The BEST 60 Girls Night Ideas & Activities (Updated 2021)

girls night ideas

Looking for a creative way to celebrate your friends by hanging out at home or on the town?

Girls night out (or girls night in) parties are a great way to bond with your closest friends.

They can be something simple that is done indoors, or they can be a whole day or night spent somewhere new.

But what should you do on your next night out or in?

These ideas will make your next or several upcoming gatherings a whole lot of fun.

So, get out there, try something different, and make memories with your best friends!

Girls Night Ideas (for Staying In or Going Out)

1. Christmas Theme Party

Is the holiday season just around the corner? A Christmas theme party is the perfect choice for friend groups of all ages. Decorate your house in your special holiday decorations and lights and spent the night decorating the tree, building gingerbread houses, and online shopping for your relatives. Make it something that can be done all year round by updating it to other holidays, such as Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Valentine’s Day.

2. Roaring ‘20s Theme Party

Put on your best Gatsby-inspired clothes and hold a ‘20s theme party at your house or a venue. Play jazz music appropriate for the era, dress in period clothing, drink champagne, and dance the Charleston. There are also art deco style decorations available for you to transfer your party to 100 years ago.

3. 80’s Theme Party

Looking to do something a little more contemporary? Why not update the Gatsby themed party to the ‘80s or even ‘90s? Get your nostalgia rolling by dressing up in over-the-top ‘80s and ‘90s fashions and playing your favorite songs of the time. Whether you lived through the decade or not, these parties are a lot of fun for everyone.

4. Teach Each Other a New Skill

Spend your evening doing something different by learning a new skill together. Do you guys want to start studying a new language, looking to crochet, or think it might be fun to try out the latest video game or dance craze? Why not have a party where everyone can learn as a group?

5. Live Music Performance

If you want to leave the house and spend some time out with your friends, get tickets for a concert or watch a local live band play. There are even a lot of popular music festivals that last for several days. You can make a whole day, night, or week of this event and create lasting memories for you and your friends.

6. Visit a Museum

Do something more academic with your friends by visiting or touring an art, science, or history museum. Choose a large-scale, internationally recognized museum or a smaller, quirkier one that you find online. Either way, going to a museum to learn something new is a great activity for a group to enjoy.

7. Set Up a Fondue Dinner

There are entire restaurants created around serving fondue, but you can also purchase fondue appliances and have the cooking style in your own home. Create cheese or chocolate fondues for people to dip snacks or desserts into. This is also a great idea for both adults and kids’ parties.

8. Wine and Cheese Tasting

Make your evening more sophisticated by testing a bunch of different wines and cheeses. Try ones you never heard of or stick with more familiar brands for everyone in your friend group to try and judge. Also choose which wines go best with which cheeses.

9. Dessert Dinner

Rather than having a large, Thanksgiving-style feast for your friends, how about you spend a whole night trying nothing but desserts? Go to a bunch of restaurants or cook your own pastries at home for you and your friends to try. Take the opportunity to try new-to-you foods.

10. Clothing and Jewelry Swap

This type of party is popular for all groups of women and proves to be an effective bonding experience. Get your friends together with some clothes and jewelry that they do not want anymore. Switch your old clothing with your friends new clothing rather than spending money on shopping trips.

mini golf girls night

11. Mini Golfing

Take your friends to the nearest mini golf course and have everyone compete for the best putting score. Plenty of mini golfing places also include ice cream and other outdoor or indoor games for guests to enjoy. It is also fun to play mini golf during the day and at night, accommodating many schedules.

12. Pole Dancing Classes

Pole dancing classes are becoming more and more popular. If you have an athletic group of friends that want to learn a new skill, take some classes together. Going to these classes with a group of friends will make everyone more comfortable and will make your girls night out a weekly event.

13. Go to a Sports Game

Is your friend group a bunch of sports fans? If that is the case, then what better place to go than a football, baseball, basketball, or any other sports game? Take your friends to see a local, minor-league team play or go to a larger-scale national game and make a whole day of it.

14. Go to the Movies

Sometimes something as simple as going to the movies is enough for a girls night out. But who says that you need to go to the theater? If you feel like staying in, have a movie marathon indoors with your favorite picks. Turn your evening into a film festival where everyone introduces a new watch.

15. Attend an Opera

Make your evening extra fancy and do something different by going to the opera with your friends. This is a fun evening for friend groups because it gives everyone the chance to dress up and see a show. Whether you are opera fans or not, it will be an experience to remember.

16. Visit an Art Gallery

You don’t have to live in a city to be near an art gallery. Many small towns also have art galleries for the public to come in and view. Galleries are also a lot of fun because the paintings they put up are often for sale, including small, local ones with artwork by up-and-coming artists. Spend a night with your friends and find a new hanging for your home.

