On the Waterfront, Inc. has a proven track-record for creating successful Illinois sponsorship opportunities that provide our sponsors with an opportunity to interact with over 250,000 Festival patrons. Through product sampling and demonstrations, retail tie-ins, cross promotions, media partnerships, local and regional advertising, hospitality, festival amenities and on-site visibility, the On the Waterfront staff will work with you to create innovative and exciting sponsorships that will help you achieve your company’s marketing objectives.
Sponsorship fees vary according to the visibility and promotion received through the sponsorship and we can customize a sponsorship to fit your requests.
Examples of previous sponsor participation include:
- Presenting Sponsorship of the On the Waterfront Festival
On the Waterfront presented by Associated Bank - Stage Sponsorships, both title and presenting
Miller Lite Great Lawn; ComEd Country Jam presented by Q98.5 - Venue Sponsorships, both title and presenting
All-Sport Alley presented by FOX39;
AMCORE Waterfront Backstage presented by B103;
Ameritech Arena;
Rockford Health System Kid’s Castle - Special Event Sponsorships
Fireworks sponsored by Pyrotechnico;
Skydivers sponsored by Ocean Spray;
Rockford Health System Waterfront 5K - Promotion Sponsorships
Passport to Food, Fun & Travel sponsored by Q98.5 and United Airlines;
Associated Bank Family Fun Packs - Hospitality Sponsorships
Corporate parties at the Great Lawn;
VIP tents; Dinner cruises and party packages on the Rock River;
VIP skyboxes;
Corporate picnics - Official Product Sponsorships
The Home Depot, Official Home Improvement Warehouse of On the Waterfront;
ComEd, the Official Power Provider - Share the Festival Corporate Admission Pass Program
Purchase your Festival admission passes through this program at a discount rate for distribution to employees, clients and customers. Discounts increase as quantity purchased increases. - On the Waterfront, Inc. Event Sponsorships
On the Waterfront, Inc. is a multi-event production company. Sponsorships for additional events are also available, such as Groove Walk, a music walk through Rockford’s downtown River District .
Individual sponsor promotions and special events are designed and implemented to fit each company’s needs. Sponsor benefits can include:
Media Promotion and Recognition
On the Waterfront enjoys a terrific relationship with the local media and receives over $100,000 in advertising and promotion from local television, radio and newspaper. On the Waterfront TV commercials run extensively throughout July and August, and all three network television affiliates join Waterfront during the weekend to broadcast live or do remotes for their newscasts. Most of the local radio stations broadcast live from On the Waterfront and heavily promote Waterfront throughout the summer. Many stage sponsorships and Waterfront promotions have radio co-sponsors who provide dedicated promotion and coverage to their respective sponsors. $20,000 in local and regional newspaper advertising provides terrific regional reach.
Pre-Festival Brochure Recognition
Brochures are distributed throughout the community and region giving patrons information on the festival as well as recognizing our sponsors.
Festival Guide Recognition
Festival Guides are distributed through insertion in the Rockford Register Star the Wednesday prior to the Festival and through distribution at all entrances during the Festival.
Promotional Booth Space
For product sampling and demonstration, lead generation and event marketing. Tents with wrap-around sides, tables, chairs and electrical needs are provided by On the Waterfront. The On the Waterfront staff will work with you to design promotions or other activities to maximize the use of the booth space during the Festival.
On-site Signage and Recognition
Signage opportunities exist with many sponsorships and rights vary with the assets sponsored.
Festival Admission Passes
The festival pass is a ticket with three perforations. Patrons may use the pass to come to the Festival all three days, or may share the pass with a friend to attend on a particular day. There are opportunities for bounce back offers and advertising associated with the Festival pass.
Admiral’s Club Membership
The Admiral’s Club is On the Waterfront’s exclusive hospitality venue for sponsors and their guests. Featuring both an air-conditioned interior and a comfortable, tented patio area outside with a scenic view of the Rock River, the Admiral’s Club is a haven for sponsors and VIP’s to relax, socialize and enjoy special entertainment. Catered buffets, two full-service bars, special events and private entertainment make the Admiral’s Club a truly VIP experience.
Other Sponsor Amenities are available upon request.
For further information about On the Waterfront, Inc.’s sponsorship opportunities,
contact Becky Genoways at 815-964-4388 or Becky@onthewaterfront.com
