5 answers
Shaina
Student
Bacolod, Western Visayas, Philippines
45
Questions
Asked
1737 views
How to ask for sponsorship on summits?
I wanted to ask some travel sponsorship on a summit or conference!! Any tips to make them say yes?? I do have a template from a creator but her method is content creation,, I don't have the followers for that :( Any solutions??
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5 answers
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
1085
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Shaina,
That totally depends on the summit/conference and how they are organized.
If it is a conference where you are presenting, sometimes organizers have funds to support a presenter. Sometimes there are opportunities to work at the conference, e.g. at a help desk or running a projector.
If you are in a professional organization, they might have travel stipends. If you work with a professor, you can ask if they have some funds to support you.
I have also seen students organize a car-wash or something along those lines to raise funds for a trip. Or you could ask businesses in your area for support.
If you already have a template from someone else, try that. The worst that can happen is that they say no. Then you'll just try something else.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
That totally depends on the summit/conference and how they are organized.
If it is a conference where you are presenting, sometimes organizers have funds to support a presenter. Sometimes there are opportunities to work at the conference, e.g. at a help desk or running a projector.
If you are in a professional organization, they might have travel stipends. If you work with a professor, you can ask if they have some funds to support you.
I have also seen students organize a car-wash or something along those lines to raise funds for a trip. Or you could ask businesses in your area for support.
If you already have a template from someone else, try that. The worst that can happen is that they say no. Then you'll just try something else.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Shreeya Kankandula
Technical Account Manager
5
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Shreeya’s Answer
Hey! You don’t need a big social media following to get sponsorship what matters most is showing why investing in you makes sense. Here are a few ways to approach it:
Tell your story clearly.
Explain why you want to attend that specific summit — what you hope to learn, how it connects to your goals, and how you’ll use that experience afterward (for example, sharing insights with your school, community, or peers). People love sponsoring someone with genuine passion and purpose.
Target the right sponsors.
Instead of only reaching out to big brands, try local businesses, startups, NGOs, or even university programs that support students in your field. Sometimes even small grants or partial sponsorships add up!
Be specific and realistic.
Mention exactly what kind of support you’re asking for (like “a $300 travel grant” or “help with accommodation”). It helps them picture how they can help.
Offer something in return beyond social media.
Since you mentioned you don’t have followers, think of impact instead of influence. You can say you’ll:
Write a reflection piece about what you learned and share it with their team
Mention their support in a local or school event
Volunteer with them in the future
Follow up kindly.
If they don’t reply right away, follow up after a week or so sometimes a polite reminder makes all the difference.
You’re already taking such a confident step by asking for opportunities — that confidence itself is something sponsors notice. Don’t be discouraged if the first few don’t work out; it often takes several tries before one says yes. Keep going — you’ve got this! 💪
Tell your story clearly.
Explain why you want to attend that specific summit — what you hope to learn, how it connects to your goals, and how you’ll use that experience afterward (for example, sharing insights with your school, community, or peers). People love sponsoring someone with genuine passion and purpose.
Target the right sponsors.
Instead of only reaching out to big brands, try local businesses, startups, NGOs, or even university programs that support students in your field. Sometimes even small grants or partial sponsorships add up!
Be specific and realistic.
Mention exactly what kind of support you’re asking for (like “a $300 travel grant” or “help with accommodation”). It helps them picture how they can help.
Offer something in return beyond social media.
Since you mentioned you don’t have followers, think of impact instead of influence. You can say you’ll:
Write a reflection piece about what you learned and share it with their team
Mention their support in a local or school event
Volunteer with them in the future
Follow up kindly.
If they don’t reply right away, follow up after a week or so sometimes a polite reminder makes all the difference.
You’re already taking such a confident step by asking for opportunities — that confidence itself is something sponsors notice. Don’t be discouraged if the first few don’t work out; it often takes several tries before one says yes. Keep going — you’ve got this! 💪
selin melkonyan
Project Management
5
Answers
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
Updated
selin’s Answer
Hi! It is very tricky and difficult to ask for sponsorship on summits or conferences.
Your strategy should focus on offering sponsors a high-value, low-cost investment.
1. Target the Right Sponsors
Look Beyond the Main Event Sponsors: While big companies sponsor the whole summit, look for smaller, specialized companies whose product or service is directly relevant to your career path, the conference topic, or your current work/study.
Target Companies with a "Talent" or "CSR" Focus: Look for organizations that talk about investing in the future workforce, supporting academic research, or promoting diversity in the field. This aligns perfectly with sponsoring a promising individual like yourself.
