Attendee Testimonials
How IEG 2011 conference attendees would describe their experience to a colleague:
“A fantastic experience filled with extreme amounts of knowledge from the best there are.”
Nicholas Nemer, Arlington Park, A Churchill Downs Company
“This is the perfect conference for anyone looking to network with great prospects!”
Judy Lewis, American Diabetes Assn.
“Delivered on networking, information and inspiration, making it extremely worthwhile.”
Karen Cage, HP
“One of the best conferences I have ever attended. Congratulations on mixing in so many top level executives.”
Rich Harshbarger, Detroit Media Partnership
“An excellent opportunity to network and build relationships.”
Maritza Villegas, The Recording Academy / The Grammys
“Great networking, vast array of learning opportunities through workshops, panels and keynotes across all industries.”
Keia Clarke, NBA
“A great chance to hear from the players at the very top of the sponsorship game and an opportunity to connect with potential and existing partners.”
Zach Stegeman, USA Triathlon
“Enlightening, invigorating—the rock star of conferences! A mix of practical and theoretical peppered with great tips and global trends.”
Kate Taylor, Harbourfront Centre
“Enjoyed speakers’ insights on leveraging sponsorship and hearing the real world applications.”
Daniel Jenski, Kraft Foods
“Excellent, informative, thought-provoking and jam-packed with information from some of the best minds in the business.”
Nicole McLaughlin, Air Force Marathon
“A great opportunity to hear from industry leaders, enhance your knowledge in different areas and network with new individuals.”
Andrew Karson, Madison Square Garden
“Solid content, great networking opportunities, valuable keynote speakers, wide array of topics.”
Brenda Piekos, Foresters
“Great learning and networking experience.”
Mike Mahoney, Carolina Panthers
“A great place to reconnect with colleagues, network, and hear from experts on the trends and direction sponsorship is going. Whether you're a nonprofit property or a for-profit brand, IEG is a world-class conference that everyone leaves better equipped than when they arrived.”
Stephen Emerick, Boy Scouts of America
“Incredibly motivating and provided me with a great deal of insight regarding market trends and new categories to explore. I believe the conference will pay for itself.”
Tanya Sovinski, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
“Three days of lively sponsorship debate, information exchange and networking with blue-chip brands.”
Richard Denton, Trefpunt Sports & Entertainment
“Very inspiring, met great dynamic people and heard from leaders in the industry.”
Ruth Burshtein, Scotiabank
“Content-intensive, educational, great networking opportunities, inspiring.”
Rashmi Sudan, Oxford Properties
“Highly informative, as the “big dogs” of sponsorship share advice, insight and experience, as well as their priorities, challenges and celebrations.”
Jacqueline Kral, Tufts University
“As promised, a fantastic resource for learning measurement tactics.”
Margaret Skrmetti, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
“An excellent collection of intelligent people talking about making the value of sponsorships better. It was refreshing how little pitching went on.”
Andy Hawk, Professional Ski Instructors of America/American Assn. of Snowboard Instructors
“Eye-opening and very educational.”
Rob Scherr, US Lacrosse
“Great networking, good idea sharing, fuels creative thought.”
Brett Gorrell, Festivals Inc.
“Always ahead of the curve on trends. Timely information. Top speakers. A solid investment, event for nonprofits.”
Lesley Ring, Canadian Cancer Society
“A great opportunity to be exposed to some of the best marketers, and meet and share ideas with peers from a wide variety of backgrounds.”
Demian Vincenty, Life Time Fitness
“Very informative and thought provoking. There is probably no better setting--both from sessions and networking--to receive validation of current activities and partnerships or new ideas to shift in a different direction.”
Justin McKinniss, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
“A great resource and always has information on current trends. The materials and examples are always relevant and can be used in most any platform.”
Whitney Allen, U.S. Hunter Jumper Assn.
“The best training conference for sponsorship professionals and the sessions conducted by IEG staff are always very informative and essential.”
Gabriele Drechsel, U.S. Army Family and MWR Command
“There's not a minute wasted in the jam-packed 3.5-day event. A great place to meet colleagues from around the globe or across town to share ideas and outcomes.”
Danyl Vavreck, Minnesota State Fair
“Very informative and thought provoking. The presentations and workshops are extremely valuable in terms of learning from others' ideas and experiences.“
Mary Moffett Keaney, Pier 39
“Provided a great perspective on emerging trends in cause marketing and sponsorship.”
Jill Ryan, National Osteoporosis Foundation
“Great networking, heavy-hitting speakers, great organization and helpful staff.”
Michael Ferguson, Assn. of National Advertisers
“Everyone who is anyone in sponsorship attends and there are tremendous takeaways. It will definitely charge your battery and inspire you.”
David Sobel, JCC Assn.
“Very inspirational and well organized.”
Arlette van Cleeff, ABN AMRO
“Lots of information imparted in every single session.”
Amy Lambrecht, Women in Cable Telecommunications
“Amazing, inspiring, super-charged thinking.”
Bretta Walker, Amelia Island Tourist Development Council
“Eye-opening, informative, interesting and full of opportunity.”
Adrienne Kinsey, Betty Ford Center
“The single best place for helping me do my job while introducing me to the newest trends in sponsorship and a wide variety of decision-makers.”
Austin White, National High School Rodeo Assn.
“What a great conference! Here is the email I sent after the first day: ‘Loving this conference! Six pages of notes so far and couldn't be more energized and excited!’ ”
Tonya Vernon, Rockford Park District
“Highly educational and inspiring!”
Deane Sienega, KEXP
“Worth every penny invested! Great resource! You come away with real business completed, not the hope of business. That is a major reason why I will return each year. The panels are informative and the attendees want to network and share ideas.”