17. Go to the Ballet

Similar to the opera, the ballet offers a unique night that is perfectly spent with friends. Anyone who is a dancer or just a fan of dancing will enjoy watching an elaborate ballet with their group of friends. Many small and large cities often put on ballets for the public to view.

18. Eat at a Unique Restaurant

Is there a new themed restaurant nearby that you are dying to try? Has a new place opened that sells food you are unfamiliar with? Why not turn that dining experience into a night out with your friends by having everyone try out the new place with you?

19. Photography Night

Take more professional photos with your more experienced photographer friends or just have on-the-spot photoshoots with your friends around your house or throughout your town. You and your friends can also take turns taking pictures of each other, so everyone gets the perfect shot. These photos will make great mementos and will give you something to post on social media.

20. Create a Book Club

If you are looking for something else to do with a group of friends on a weekly or monthly basis, form a book club. Get together with your friends and select one or several books for each of you to read and discuss. This is a great way for readers to bond and will assist you with your reading list.

nails painted girls night idea

21. Get Your Nails Painted

Get your fingernails or toenails painted or get the whole mani-pedi routine with your friends by going to your local salon. If you want to save some money, buy some nail polish at the store, and have people come to your home to paint each other’s nails. Have everyone get the same design or let everyone choose their own design to be painted on their nails.

22. Travel Somewhere New

Make your girls night out a week or a weekend instead by going on a trip together. Look up some fun, nearby towns, or cities that your friends can drive to and book a hotel room or an Airbnb together. Making a weekend out of your trip might be more costly than a night, but it will guarantee you more bonding time with your friends.

23. Fancy Dinner

Splurge a little with your friends by going to a more expensive and fancier restaurant than usual. Eating at these types of restaurants will allow you to taste new foods and drinks and will make the night a standout among other dinners. It will also be fun for your friends to dress up to go out.

24. Go to a Comedy Club

Do you and your friends share the same sense of humor? Then going to a comedy club makes a perfect girls’ night out. If a famous comedian is appearing in your area, you can also get tickets and attend the show to share some laughs.

25. Take a Booze Cruise

If you live nearby a body of water, chances are that there are some booze cruise events for you and your friends to attend. These are nighttime boat rides where they serve drinks and play music. It is like going to a club with your friends, but it is something a little different and more memorable.

26. Attend a Fundraiser or Silent Auction

Is there a local auction or fundraiser occurring? Having your friends host or attend a fundraiser is a great way to give back to the community while having fun. Silent auctions are also a fun activity that you can do among your friends at home with prizes.

27. Play Board Games

As corny as it sounds, board games are a guaranteed source of fun. But you don’t have to just play games from your childhood like Monopoly or Life, there are plenty of more adult party games with trivia and cards available online or in stores for friends to play.

28. Volunteer at an Event or Charity

Spend your night out giving back to the community by volunteering at a local charity or event. If your town is having a local fair, festival, or charity event, you and your friends can spend the whole day or night together by helping out or giving back.

29. Go Swimming

Spend an evening at your friend’s pool or go to a local park with a public pool. Most swimming pools have both indoor and outdoor options for year-round use. This is a great way to spend long, hot summer days while still having a good time with your friends.

30. Visit a Casino

There’s a good chance that there is a casino near where you live. Take your friends to a nearby casino and bet some money, play the slots, and eat and drink. You can also go to an adult arcade if you would rather win tickets for prizes than money.

palm reading

31. Have Your Palm Read

If your friends want to do something unique, try finding a local psychic who will read your palm and tell you your fortunes. You and your friends can also learn how to do this on your own by looking it up online or buying a book about palm reading.

32. Order Special Cocktails at a Bar

Instead of going to bars and ordering the same drinks, why not try new cocktails that you would not ordinarily try? This can be a fun taste testing game and maybe you will find a new favorite cocktail to order the next time you are out.

33. Listen to Jazz at a Club

Is your friend group big music fans? If so, then why not try a local jazz club where you can listen to live music performances? Listening to jazz live is a special experience compared to other genres, because of its complexity, polyrhythms, and improvisation.

34. Take a Yoga Class

Another popular, weekly excursion that you can do with your friends is go to yoga classes as a group. If your friends are athletic or want to be more flexible, attending yoga classes will help and is also good for your mental wellbeing. You can also watch yoga videos from your own home if you do not want to go to a public class.

35. Go to the Symphony

Looking for something fancy for music lovers to do? Most small and large cities have their own symphony that performs concerts. This special night out will allow you and your friends to dress in their finest while also hearing professionally performed pieces of classical music.

36. Take a Spa Day

Spend a day relaxing by going with your friends to a nearby or more faraway spa. Everyone can get a message, a mud bath, or spend time in a sauna, which are great stress relievers. This option is an especially good idea for groups of friends that have high-stress jobs that need some time off.

