Sponsoring an event is one of the main ways to promote your brewery, especially beer festivals and similar events. Beer festivals usually reach out to established breweries to see if they would like to be a part of that event. However, if you are just getting started, you will have to seek them out before the events. That’s why it’s important to know how to get involved with sponsoring events.

Look Up Local Events or Venues

Depending on what you want to do, requesting to sponsor an event or host your own, you’ll want to look up events or places. You’ll want to find events that target the audience that likes your brewery. For example, if you cater to a more cozy middle-aged audience in your brewery, a fun run might be a great event for you to sponsor. There are city-wide events that you can look up on your city’s official website or on an event calendar. Venues keep an extensive list of events happening at their own places as well.

Avoid Red Flags

Red flags can be common amongst events, but the fewer there are, the better. The biggest red flags to avoid are big promises or one-way promises. When a sponsorship opportunity is presented, it is posted for the benefit of both the host and the sponsor. There should be an equal benefit to both sides. You’ll also want a written agreement. Verbal agreements are unreliable and could be changed without warning. The last thing to look out for is the plan for the event. Good hosts will always have a plan for their sponsors, including where they are and what they can provide.

Get Your Permits

Each state requires permits for providing drinks at events. In Minnesota, the permits to provide drinks and food at events are easily found on the official state website:

The host should provide ways to get permits at their venue if more documentation is required. 

Provide Fun

Between customizing your booth and providing fun prizes, there are many things that you will need for a successful sponsorship. Providing games with prizes and beer from your brewery is a sure way to keep visitors happy and willing to visit your brewery in the future. If you are looking for ideas for promotional items as prizes, check out some of these products:

Spread The Word

Get the word out about your sponsorship! Word of mouth is still one of the most effective ways to market your business. Between social media, telling your customers, and having signs up in your brewery, there is a good chance that more people will learn about the event. The more successful you are at bringing in visitors to the event, the more you'll be seen as a great sponsor.

Now that you are equipped with the tools to be a sponsor for events, go out there and show off your brewery! If you have any questions about promotional products, contact us. We are happy to help.