Talk to Mia AI

Register Now
Skip to main content

Corporate Event Sponsorship NYC: A Complete Guide

Getting your brand in front of the right people is a constant challenge. While digital ads can feel like shouting into a void, event sponsorship offers a direct line to an engaged, relevant audience. It’s a strategic move that places your company at the center of your industry’s most important conversations. When done right, a corporate event conference sponsorship in New York City isn’t just a marketing expense; it’s a powerful investment in growth. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from choosing the right event and maximizing your visibility to measuring the return on your investment.

Key Takeaways

  • Strategic selection is everything: Your sponsorship’s success depends on choosing the right event. Vet the audience demographics, the event’s reputation, and its core values to ensure they align perfectly with your brand before you invest.
  • Go beyond passive brand placement: The most effective sponsorships involve active participation. Create an interactive booth, engage with attendees online using the event hashtag, and seek speaking opportunities to establish your brand as a thought leader.
  • Define and track your goals to prove value: Set clear, measurable goals before the event, such as lead generation targets or social media mentions. Use tracking tools to gather data, which allows you to demonstrate a clear return on investment and make smarter decisions for future events.

What is Corporate Event Sponsorship?

Corporate event sponsorship is a strategic partnership where a business provides financial or in-kind support to an event in exchange for brand visibility and marketing opportunities. Think of it as more than just a transaction. It’s a powerful way for a company to connect with a specific audience, build relationships, and demonstrate its commitment to an industry. When done right, sponsorship helps brands stand out, establish themselves as leaders, and connect with people who are shaping the future of their field.

Instead of just placing a logo on a banner, modern sponsorship is about creating memorable experiences. It allows businesses to engage directly with potential customers, partners, and industry influencers in a dynamic setting. This direct interaction can be far more impactful than traditional advertising, leading to stronger brand loyalty and tangible business results. For event organizers, sponsorships provide the essential funding and resources needed to create a high-quality experience for attendees.

A Look at Corporate Events in NYC

New York City is a global hub for business, making it a prime location for corporate events and sponsorships. The city hosts thousands of conferences, trade shows, and industry gatherings every year, drawing professionals from every sector imaginable. This vibrant landscape creates countless opportunities for brands to get in front of their target audience. Local organizations often use sponsorships to gain visibility in a competitive market, creating strategic partnerships that drive business growth. The sheer diversity of companies and brands that gather here makes NYC an unmatched destination for making powerful connections.

How Does Sponsorship Work?

At its core, sponsorship is a value exchange. Sponsors are looking for a return on their investment, which usually means connecting with the event’s audience in a meaningful way. They want to see a clear impact on their business goals, whether that’s generating leads, increasing brand awareness, or building relationships. To attract partners, event organizers must present a clear value proposition that explains why sponsoring their event is a smart business decision. This involves creating attractive sponsorship packages with defined benefits. The best partnerships happen when an event’s mission and audience align perfectly with a sponsor’s brand and marketing objectives.

Why Sponsor a Corporate Event in New York City?

Sponsoring a corporate event in New York City is more than just getting your logo on a banner; it’s a strategic move that places your brand at the center of your industry. NYC is a global hub for business, drawing in top-tier professionals, decision-makers, and innovators from every sector. When you sponsor an event here, you’re not just reaching a local crowd. You’re connecting with a diverse and influential audience ready to do business.

This kind of partnership offers a direct line to your target market, helping you build meaningful relationships and generate valuable leads in a way that digital advertising often can’t match. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate your company’s commitment to the industry, build credibility, and create a lasting impression that drives real growth. By aligning with a major conference, you gain access to a curated audience of professionals who are actively seeking new solutions and partnerships.

Get Your Brand Noticed

In a city as bustling as New York, standing out is everything. Sponsoring a corporate event gives your brand a powerful platform for visibility. It’s a chance to capture the attention of thousands of attendees, from potential clients to industry press, all in one place. This kind of amplified exposure creates excitement and conversation around your brand, positioning you as a key player in the field. Think of it as moving from the sidelines to the main stage. By aligning your company with a reputable event, you’re not just seen; you’re seen as a leader. This is your opportunity to exhibit your brand in a dynamic environment and make a memorable impact.

