Event Brief
The brief for the 2004 Internet Awwwards was to increase the profile and showcase the coming of age of this event within the online industry. The Forum Group was tasked with contracting sponsors for the 2004 event and changing perceptions and reactions of sponsors from previous years. The aim was to contract sponsors who would willingly participate in 2004 and return in 2005, creating a long term, positive relationship between these sponsors and the event.
The Challenge
The Forum Group had limited access to sponsorship information or contacts from past years. Known past sponsors, as well as companies directly involved or affected by the online industry were approached to sponsor the 2004 event. A dedicated sponsorship manager was engaged to proactively contract desired companies. The sponsorship proposal generated great interest however due to the sheer number of award ceremonies and mixed feedback on previous experiences, The Forum Group
had initial difficulties contracting the sponsors. In the end the committee was happy with the result of eight paying sponsors, four in kind sponsors and three sponsors who donated prizes for the category winners and Best of Show Award.
The Event
The 2004 event had some of the best inclusions for each tier of sponsorship yet. Given the new theatre style format, all sponsor
logo’s were highlighted throughout the night both on the presentation screen and on all event signage throughout the room. Brief mentions of non-category sponsors were also scripted into the dialogue. The event itself provided an exceptional networking opportunity for sponsors and audience alike.
The Outcome
The event was a huge success for the sponsors. On a scale of 1 – 9, all sponsors rated the value they received from the event, 7 or above. Every sponsor from 2004 has registered interest in the 2005 event with some already wanting to discuss possibilities of a higher level of involvement. A selection of sponsors comments appear below:
"The event was the best I have been to so far and I have been to every one to date."
Kate Vale, Google
"I found the event was extremely well organised. The venue looked amazing on the night. The awards themselves were concise, well presented and very entertaining. I thought the live act that participated were very funny and set a fun, yet relaxed tone for the evening. I thoroughly enjoyed my night, as did my colleagues. I look forward to another great event next year!"
Helen Lorkin, Nielsen//NetRatings
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