Brand marketers know that sponsoring an event can pay big dividends for boosting reach and enhancing brand awareness. Of course, supporting a 5K run or music festival has its benefits. But have you ever considered sponsoring an event attended by meeting planners?
Becoming a sponsor for an event that hosts meeting planners is actually one of the best ways to market your products and boost ROI. We’ll show you why.
What’s in it for me?
The meeting planning industry is a lot bigger than you think. When event planning comes to mind, many think of weddings rather than corporate meetings. But even though they might not sound as idyllic as beachfront wedding ceremonies, these meetings, conferences and exhibitions mean big business. Meetings Mean Business reports that in 2015, the meetings and events industry contributed nearly $122 billion in direct travel expenditures in the United States. The industry also supported one million travel-related jobs.
Meeting planners have the widest reach. If you’re looking to put your products in as many hands as possible, win over a meeting planner. Some corporate meeting planners produce conventions with hundreds of thousands of attendees, while others organize smaller corporate events such as team-building retreats and regional meetings several times a year. If a planner decides to distribute your product at an event, your goods might make their way into thousands of gift bags. And because planners often plan more than one event in a year, your opportunities could be multiplied.
Corporate meeting planners also organize retreats and board meetings for executives. If you’re focusing on the luxury market, impressing planners can get your products on the fast track to the C-suite.
Planners are always looking for something new and unique. One of the challenges planners face is keeping things exciting for attendees who go to multiple meetings and events throughout the year. After attending a few events, swag bags filled with water bottles and USB drives all start to look the same. Whether it’s new technology, healthy snacks or an out-of-the-box gift idea, meeting planners are very receptive to inventive products with standout packaging, design and functionality.
Now where do I begin?
Now that you’re convinced of the benefits of sponsoring an event for meeting planners, you may be wondering where to start looking for these opportunities. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place. Smart Meetings is the industry leader in hosted buyer events that bring meeting planners together for one-on-one appointments with hotel and venue suppliers. Smart Meeting events are held in key meeting destinations around the country. To learn more about our unique sponsorship opportunities, click here.