Connect with Industry Leaders

New York City events attract the best in the business. Sponsorship gives you direct access to these influential figures. You can network with C-suite executives, corporate decision-makers, and the very people who shape your industry’s future. These are not cold calls or emails; they are face-to-face conversations that can lead to powerful partnerships and collaborations. By participating as a sponsor, you position your company as a peer among these leaders. You’ll have the chance to learn from powerhouse speakers and engage with them in a professional setting, building relationships that can open doors and solidify your company’s authority in the market.

Reach Your Ideal Audience

One of the biggest challenges in marketing is getting your message in front of the right people. Event sponsorship solves this by gathering your target audience for you. These attendees have already qualified themselves by showing interest in the industry and investing their time and money to be there. This allows you to focus your efforts on a receptive and relevant group of professionals. When you choose an event that aligns with your brand, you ensure that your message resonates deeply. You can see the caliber of companies that have already found success by looking at current sponsors, giving you confidence that you’re investing in the right audience.

Generate High-Quality Leads

Ultimately, sponsorship is about driving business results, and events are fantastic for lead generation. The connections you make are often much higher in quality than those from other marketing channels. Attendees are actively looking for solutions, services, and new partners to help them achieve their goals. Your sponsorship gives you the credibility to start those conversations. The return on investment isn’t just measured in brand awareness; it’s tracked through qualified leads, attendee engagement, and long-term partnerships. Every handshake and conversation has the potential to become a loyal customer, making sponsorship a smart and effective strategy for growth.

What Sponsorship Levels Can You Expect at NYC Events?

When you start looking into sponsoring a corporate event in New York City, you’ll quickly notice that most offer tiered packages. Think of these as different levels of investment that come with varying degrees of visibility and perks. These tiers are often named after precious metals, like Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, making it easy to understand the value at a glance. Each level is designed to fit different marketing goals and budgets, from brands making their first splash to established names looking for a major presence.

The key is finding the right fit for your company. A well-structured event will offer a clear breakdown of what each tier includes, so you can see exactly where your investment is going. At The Event Planner Expo, we’ve designed our sponsorship packages to provide clear, tangible value. Whether you’re aiming to generate leads, build brand awareness, or establish your company as an industry leader, there’s a level designed to help you achieve your objectives. It’s all about choosing how visible you want your brand to be and what kind of impact you want to make.

Sponsorship Packages at The Event Planner Expo

At The Event Planner Expo, we understand that sponsorship isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal. That’s why we’ve created a variety of packages filled with value for our partners. Each tier is carefully crafted to help you connect with thousands of top event planners, corporate decision-makers, and marketing professionals who attend our conference every year. Our goal is to give you a platform to engage directly with an audience that is actively looking for new services, venues, and technologies. From prominent branding opportunities to direct interaction on the trade show floor, our packages are built to deliver results and help you form meaningful business connections.

Platinum and Premium Tiers

For brands that want to make the biggest possible impact, Platinum and Premium tiers offer the highest level of visibility and influence. This is your opportunity to be seen as a true industry leader. These top-tier packages often include exclusive benefits like the chance to lead panels, host workshops, or participate in fireside chats with other influential speakers. Imagine your brand not just being present at the event, but actively shaping the conversation. This level of sponsorship typically includes premier logo placement on all marketing materials, main stage branding, and other exclusive opportunities that put your company front and center.

Gold Tier Packages

The Gold tier is a fantastic option for brands looking for significant exposure and a strong presence. It strikes a perfect balance between high visibility and a more moderate investment. With a Gold package, you can expect amplified brand exposure to thousands of attendees before, during, and after the event. Benefits often include a prime booth location on the trade show floor, prominent logo placement on the event website, and features in dedicated email campaigns sent to our entire audience. This tier ensures your brand stands out and captures the attention of key industry players and potential clients among our world-class exhibitors.

Silver and Bronze Options

If you’re new to event sponsorship or working with a more focused budget, the Silver and Bronze tiers are excellent entry points. These packages are designed to provide meaningful brand exposure and networking opportunities without a top-level financial commitment. You’ll still get valuable benefits like your logo on the event website, inclusion in the official program, and a spot on the exhibitor floor where you can interact directly with attendees. These levels are perfect for generating leads, testing the waters of a large-scale expo, and making crucial connections that can help your business grow. It’s a smart way to become a sponsor and get your foot in the door.

