Find information about media sponsors that can help you in your application for sponsorship. Research media sponsors you want to target. Decide which media houses are a good match, and compile a list of which offices or individuals to approach with your proposal. Look for their target events and criteria for sponsorship.
Set the date, time and venue for your event. Media houses may require these details before agreeing to sponsor your event.
Prepare your list of potential attendees. Mention prominent persons, celebrities, local heroes, and community leaders you plan to invite. Create a list of speakers for the event. Finalize your list of attendees; for a public attendance event get an estimate of expected guests by comparing with attendance at recent similar events.
List the benefits a media house can get for sponsoring your event. Benefits include things like printing the company logo on all advertising material; mentions in advertisements; banners and other types of recognition during the event; and acknowledgment on post-event thank-you notes and letters (see reference 1, paragraph 5).
Prepare your proposal in accordance with your earlier findings. Each proposal should be uniquely formatted to the specific media sponsor you target, e.g. radio, television or print. Tailor your event to fit the criteria given by potential media sponsors. Mention all event details in the proposal, and thoroughly outline the benefits of sponsorship.
Present your proposal to all media houses you target. Maintain your confidence throughout the meeting and treat all people you meet politely regardless of the response you get (see reference 2). Use persuasive language and point out ways in which the media house can benefit by sponsoring your event. Mention any prominent personalities or celebrities you have invited. Alternatively, mail the proposal to media houses and call after two days to confirm its arrival. Be persistent until you get a positive response (see reference 2).
Call the media houses one week after the meeting to confirm sponsorship. Organize personal meetings with your sponsors; the chemistry you develop can lead to positive benefits (see reference 1). Keep in touch with the media houses that agree to sponsor your event and keep them informed of any developments. Consider inviting one of their media representatives to speak at the event.