The RMEF event sponsor program has performed extremely well for chapters that treat sponsorship sales as a planned revenue strategy rather than a passive add-on. The objective is to increase event sponsor revenue by assigning clear ownership, targeting high-probability buyers and embedding sponsorships into table packages where appropriate. Success means every chapter has an identified sponsor lead, a qualified prospect list, assigned outreach and a recognition plan finalized before the event.

Designate an Event Sponsor Chair and Duties
Naming a volunteer to serve as Event Sponsor Chair creates clear accountability for sponsor revenue before and during the event. This person owns the prospect list, coordinates committee assignments, follows up with previous and potential sponsors, presents sponsorship options, tracks commitments and confirms recognition needs with the event team. A strong chair keeps sponsorships visible at every committee meeting and makes sure outreach begins early enough to secure commitments before banquet execution becomes the focus.

10 to 12 weeks before the event: Build the sponsor prospect list, confirm prior buyers, identify new business and individual prospects, and assign each contact to the volunteer with the strongest relationship.

4 to 5 weeks before the event: Complete primary outreach, confirm sponsor levels, collect logos or recognition details, and coordinate any firearm display or stage recognition needs.

Identify Priority Sponsor Prospects
A focused prospect list helps the committee prioritize individuals, businesses and organizations most likely to support RMEF’s mission through an event sponsorship. The groups below represent common sponsor audiences and should be assigned to volunteers with the strongest existing relationships.

  • RMEF Collectors: RMEF collectors and banquet attendees who value exclusive RMEF-branded firearms are strong prospects for the upper levels of the event sponsor program. Limited-run, special-edition firearms customized for RMEF create clear sponsor value because some models may be among only 150, 50, 25 or 10 produced.
  • Life Members: RMEF Life Members were willing and able to give an average of $1,500 to the organization when they bought their lifetime membership. Historically, the life membership was the only higher-valued and higher-cost item that RMEF offered for our members to buy, outside of a banquet’s live auction items. The event sponsor program now offers these members the ability to support the mission and receive an item that highlights their passion for the mission.
  • Business Owners: Business owners who care about RMEF’s mission are strong sponsorship prospects because the program pairs mission support with meaningful local recognition. Many businesses can use marketing or community-support budgets for sponsorships when the value and visibility are clearly explained.
  • Corporations: Corporations with local headquarters, facilities or strong community ties may have budgets dedicated to supporting organizations and events. When a company does not have a use for the incentive firearm, it can purchase the sponsorship and donate the firearm back to the event, creating additional recognition and mission impact.

Once the prospect list is complete, the committee should assign each outreach opportunity to the volunteer best positioned to make the ask. Even when an Event Sponsor Chair leads the process, relationship-based outreach is often the most effective way to secure commitments.

Prepare Sample Ask Language
When approaching an individual about sponsoring an event, tailor the ask so the message is personal. Highlight a person’s previous commitment to RMEF, or focus on the benefit of the sponsorship.

  • Life Members: “You have already made a lasting commitment to RMEF’s mission, and this sponsorship is a visible way to continue that support while receiving an exclusive RMEF item tied directly to the event.”
  • Business Owners and Corporations: “This sponsorship gives your business meaningful community visibility, recognition at the event and a direct connection to RMEF supporters who value conservation, hunting heritage and local involvement.”

Include Sponsorships in Table Packages
In regions where event sponsorships are sold most successfully, the top sales tactic is including sponsorships in the event’s table package program. Many of the strongest table packages include a Level 2, 3 or 4 event sponsorship, which guarantees an RMEF-exclusive firearm with the table. Consult your regional director on how table package costs and prices are determined, and which event sponsor levels are best to include in your chapter’s table packages.

Recognize Event Sponsors
Recognition helps justify the sponsorship purchase, creates visible value for the sponsor and can influence other individuals or businesses to participate. Use the checklist below to confirm that every sponsor receives clear, public and professional visibility before and during the event.

  • List sponsor levels and buyer names near the front of the event program so sponsors and attendees see the recognition early.
  • Run sponsor slides during social hour and include business logos whenever available to increase visibility beyond a simple name mention.
  • Display pre-sold sponsor firearms when timing allows and recognize those sponsors from the stage to reinforce premium sponsor value.
  • Have the emcee thank each sponsor level and buyer by name so recognition is heard by the full room.
  • Add sponsor logos to table signs when sponsorships are included in table packages to connect the sponsor investment with visible event placement.

Having a clear plan to develop, sell and fulfill sponsorships can make them a winning strategy at your next event. Investing time with sponsors will pay off in increased revenue and stronger community relationships.