“But We’re a Nonprofit…” — And Other Myths Holding You Back
Ever heard this at your association? “We’re a nonprofit. We shouldn’t be chasing sponsorship money.” It’s one of the most common myths—and one of the most limiting. Let’s be clear: Your nonprofit status is a tax designation, not a business model. It doesn’t mean...
Is Your Sponsorship Model Stuck in the Past?
10 years ago, we didn’t scroll TikTok for thought leadership or attend webinars in sweatpants. The world has changed—and your association’s approach to corporate sponsorships needs to keep up.Yet many associations are still selling booth space, banner ads, and logo...
Are You “Rubbing Companies the Wrong Way?”
Several association sponsorship directors have said that they require companies to purchase a booth in the exhibit hall if they are a sponsor. Their rationale? To fill the exhibit hall. This approach is akin to insisting that every patron entering a café to buy coffee...
What’s the Role of an Association’s Sponsorship Staff Person?
I received an interesting response to my LinkedIn post suggesting that when associations are considering changes to their annual conference, they should get input from conference sponsors and year-long corporate partners An association executive messaged me, “We are...