How can you attract sponsors and exhibitors with your conference technology?

1 Showcase your platform

To begin, you must demonstrate your conference platform and how it can help sponsors, exhibitors, and attendees interact. Whether you use a dedicated app, website, or hybrid solution, you need to highlight the features and benefits it offers. These include live chat and video calls for direct communication and networking, virtual booths and product demos to showcase offerings and generate leads, gamification and incentives to encourage engagement, and analytics and feedback to measure the impact of sponsors and exhibitors. Showcasing your platform will show potential sponsors and exhibitors how they can increase visibility, generate interest, and build relationships with attendees.

2 Customize your packages

The second step is to customize your sponsorship and exhibition packages to the needs and preferences of your potential partners. Instead of a one-size-fits-all option, you can create different levels and categories with various benefits and opportunities depending on the budget, goals, and expectations of each partner. For instance, you could provide different types of exposure and recognition such as logo placement, banner ads, social media mentions, or keynote speeches. Additionally, you can offer different types of access and interaction like VIP tickets, networking sessions, roundtables, or workshops. Furthermore, you can provide different types of content and value including branded materials, white papers, case studies, or webinars. By customizing your packages in this way, potential sponsors and exhibitors can get the most out of their investment while aligning their brand with your conference theme and values.

4 Support your partners

The fourth step in planning and executing a successful conference is to support your sponsors and exhibitors. This involves providing them with the necessary tools and resources, such as clear communication and guidance on how to use the platform, as well as technical and logistical support if any issues arise. Additionally, it is important to recognize and appreciate their contribution and provide opportunities for feedback. By doing this, you can demonstrate your appreciation for their participation and satisfaction, and build a long-term relationship with them.

5 Innovate and differentiate

In order to innovate and differentiate your conference from others, you need to explore the latest trends and technologies in the conference industry. This could include incorporating augmented and virtual reality for immersive experiences, as well as artificial intelligence and machine learning for personalized recommendations and insights. Additionally, you could use blockchain and cryptocurrency to enable secure and transparent transactions and rewards. By taking this approach, you can demonstrate to your sponsors and exhibitors that you are staying ahead of the curve and open to new opportunities and challenges.

6 Collaborate and co-create

The sixth step is to collaborate and co-create with your sponsors and exhibitors, involving them in the design and delivery of your conference. To do this, you should solicit their input and feedback, and invite them to contribute their ideas and expertise. This could include co-developing the conference agenda and content, aligning it with the sponsors' and exhibitors' objectives and messages, as well as co-hosting the conference sessions and activities. Additionally, you should co-market the conference, promoting it to the sponsors' and exhibitors' networks and communities. By collaborating and co-creating with your sponsors and exhibitors, you can demonstrate respect for their opinions, creating a sense of ownership and partnership for your conference.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?