conference sponsorship

This week at #BWEchat we covered the topic of conference sponsorship with our guest Kelby Carr (@typeamom). The discussion covered topics that ranged from why to have a sponsor to how to approach potential sponsors. I loved all the great tweets from Kelby and other participants.

Let’s take a look at some of the awesome advice, first from Kelby, then from other people at #BWEchat.

Awesome Advice from Kelby

• I think there is a mix of things bloggers do in exchange for sponsorships. Some of it probably depends on what cos request
• Very important to check what is allowed, read any guidelines, ask conference organizers if in doubt.
• I think the ideal situation is when an official sponsor also sponsors bloggers to help. Such a win-win.
• There are so many ways a blogger can support an official sponsor: help in booth, host party, be liaison to community
• I do think most bloggers would agree ideal situation they pay their own way, but not always the reality.
• I think, too, that the pitch to a company should be very professional, and give them a reason why. Other bloggers pitching too
• And that gets to a very important point. Yes we network and have fun at cons. But be professional. Sponsored or not really.
• I think you have to go with brands who you see are active in social media AND who are a perfect fit.

Awesome Advice from #BWEchat Participants

• @AngEngland: I think it’s a nice partnership with brands and bloggers can work together to better a blogger + promote a brand

• @chilihead: An issue I see w/sponsors is that bloggers don’t always see it as how they can benefit the co. Instead it’s scholarship
• Also from @chilihead: If it’s true partnership, your proposal is about what you can do for company, not them sending you to a conference to better self.

• @kirstenwright: The only way I would want sponsorship for a conference would be if it was a brand I really cared about (like my computer or car!)

• @centsiblelife:I see some bloggers being sponsored who work w/ brand long-term, seems like a win-win. Blogger gets education, brand gets presence.

• @phollows:If clothing [wearing it in exchange for sponsorship] won’t work for you, make suggestion that will help sponsor get noticed, spread message

• @Elizabeth_N:use 2 believe sponsorships did not show ROI-I was wrong-very wrong!When executed properly sponsorship is hands down amazing return

• @cebsilver:I go after ones [sponsors] I care about, engage, then they see how awesome I am and can’t help themselves.

Were you at #BWEchat? If so, feel free to share some of your favorite tweets of the night! If you weren’t there, we’d love for you to weigh in with your opinions – have you ever had a conference sponsor? What do you see as the pros and cons?