How Much Does Corporate Event Sponsorship Cost in NYC?

Figuring out the cost of corporate event sponsorship in New York City can feel like a moving target. Prices vary dramatically from one event to another, depending on the industry, audience size, and the event’s reputation. A high-profile conference in the finance sector will have a different price tag than a local arts festival. The key is to understand that you’re not just paying for a logo on a banner; you’re investing in access, visibility, and connection.

The cost is directly tied to the value you receive. Think about the event’s reach. How many people will attend? What is their professional background? A sponsorship package at a major trade show like The Event Planner Expo gives you access to thousands of industry leaders and corporate decision-makers. The price reflects that level of opportunity. As you explore your options, you’ll find that costs are typically broken down into tiers, each offering a different level of exposure and engagement. Understanding these tiers and the factors that shape their prices will help you find the right fit for your budget and business goals.

Typical Pricing by Sponsorship Tier

Sponsorship packages are usually structured in tiers, making it easier for brands to find an option that aligns with their budget. In NYC, you can find a wide range of price points. For example, some nonprofit media organizations offer entry-level community sponsorships for around $950, with top-tier platinum packages reaching about $7,000. These packages often include benefits like advertising and recruitment opportunities.

Other organizations, like professional associations, might offer a simpler structure with Platinum and Gold levels designed to give members visibility in a specific market. At The Event Planner Expo, we offer a variety of sponsorship packages tailored to different marketing goals, from securing a premier speaking slot to gaining brand visibility with top executives.

What Influences Sponsorship Costs?

Several key factors determine the price of a sponsorship package. The most significant is the audience. Sponsors want to know about the event’s reach, the demographics of the attendees, and their level of engagement. An event that attracts high-level executives and serious buyers can command higher prices because the connections made there are more valuable.

Another major factor is the event’s value proposition. Event organizers who can clearly articulate why sponsoring their event is a smart investment will have more success. This means showing potential sponsors exactly what they’ll get, from brand exposure to lead generation. Many companies also have specific corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals that guide their sponsorship strategies, influencing which events they choose to support.

Plan Your Sponsorship Budget

When you’re planning your budget, think about the return on investment (ROI) you need to see. The best event partnerships are those where the organizer helps you achieve and measure that return. Look for packages that offer clear, tangible benefits, like prominent logo placement on event advertising, dedicated signage, and features on the event website.

To make a strong case for your investment, you need to be able to track your results. Before signing on, ask the event organizer how they help sponsors prove sponsor ROI. Clear metrics and data not only justify your spending but also make it much easier to get approval for renewing the sponsorship in the future. A well-chosen sponsorship should feel less like an expense and more like a strategic investment in your growth.

How to Choose the Right Corporate Event to Sponsor

Sponsoring a corporate event is a big investment of time, money, and resources, so you want to make sure you’re putting your brand in the right place. The goal isn’t just to get your logo on a banner; it’s to connect with an audience that genuinely cares about what you do. Choosing the wrong event can feel like shouting into the void, while the right one can open doors to game-changing partnerships and sales.

Think of it like finding the perfect business partner. You need to do your homework to ensure your goals, values, and audience align. A successful sponsorship is a strategic alliance that benefits both you and the event organizer. Before you sign any contracts, take the time to vet the opportunity thoroughly. By focusing on a few key areas, you can confidently select an event that will deliver real, measurable results for your brand. The right sponsorship opportunity can become a cornerstone of your marketing strategy.

Align with the Right Audience

The first and most important question to ask is: who attends this event? Your sponsorship will only be effective if it reaches the right people. Look for events where the attendee profile matches your ideal customer. A great way to start is by checking out the list of past exhibitors and sponsors. If brands similar to yours or those targeting a similar demographic have sponsored the event before, that’s a strong indicator of audience alignment. Don’t be afraid to ask the event organizer for detailed attendee demographics, including job titles, industries, and purchasing power. This ensures your investment connects you with qualified leads, not just a random crowd.

Check the Event’s Reputation

A sponsorship connects your brand with the event’s reputation, so make sure it’s a good one. You want to partner with an organization that is professional, reliable, and well-respected in the industry. Look for an event with a proven track record of success. Do they attract high-caliber keynote speakers and industry leaders? Read testimonials from past sponsors and attendees, and check for media coverage or industry awards. An event with a strong, positive reputation is more likely to attract a high-quality audience and provide a seamless, professional experience for its sponsors. Trust is everything, and a credible event organizer will be transparent about their history and successes.

Ensure Your Brand Values Match

Beyond audience demographics, consider whether the event’s mission and values resonate with your own. A sponsorship is a public endorsement, so you want to make sure the event’s message aligns with your brand identity. For example, if your company champions innovation, partnering with a forward-thinking tech conference makes perfect sense. If sustainability is a core value, look for events that prioritize eco-friendly practices. This alignment creates a more authentic connection with attendees who share those values. When your brand’s story and the event’s purpose are in sync, your sponsorship feels natural and meaningful, not just transactional.

Review Past Performance

Before you commit, ask for the numbers. A reputable event organizer should be able to provide a sponsorship deck with key performance indicators from past events. This data is crucial for gauging the potential return on your investment. Look for metrics like attendance numbers, audience engagement rates, social media reach, and lead generation statistics from previous sponsors. This information helps you understand the event’s track record and set realistic expectations for your own sponsorship. Making a decision based on solid data will always be more effective than relying on a gut feeling alone.

What Benefits Do Sponsors Actually Get?

When you invest in a corporate event sponsorship, you’re doing more than just getting your logo on a banner. You’re buying into a powerful platform for growth. The right sponsorship connects you with a concentrated audience of potential clients and partners, delivering tangible benefits that extend far beyond the event itself. From building brand authority to generating high-quality leads, let’s break down what you can really expect to gain.

Prime Logo Placement and Branding

One of the most immediate benefits of sponsorship is widespread brand visibility. Your company’s logo and name get featured across a variety of event materials, putting you directly in front of your target audience. This isn’t just about a single sign; it’s about consistent exposure. Think about your brand appearing on event signage, the official website, email campaigns sent to thousands of attendees, and even on merchandise like tote bags or lanyards. This repeated exposure builds brand recognition and ensures you’re top-of-mind with industry professionals. Different sponsorship packages offer varying levels of visibility, allowing you to choose the best fit for your goals.

Opportunities to Speak and Present

Sponsorship can also position you as a thought leader in your field. Many sponsorship tiers include opportunities to lead a workshop, join a panel discussion, or give a presentation. This is your chance to do more than just tell people what you do; you can show them. By sharing your expertise and offering valuable insights, you build credibility and trust with the audience. It transforms your role from a passive sponsor into an active and respected industry expert. You’ll be sharing the stage with other influential speakers, solidifying your company’s authority and attracting attendees who are genuinely interested in your knowledge.

Exclusive Networking and VIP Access

While general admission gets you in the door, sponsorship often unlocks access to exclusive, high-value networking events. Imagine connecting with C-suite executives, key decision-makers, and potential partners in a more intimate setting, like a VIP lounge or a private reception. These curated environments are designed for meaningful conversations that can lead to powerful business relationships. This is your opportunity to get direct face-time with the people who can truly move the needle for your business. When you become a sponsor, you are positioned as a key player at the event, making it easier to initiate these important conversations.

Inclusion in Digital Marketing

A great sponsorship extends your brand’s reach long before and after the event doors close. Your company will be included in the event’s digital marketing efforts, which can include social media shout-outs, features in email newsletters, and mentions in blog posts. This digital exposure introduces your brand to a massive online audience of potential clients and industry professionals who follow the event. It creates a sustained buzz around your company, driving traffic to your website and social channels. This integrated approach ensures your investment continues to deliver value, amplifying your message across multiple platforms and keeping your brand visible to a highly relevant audience.

How to Maximize Your Visibility at a Sponsored Event

Securing a sponsorship is just the first step. To truly capitalize on your investment, you need a strategy that extends beyond simply having your logo on a banner. The most successful sponsors are active participants who create memorable experiences and engage directly with their target audience. It’s about turning passive brand exposure into active, meaningful conversations that build relationships and drive business forward. By planning ahead, you can ensure your presence is felt long after the event concludes. Here’s how to make your sponsorship count.

Create an Interactive Booth

Your booth is your home base for the event, so make it a destination, not just a display. Think beyond a table and a backdrop. Create an experience that draws people in and encourages them to stay. This could be a hands-on product demo, a branded photo booth, a comfortable lounge with charging stations, or even a simple game with great prizes. The goal is to create a welcoming environment that sparks curiosity and conversation. Some of the most memorable exhibitors are those who offer something of value, whether it’s a refreshing drink, a fun activity, or a solution to a common problem.

Activate Your Social Media

Start building buzz long before the event begins. Use your social media channels to announce your sponsorship and share your booth number. Let your followers know about any special activities, demos, or giveaways you have planned. During the event, keep the momentum going with live updates. Post photos of your team engaging with attendees, share key takeaways from speaker sessions, and use the official event hashtag to join the wider conversation. Encourage visitors to post about their experience at your booth, perhaps by offering a small incentive. This extends your reach far beyond the event floor.

Create and Share Great Content

Integrate your sponsorship into your broader content marketing plan. Before the event, publish a blog post or create a short video explaining why you’re excited to be a sponsor and what attendees can learn from you. During the event, capture testimonials from happy visitors or record brief interviews with other industry professionals. Afterward, write a recap that highlights your key experiences and the valuable connections you made. This content not only demonstrates your industry involvement but also helps you prove sponsor ROI to your team and justify future investments.

Engage Directly with Attendees

An interactive booth is only effective if your team is ready to connect. Staff your booth with enthusiastic, knowledgeable people who are prepared to step out from behind the table and start conversations. Train them to ask open-ended questions that get attendees talking about their business challenges and goals. The objective isn’t just to scan as many badges as possible; it’s to have quality conversations that lead to genuine relationships. By focusing on direct engagement, you can connect with industry speakers, potential clients, and future partners on a much deeper level.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing an Event

Choosing the right corporate event to sponsor is a big decision, especially in a competitive market like New York City. When you find the perfect match, it can generate incredible returns, from high-quality leads to lasting brand recognition. But a mismatch can feel like a costly mistake that drains your budget and delivers little in return. The key is to go in with a clear strategy and a sharp eye for what makes a partnership truly valuable. A successful sponsorship is about finding an event that doesn’t just feature your logo, but actively integrates your brand into an experience that resonates with your ideal customers.

To make sure your investment pays off, it helps to know what pitfalls to look out for. Many brands jump into sponsorships without doing their homework, only to realize later that the event wasn’t the right fit. They might get swayed by a big name or a low price tag, overlooking the most important factor: alignment. By avoiding a few common errors, you can confidently select an event that aligns with your goals and connects you with the people who matter most to your business. Let’s walk through the biggest mistakes to sidestep so you can make a smart, strategic choice.

Sponsoring an Event with the Wrong Audience

This is the number one mistake you can make. If an event’s attendees aren’t your target customers, your message will fall on deaf ears, no matter how compelling it is. Before you even think about signing a contract, do a deep dive into the event’s demographics. Who attends? What industries are they from? What are their job titles? A great starting point is to see which other brands are sponsoring similar events or have sponsored this one in the past. If your competitors are there, it’s a strong sign that the audience is relevant. The goal is to find an event where you can build genuine connections with industry leaders who are actually interested in what you have to offer.

Forgetting to Set Measurable Goals

Sponsoring an event without clear goals is like going on a road trip without a map. How will you know if you’ve succeeded? Before committing, define what a win looks like for your team. Are you aiming for a specific number of qualified leads, a certain amount of social media engagement, or a set number of meetings booked? These metrics are crucial because they help you prove sponsor ROI and justify the investment. Having specific key performance indicators (KPIs) allows you to track your progress and tell a compelling story about the value your sponsorship delivered, making it easier to secure budget for future events.

Missing Out on Engagement Opportunities

Simply having your logo on a banner isn’t enough to make a lasting impression. The most successful sponsors are the ones who actively engage with attendees. Look for events that offer more than just passive brand placement. Can you host a workshop, participate in a panel discussion, or create an interactive booth experience? Sponsors get the most value when they create memorable moments that resonate with the audience. True partnership is about more than just exposure; it’s about aligning your brand with an experience that attendees will remember long after the event is over. When you exhibit at an event, think about how you can start conversations and build relationships.

How to Effectively Measure Your Sponsorship ROI

Sponsoring an event is a major investment, so you need to know if it paid off. Measuring your return on investment (ROI) isn’t just about justifying the expense; it’s about understanding what works so you can make even smarter decisions next time. Moving beyond gut feelings and focusing on concrete data will show you the true value of your sponsorship and help you secure budget for future events. Here’s how to break it down.

Know Which KPIs to Track

Before you can measure success, you have to define what success looks like for your brand. This is where Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) come in. These are the specific, measurable metrics you’ll use to gauge your performance against your goals. Your KPIs should be set long before the event begins. If your goal is brand awareness, you might track social media mentions and website traffic. If you’re focused on sales, you’ll want to track qualified leads and conversions. Your ROI is measured through metrics like attendee engagement, brand awareness, and the development of long-term partnerships. Choose the key performance indicators that align directly with what you want to achieve.

Use Tools to Measure Brand Exposure

Quantifying brand exposure can feel tricky, but with the right tools, you can capture solid data. To get a clear picture of your reach, you should evaluate media coverage, brand mentions, and digital engagement. Set up Google Alerts for your company name and use social listening tools to monitor mentions of your brand alongside the event hashtag. This will help you track how often your brand is being talked about online. You can also monitor traffic to your website from sources related to the event. These data points provide tangible proof of your visibility and help you understand how your brand was perceived by the audience.

Track Your Leads and Conversions

If lead generation is a primary goal, you need a clear system for tracking where your leads come from. The key is knowing what your sponsors value before the event even happens, so you can deliver measurable results that make them want to sign up again. Create a unique landing page with a special offer for event attendees, or use a QR code at your booth that directs people to sign up for your newsletter. A dedicated discount code for attendees is another great way to track conversions directly from the event. By connecting sales and sign-ups to your sponsorship, you can draw a straight line between your investment and your revenue.

Analyze Your Results After the Event

Once the event is over, it’s time to gather your data and analyze the results. This is where you’ll see the full picture of your ROI. Compile a report that includes all the KPIs you tracked: brand mentions, website traffic, leads generated, and conversions. This analysis helps you prove the value of your sponsorship to key stakeholders. It also provides critical insights for your next event. Even as you’re locking in your current sponsors, you should already be thinking about the brands you want next year. Use your findings to refine your strategy, identify what worked well, and pinpoint areas for improvement. This process ensures every sponsorship is a learning opportunity that strengthens your future marketing efforts.

Related Articles

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the real difference between being a sponsor and just having an exhibitor booth? Think of it this way: exhibiting gives you a physical space to meet people, while sponsoring makes you a core part of the event experience. As an exhibitor, your focus is primarily on driving traffic to your booth. As a sponsor, your brand is integrated into the event’s marketing and programming. This means you get broader visibility before, during, and after the conference, often with added perks like speaking opportunities or access to exclusive networking events. Sponsorship positions your brand as a leader and partner in the industry, not just a vendor on the floor.

Is sponsorship worth it for a small business with a limited budget? Absolutely. You don’t need a massive budget to make a significant impact. Many events offer entry-level sponsorship tiers, like Bronze or Silver packages, that are designed specifically for smaller businesses. These options provide valuable brand exposure and networking opportunities that can be far more targeted and effective than other forms of advertising. It’s about choosing the right event where you can connect directly with your ideal audience, making every dollar you invest work harder for you.

How do I know if my sponsorship was successful beyond just counting leads? While leads are important, they aren’t the whole story. True success can be measured in other ways, too. Look at the new relationships you built. Did you connect with potential long-term partners or industry influencers? Also, monitor your digital footprint. Check for increases in website traffic during the event, track your social media mentions, and see how people are talking about your brand online. Success is often about building brand authority and starting conversations that pay off down the road.

How far in advance should I start planning for a corporate event sponsorship? The earlier, the better. For major annual conferences, it’s smart to start planning six months to a year in advance. This gives you plenty of time to research the best events, review sponsorship packages before they sell out, and secure the necessary budget. Planning ahead also allows you to fully integrate the sponsorship into your overall marketing strategy, so you can create content and campaigns that build excitement and maximize your presence long before the event begins.

What kind of support should I expect from the event organizer after I sign on? A great event organizer will treat you like a true partner. Once you sign the contract, you should expect clear and consistent communication. They should provide you with a timeline of important deadlines, marketing materials to help you promote your involvement, and logistical details for the event itself. A dedicated contact person who can answer your questions is also a good sign. Their goal should be to help you succeed, because your success reflects well on their event.