What else can you do to thank your event sponsors and cost underwriters besides just listing them in the program?

It’s good to do more, since your guests may never open those programs you spent so many hours (and dollars) on. Since you want your sponsors to feel honored and appreciated, consider adding as many of these other recognition tactics as you can:

• Offer a Patron Party with auction preview and menu tasting one month prior
• VIP reception an hour before general admission
• VIP post-auction reception with gelato, decaf cappuccino and swag bags
• Give sponsor tables Auction Bucks (incentive bidder credits) for their guests
• Provide champagne, a dedicated server for the dining table, premier seating
• Make sponsor thank you foam core boards and place on easels at the entrance
• Project sponsor logos on the wall
• Make a Power Point slide show which loops during dinner of sponsor logos
• Have a parting gift with a sponsor thank you card attached, such as:

Sponsor Thank You card tied with ribbon to some kind of parting gift, like a mini bag of chocolates. This recognition piece might say…

“Please join us in thanking these sponsors for their generosity. When you support them, ______________ benefits!”

or

“Tonight’s festivities made possible by these fine sponsors. Please consider supporting them with your business!”

or

“Thank you for supporting ___________this evening. Please consider patronizing these sponsors who made tonight possible”

What other sponsor recognition ideas have you seen? Please share in the comments!