Frequently Asked Questions

Why is WEDA starting a Corporate Sponsorship Program?

In response to our members and sponsors, WEDA is implementing a one-time per year (i.e. 12-month cycle) sponsorship request. Because we value the support that your organization has historically provided, WEDA has developed this new program to offer even increased value, heightened recognition and expanded benefits. To accomplish this, we have combined the Corporate Membership Program with the Conference Sponsorship Program into a single Corporate Sponsorship Program that covers a 12-month cycle. Your participation in this newly created Corporate Sponsorship program ensures that WEDA will be able to maintain its position as Wisconsin's recognized economic development voice, promoting and defining critical growth related policy and/or programmatic changes.

Are there different levels of sponsorships available?

Yes, there are six levels of sponsorship: Diamond, Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze or Associate. WEDA recognizes that there are distinctive variations and interests among organizations. Therefore, careful consideration has been given to determining, as well as distinguishing, each sponsorship level.

What benefits do corporate sponsors receive?

As a WEDA Corporate Sponsor, your organization has the ability to enjoy the following benefits (subject to actual sponsorship level commitment):

• Premiere exposure and recognition during Wisconsin's leading Economic Development Conference - the Governor's Conference on Economic Development held each February, as well as other WEDA sponsored events (i.e. Spring and Fall Conferences) via banner, print and/or electronic means.
• Complementary conference registrations and exhibitor booth space.
• Free advertising space within WEDA electronic and/or printed publications, including conference booklets, Member Directory, etc.
• Free employment posting opportunities for your organization on www.weda.org.
• Contributing towards enhancing WEDA's economic development, education, legislative, and leadership initiatives. The impacts of legislative and regulatory policies on Wisconsin's economic development climate are of the highest priority to WEDA and its members. It is critical that the collective voice of economic development professionals is heard as public policy matters affecting our economy and workforce are debated and acted upon.

As a WEDA Corporate Sponsor, what am I sponsoring?

As a Corporate Sponsor, your organization will be supporting Wisconsin’s leading economic development conference, which draws approximately 400 attendees and nearly 10 exhibitors annually. Bolstered by the Governor’s opening remarks and top-notch presenters, this Conference is recognized as the economic development event. Additionally, your sponsorship supports WEDA’s Spring and Fall Conferences, which circulate the state generating attendance levels ranging between 125 to 150 participants per conference. Individuals attending these conferences possess positions of influence and/or direct purchasing authority within their organizations, respectively.

What if I choose not to become a Corporate Sponsor, can my organization still participate at the Governor’s Conference, the Spring / Fall Conferences or other WEDA events?

Yes, WEDA will offer Exhibitor Space for a fee at the Governor’s Conference on Economic Development, as well as the Spring / Fall Conferences. However, please note that only Corporate Sponsors will be recognized and highlighted during these WEDA events.

How does the Corporate Sponsorship impact WEDA membership?

Depending on the level of sponsorship selected, your organization will receive up to seven free WEDA memberships. Rest assured, though, your organization and its designated representatives will continue to enjoy the following WEDA membership benefits: discounted Member Rate for attending WEDA sponsored events; WEDA communications, such as Tidbits, the WEDAWire, Legislative Alerts, etc.; and access to WEDA’s online Members Section, which is filled with various economic development related research, WEDA’s Bill Tracking Report, online discussion forums, etc.

How do I sign up?

See the enclosed Corporate Sponsorship form or visit www.weda.org. Sponsorship levels are available year round, with pro rata opportunities to accommodate organizational changes. For additional information, please contact WEDA’s office at 608.255.5666 or megan@smgltd.org.