Sponsorships elevate incentive trip experience

A telecom brand turned its top-performer event in Puerto Rico into many unforgettable moments thanks to sponsors supplementing the event budget. From a champagne wall and cigar rolling lesson to fireworks, these moments showcased sponsors’ brands and enhanced the attendee experience. 

Objectives inform the sponsor program 

The trip’s most important goal? Rewarding top performers and increasing their morale to hit future goals. Instead of putting sponsorship funds towards their base budget, the client wanted to use the $100K+ in extra revenue to elevate attendees’ experience. 

Sponsors sought opportunities to increase brand visibility and network with valuable partners.To meet and exceed their needs, we customized each prospectus to address sponsors’ unique goals.

Full-service sponsorship management 

Dedicated sponsorship experts took care of sponsorship details at each planning stage.

• Crafting targeted sponsor prospectuses
• Integrating creative sponsorship ideas that fit the event theme
• Developing a detailed financial model that itemized each inclusion with hard costs vs. revenue breakdowns
• Communicating and collecting sponsor invoices
• Hosting weekly touch-base calls 
• Providing on-site support 

Event design features a pop-up market 

To maintain the lively Latin vibe of the trip, we mapped out a vibrant symposium where sponsors connected with attendees through creative activations and a gifting marketplace.

Winners and guests received vouchers to spend on gifts curated from local vendors during the half-day event. The pop-up market included everything from spices, food, t-shirts and glassware to artisan-made wooden goods.

Sponsored enhancements

Several trip elements became sponsoring opportunities, with intent behind each inclusion.

• Branded room key fobs for the top sponsor
• Branded poolside cabanas as a networking backdrop 
• Gifted sunglasses and fedoras to double as trip attire and mementos
• Puerto Rican piragua (shaved ice) cart and interactive rummelier (rum maker) tastings 
• Fireworks to impress guests 
• Décor elements like branded centerpieces and an “I love Puerto Rico” flower wall 
• Customized bands to wrap around freshly rolled cigar giveaways 
• Logos and signage at mealtimes and in the bar area

Partnerships elevate the winner experience 

As hospitality costs continue to rise, many hosts are tempted to cut back on extras. But directing sponsor revenue towards memorable moments can be a win-win.

Exactly what sponsors are looking for

• Increased brand visibility 
• More brand equity through potential speaking/presentation opportunities 
• Direct engagement to nurture relationships or connect with a pool of warm leads 
• Insight into participant information, which supports market research and product development

Thanks to the event’s success, leaders have expanded sponsorships as a core component of future incentive trips.