37. Binge a Bunch of Restaurants

Rather than spending money on a large meal at a restaurant, go to several and have a different course at each one. Get drinks at one, appetizers at another, entrees at the next one, and follow it up with dessert. This will give everyone a chance to try different, new-to-them restaurants in their area.

38. Go to Karaoke Night

Instead of just going to a bar for drinks, go on their karaoke night with your friends. You will find it not so nerve-wrecking if you perform a song with the help of your friends. Sing along to your favorite songs like no one is watching.

39. Try Some New Foods

Go out to new restaurants or cook them in your own home and have your friends try them. Order something on the menu that you normally would not get or cook something that you have never made before. Have all your friends try this and see what they say about the new experience.

40. Escape Rooms

What are these? They are a new thing at parties based on a game. Lock your friends in a room with only a few clues to let them out and see if they can crack the puzzle. This is a fun activity for large and small groups to do.

cooking class for girls night

41. Take a Cooking Class

Do you and your friends desperately need to learn how to cook new dishes? Have all your friends take a cooking class together for either one night or weekly. This will help you with your culinary skills while spending some time with your group.

42. Walking Food Tour

Go to both well-known and more hideaway places in your city and town by having a walking food tour. You can create your own tour depending on where you live, or, if you are near New York City or another famous location, there’s a good chance that there’s a food tour that your friends can join.

43. Craft Night

Get out all your Pinterest DIY projects for you and your friends to attempt together during a crafting night. Have everyone make the same project together or let everyone do their own craft and see who succeeds and who fails. No matter what the outcome, it’s fun just to try.

44. Go Bowling

Spend a night at your local bowling alley with glow-in-the-dark style bowling. Some bowling places are also open until late so that you can spend hours working on your bowing skills. Bowling is also a great group activity because alleys also serve food and drinks and have arcade games.

45. Breakfast or Brunch Foods

Instead of going out at night, why not have a morning meal together? Have your friends put on their pajamas and make breakfast together or go out to a breakfast diner or a brunch restaurant with your friends. There’s a reason why brunch is such a popular bonding activity.

46. Shopping Spree

What could be more fun than spending the whole day shopping? Go to the largest nearby mall or outlets and go from store to store with your friends. You don’t even have to spend a lot of money, the experience alone is what makes the excursion so much fun.

47. Attend a Play

Whether you are near Broadway or not, chances are there are local plays in your small town or smaller city. Go see an acclaimed musical or dramatic performance with your friends or see a more relaxed local production to cheer on someone you know in the cast.

48. Classic Dance Party

When you hear girls’ night out, you probably think about drinks and dancing. You can go to the club, but you don’t have to leave your house to have a dance party. Have everyone take turns playing their favorite songs and jam out with your best friends.

49. TV Viewing Party

Are your friends currently obsessed with a certain show? Or maybe they have a guilty pleasure show that they like to make fun of? If this is the case have a viewing party with your friends and watch the show together. You can also live tweet your thoughts to get people on social media involved.

50. Baking Party

Instead of cooking a whole meal or small appetizers, try cooking your favorite pastries with your friends. Whether you are an experienced baker or cannot tell one appliance from another, cooking your own desserts is a lot of fun and will make the food taste a lot better.

painting activities

51. Take an Art Class

If you and your friends are artistic, or want to be, take an art class together. There are also popular wine art classes that combine both painting and drinking to create memorable nights full of laughs. Improve your drawing and painting skills by trying weekly art classes with your friends at local galleries.

52. Create Make-Up Tutorials

Do you and your friends love posting things online? Why not create your own make-up tutorials and post the results on social media? Try out some new makeup products, even the ones that sound kind of strange, and see how they turn out by testing them on you and your friends.

53. Present Wrapping Party

Whether you are wrapping Christmas or birthday party presents, you and your friends can get together to wrap your gifts. Have everyone assigned to do something different so all the packages come out looking great. This is the perfect girls night in idea for around the holidays when you don’t want to do activities that require a lot of money.

54. Run a Race

Is your local park or city hosting a marathon or fun run? Why not attend it with your friends? If you and your friends are athletic, you can all join a local race that you can walk or run together. Paint runs are particularly fun to do with large groups of close friends.

55. Scavenger Hunt Party

Create a long list of things your friends need to find as part of a game. You can host this whole thing within your home or send your friends out on the town or in a store to find all their items. You can also make each successive item have a clue for where to find the next one instead of a list.

56. Have a Tea Party

Pretend that you are a kid again by having your friends have a tea party in the garden or in your home. You can also go to a tea shop if you want to do something outside. Try new tea flavors and old favorites with your friends and dress in your classiest clothes and pearls.

57. Go to a Roller- or Ice-Skating Rink

Similar to bowling alleys, local roller rinks and ice-skating rinks have a lot of other activities, such as arcade games. Rolling and ice skating are particularly fun to do in large groups and do not require as much athleticism as many other sporty activities.

