[Correia]

volunteered to head up finding donations for the prize table for the 2004 Utah IDPA state championships. IDPA doesn't give prizes for winning, only trophies. So the prize table give aways are strictly by drawing contestant's names out of a hat.

I want this to be a good prize table. I've been working the phones and have found some really generous companies out there. I've put together a list of over 100 companies, so I'm just getting started, but already I've been surprised by how generous some people are.

Our plan is to put up their banners at our registration area, put their links on our webpage. www.udpl.net and put their ads into our match booklet. If somebody wanted to sponsor a stage, we would do all of the above, and also let them put up a big banner on that particular stage. The match will have between 80-100 shooters and a bunch of spectators.

It isn't until September 2004, but I figure it doesn't hurt to get an early start on it.

So have any of you done this before? Or even better, do you work for a company that likes to support IDPA? :D

[bogie]

In my experience, the bottom line is: Don't be shy, and don't be too proud. Look at "non-gun" companies too... Anheuser Busch tends to sponsor more than a few shooting events, as do some car companies.

[Correia]

Bogie, thanks for the suggestion. I had not thought that far out of the box. Turns out that one of our shooters works at the local distributor as well, and is going to investigate this for me.

[John Forsyth]

Having done this many times, let me tell you what seems to be going on. How much are you prepared to spend on your prize table? The reason I am saying this is because those in the gun industry get solicitations everyday to donate to some match somewhere. Have talked to several that would love to give more donations, but just can not afford to. They may be willing to sell to you at a greatly discounted price, when they may not be able to donate.

If you want to put firearms on your prize table, call Springfield Armory, ask for someone in marketing, and then tell them you want to discuss the Top Gun Program. You have to pay for them, but it is a good deal. We have been doing it for years for the IDPA Southern Regional and Tennessee State matches.

Being Match Director is easy compared to putting the prize table together.

[Rob Pincus]

Cor,

John and his group do a great job with their matches... he knows of what he speaks.

You know that I have done this for a long time as well, with the obvious advantage of being a Charity Event, but some of the lessons learned still applr, which I'll post for everyone's benefit.
1. You have to have something to trade... unless your event has 1000+ people, you'll need to be able to explain what extra exposure you are getting them (Magazine ads/articles, newspaper ads/articles, website presence, etc...).
2. They may be interested in sponsoring specific stages of the match that feature their products.
3. Once you establish your sponsor packages (ie- how big an ad they get in the program, how many signs you'll put up for them, etc for any given donation), seriously consider giving them an incentive to provide cash- I give 75% value for product donations (at retail cost).
4. Don't be afraid to think outside of the box. You may want guns for the prize table, but a $1500 cash donation from the local bank can buy a nice gun (or two...).
5. Try working with the local Chamber of Commerce or Tourism Office... let them know how many people you are bringing into town and how much outside exposure you are bringing to the event (ie- print & television covering event, etc...)

[ysr_racer]

After the event, be sure to PERSONALLY write a "thank you letter" to each and every sponsor.

Let them know how many people showed up and how much you appreciated their support.

[Correia]

Thanks for the advice guys. I appreciate it. The learning curve on this is rather steep. :)

I've already talked to Springfield. The Topgun program is an excellent deal.

[bogie]

Also, if a company can't give you stuff, ask for a "discount on stuff" coupon.

[rock jock]

Anheuser Busch tends to sponsor more than a few shooting events
Those events are especially fun if they give out free samples before the match. :D

[Archer]

Larry,

I arranged for the Gunsite 2-for-one donation for the 03 match, let me know if you need contact information to try and score another.

[bogie]

I know of one large benchrest match where a random drawing is made for the group closest in size to the number drawn, and at the post-match awards, the "winner" is given a case of Bud, which then tends to promptly disappear.

[HankL]

Larry, I know one guy who does some great screen printing and another one who is a dealer for Coronado Leather!
Seriously, If you can get one of your vendors to throw in a few caps and shirts and The Wookie can get Brent to thow in a dusty item or two it would be a help.

[Correia]

Archer, that would be great. I sent you a PM about that. I don't know if you got it or not, but that would be a great help.

Hank, yep. :) You know, I haven't talked to George about Coronado. That is a good idea. I was going to kick in some screen printed stuff myself, but a leather jacket with the IDPA logo would rock beyond all comprehension.

[JackStraw]

AB - Now were talkin' FREE BEER!

[Correia]

Jack, turns out that one of JohnL's clients works for their distributor here. He is going to talk with him and see who I need to speak with.

[Andrew Wyatt]

larry, email dad. he may be able to provide some measure of assistance.