Helping Events Secure Sponsorships with BibBoards

This post on using BibBoards as an alternative for sponsor exposure is from Brian Goodell of BibBoards.

Being a race director isn’t all fun and games – things go wrong, volunteers don’t show up, runners get injured, and venues fall short of expectations. Despite these, and many other problems, race directors are expected to pump out smooth, flawless events.

One of the most common challenges race directors face is generating sufficient revenue. According the the RunningUSA Race Director Survey 2016, commonly utilized strategies for generating additional revenue include engaging with followers on social media, fine-tuning event related fees such as entries and registration, and, of course, securing sponsorships.

It’s hard to ignore that last one. According to the same survey, 60% of race directors believe that securing sponsors is their most significant event challenge.

In theory, sponsor recruitment sounds simple – after all, why wouldn’t a nearby chain of grocery stores sponsor your event in exchange for placing a giant banner at the venue? Or perhaps, it wouldn’t be too difficult to get a reputable bank to help whilst promoting their services to potential participants via email? After all, this is the kind of generic advice widely available online – just Google “finding race psonsors” and you’ll have it all.

The problem, however, is that securing sponsors is not that simple.

In an ongoing effort to make ends meet, race directors sometimes forget that good investment is at the core of a successful sponsorship agreement. In other words, by investing in an event, sponsorts expect to get something in return. Generally, 100% profit (direct or indirect) is what most reputable sporting event sponsors are realistically aiming for.

In this situation, race directors must be able to provide unique opportunities to their sponsors. The question is, what is that magical thing that can be offered that will reliably increase the sponsor’s business? Things like brochures, posters, ads, banners, and t-shirts are white noise – they cost a lot of money to make, yet have no traction on ROI. So, who takes the loss – the event or the sponsor? And can the entire thing be avoided somehow?

If only there was a solution allowing you to attract sponsors with no out of pocket costs…pass the cost on and generate above and beyond.

Great news: it does exist, and it’s called BibBoards!

What are BibBoards?

BibBoards are revolutionary bib number fasteners that have already helped many runners around the world ditch safety pins for a safer option that is also much more fun while they #SaveTheShirt.

BibBoards consist of two pieces that simply snap together, securing the bib without damaging the clothes. This patented invention has already been named the world’s best pinless bib number fastener, and the trend is growing. But how is it relevant for helping race directors attract sponsors? You see…

Place Brand Logos In Front of Everyone’s Eyes!

Unlike “normal” merchandise that often gets lost and forgotten, BibBoards are exceptionally attractive for sponsors because they provide an opportunity to place a logo where it simply can’t be ignored: on the chest, front and center for all participants. Not everyone walks around with brochures and branded tote bags, but every athlete has to wear a bib…and that bib must be attached somehow. And for each bib, four BibBoards are required.

It’s much easier to convince the sponsors that they will get exposure when the item is something that gets seen at up to four places on each participant, by all other participants in a race, plus the all of the spectators. In addition, people keep and wear them at every event they do or to work or school the next day to show off the event they completed. And best of all…

Make Money for Your Event and Go Recyclable

By offering BibBoards to your attendees for $10, assuming a capacity of 10,000 attendees, a race director can make up to $100,000 in revenue.

Now, imagine selling sponsorship on two of the BibBoards for $10k-$20k additional. This is a great deal for potential sponsors when you consider the exposure that BibBoards get as well as the fact that they are 100% reusable and will follow participants to many other events that they participate in.

Secure More Sponsorships with Valuable Real Estate

Securing sponsorships for races can be extremely stressful, as it is all depends on how sponsors will benefit and what they will receive, rather than how your race or cause will benefit.

Sponsors are there to increase their sales, whilst race directors are aiming to create as much revenue as possible – including minimizing unncessary costs.

BibBoards present a great solution for both sides, helping sponsors increase their business via unbelievable exposure. To stay a step ahead fo the competition, race directors should consider incorporating them into their next event.

To learn more, visit bibboards.com or email Brian at brian@bibboards.com.