From small-town Hermitage, Pennsylvania to the bustling fashion scene of New York City, Evita Scoccia created her own path to success as the founder of New York Swim Week. This go-getter didn't just stop at creating her own swimwear brand; she took inspiration from Miami Swim Week and made her mark in the Big Apple.
Last week, we published an article with Andrew Yeung on how to attract sponsors for your event. Turns out a lot of you wanted more. We’re looking at you, @quincy_millz!
So, we decided to do a deep dive with Evita Scoccia to get her take on the topic as well - there’s a lot to learn from her. She shared the inside track on her journey, offering killer advice on how to find sponsors, establishing a compelling personal brand, attracting celebrities to her events, and curating a truly unforgettable experience.
Join us as we explore the path that led Evita Scoccia to conquer the world of fashion and attract top-tier sponsors that have her back. And yes, we have templates and examples ready for you.
But first, if you’re itching to watch the full episode, catch it here:
For outreach, you need a stand-out deck. Make sure to include these 3 things:
Include a short, punchy overview of the event and the mission, and some big numbers. Whether these are your past numbers from recent events, or your goals for your upcoming event, it’s crucial to demonstrate the scale that you’re shooting for.
Showcase details about your audience, such as age, gender, industry, etc. This allows sponsors to better understand who their product or brand will be in front of.
Include some “social proof”. Testimonials go a long way!
Create very clear tiers and pricing options for each, and of course, share what each tier will include for a potential sponsor.
Here is a more brief example as to how you can present your tiers.
When approaching new sponsors, share the success stories of past sponsorships. This is your time to humble brag. It not only adds credibility but also helps potential sponsors visualize the benefits they could gain by partnering with you.
Example: Evita’s mention of Hint Water's sponsorship at one of her events later paved the way for SmartWater to get involved.
Highlighting past partnerships will build credibility and inspire a brand to work with you. Make sure to update this slide regularly as your partnerships grow. You can even break down exactly what the partnership entailed in later slides.
Almost nothing gets you further than your network and your connections, so make sure to leverage them. And if you’re sitting here thinking “I don’t know any brands,” this one’s for you.
Start telling everyone you know about the work you’re trying to do, and we mean everyone. Tell your roommate, your coworkers - heck, even tell your barista. People want to help, you just have to be willing to ask. Check out the tips below on how to best use your network to land sponsors for your events:
Like we mentioned above, don't be afraid to tap into your existing network of friends, colleagues, and acquaintances. They might be able to introduce you to potential sponsors, provide valuable referrals, or even vouch for your credibility.
Example: Create a list of people in your network who might have connections to brands that align with your event. People are often surprised that their “roommate’s new girlfriend’s brother” works at an early stage beverage brand who would be super down to sponsor an event. Reach out to them with a personalized message, asking if they could introduce you to the relevant contact at the company.
In order to leverage your network, you have to put in the time to build your network. Participate in industry events, conferences, and networking gatherings. Engage with other professionals, establish relationships, and expand your network. The more connections you make, the more likely you are to find sponsors through personal referrals.
Example: Join local meetup groups and online communities related to your industry or event theme (Think: LinkedIn groups, Discord channels, or IRL events). Attend sessions, contribute to discussions, and establish yourself as a knowledgeable and reliable event organizer.
Securing sponsorships doesn't end with a single event. Building long-term relationships with sponsors can lead to ongoing support and collaboration. Here's how you can nurture those relationships and encourage repeat sponsorships:
After your event, send personalized thank you notes to all your sponsors, expressing your gratitude for their support. This simple gesture can go a long way in maintaining positive relationships and keeping your event top-of-mind for future sponsorships.
Example: Write a handwritten thank you note to each sponsor, highlighting the impact their sponsorship had on your event's success. Remember, for sponsorships a lot of it comes down to building a personal relationship.
Provide sponsors with a post-event report that includes key metrics, such as attendee numbers, engagement rates, and social media impressions. This demonstrates transparency and helps sponsors measure the return on their investment.
Example: Create an easy-to-read infographic that showcases the most important metrics from your event, along with photos or quotes from attendees that highlight the event's success. PRO TIP: Try sharing photos of people using the sponsor’s product (i.e. people drinking Hint Water)
Ask your sponsors for feedback on their sponsorship experience, and use their input to improve future events. This shows that you value their opinion and are committed to delivering the best possible experience for them.
Example: Send a follow-up survey to your sponsors, asking for their thoughts on the event, the sponsorship benefits they received, and any suggestions for improvement. Want even more info about this? Check last week’s blog with Andrew Yeung.
The work of a successful sponsorship partnership doesn’t just happen the weeks leading up the event. It’s a continued commitment. Stay in touch with your sponsors between events, share updates about your plans, send industry news, and connect with them about any relevant opportunities. Keeping the lines of communication open can help you stay on their radar for future sponsorship opportunities.
Example: Send a quarterly newsletter to your sponsors, sharing updates about your upcoming events, industry trends, and any new sponsorship opportunities that may interest them. Pretty soon the sponsors will be coming to you asking how to get involved.
Now that you’re chatting with people and building your network, confidence is KEY. It is arguably one of the most critical aspects of attracting sponsors. If you're passionate and believe in the value of your event, others are more likely to believe in you, too (brands, partners, event managers, etc). Here's how you can project confidence in your brand:
Be clear about the unique value proposition your event offers to potential sponsors. What sets your event apart from others in your industry? Be prepared to discuss your event's unique features and the benefits they bring to sponsors.
Example: Evita’s specialized knowledge and experience in swimwear gave her an upper hand when finding sponsors and venues that also wanted to revolutionize the industry.
The energy behind your event is contagious. Sponsors can sense that and will want to be a part of something that you feel passionate about. The goal here is to connect with the sponsor on a personal level, so they know it’s an opportunity they can’t turn down.
Easy ways to showcase your passion: share your story, detail the why behind your event, and the impact you want to create.
Ready to land your first sponsors? With Evita’s tips, you'll be well on your way to attracting brands and creating successful, long-term partnerships (heck, you may even have Wycleaf Jean show up - check the pod for that crazy story).
