Industry Awards, Edmonton & Calgary, Alberta
How Do You Thank Sponsors at an Awards Night?
Acknowledge sponsors verbally when introducing sponsored categories, display logos on all event materials and screens, and follow up personally after the event. Do not read a lengthy sponsor list mid-program — it stalls momentum and loses the audience.
The verbal acknowledgment formula that works: when introducing a sponsored category, the MC says 'Category Name, sponsored by Company Name' — one sentence, no elaboration. Named category sponsorships give sponsors meaningful recognition (their name associated with the award throughout the evening) without requiring a speech or extended acknowledgment.
Post-event, send sponsors a package: event photography including any signage with their logo visible, attendance metrics, finalists and winner information for their own communications, and a follow-up call within two weeks. Sponsors who receive a prompt, professional post-event package are significantly more likely to renew for the following year.
Common questions
Only for a title or presenting sponsor, and only if the sponsor has something genuinely relevant to say to the audience — not a promotional speech. A 2-minute welcome from the title sponsor at the program opening is the maximum that industry audiences will engage with. Longer sponsor remarks are skipped by the audience regardless of the sponsor's importance.
Plan your how do you thank sponsors at an awards night?
Tell us the date, the headcount, and what you are trying to accomplish. We will come back with an honest assessment.