58. Go to an Amusement Park

Spend the whole day screaming at the top of your lunges by riding roller coasters and playing fair games with your group. There might be an amusement park near where you live, or you might have to turn your girls’ day into a whole trip.

59. Go Camping

If you and your friends like to spend time outdoors, what better way to enjoy the wilderness than by camping out? If, however, you aren’t as adventurous as all that, you and your friends can just pitch a tent in your backyard to make things more convenient.

60. Work Out Night

Go to your local gym or stream a bunch of workout videos for you and your friend group to try. This is the perfect go-to if you and your friends want to get in or stay in shape and you can turn it into a weekly excursion.

Wrapping Things Up

Spend your next girls’ night out doing something new with your friends and switch it up every time you go out (or stay in). These ideas are great ways to spend extra time with your friends and will create lasting memories for your group to share.

Are you a student? Looking for a girls night ideas for your sorority? Check out our article on college event ideas on campus.

Event Reminder Email Tips & Templates: The Ultimate Guide

email event reminder

Do you have a big event coming up that you don’t want your attendees to forget?

You’ve probably already spent time and money promoting, creating flyers, ads, and perhaps even writing a press release.

Even if you have a lot of people signed up and registered to come to your event or party, that still does not guarantee their appearance.

They might have signed up or bought tickets for the special day weeks or months ago!

An easy way to make sure that your guests remember all the details about your event is by sending them email reminders.

Did you know that sending out reminders to people who have shown interest in your event is just as important as first telling them about it?

Here are some simple tips and templates to help you in creating super-effective event reminder emails.

Tips for Writing Email Reminders for Events

1. Keep It Short and Sweet

The subscribers who will be receiving your event reminder email should already be familiar with what the event is for. This means that you do not need to always include the same information as you did from your initial email blast informing people about the event. A reminder can be as simple as a simple invitation with some of the main details, like the name of the event, where it is, and when it will be. You can always include a link to more information without taking up extra room on the email.

2. Include a Call to Action Button

Most of the highest performing emails have call-to-action (or CTA) buttons that grab the attention of the reader. Place the button where it will be easily seen and include stand-out colors and bold text so that it is eye-catching. Add a catchy phrase on the button, such as “Save My Seat”, “Sign Up”, or “Forward Email”. The action should be whatever you want the subscriber to do.

3. Keep Important Information Near the Top

Key details, such as dates and place, should be close to the top of the email so that it is one of the first things the potential attendee sees. They should not have to scroll down an email to see vital information. There is always a chance that they will close the email before they get there. That is why it is crucial that the most important information regarding the event is near the top, where they are more likely to see it.

4. Include Contact Information

There is always a good chance that the future attendees to your event have some questions about coming. Therefore, it is helpful to include contact information of someone who can answer the questions within the email. You can add contact information through a link to the “Contact” page of a website or just list out a phone number, email address, etc. at the bottom of the email. Make sure you include more than one way of reaching out to you.

5. Add Images and Gifs

The content of your event reminder email will be more eye-catching if it includes bright pictures and fun gifs that will engage the reader. Do not, however, just insert random images and gifs to grab their attention. They should relate to the event in some way, such as a photo of where it will be held or of a speaker who will be attending. This will also make the subscriber excited about going to your event.

What You Should Include in Your Reminder

Who and What

Make sure that your email reminder includes the name and reason for your event. You can even include this information in the subject line, the preview text, or as the heading of the email so that it will be one of the first things the reader sees.


The time of the event is very important information to add. This detail should be noticeable in your email without the subscriber having to read a paragraph to figure out. Bold it, put it in a separate line, etc. If your event is virtual and will be attended by people around the country, include the specific time zone of the webinar for clarification.


This is just as important as the time section. Like with time, it should be as clear as possible, especially if your event is in-person and people will have to drive or walk there. A helpful tip is to include a map or a screenshot of the area to help the reader identify the place when they see it.

What Do They Need

Does your event require preparation from the guests? Will they have to bring tickets, download any apps, wear something specific? If so, include this information as a reminder and be as specific as possible.

Show Gratitude

Include a “thank you” statement within the email to thank the reader for their time and for signing up to the event. This will make your event reminder email more friendly and personable as it is incredibly simple to do. This can be at the beginning or the end of the email.

More Details

The section after all the vital information can include whatever else you want to remind the subscribers about. Are there going to be special speakers or guests that they should know about? Are there any rules regarding the venue?

Social Media Profiles

Do you have a Facebook or Twitter page that they can follow? Make sure to include them in your email so that attendees can follow your business or your event on social media for any updates. This is a good idea if you are planning future events and want to keep the same people notified outside of emails.

