Keeping Sponsors and VIPs Happy

It’s helpful to have a very clear agreement with sponsors and VIPs about exactly what they’re getting for their monetary or product contribution. If you promise them 1000 emails, 50 pictures or prime table placement and fall short, they’re not going to be happy. We don’t recommend overextending yourself, but if you find yourself in this situation, it’s important to be ready to salvage. Admit where you didn’t live up to expectations and accommodate their needs and reparation requests without being a pushover.

But what if you did everything you were asked to and more but sponsors are still complaining? There can be outside forces that are simply out of an event coordinator’s control. Weather can be one of them, depending. If you’re hosting an outdoors event and don’t have a plan B for if it rains, than you’re not prepared. Whether that means an alternate space, a tent or shelter, or a rain date, there must be something in place.

Recently we saw a sizable event of 1500+ registrants hosted by AlleyNYC run into a weather problem that was not their fault. They had an awesome indoor venue that was decorated beautifully and ready to fit everybody. And then it rained, nay, it monsooned. Guests that made it inside had a great time but unfortunately the rain deterred half the crowd from even showing up. Sponsors were unable to reach the number of guests they expected and felt they didn’t get their money’s worth.

Instead of deferring the blame, AlleyNYC quickly came up with a solution. They generously decided to throw a #TechTakeoverNYC Raincheck Party and give all past guests free entry and honor sponsors and VIPs from the original event. They maintained and even strengthened some key relationships. Take notes, #EventProfs!

The makeup event is tonight, July 10th at Suite36. They have well over 1,000 RSVPs and it’s going to be a blast. If you download the free SquadUP mobile event app you will be able to skip the line and enter as a VIP. With such a big crowd, it’s well worth the 30 seconds it takes to download. Also, if you have the mobile app you’ll be able to get the full #NYCTechTakeover networking experience and participate in the event group chat.