On the Waterfront, Inc. has a proven track-record for creating successful sponsorships 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 range from $2,500 to over $100,000.
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
Schnucks Great Lawn; Rockford Public Library Country Stage, presented by Q98.5
• Venue Sponsorships, both title and presenting
AT&T Yellow Pages Backstage Club, ComEd Kid’s Castle
• Special Event Sponsorships
Fireworks sponsored by Pyrotechnico;
• Promotion Sponsorships
Associated Bank Festival 4 Packs
• Hospitality Sponsorships
Corporate parties at the Schnucks Great Lawn; VIP tents; VIP skyboxes; Corporate parties
• Official Product Sponsorships
ComEd, the Official Power Provider, Pepsi – Official Soft Drink of the Festival, Larson & Darby – Official Map Provider, Medicine Man – Official Advertising Agency, Rock River Disposal – Official Garbage Collection and Recycling Service, Classic Limo – Official Limousine Service
• Share the Festival Corporate Admission Pass Program
Over 20,000 Festival admission passes are purchased at a discount each year by local businesses 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. Events include Groove Walk, a music walk through Rockford’s downtown River District in May and October, The Rockford City Market each Friday beginning June 11th and ending October 15th, and more.
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
Over 100,000 Brochures are distributed through insertion in the Rockford Register Star the week Festival admission passes go on sale and through distribution at over 150 retail admission pass outlet locations.
Festival Guide Recognition
Over 100,000 Guides are distributed through insertion in the Rockford Register Star the Wednesday before the Festival and through distribution at Festival 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 admission pass is good for all three days of the Festival and provides a discount for tickets purchased for the Opening Night Concert.
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.
For further information about On the Waterfront, Inc.’s sponsorship opportunities,
contact Becky Genoways, Sponsorship Director
