When it comes to event sponsorships, it's not just about slapping a logo on a banner and calling it a day.
With 53% of organizations increasing their event sponsorship budgets, the competition for attention is stronger than ever.
In this article, we'll explore 10 creative sponsorship ideas that not only boost brand visibility but also leave a lasting impression on attendees.
Whether you want to highlight your own branding or create opportunities for your sponsors, these examples will inspire you to think outside the box.
1. Incorporate Logos Into Your Menu
When it comes to event sponsorship, sometimes the best way to stand out is by being on the menu.
At a recent celebration event, we got creative with sponsorship by featuring the sponsor's logo in the food itself. Attendees enjoyed dishes and desserts with a branded touch—a fun way to keep the sponsor front and center.
But why stop at food? There's another opportunity to weave in sponsorship with drinks.
At one of our conferences in New York City, a sponsor made the most of this opportunity by creating a signature drink called the “ACME Manhattan.” We coordinated with the hotel to make it happen, and it was a hit!
Not only did the drink give the sponsor more visibility, but it also added a personalized touch to the event.
Don’t forget about mocktails—offering creative non-alcoholic options can be just as important. It ensures everyone feels included while still keeping the sponsor’s brand in the spotlight.
2. Sailing into Sponsorships: Branded Activities
At a conference in Marco Island, Florida, we found a creative way to connect a company’s brand to the event’s tropical resort setting—by branding the sailboats for attendees. You can do the same with any kind of water sports like kayaks or paddle boards, especially during an incentive trip.
When planning your event, ask yourself: What unique aspects of your event venue can you tie to a sponsor's brand?
Whether it's sailboats, poolside cabanas, or even branded golf carts, find creative ways to weave sponsorship into the venue’s activities or offerings. This strategy can give sponsors a presence in a way that feels authentic to the setting.
3. Branded Water Stations
A simple yet effective sponsorship opportunity is branding the water stations at your event.
Everyone needs to stay hydrated—especially during a hot incentive trip or a busy day at a conference.
As attendees stop to fill up their cups or refillable bottles, they’ll see your sponsor’s logo front and center on the container – an impactful way to tie the sponsor to something essential.
4. Photo Booth Fun
Photo Booths are a fantastic sponsorship opportunity. They’re not only a popular activity for attendees but also a smart way for sponsors to get noticed.
When people snap pics in your photo booth, they often share them on social media, which gives the sponsor’s logo some extra exposure.
You can even take it a step further by putting the sponsor’s logo on the backdrop, or even featuring your own logo to boost your brand’s visibility.
It’s a win-win for us at events: attendees leave with fun, memorable photos, and sponsors get their brand in front of a big audience.
5. Social Media
Social media is a powerful tool for branding at events.
Create a shareable image for attendees to post, like a graphic that says, “I’m going to [Event Name]” with a “Sponsored by [Sponsor’s Brand]” tag.
When attendees share these images, your sponsor's branding reaches more eyes as it’s spread organically across social networks. It’s a smart way to leverage attendees’ social media presence for additional exposure and build excitement around your event.
Related: 8 gamification ideas for your next conference.
6. Room Drops / Custom Gifts
Room drops are a clever way to integrate sponsorship into your event, allowing you to tailor gifts to the location of your gathering.
For example, during a conference we helped organize in the Caribbean, we gave attendees seashells and sunscreen—perfectly themed for the setting. You can easily sell this as a sponsorship opportunity by adding a sponsor’s logo to these items.
When planning your room drops, think about your strategy: Do you want to give these branded gifts to all attendees or just VIPs? The choice often comes down to your budget.
Either way, it’s a great way to enhance the attendee experience while giving your sponsors visibility.
Related: 10 unique gift ideas for your next corporate event.
7. Award Sponsorship
If your event includes a gala or awards presentation, consider offering sponsorship for the physical awards themselves.
It’s a great way for a sponsor to get their brand recognized as winners take home their trophies or plaques.
8. Branded Charging Stations
Branded charging stations are a great sponsorship opportunity because everyone needs to charge their devices—whether it's phones or laptops.
These stations are not only practical but also offer a high-value spot for sponsors to get noticed.
As attendees power up, they’ll see your sponsor’s logo, keeping the brand top of mind.
9. Relaxation Hubs
How about adding a sponsored massage or relaxation station to your exhibit hall?
Attendees are sure to remember a relaxing massage or some self-care during a busy conference day, so it’s a great way to tie in a sponsorship opportunity. They get a much-needed break, and sponsors gain exposure in a setting that stands out from the typical trade show setup.
10. Create Branding Experiences
To get your sponsors more involved, focus on experiential branding.
For example, if a sponsor is behind a VIP experience or a golf event, find creative ways to weave their brand into the entire experience. Instead of just saying “Sponsored by [Your Company],” you could call it the “[Your Company] Golf Experience.”
It’s about adding depth and making the sponsorship more personal and memorable. Think about how you can tie the sponsor's name to different parts of your event, creating a more immersive experience for everyone.
Related: How to craft your conference sponsorship packages in 2025.
Let’s Plan Your Next Event
Ready to rethink your event sponsorships? Let’s chat about how GoGather can help you drive more value from your events.
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