Frequently Asked Questions

You will have your contact information for attendees with questions, but it is also best to answer their questions within the email. Include an FAQ section with the questions and answers to some common questions regarding the event, the venue, what will be there, etc. This will limit the number of questions subscribers will ask you.

30 Subject Lines for Your Reminder Message

Here are some general ideas for creating a catchy subject line for your email. You can also catch the eye of subscribers by adding emojis to your subject line. Make sure, however, that you don’t add too many emojis or punctuation, or it could come across as junk mail.

1. Don’t forget [Insert Event]

2. Don’t miss your chance to see [Insert Performer] at [Insert Event]

3. Get [Insert Discount] when you sign up

4. Are you ready for [Insert Event]?

5. Will we see you at [Insert Event]?

6. Hurry before [Insert Event] sells out! 🏃

7. [Insert Event] is coming up!

8. [Insert Event] on [Insert Date] – mark your calendars 📅

9. [Insert Subscriber Name] reminder for [Insert Event]

10. Countdown to [Insert Event] ⏲️

11. Join us at [Insert Event]

12. Don’t miss [Insert Event]

13. Time to get excited for [Insert Event]

14. Don’t miss [Insert Event] on [Insert Date]

15. Everything you need to know about [Insert Event]

16. Get ready for [Insert Event]

17. Who to expect at [Insert Event]

18. [Insert Event] is starting on [Insert Date]!

19. Last chance to sign up for [Insert Event]

20. Don’t forget to sign up for [Insert Event]

21. Are you free on [Date]? Then come to [Insert Event]

22. We’ll be expecting you on [Insert Date]

23. Learn more about [Insert Event]

24. Book your seat for [Insert Event] 🪑

25. Sign up for [Insert Event] before it’s sold out

26. Grab your ticket for [Insert Event] 🎫

27. Remember to sign up for [Insert Event]

28. Save your spot for [Insert Event]

29. Reminder to register to [Insert Event]

30. Join our next event at [Insert Place]

31. Save the date for [Insert Event] 🗓️

Tips for Getting Customers to Open Your Email

1. A/B Testing

Send out two reminder emails (an A version and a B version) and test them to see which one performs the best. You can send them out at different times, with different subject lines, changed content, varied Call to Action buttons, etc. See which version has best open rate. A/B testing will help you send the best possible email campaigns.

2. Segment Your Email List

This information will also assist you with future emails. Create segments depending on certain data you have about your subscribers, such as those who cancelled their registration for an event vs. those who are still signed up, those who have booked vs. those who have not yet, etc. Then create individual emails for each segment tailored to each group, ensuring that each audience gets the information they will most likely need.

3. Choose a Good Time

One of the best things to do when sending out an email is to make sure that it goes out at a proper time when most subscribers will see it. This includes both the date and the time. If people still need to sign up for an event, make sure you give them enough time to do that, such as a week before. Another reminder can be sent out the day before the event to make sure they remember.

4. Make the Subject Line Mobile Friendly

Chances are that the subscriber will view their emails from a mobile device rather than a desktop. This means that your subject line should be created to be mobile friendly. Make sure that the subject line does not run too long or at least put the most important information near the beginning. Most phones only show about 41 characters of the subject line.

5. Resend to Unopened Subscribers

If your subscribers are not opening your email, then create a segment and send a new event reminder email out to them with a different subject line. See if the email performs better with a new subject. This will give you another chance to reach out to those who you missed on the first try.

Reminder Email Template Examples

Promoting the Event

Hi [Insert Name]
You’re invited to join us at [Insert Event]!
[Describe Event]
We hope to see you at [Insert Event] on
[Insert Date]
[Insert Place]
[Insert Any Incentives]
[Call to Action Button]
If you have any questions, reach out to use at [Insert Contact].
[Insert Sign Off]

Confirming Someone Signing Up

Hello [Insert Name]!
Thank you for signing up for [Insert Event]. We can’t wait to see you!
Location: [Insert Place]
Door Opens: [Insert Time]
Please Bring: [Insert Necessities]
Don’t forget to RSVP by [Insert Date]
[Insert Sign Off]

Number of Days Reminder

Hi [Insert Name]
[Insert Event] is only [Insert Number] of days away! We will see you there.
Here is the schedule for the day:
[List Dates/Times and Speakers]
How do you get there?
Address: [Insert Place]
Direction: [Include Any Directions, Parking, etc.]
Contact: [Insert Contact]
[Insert Sign Off]

Wrapping Things Up

Hopefully, these few tips and templates will help you construct an eye-catching event reminder email that gets a lot of engagement. Sending reminders out to your subscribers will help you get a greater attendance at your event and gives you a chance to promote it again to those who have not registered.

How to Get Sponsors for an Event: The Ultimate Guide (2021)

how to get sponsors for an event

If your organization or small business is hosting an event, how do you get funding?

