Yes, it is possible to sponsor a LinkedIn event as a company or individual. LinkedIn events provide opportunities for networking, lead generation, and brand awareness. Sponsorship allows you to gain visibility and promote your business to the event’s attendees.
What are the requirements to sponsor a LinkedIn event?
The requirements to sponsor a LinkedIn event vary depending on the specific event. Here are some common requirements:
- Be a LinkedIn member – You need a LinkedIn profile or Company Page to sponsor an event.
- Pay a sponsorship fee – Fees range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on level of sponsorship and event size.
- Be approved by event organizers – You may need to submit details about your company and proposed sponsorship.
- Follow event sponsorship guidelines – This includes specifics on branding, handouts, signage, and other sponsorship activation rules.
What are the benefits of sponsoring a LinkedIn event?
Sponsoring a LinkedIn event provides several key benefits:
- Brand awareness – Your logo and company name will gain exposure in front of event attendees during the event and on the LinkedIn Events page.
- Lead generation – You can collect leads by interacting with attendees at the event. LinkedIn also provides a list of attendees.
- Thought leadership – Demonstrate your industry knowledge and position your company as a leader by sponsoring panels, lectures, or other speaking sessions.
- Networking – Meet and connect with professionals and potential partners or customers.
- Social selling – Engage with attendees and connections on LinkedIn before, during, and after the event.
What types of LinkedIn events can you sponsor?
LinkedIn offers sponsorship opportunities for various types of events:
- Conferences – Multi-day events focused on industries like technology, business, marketing, etc.
- Meetups – Local networking events organized by LinkedIn groups.
- Webinars – Educational web-based seminars led by thought leaders and experts.
- Workshops – Small group interactive sessions for learning specialized skills.
- Happy hours – Informal after-work networking gatherings.
- Fundraisers – Events supporting nonprofits and charitable causes.
What are the different sponsorship levels?
LinkedIn events have tiered sponsorship levels. Higher levels provide more visibility and benefits. Common levels include:
- Title or Presenting Sponsor – Exclusive top sponsorship with prime logo placement and branding.
- Platinum Sponsor – Premium sponsorship with booth space, signage, and speaking opportunity.
- Gold Sponsor – Mid-tier opportunity including logo on website and event materials.
- Silver Sponsor – Basic sponsorship with logo on event page.
- Bronze Sponsor – Entry-level sponsorship, usually shared with other brands.
- Contributing Sponsor – Minimal sponsorship with shared recognition.
In addition, events may offer A La Carte sponsorships of specific items like lanyards, WiFi, charging stations, meals, and more.
What are best practices for sponsoring a LinkedIn event?
Here are some best practices to maximize the impact of sponsoring a LinkedIn event:
- Choose events that align with your target audience, industry, and geographic location.
- Secure a sponsorship level that fits your budget and provides enough visibility.
- Promote your sponsorship and participation weeks in advance across your own social channels and with employees.
- Create customized promotional materials like banners, signage, gifts, and apparel.
- Engage actively at the event with a booth, speaking opportunity, or by mingling with attendees.
- Capture leads during the event by collecting business cards or using lead retrieval tools.
- Stay top of mind after the event by connecting with leads and sharing content.
- Measure ROI through metrics like leads generated, social media reach, and brand awareness surveys.
What are examples of creative activations for event sponsorship?
Here are some creative ideas to activate your sponsorship and attract attendees:
- Photo booth – Provide fun printed photos and digital sharing.
- Charging station – Offer device charging with customized branded signage.
- Augmented reality – Incorporate interactive AR experiences via mobile apps.
- VR showcase – Demonstrate your product or services through engaging VR content.
- Live polling – Engage the audience by conducting live polls and quizzes during sessions.
- Product demo – Provide interactive demos at your booth to showcase your latest offering.
- Digital games – Entertain attendees with branded video games and competitions.
- Social media contest – Encourage social sharing for prizes and greater visibility.
Should you sponsor local or national events?
Here are some factors to consider when choosing between local and national events:
- Local events provide targeted exposure in your geographic region and are easier for your team to attend in person.
- National events have a broader audience reach and grow your brand awareness with a dispersed demographic.
- Local events tend to be more affordable with lower sponsorship costs.
- National events attract more attendees and often feature bigger name speakers and leaders.
- Local meetups allow for community connections and cultivating local brand advocates.
- High-profile national conferences position your brand as an industry leader and innovator.
In most cases, a balanced mix of local and national events is ideal. Local for more intimate networking and national for increased brand visibility. Evaluate options that align with your company’s budget, target customers, and marketing goals.
How much do LinkedIn event sponsorships cost?
LinkedIn event sponsorship fees vary greatly depending on the size, scope, and exclusivity of the opportunity. Here are typical price ranges:
- Local meetups – $250 – $3,000
- Regional conferences – $1,500 – $10,000
- National conferences – $5,000 – $25,000
- Global events – $10,000 – $100,000+
Higher tier sponsorships like Title Sponsor can run over $100,000 for large global events. Additional costs may include activation fees for items like booths, signage, and equipment rental.
What are options for virtual event sponsorship?
Many events shifted to virtual formats due to the pandemic. Virtual event sponsorship provides many similar benefits through brand visibility and engagement. Here are some virtual event sponsorship options:
- Presenting sponsor – Exclusive top billing and speaking opportunity.
- Webinar series – Sponsor a series focused on your industry or topic.
- Newsletter sponsor – Recognition in pre- and post-event email communications.
- Charging station – Branded gift cards for attendees to buy phone chargers or battery packs.
- Digital swag bag – Include coupons, discounts, or free trials in the downloadable swag bag.
- Social media promotions – Sponsor social media contests or hashtag campaigns.
- Virtual booth – Showcase demos, interact with attendees, and generate leads virtually.
Conclusion
Sponsoring LinkedIn events provides valuable opportunities to amplify your brand, generate leads, and build strategic connections. Carefully consider your objectives, target audience, and budget when selecting sponsorship opportunities. Activate your sponsorship creatively both during and after the event. Measure success based on metrics like engagement, leads, and brand lift to demonstrate tangible ROI.
