Sponsor Benefits for Online Events: Providing Virtual Value

July 2020 – Lauriane Lebrun, Marketing & Communications Coordinator

As nonprofit events move from in-person to online in the COVID-19 era, you may be wondering what you can do to keep your usual sponsors invested. Handing out promotional items and shaking hands with attendees may be off the table, but there are still plenty of great marketing opportunities you can provide to your sponsors.

Consider the ideas below and check out the recommended reading section to develop a value-packed virtual sponsorship program.

Custom virtual backgrounds. Canva has a free, easy-to-use Zoom virtual background maker that you can customize with sponsor logos and brand colors.

Video/slideshow advertising. Skift recommends displaying “full screen ads thanking your sponsors during breaks, and for intermissions, consider rotating between several ads.” Depending on the software you’re using to stream your event, you may also be able to play prerecorded video commercials from sponsors to fill breaks.

Digital swag bags. Looking for a virtual alternative to the swag bag you’d normally hand out to attendees as they check into your event? Try emailing a digital swag bag “stuffed” with discount codes, free trials, exclusive videos, or whatever other e-promo items your sponsors can provide.

More ideas:
- Include hyperlinked sponsor logos in all of your event marketing, including your registration page.
- Publish sponsor ads on the homepage of your website or in your e-newsletter.
- Send printed programs to attendees by mail.
- Mail sponsor giveaways to attendees.
- Provide live speaking opportunities for sponsors during your event.