2012 A Charleston Affair Sponsorship Opportunities
A Charleston Affair 2012 Sponsorship Opportunities I. Sponsorship Opportunities from the Directors Page 2 II. What is A Charleston Affair? Page 3 III. Sponsorship Opportunities Overview Page 4 IV. Sponsorship Levels Pages 5-11 V. Advertising Opportunities Page 12 VI. VIP Lounge Benefits Page 13 VII. 2011 Step and Repeat Backdrop Sponsor Photos Page 14 VIII. Mock Ticket Page 15 IX. Event Space Schematic Page 16 X. Sponsorship Commitment Form Page 17
College of Charleston Alumni Association 18 Bull Street Charleston, SC 29401 Dear Prospective Sponsor, On behalf of the College of Charleston Alumni Association, we would like to share an exciting sponsorship opportunity with you. On Saturday, May 5, 2012, the Alumni Association will host one of the College s signature annual events - A Charleston Affair. Formally known as the Alumni Reception, this event has been held in honor of the graduating class since 1900. Today the event draws more than 3500 alumni and graduating seniors to the iconic Cistern Yard and Cougar Mall for an evening of live music, dancing, food, drink and networking. The city of Charleston and the College have always been bound together through the power of place. It is impossible to imagine one without the other. During A Charleston Affair, alumni from around the world return to Charleston to pay homage to their alma mater and the city in which she stands. Your sponsorship of this event signifies your support of the College of Charleston and the economic benefit she provides to the tri-county area as its ninth largest employer, as well as the impact of her 50,000 alumni, 2,000 employees and 10,000 undergraduates. Thank you for considering a sponsorship of the 2012 A Charleston Affair. Sincerely, Jack Huguley Director of Alumni Relations College of Charleston Karen B. Jones Executive Secretary College of Charleston Alumni Association
What is A Charleston Affair? EVENT OVERVIEW: A Charleston Affair has been the annual graduation gala and alumni reception for the College of Charleston since 1900. DATE: Saturday, May 5, 2012 from 7:00-10:00 p.m. LOCATION: College of Charleston campus (66 George Street) in the Cistern Yard, Cougar Mall, Randolph Hall, Towell Library, and surrounding areas. Refer to page 16 for the 2012 event space schematic. AUDIENCE: A Charleston Affair welcomed 3,325 alumni, graduating seniors and friends of all ages and places back to campus in 2011; and we are expecting 3,500+ in 2012! MISSION: The purpose of this event is to create an annual pilgrimage back to campus for our alumni, celebrate the imminent graduation of the current class and welcome them into the Alumni Association. The gala will feature: Live music by East Coast Party Band (Cistern Yard) Live music by DJ to be announced (Cougar Mall) Beer, wine and a specialty drink Caterer to be announced Electronic Admission Tickets See-and-be-seen photo opportunities Affinity reunion tents Reunion in Towell Library VIP Lounge in Randolph Hall (Refer to page 13) More details will be unveiled during the Official Reveal on Groundhog Day (February 2, 2012).
Sponsorship Opportunities Overview PRESENTING SPONSOR ($10,000) VIP TITLE SPONSOR ($7,500) PLATINUM SPONSOR ($5,000) GOLD SPONSOR ($2,500) SILVER SPONSOR ($1,000) BRONZE SPONSOR ($500) IN-KIND DONATION SPONSOR PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERSHIP
PRESENTING SPONSOR $10,000 Naming Recognition Signature Title Sponsor All marketing materials will include title tagline to showcase presenting sponsor o A Charleston Affair sponsored by {insert sponsor name} Official Premier Ticket Sponsor Premier placement of sponsor name and/or logo on Official Admission Ticket (Refer to mock ticket on page 15). Primary Logo on Step and Repeat Backdrop Premier sponsor logo showcased on 8 x 8 step and repeat photo backdrop with official event photographer (Refer to page 14 for photos from 2011). Exclusive Logo on Official T-shirt Exclusive Logo on Official Commemorative Poster Exclusive Logo on Official Koozie Exclusive Logo on Event Signage Exclusive Logo on Event Map (refer to page 16) Premier Placement of Sponsor Name and/or Logo on Invitation (50,000 recipients) Premier Placement of Sponsor Name and/or Logo on A Charleston Affair YouTube Video Invitation (4,301 views in 2011) Premier Placement of Sponsor Name on College of Charleston Website (541,000 hits per month) Premier Placement of Sponsor Name and/or Logo on Alumni Website (3,500 hits per month) Premier Placement of Sponsor Website Link on Alumni Website Sponsor s banner or signage can be featured at event (Provided by sponsor) *Refer to page 12 for Advertising Opportunities and page 13 for VIP Lounge Benefits. Specific Benefits 12 Complimentary VIP Tickets Early Admission (at 6:30 PM) Separate VIP Entrance Complimentary Parking and Customized Nametags for sponsor s VIP guests 12 Complimentary T-shirts 12 Complimentary Commemorative Posters 12 Complimentary Koozies 5% of Sponsorship ($500) donated to the Alumni Association Scholarship Fund