Many big companies usually have a team dedicated for sponsorships and events management. I would also advise searching people in Linkedin and send them inmails or guess their work emails.
2. Craft Your Value Proposition (What They Get)
Like in anything else in the world, people and business works both ways. They will look for whats in it for them, be prepared to advertise that. If there is nothing special, put it as a volunteering / giving back to the community opportunity. That is equally important as well.
Good luck!
Your strategy should focus on offering sponsors a high-value, low-cost investment.
1. Target the Right Sponsors
Look Beyond the Main Event Sponsors: While big companies sponsor the whole summit, look for smaller, specialized companies whose product or service is directly relevant to your career path, the conference topic, or your current work/study.
Target Companies with a "Talent" or "CSR" Focus: Look for organizations that talk about investing in the future workforce, supporting academic research, or promoting diversity in the field. This aligns perfectly with sponsoring a promising individual like yourself.
Many big companies usually have a team dedicated for sponsorships and events management. I would also advise searching people in Linkedin and send them inmails or guess their work emails.
2. Craft Your Value Proposition (What They Get)
Like in anything else in the world, people and business works both ways. They will look for whats in it for them, be prepared to advertise that. If there is nothing special, put it as a volunteering / giving back to the community opportunity. That is equally important as well.
Good luck!
Dr Lucas Txibamba
Humanitarian
19
Answers
Luanda, Luanda Province, Angola
Updated
Dr Lucas’s Answer
Hi Shaina,
It's common to face this challenge, but you can succeed by changing your approach. Instead of focusing on what you need, think about what you can offer.
Even without many followers, you have other valuable skills. Here’s how to present them:
Change Your Mindset:
Think, "This event needs someone like me to succeed, and I can trade my skills for a ticket."
Remember, companies sponsor for a return on investment. Show them what they’ll gain from you.
What You Can Offer:
Even without a big audience, you have valuable skills. Pick one or two that suit you:
On-Site Support:
Be a volunteer, help at registration, manage rooms, or assist speakers.
Brand Ambassador:
Wear their logo, hand out flyers, and engage with attendees.
Post-Event Analysis:
Write a report on key takeaways and trends. Be their "eyes and ears."
Skills-Based Exchange:
Offer your skills like graphic design, video editing, or photography.
Network & Community Bridge:
Share event insights with your groups or communities.
Pre-Event Hype:
Promote the event on social media, online communities, and through email.
How to Pitch:
Use this structure for your email or message:
Subject: Partnership Proposal: Adding Value at [Event Name]
Dear [Contact's Name or "Event Team"],
I'm [Your Name], a passionate [Your Profession/Interest]. I’m impressed by [Event Name] and its themes are vital for our industry.
While attending is important to me, the cost is a challenge. I propose a value-exchange partnership instead of just funding.
I can help make your event successful by offering [Your Primary Offer] and [Your Secondary Offer]. I’ll also share my learnings on social media to boost conversations.
I'm confident my skills in [Your Skill] and my enthusiasm for [Event's Topic] will be beneficial.
Thank you for considering my proposal. I’m excited about contributing and would love to discuss this further.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your LinkedIn Profile URL or Portfolio Link]
Tips for Success:
- Research the right contact person. Personalized emails are more effective.
- Be specific and confident about your offer.
- Start early, contacting organizers 2-3 months in advance.
- Follow up politely if you don’t hear back.
- Don’t get discouraged. If one says no, try another.
You have more to offer than you think. By focusing on the value you bring, you increase your chances of success. Good luck!
It's common to face this challenge, but you can succeed by changing your approach. Instead of focusing on what you need, think about what you can offer.
Even without many followers, you have other valuable skills. Here’s how to present them:
Change Your Mindset:
Think, "This event needs someone like me to succeed, and I can trade my skills for a ticket."
Remember, companies sponsor for a return on investment. Show them what they’ll gain from you.
What You Can Offer:
Even without a big audience, you have valuable skills. Pick one or two that suit you:
On-Site Support:
Be a volunteer, help at registration, manage rooms, or assist speakers.
Brand Ambassador:
Wear their logo, hand out flyers, and engage with attendees.
Post-Event Analysis:
Write a report on key takeaways and trends. Be their "eyes and ears."
Skills-Based Exchange:
Offer your skills like graphic design, video editing, or photography.
Network & Community Bridge:
Share event insights with your groups or communities.
