Give More Value to Event Sponsors By Doing This

conference photography

When it comes to holding your next event, we know the “inner circle” includes board members, sponsors and award recipients. One of the best events we’ve photographed in the past year is ACG Detroit. 

So what’s the tip to give more value to your event sponsors? 

During their annual M&A All Star Awards in May, the ACG Detroit team made one simple change. 

They opened the event 1 hour before the scheduled event to allow board members, award winners, and sponsors to mingle prior to the big show. 

Why is this such a brilliant idea? 

2 Reasons: 

  1. Timely Award Photos

Rather than interrupting the event later in the evening, we were able to take award photos with great lighting to ensure everyone looks their best in front of the camera. This meant there was not a 30 to 60 second “break” as award winners came to the stage and “posed” for their official photo, saving about 8-10 minutes for the program. 

2. A Great Networking Opportunity 

Opening up the event to sponsors, award winners and the board of directors created a “VIP” feel for the evening and who doesn’t love a VIP experience? It gave those there early the opportunity to network with big names and learn more about who they are and what they represent.

This can benefit your organization in many ways such as maintaining long-term relationships with new potential clients. 

Who knows, giving people the space to communicate can bring all kinds of new possibilities! 

How To Set Up This VIP Window

It is quite simple to set something like this up. Not much extra effort needs to go into it, just communication with your venue and event planner, opening up the doors an hour early for your sponsors, award winners and board and having a photographer on site to capture the moments.