more effective and fun ways to achieve the same result.
 

• Gobos.  A gobo is a flat disc that is placed inside certain types of lights, so that the logo can be projected on to a flat surface.  In some types of lights, these can be made to can rove across the ceiling or audience.  The most basic gobos are made of metal, and can be coloured by placing a piece of coloured medium in front of the light.  Others are made from glass, and can be produced in the company’s colours.  Gobos can be re-used, so are a long term, rather than one-off investment for a company.

• Moving-head projectors.  A Moving-head projector is a device that allows a video signal to be projected in moving arcs, or to multiple positions from a static location.  These can play footage, or sponsors loops on to unconventional surfaces, while changing position.  They can project from odd locations in the room, gaining attention with their incongruous angles.  At 5000 Ansi Lumens, these are bright enough to have serious impact.

• Project on to shapes or silks.  Projecting on to unconventional surfaces is a sure-fire way to gain attention.  Building screens into sets is also a very effective way of creating ‘windows’ for logos in prime positions, or projecting on to a gauze so that at times a set piece is visible behind the ‘window’, while at others the projected image is shown.  This is a form of theatre 'magic' that is more effective than simply alternating between projected images on a standard projection screen. 

• Plasma Lectern.  Every eye is turned to the lectern where the speaker is standing – so why not take advantage of this by using a plasma lectern.  This has a screen set to the front of it that can display a video or data signal.

• Use colour.  With moving-head lights and colour changers, it is now possible to create a lighting rig that can change colours and angles during the evening, displaying multiple sponsors’ colours throughout the evening.  Either timed with a sponsor’s loop, or with the presentation of awards, this can be used to great effect. 

• Streamer Cannons.  We now offer gas-powered (non incendiary) streamer cannons that can be packed with metallic streamers in various choices of colours to suit a suitable moment during the evening.  These are very easy to clean up, and most venues should allow their use.

So, how can we help?

Design.  We work with you to think up something new and exciting, offering you the full benefit of our technical expertise and experience.

Price.  We offer an international standard of service at a very reasonable rate.  We also offer special pricing to clients who choose to sign with us as their preferred supplier.  Your organisation may also be eligible for our Community Events Sponsorship Program. 

The proposal.  We will draft up full documentation to present to your sponsor, including a compelling written ‘pitch’, describing the visual impact of the show.

 
To discuss your event with one of our designers or technicians, please email events@mirageav.com