Where do you find the money for marketing materials?

Your budget might not be enough to run the event of your dreams. So, how can you acquire a larger budget?

The answer is by getting sponsors.

This solution might seem difficult, because it requires a company or person providing you money in exchange for partnerships and other incentives.

But it’s really not as impossible as it sounds.

The important thing is to find a sponsor that suits your organization or company and then utilizing some strategies to get them to sponsor you.

Here are some helpful tips on how to get sponsors for an event.

10 Ideas on How to Get Sponsors for an Event

1. Ask Around

There is a chance that someone who works in your company or volunteers at your organization has connections to a possible sponsor that they can introduce you to or provide the contact info for. Are there any important companies within your community that might be interested in funding local events? Maybe someone who works for you knows someone who works there who can make your sponsorship possible.

2. Think About What You Are Going to Say

Come up with an idea for a sales pitch before you meet or communicate with the possible sponsor. There are several points to include in your talking points, such as what the mission of your business or organization is, what kind of event you will be hosting, how many people you expect to come, why you are a good fit for that business to sponsor, and any benefits they will receive by becoming a sponsor.

3. Practice What You Will Say

Make sure you make your argument clear and to the point, especially if you will be meeting your possible sponsor face-to-face. You want to come across as confident. Look into any interesting data regarding your organization or business that you can share.

4. Create a Sponsorship Packet

A sponsorship packet includes the incentives you offer sponsors when they agree to fund your event. These can include such things as adding their logo to all the promotional materials at the event. Whatever you have in the packet, make sure that you communicate with the sponsor clearly about the benefits you offer so that they understand.

5. Answer Any Questions

While this is a sales pitch that you should practice, it is also an open dialogue with someone else. They will probably have questions regarding your business and the event, and you should be prepared to answer anything they ask. You can also encourage them to speak by asking them questions.

6. Name a Donation Amount

When you are asking for a certain amount of money, it always helps to ask for a large sum first. This might seem risky, but if you ask for less than you need that might be all you get. Name how much you want and make sure that it’s enough to cover the whole event. You might be surprised at what their response is. If they decline, suggest a smaller amount.

7. Still Keep the Business in Mind If They Say No

While they might say no to funding the entire event, there is still a chance they might help with the event in other ways, like providing prizes or volunteering. Even if the company turned your offer down now, they might be more interested the next time you need a sponsorship for an event.

8. Continue to Communicate

You’re not just looking for a business to sponsor an event and be done with it. If you want the business to keep funding you, it is important to build a relationship with them. Continue to send them email reminders, let them know if you are planning other events, and show that you care outside of them providing you money.

9. Show Gratitude

If you obtain a sponsor for an event, make sure that you show them how much it means to you and your team. Thank them and share with them what their donation has helped you with. Let them know that their money is being put to good use.

10. Be Friendly

Finally, one of the simplest things you can do to make sure that you find a great sponsor for an event is to be friendly and courteous to whoever you are meeting with. Do not come across as demanding or sulk if they turn you down. Remain positive and they will want to work with you again.

Which Businesses Should You Contact?

How do you figure out which business to ask about a sponsorship? Which ones will be a good fit for your organization or company?

Here are some tips for helping you weave out which companies to ask about a potential sponsorship:

Have They Sponsored Events Before?

If a business has been a sponsor in the past, they will probably do it again. You still must create a compelling argument for why they should fund your event, but your chances will be better than choosing one that has never shown interest in sponsoring any events.

Do You Have Similar Demographics?

One of the easiest ways to tell if a business will be a good sponsor for your event is by seeing if their company’s audience is like yours. Their demographic is not going to be the same as yours but looking up some of the key elements in your audience will help. For example, if you are holding an event that has to do with dogs or dog owners, asking a company that deals in dog products would be a good idea.

Is This Company Interested in ROI?

ROI (or Return on Investment) is the outcome of the event. Look for a business that is looking to increase their brand recognition and wants to gain new customers. Having them sponsor and event with their logo appearing on promotional materials is a good way to get some return on their investment.

Do You Already Have a Relationship with Possible Sponsors

If you plan on using sponsors in the future, it is best to contact a company and build a relationship with them before you ask them about sponsoring an event of yours. Maybe there is a local business where you already know some people who work there. Having an established relationship with the business will look better than asking them about funding your event right away.

Would You Be Able to Contact the Right Person?

When contacting a company to sponsor your event, you do not want to randomly message anyone in the company or an email on their website that goes to a general inbox. There might be a good chance your email would be ignored. Try to find the right person to contact who can give you a direct answer about sponsoring your event.

10 Tips for Locating the Right Sponsors for an Event

1. Utilize Online Resources

There are several websites designed for finding sponsors. Some websites like Sponeasy are helpful in building sponsorship desks from tools and templates while SponsorPitch is a database with information of different companies. If you are part of a specific industry, there might be a site that will list possible sponsors, such as SponsorPark for arts and entertainment events, SponsorPitch for sports, and the more general SponsorMyEvent.

2. Find Sponsors from Similar Events

Look up recent events in your industry and who sponsored them. The business that sponsored this event will likely sponsor another similar one. Look at the promotional materials, such as printed marketing tools and social media posts, to see what sponsorships were mentioned.

3. Reach Out to Companies Your Audience Knows

Is there a brand that those who will be attending your event know and like? Is there a social media account your audience always interacts with? Consider what companies or type of industries your audience will be most enthusiastic about. You would not want to get a company that they do not like as your sponsor.

4. Contact Event Organizers on Social Media

Ask other businesses and organizations that have been in your situation how they were able to get their sponsors? Who did they contact and how did they find out beneficial information? Other companies in your industry might even know businesses that you can contact about a possible sponsorship.

5. Create a List of Possible Sponsors

One of the best ways to determine which sponsors to communicate with and find information on is by creating a list of candidates. Once when you have a list of companies to contact, you can research data about their company, figure out who will be best to contact, and include any information to remember the next time you are seeking a sponsorship.

6. Figure Out What Type of Sponsorship You Want

There are four types of sponsorships that you can propose to companies. Financial sponsorships are when a company gives you money in exchange for something like logo placement on all your marketing materials. Media sponsorship is getting local TV stations or publications to include your advertisement. In-kind sponsorship is when a company provides a certain product, such as venues or catering, for your event. Promotional partners are when you team with influencers or celebrities to promote your event on social media. Knowing what kind of sponsorship are you looking for with your event will make it easy to find potential candidates.

7. Look Into What Companies Have Been in the News

Are there any press releases announcing a company sponsoring an event? This can be a helpful tool in finding out what businesses are willing to be sponsors. It can also help you find out other information about the sponsor before you contact them, such as if they have a new CEO or just launched a product line.

8. Ask Them at the Right Time

Timing is particularly important because some places do sponsorships during certain times of the year. Does your event occur at a time that would be beneficial to any companies? You have a better chance of finding sponsors during the fall and summer seasons because that’s when most events are held. Do further research into your possible candidates to see what time of the year they have sponsored previous events.

9. Look for Recognized Name Brands

This does not mean that the company needs to be internationally known. They can be well-known locally, too. Look around your area for reputable companies that will make good sponsors. Getting a brand that your attendees know will add credibility to your event.

10. Look for Places with the Right Resources

Make sure that you are looking for companies that can give you what you need. Do they have a budget that suits how much you are asking? Do they have a department dedicated to marketing that you can contact directly? This will make locating and contacting a potential sponsor much easier.

10 Ways to Ask Businesses for Their Sponsorship

We’ve covered general tips and tools you can use for deciding on and contacting a business to sponsor your event, but how do you convince them to say yes to your sponsorship packet?

Here are some tips for when you approach companies for their funding:

1. Explain the Mission of Your Event

When you are discussing a potential sponsorship with a business, one of the key things to do is to explain the mission of the event in a clear way. What does your company or organization hope to accomplish with this event and how can your sponsor help? What does your brand represent that aligns with the mission statement of their company? What goals are you setting for this event? Make your purpose clear so that the sponsor is more likely to invest in what you are doing.

2. Include Data

Most businesses that you are trying to have sponsor your event will be interested in facts. They want to hear about why your values are like theirs, but they also want to be sure that they are making a good investment. Look into an event software program and select some data to present, such as how many tickets you have sold, your recent revenue from sending out event promotions, or how many active members you have currently in the community.

3. Have Different Tiers of Funding

Come up with different levels of donations to offer to businesses. The higher the tier, the more the company will get in return. For example, you can have tiers from $500 donations to $5,000. For the $500 level, you can offer listing the company in marketing promotions while with a higher $5,000 donation, the company will receive tickets, listings, social media promotions, naming rights, etc. Try to ask for a higher tier donation first when you are communicating with the sponsor but let them know that there are other options and benefits that they can choose.

4. Make Your Pitch Personal

Do not always give the same pitch to every company you contact for sponsorship. Make sure you tailor each request to suit that specific business. Explain how their exact contribution will benefit your event, give specific instances of how supporting your event will help their business, etc. Let them know that you have the same sponsorship goals that they have. If you make your request sound generic, then it will not come across as sincere and will seem like you are just interested in financial donations rather than a long-term partnership.

5. Contact Businesses Early

Timing is especially important and, as always, the early bird gets the worm. Make sure you reach out to businesses long before your event starts so that you have enough time to hear back from them and come up with a sponsorship packet. Try reaching out to potential sponsors roughly four months before your event begins. This way you will get your budget needs out of the way, and you will be able to secure the sponsorship before other similar events ask.

6. Provide Incentives

Come up with what incentives you are planning to offer your sponsors before you ask. They are more likely to say yes if they know what they will be getting in advance. Some ideas for incentives include, giving them free booth space at expositions, placing their logo on all your promotional material and giveaways, spreading brand awareness for the sponsor through social media and newsletters, giving them discounts to your products or at the event, etc. You will recruit more sponsors when you show them that their business is important by offering them benefits.

7. Research the Company

Make sure you know what the company sells, their mission statement, and any recent news, before you ask them about a sponsorship. Showing that you know about the company and have done your research beforehand will make you look more professional and make the business feel important and appreciated. Find useful information by searching their blogs, newsletters, and social media accounts.

8. Show Confidence

Even with all the previous recommendations on your plate, you aren’t going to get very far with a possible sponsor if you lack confidence. Let them know that you think they are getting a good deal. They will not be interested in a sponsorship if you seem nervous or uninterested in the proposal. Show them that you are confident that a sponsorship will benefit them in the long run and that your event will be successful.

9. Create a Sponsorship Proposal

Before you discuss a possible sponsorship with a company, you need to come up with your complete proposal. This information includes the different donation tiers, what incentives you will be offering, and how you will communicate that to a business. What key points do you need to address? What will each sponsor package include? How will you be asking the company for a sponsorship? Come up with a tangible plan to follow and talking points to bring up so that you are prepared and articulate during your pitch.

10. Follow Up Afterwards

Finally, another way to make sure a business accepts your sponsorship is by following up with them. Give them some time to process the information before asking them whether they accept or not. Ask them if they have any questions or concerns about the proposal. Sometimes you will need to reach out more than once to get a definitive answer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is an event sponsor?

A sponsor is anyone, whether it be a company or a person, who gives you money or free/discounted services in exchange for something at your event. The person or business can provide financial support for the event, or such services as food, tents, giveaways, etc. The exchange can be promoting the business in your marketing materials, giving them free tickets or discounted items, advertising the business through your social media, etc. When asking a business or person to sponsor an event, the main thing to bring up is what they will get in return for their support.

How do I know if I need a sponsor?

There are several ways to tell if you will need a reputable company or person to sponsor your event. Do you need a bigger budget to achieve your event goals? Or do you need a certain service to help you, such as everyone getting enough to eat? People are more likely to attend your event if you have a lot of activities, games, and food, but those things cost money and you might not have enough for everything you need. Are you looking to get a bigger audience for your small business or organization? Having a distinguished business or person sponsor your event will bring awareness to new audiences and customers so that more people will attend your event and support your cause. Having an established company or person promote your event will also give you more credibility.

How can I make companies say “yes”?

It helps to already have a relationship with the business before you contact them about a sponsorship. Are you a long-time customer or are they a local company run by people you have connections with? This will make the business more likely to help. It, however, is not the only way to get sponsors. Make your proposal personal rather than a general request. This will make the company know that you care about their sponsorship. Also try to find the right person to contact. See if you can find the email or phone number of someone who will be willing to listen to your proposal. Do not call or send an email to a general email, such as their “info@” email or their customer service. Another key tip is to think about what you are going to say beforehand and what you will offer the sponsor for their contribution. Be clear, confident, and listen!

Are there any kinds of events sponsors like?

If you’re struggling with how to get sponsors for an event, remember that they like events where their business can be promoted. If you are working for a good cause or are a small business, sponsors like adding their logo to your materials to show that they support your organization while also spreading brand awareness for them. Potential sponsors also like events where they can reach a similar audience to their customer base. For example, local businesses will support local events because people who live in that region are more likely to use their services. A business in a specific industry is more likely to help an organization that has a cause that relates to their mission statement. Therefore, it is important to find a sponsor whose audience is like your event attendees.

How long before an event should I contact a sponsor?

When it comes to timing, the main thing to take away is that you need to contact your potential sponsors early. Come up with a list of potential sponsors and what you plan on offering them depending on the amount of money they donate. You should know all of this when you request the sponsorship of a business so that you can clearly communicate with them what they will be getting in return for their money or services. Try getting into contact with possible sponsors a few months before your event, roughly four months.

Final Thoughts

These tips will help you in locating and persuading a sponsor to back your event. Once you have landed a sponsor(s), the next crucial thing to do is to make sure that you have the best event possible. If your event is a success and you establish a working relationship with your sponsor, there is a good chance they will want to sponsor your next event and any others you have. Therefore, it is important to find a suitable company and to win them over with your pitch. Remember that sponsorships work both ways. If a company is willing to give you money for your event, you need to make sure that they are getting something in return and that your event will be worth their time. Keep this in mind the next time you are seeking sponsorship for an upcoming event.