Associations are finding it increasingly difficult to secure
sponsorship for their conferences and events, according to a new survey, as the
squeeze on budgets continues.
The Eastside Rooms’ cost of living impact survey reveals
that 45 per cent of associations were struggling to attract sponsors while 41
per cent were seeing a fall in sponsorship revenue.
The Eastside Rooms, venue in the heart of England, conducted
a survey of 125* event professionals from around the world to identify
challenges and opportunities faced due to economic challenges.
It found that 83 per cent of organisers saw an increase in
event costs last year. However,
alongside the wider impact on organisers, the survey also explored challenges
in sponsorship acquisition.
Adding to the difficulties faced by the associations is a
reduction in available sponsorship opportunities. Some 30 per cent say they are finding it
harder to identify and offer sponsorship opportunities, led by challenges such
as lower delegate numbers and smaller exhibitions.
Leanne Bladen, director of sales & marketing at The
Eastside Rooms, said: “Sponsorship is often a vital part of any association
event, providing much needed additional revenue streams. A decrease here directly impacts an
association’s ability to successfully deliver their event, which in turn can
mean a need to cut back other areas of the event, potentially impacting the
delegate experience.”
The Eastside Rooms surveyed 125 event professionals in
October 2023.
Written By
James Lancaster
AMI editor James
Lancaster is a familiar face in the meetings industry and international
association community. Since joining AMI in 2010, he has gained a reputation
for asking difficult questions and getting lost in convention centres. Proofer, podcaster, and panellist - in his spare time, James likes to walk,
read, listen to music, and drink beer.
