Benefits of Selling Sponsorships Online

January 10, 2016

Sponsorships are a critical revenue stream for most exhibitions. As shows grow, they attract more sponsors, organizers are compelled to deliver more sponsorship opportunities, and the sponsorship sales process becomes more time-consuming and complex. Moving sponsorship sales online provides organizers with a number of efficiencies and benefits.

What are online sponsorship sales?

As with online booth sales, there is an evolution occurring with online sponsorship sales. At one end of the spectrum, organizers exchange paper contracts with sponsors, manage sponsorship inventory and issue invoices manually, and advise accounting to charge the customer’s credit card.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, organizers adopt an automated, online system that allows potential sponsors to choose from available sponsorship packages via an online e-commerce enabled portal within the show website. Buyers can select offerings, complete contracts, receive invoices, and pay in a single session, all from anywhere in the world using any device of their choice.

Less paperwork

The most immediate benefit for organizers is the reduction in paperwork, which equates with fewer man-hours required for processing a sponsorship sale. The learning curve for sponsors is minimal because most individuals are familiar with purchasing products and services online.

Higher sales

By placing the sponsorship inventory online, organizers can benefit from a shorter sales cycle and higher sales volume.  Such visibility, as well as seeing opportunities sold out, creates a sense of urgency among sponsors that drives sales.

Better planning

An online platform pushes organizers to be more strategic about sponsorships. Because descriptions and images have to be uploaded prior to offering the sponsorships for sales, they can review the categories and inventory, make sure there are ample opportunities at all price levels, and budget costs appropriately.

The pace of online automation is continuing to push the exhibition industry forward. Few processes are left that can’t be delivered online. Web-based sponsorship sales platforms are among the latest products in a long line of Software-as-a-Service offerings for exhibition organizers. It may not be long before exhibitor and sponsor participation is transformed into an online, one-click process.

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Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact