Arranging Sponsoring
All of the major sporting events are involved with sponsoring. So is the case with the OffShore Rib Rally 785. Not only the events themselves are sponsored, also the teams can have several sponsors supporting them, and making their participation possible.
There are several possibilities for financing your participation of the Rib Rallly. For all events, it is possible to find sponsors. If you are joining with your own RIB, you can put logo’s all over it. If you are using one of the organizations Ribeye 785s, or if you are joining the World Final, you will have a space of about 2,50 meter width and about 70 cm high on both sides of the front of the Tube to “sell” to your sponsors for placing their logo’s. Next to that, think of helmets, shirts, jackets, presentation events, etc, all in order to have your sponsor involved to a maximum with your adventure that can bring them many marketing oppertunities.
Be smart and put up a small sponsorship-kit, following some tips and tricks:
| Define your project Make it understandable and clear for everybody. Keep in mind, that the readers of your proposal might not be so well-informed about the Rib Rally as you are yourself. Build up your project step by step, including training, equipment, etc. |
| Develop a total budget Your budget does not only mean the participation fee. Although in many cases, the Rib Rally will deliver a full-service event, there will always be some additional costs that you will have to make. Helmets, clothing, training, transportation, etc. |
| Create a list of potential sponsors For this, you have to think beyond the standard list of (major) brands. Close contact are likelier to step into your project directly than long-shots. Remember that 15x € 1.000,00 is also € 15.000,00… Smaller sponsors are easier to reach, but also keep in mind that all of your sponsors will need attention, and they deserve it! |
| Do not oversell your cards Unless you already have a major popularity status, or unless you are going to win the Rib Rally, it is not likely that your team will be on the front cover of Times Magazine. Do not underestimate the power of local newspapers, regional TV stations, etc. People do reed and watch them, and they are an easier access for you to have your story told. |
| Create a dossier that looks like you! You are selling an adventure, your adventure. So make sure you and your dossier are one. |
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| Team Polar Europe with their sponsors on the tube. |