VIP LOUNGE TITLE SPONSOR $7,500 Naming Recognition VIP Lounge Title Sponsor The Randolph Hall VIP Lounge will be named for the sponsor o The {insert sponsor name} VIP Lounge VIP Lounge Specialty Drink Specialty drink customized and named for the sponsor Official Ticket Sponsor Sponsor name and/or logo on Official Admission Ticket (Refer to mock ticket on page 15) Sponsor Logo on Step and Repeat Backdrop Sponsor logo showcased on 8 x 8 step and repeat photo backdrop with official event photographer (Refer to page 14 for photos from 2011). Sponsor Name and/or Logo on Invitation as VIP Lounge Sponsor (50,000 recipients) Sponsor Name and/or Logo on A Charleston Affair YouTube Video Invitation (4,301 views in 2011) Sponsor Name on College of Charleston Website (541,000 hits per month) Sponsor Name and/or Logo on Alumni Website (3,500 hits per month) Sponsor Website Link on Alumni Website Sponsor s company banner or signage can be featured in VIP Lounge (Provided by sponsor) *Refer to page 12 for Advertising Opportunities and page 13 for VIP Lounge Benefits. Specific Benefits 10 Complimentary VIP Tickets Early Admission (at 6:30 PM) Separate VIP Entrance Complimentary Parking and Customized Nametags for sponsor s VIP guests 10 Complimentary T-shirts 10 Complimentary Commemorative Posters 10 Complimentary Koozies 5% of Sponsorship ($375) donated to the Alumni Association Scholarship Fund
PLATINUM SPONSOR $5,000 Naming Recognition Official Ticket Sponsor Sponsor name and/or logo on Official Admission Ticket (Refer to mock ticket on page 15) Sponsor Logo on Step and Repeat Backdrop Sponsor logo showcased on 8 x 8 step and repeat photo backdrop with official event photographer (Refer to page 14 for photos from 2011) Sponsor Name and/or Logo on Invitation (50,000 recipients) Sponsor Name and/or Logo on A Charleston Affair YouTube Video Invitation (4,301 views in 2011) Sponsor Name on College of Charleston Website (541,000 hits per month) Sponsor Name and/or Logo on Alumni Website (3,500 hits per month) Sponsor Website Link on Alumni Website *Refer to page 12 for Advertising Opportunities and page 13 for VIP Lounge Benefits. Specific Benefits 8 Complimentary VIP Tickets Early Admission (at 6:30 PM) Separate VIP Entrance Complimentary Parking and Customized Nametags for sponsor s VIP guests 8 Complimentary T-shirts 8 Complimentary Commemorative Posters 8 Complimentary Koozies 5% of Sponsorship ($250) donated to the Alumni Association Scholarship Fund
GOLD SPONSOR $2,500 Naming Recognition Official Ticket Sponsor Sponsor name and/or logo on Official Admission Ticket (Refer to mock ticket on page 15) Sponsor Name and/or Logo on Invitation (50,000 recipients) Sponsor Name and/or Logo on A Charleston Affair YouTube Video Invitation (4,301 views in 2011) Sponsor Name on College of Charleston Website (541,000 hits per month) Sponsor Name and/or Logo on Alumni Website (3,500 hits per month) Sponsor Website Link on Alumni Website *Refer to page 12 for Advertising Opportunities and page 13 for VIP Lounge Benefits. Specific Benefits 6 Complimentary VIP Tickets Early Admission (at 6:30 PM) Separate VIP Entrance Complimentary Parking and Customized Nametags for sponsor s VIP guests 6 Complimentary T-shirts 6 Complimentary Commemorative Posters 6 Complimentary Koozies 5% of Sponsorship ($125) donated to the Alumni Association Scholarship Fund
SILVER SPONSOR $1,000 Naming Recognition Sponsor Name and/or Logo on Invitation (50,000 recipients) Sponsor Name and/or Logo on A Charleston Affair YouTube Video Invitation (4,301 views in 2011) Sponsor Name on College of Charleston Website (541,000 hits per month) Sponsor Name and/or Logo on Alumni Website (3,500 hits per month) Sponsor Website Link on Alumni Website *Refer to page 12 for Advertising Opportunities and page 13 for VIP Lounge Benefits. Specific Benefits 4 Complimentary VIP Tickets Early Admission (at 6:30 PM) Separate VIP Entrance Complimentary Parking and Customized Nametags for sponsor s VIP guests 4 Complimentary T-shirts 4 Complimentary Commemorative Posters 4 Complimentary Koozies 5% of Sponsorship ($50) donated to the Alumni Association Scholarship Fund
BRONZE SPONSOR $500 Naming Recognition Sponsor Name on College of Charleston Website (541,000 hits per month) Sponsor Name and/or Logo on Alumni Website (3,500 hits per month) Sponsor Website Link on Alumni Website *Refer to page 12 for Advertising Opportunities and page 13 for VIP Lounge Benefits. Specific Benefits 2 Complimentary VIP Tickets Early Admission (at 6:30 PM) Separate VIP Entrance Complimentary Parking and Customized Nametags for sponsor s VIP guests 2 Complimentary T-shirts 2 Complimentary Commemorative Posters 2 Complimentary Koozies 5% of Sponsorship ($25) donated to the Alumni Association Scholarship Fund IN-KIND DONATION SPONSOR Naming Recognition and Specific Benefits Advertising exposure and event benefits will be determined based on the value of the gift and agreement between the sponsor and the Alumni Association. *Refer to page 12 for Advertising Opportunities and page 13 for VIP Lounge Benefits.
PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERSHIP Requirements Preferred Hotel Partners must sponsor A Charleston Affair at the Gold Sponsor level ($2,500) or above. Preferred Hotel Partners must give a 15% discount or more on hotel rooms to College of Charleston alumni and friends attending A Charleston Affair and/or other events during Alumni Weekend (May 4-6, 2012). Naming Recognition and Specific Benefits Advertising exposure and event benefits will be determined based on the sponsorship level and the agreement between the hotel and the Alumni Association. *Refer to page 12 for Advertising Opportunities and page 13 for VIP Lounge Benefits.
Advertising Opportunities Sponsoring A Charleston Affair is a significant advertising and promotional opportunity for our sponsoring partners. Examples of web, social media, print and other electronic media opportunities provided by this event are listed below. Our sponsors will be promoted through event publicity from January through May 2012. After A Charleston Affair, an in-depth survey of the event is sent to all of the attendees that, in turn, provides invaluable feedback for our sponsoring partners. College of Charleston Website (541,000 hits per month) College of Charleston Alumni Website (3,500 hits per month) College of Charleston Magazine (53,000 recipients; mailed to alumni 3-times-per-year) College of Charleston Alumni MyCofC Newsletter- (52,000 per month) College of Charleston G Magazine- Print Feature Magazine (Bimonthly; 10,000 students) College of Charleston Cisternyard.com- Student Web Journal (Updated daily; 10,000 students) College of Charleston Portico- Employee Newsletter (Monthly; 2,000 employees) Invitations and Email campaign (53,000 recipients) Class of 2012 blast email (General admission invitation) Former A Charleston Affair attendee blast email (General admission and VIP invitation) Blast email to all other alumni (General admission and VIP invitation) Faculty and staff blast email (General admission and VIP invitation) Regional and local press releases Regional and local event calendars Press releases sent to cities of sponsoring companies College of Charleston Social Media College of Charleston Facebook page (33,834 fans) College of Charleston Alumni Association Facebook page (5,766 fans) College of Charleston Twitter page (5,399 followers) College of Charleston Alumni Association Twitter page (575 followers) A Charleston Affair YouTube Video Invitation (4,301 views in 2011) Posters for on-campus advertising Annual Reveal Theme and event details unveiled virally on Groundhog Day (February 2) Step and Repeat Backdrops- Viral branding (in perpetuity) via Facebook postings (estimated from 2011 are 1.1 million views) Signage for event (Maps, menus and banners) Customer survey (Sent to all attendees after the event) *The advertising content and quantity is subject to change according to sponsorship levels.
Randolph Hall VIP Lounge Benefits $160 per person Open to all alumni and friends Limited tickets available Early event admission (6:30 PM) Separate VIP entrance Full open premium bar Exclusive catering menu Private interior restrooms Air conditioning Private access and use of portico overlooking the Cistern Yard and of the porch overlooking Cougar Mall The VIP experience in Randolph Hall provides a great opportunity to meet and to spend the evening with College of Charleston executives, deans, administrators, board members, and of course, other alumni and friends of the College! *Students are not eligible to purchase VIP tickets or to enter the VIP lounge.
Photos of the Sponsor Logos on the Step and Repeat Backdrops at A Charleston Affair 2011 Coburg Dairy Logo Hay Tire Logo MetLife Logo Croghan s Jewel Box Logo
Mock Ticket for A Charleston Affair 2012 Mock ticket for A Charleston Affair 2012 A Charleston Affair Sponsor Logos A Charleston Affair Presenting Sponsor Logo The event tickets for A Charleston Affair 2012 will be purchased online, printed from home and required for entry.
Event Space Schematic
A Charleston Affair 2012 Sponsorship Commitment Form The College of Charleston Alumni Association is a 501 (c) (3) charity. A portion of your donation may be tax deductible. Sponsor Name: Sponsor Address: Sponsor Contact Person: Sponsor Phone: Sponsor Email: Sponsor Level: Please mail, email or fax this form to Gibbon Miler. After your form has been received, Gibbon will contact you about your sponsor benefits, form of payment, your business logo and your tax deductible receipt. Payment Form (Circle One): Check Cash Credit Card (All major credit cards accepted) Make checks payable to: CofC Alumni Association Alumni Office Mailing Address: CofC Alumni Association Attn: Gibbon Miler 18 Bull Street Charleston, SC 29401 Alumni Association Tax ID#: 57-0760038 Please contact us with any questions. Gibbon Miler, Events Coordinator College of Charleston Alumni Relations Phone: 843.953.7108 Fax: 843.953.7514 Email: gsmiler@cofc.edu
Thank you for your time and consideration of this request! Please contact Gibbon Miler at gsmiler@cofc.edu or 843.953.7108 with any questions.