We've written here about changes in sponsor expectations and the ways event marketers are crafting sponsorship packages to deliver a measurable and meaningful return on investment. One thing that all sponsors want is access to attendees.
They want to meet with them at the event, gather information for contacting them after the event, and hear first hand their challenges and needs. One of our GovEvents partners is taking a unique approach to making sure sponsors get the access they want.
The GAIN 2018 Conference is a day-long gathering for professionals involved in marketing to the government. In the proverbial "cobbler's children have no shoes" scenario, government marketers were so busy planning and attending events that there was never an event dedicated to their professional development and networking.
GAIN 2018 (which stands for Grow, Accelerate, Innovate, Network) filled that void. In its third year, it is a must-attend event for government marketers, a group that has created an identity around the show - even calling themselves GAINers.
To keep the spirit of peer networking, the show has limited vendor and service provider attendance allowing only sponsor companies to attend the event and mingle with government marketing decision makers. This keeps the show a relatively pitch-free zone for attendees while giving sponsors meaningful ways to interact with potential clients.
Founder Lou Anne Brossman told us that this format provides an extra level of credibility for sponsors. Attendees know that any vendor attending has been vetted by the organization and has essentially received a stamp of approval. With this, attendees are more willing to engage and listen to the vendors that are present.
A 2017 sponsor said, "GAIN saved me months of lunch appointments. It is one of the most valuable things I have done to grow my sales."
Sponsorships are offered in three levels ranging from one that provides mainly passes to attend the show, to the premier sponsorship that allows for the sponsor to host a workshop related to their offering.
This year's event is taking place on November 1 in Reston, VA. Sponsorship opportunities are still available for companies looking to reach the who's who of government marketers in one place in one day.
