The meetup currently has one continuous sponsor, Kroger Digital, that provides the space for the meetup and, when we don’t have a monthly sponsor, the food. Often, we also have a monthly sponsor who provides the food for that month’s event. If you know anyone who might be interested in sponsoring the meetup (e.g. your company) please let us know.
We see meetup sponsorship as beneficial on a variety of fronts, not simply as an advertising opportunity. Sponsors enhance their reputation for supporting the local developer community, increase name recognition, and have the opportunity to meet dozens of passionate Cincinnati developers. Meetup attendees get great food and the opportunity to make valuable contacts with sponsors.
Sponsorship also provides an excellent opportunity to connect with developers in the Cincinnati community. Attendees are typically more involved than the average developer. They tend to be passionate about personal career development, as evidenced by the fact that they’ve chosen to attend a meetup outside of work hours.
Sponsors are recognized in the event details on Meetup and LinkedIn, and in the announcements at the beginning of the meeting. Each month we present a quick slideshow of announcements just before the talk begins. As part of this slideshow, the food sponsor is thanked and given the opportunity to say a few words.
All sponsors are expected to abide by the Code of Conduct.
Cincinnati Software Craftsmanship currently offers the opportunity to sponsor the meetup by providing food for the monthly in-person event. Food sponsors are expected to provide:
We ask that the food sponsor provide a nice non-pizza dinner and soda. The meal should include options for vegetarians and should be set up by 5:30 PM. Consideration of other dietary restrictions (keto, gluten-free, vegan, etc.) is appreciated but not required.
Below are a few of the excellent sponsored meals we have had catered so far:
Plates, bowls, and utensils as necessary should be provided with the meal. Most restaurants will include these on catering orders for free or a nominal charge.
The meeting space includes a water and ice machine but many attendees prefer soda. Either cans or 2-liters work well for the event.
Cincinnati Software Craftsmanship’s monthly event currently ranges from around 40-60 RSVPs. Attendance averages approximately 80% of RSVPs, about 30 to 50 people, but does fluctuate somewhat (our max was over 92%) depending on a variety of factors.
We recommend that sponsors follow the meetup event page to track RSVPs for the sponsored event and provide food sufficient for at least 80% of the RSVP count. RSVPs can increase significantly in the days leading up to the event.
We encourage sponsor representatives to attend the event and get to know some of the attendees. We care about the relationship that we create between the meetup, attendees, and sponsors.
The organizers will promote the meetup on LinkedIn, Twitter, the Cincy Tech Slack and several other platforms. Any additional promotion or “signal boost” is much appreciated and will help to attract attendees to your sponsored event.
Please send us a copy of your logo so that we can recognize you for your sponsorship.