Pre-Event Hype:
Promote the event on social media, online communities, and through email.
How to Pitch:
Use this structure for your email or message:
Subject: Partnership Proposal: Adding Value at [Event Name]
Dear [Contact's Name or "Event Team"],
I'm [Your Name], a passionate [Your Profession/Interest]. I’m impressed by [Event Name] and its themes are vital for our industry.
While attending is important to me, the cost is a challenge. I propose a value-exchange partnership instead of just funding.
I can help make your event successful by offering [Your Primary Offer] and [Your Secondary Offer]. I’ll also share my learnings on social media to boost conversations.
I'm confident my skills in [Your Skill] and my enthusiasm for [Event's Topic] will be beneficial.
Thank you for considering my proposal. I’m excited about contributing and would love to discuss this further.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your LinkedIn Profile URL or Portfolio Link]
Tips for Success:
- Research the right contact person. Personalized emails are more effective.
- Be specific and confident about your offer.
- Start early, contacting organizers 2-3 months in advance.
- Follow up politely if you don’t hear back.
- Don’t get discouraged. If one says no, try another.
You have more to offer than you think. By focusing on the value you bring, you increase your chances of success. Good luck!
Michelle M.
Actress
3276
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Shaina !
Well, it's not very clear as to exactly what you're asking. Do you want donations to travel to the conferences and summits ? Are you going into the Travel Business and want donations to study the travel industry ? Your first tip is that when inquiring about what you need is to express exactly what you are asking for, why you need donations and how the money would be spent.
Secondly, there is no way to "make" someone say yes. You would apply for donations and wait to hear back. This is why you must be effectively clear as to why you need it and exactly how the money will be spent as a student. You also didn't mention if you are in High School or College, but one of your tags refers to College.
In your country of the Philippines, there are some grants you can apply for if you are a student currently wishing to travel to various career connected venues. If you are still in High School, there is The Student Youth Foundation, supported by Nations Classroom and the Student and Youth Travel Association which offers Road Scholarships annually to students under 18 in grades K-12 who face financial barriers to participate in student group trips. You can also try Friends Who Care. Another organization to try is the Aboitiz Foundation and Mead Foundation as they support students at the University of the Philippines Diliman through the Borrow-a-Computer Program if you are attending that University. Also try Segunda Mana. You can also try Crowdfunding through Give, Send, Go online. I also think Advisor Karin's advice is good for doing car washes.
Think about attending job fairs locally by contacting the Public Employment Service Office -Bacolod who is in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment. Ask them where their upcoming Job Fairs will be in your local area. You would have opportunity to network, obtain information and speak with various companies at Job Fairs which are held in your local area.
It's just a matter of applying to organizations and waiting to hear back. There's no guarantee, but the more you apply to, the better your chances could be. Also think about applying for academic scholarships and grants towards your Major study at University. That could be extra money put towards traveling to professional venues.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Well, it's not very clear as to exactly what you're asking. Do you want donations to travel to the conferences and summits ? Are you going into the Travel Business and want donations to study the travel industry ? Your first tip is that when inquiring about what you need is to express exactly what you are asking for, why you need donations and how the money would be spent.
Secondly, there is no way to "make" someone say yes. You would apply for donations and wait to hear back. This is why you must be effectively clear as to why you need it and exactly how the money will be spent as a student. You also didn't mention if you are in High School or College, but one of your tags refers to College.
In your country of the Philippines, there are some grants you can apply for if you are a student currently wishing to travel to various career connected venues. If you are still in High School, there is The Student Youth Foundation, supported by Nations Classroom and the Student and Youth Travel Association which offers Road Scholarships annually to students under 18 in grades K-12 who face financial barriers to participate in student group trips. You can also try Friends Who Care. Another organization to try is the Aboitiz Foundation and Mead Foundation as they support students at the University of the Philippines Diliman through the Borrow-a-Computer Program if you are attending that University. Also try Segunda Mana. You can also try Crowdfunding through Give, Send, Go online. I also think Advisor Karin's advice is good for doing car washes.
Think about attending job fairs locally by contacting the Public Employment Service Office -Bacolod who is in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment. Ask them where their upcoming Job Fairs will be in your local area. You would have opportunity to network, obtain information and speak with various companies at Job Fairs which are held in your local area.
It's just a matter of applying to organizations and waiting to hear back. There's no guarantee, but the more you apply to, the better your chances could be. Also think about applying for academic scholarships and grants towards your Major study at University. That could be extra money put towards traveling to professional venues.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !