Trust me when I say I know the price tag for attending a conference can stall even the most passionate attendee. I've had the same thoughts. Believe me- one of the most difficult decisions is to determine ticket costs. Especially when you know that the price of the ticket doesn't cover the individual cost per person incurred by the conference (conference rooms, catering, evening events). It's downright scary.
For that reason conference sponsors are not only important- they are indispensable. The companies who support I_Blog do so with the understanding that they are partners in the conference because, without them, there would be no conference.
We honor the official conference sponsors by giving them our undivided attention. They have reserved the right to representation in the conference areas and deserve the respect associated with their support. For this reason the I_Blog Conference is establishing the following personal sponsorship policies:
- Please do not hand out or leave in public conference areas any form of swag, advertisements or branded articles on behalf of your personal sponsor.
- Personal sponsors will not receive space on vendor tables. Please do not leave any items sent by your personal sponsor on tables in conference or meeting rooms.
- No events on behalf of personal sponsors are to be held on-site. If your sponsor would like to host a gathering please have them contact me and we can coordinate with them so it won't interfere with the official conference schedule.
- If you are found to be violating the personal sponsorship policy your conference pass will be revoked and your personal sponsor may be billed as an official sponsor.
So…. What can you offer your personal sponsor?
- Ad space on your blog.
- Mentions in posts about the conference.
- Guest posts for the sponsor's site.
- Add a sticker to your business card with a "thanks to my sponsor" and their information.
- Wear their t-shirt, carry a tote with their brand, or wear a button.
- Network! Conference attendees will visit your blog and see your sponsor listed. Most likely they will click the link (bloggers like companies who support bloggers!)
I_Blog Conference will also offer a big "Thank You" to your personal sponsor by creating a page listing personal sponsors. The page will include the sponsor's name, logo and URL along with the name, Twitter ID and URL of the sponsored blogger.