Amelia Moore, Avi Oster, LLC/Oster Network Enterprises
“A comprehensive, educational conference on sponsorship.”
Jodine Smith, SaskTel
“Amazing, inspiring, rich in knowledge and experience, jam-packed, full spectrum. I was like a sponge; I just wanted to attend every session and gather as much information as I could. I am already planning to bring my whole staff next year.”
Jennifer Silva, Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow
“A must attend for anyone selling sponsorships. I learned something different in every session I attended.”
Tom Hansen, Tuned In Broadcasting, Inc.
“Packed with great speakers and excellent resources that can be applied as soon as you get back to the office. The number of takeaways is overwhelming. I'm so happy I was a part of it and I have already recommended it to all my colleagues!”
Katherine Bradley, The Coulter Cos.
“Provided a wealth and range of useful, relevant information—from very pointed suggestions on procedures we can implement right away to sponsorships that inspire us to dream/think/act more boldly and creatively.”
Geraldine De Braune, The Forks North Portage Partnership
“Intense, compact and inspiring showcases of big companies with big ideas.”
Judith Frankenhuis, More Than Football Foundation
What attendees said were the MOST beneficial aspects of the 2011 conference:
“Having some of the most prevalent trends in sponsorship crystalized by speakers from across the spectrum of properties and marketers.”
Demian Vincenty, Life Time Fitness
“Sponsorship know-how from real business cases, excellent conference organization and networking.”
Javier Comerma, FC Barcelona
“Access to great speakers; access to very interesting and diverse companies.”
Judy Lewis, American Diabetes Association
“Examples and case studies. Key learnings from presenters were very helpful and I look forward to downloading their presentations.”
Karen Cage, HP
“The keynote addresses were excellent. They provided the inspiration and perspective I was hoping to find.”
Melanie Smith, Scotiabank
“Hearing first-hand experiences from decision-makers, along with the opportunity to meet with them face to face.”
Paul Bruton, NBC Washington
“Panel discussions were great, as were the panelists.”
Nick Bolen, Dicks Sporting Goods
“The partnered keynote address from NFL and Gatorade was useful. Even though they are major sports organizations and I am a museum sponsorship officer, they had useful information for how the relationship worked on both sides and how to keep going even when not everyone can get their way. I also enjoyed the many opportunities to network.”
Margaret Skrmetti, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
“The variety of formats for learning, as each delivered something different (round tables, workshops, panels and keynotes). The quality of the panelists and keynotes was extremely beneficial.”
Kate Taylor, Harbourfront Centre
“Met some good people, which led to several valuable discussions.”
Howard Berzack, UPS
“Being able to listen to and network with other companies that sponsor.”
Dawn Stage, Caterpillar
“Being able to think strategically about the operation and listening to other organizations’ techniques and methods in sponsorship.”
Karl Donnelly, Digicel
“Case studies, panels and networking.”
Mike Mahoney, Carolina Panthers
“Content, quality of speakers, ample opportunity to network and engage.”
Stephen Person, Access Pass & Design
“Conversations with other attendees. Learning selling on sponsorship from some of the best in the business.”
Dave Romenesko, Life Promotions, Inc.
“Brand keynotes.”
Keith Farley, Aflac
“Corporate partners participating in roundtables. Great keynote presentations. Opportunity to share and network with other attendees during roundtables and other sessions and breaks.”
Larry Lundy, Susan G. Komen for the Cure
“Online dashboard of handouts and visuals to watch in own time.”
Penny Welch, Threshold Sports
“IEG workshops. The head-start sessions were great. The panel discussions where IEG staff moderated the session were the most beneficial.”
Elaine Bowen, AIGA, The Professional Association for Design
“Industry enthusiasm; hearing some big brands discuss their most prized activations; and the NHL session to see how another large property was marketing cross-platform assets.”
Adam Sloan, Tribeca Enterprises
“It was very beneficial to hear how other businesses are measuring the success of their sponsorships and the criteria they use to determine if they will move forward.”
Tanya Wray, University of Kentucky
“The keynote speakers and panel discussions were very beneficial. Great to hear from industry leaders about what they are doing and what piques their interest. The networking events were also very valuable.”
Andrew Karson, Madison Square Garden
“Panel discussions featuring senior execs who have influence on their companies’ sponsorship decisions.”
John Lake, HRC
“The energy of the keynote speakers was fantastic and inspiring.”
Kris Williams, International Assn. of Venue Managers
“The evening receptions!”
Maritza Villegas, The Recording Academy/The Grammys
“The keynote lineup was incredible, and the breakout sessions had a strong presence as well.”
Andy Hawk, Professional Ski Instructors of America, American Assn. of Snowboard Instructors
“The morning round tables were the best aspect of the conference, in my opinion. Direct interaction with brand representatives offered the most knowledge into the sponsorship process.”
Michael Hopper, NYC & Company
“The opportunity to understand more about activation and engagement of stakeholders.”
Thiago Oliveira, Effect Sport
“Hearing about sponsorship from different perspectives.”
Loren Leidinger Avila, AIDS Foundation of Chicago
“The ability to connect with sponsors and other like organizations.”
Brian Annis, Ford's Theatre Society
“Variety of speakers and topics. The schedule was always on time. Loved the condensed and smaller conference book. The videos and inspiring messages during keynotes.”
Diane Darrow, San Diego Zoo and Safari Park
“Each Keynote speaker was fantastic: informative and captivating.”
Katie Boyle, USO
“Educational workshop sessions. The balance of properties and sponsors is great.”
Rosemary Prince, Florida State University
“Educational sessions where I can immediately use the information I just learned.”
Steven Safran, ADA
“Great best practice examples and networking.”
Angela Sarino, CIBC
“Hearing directly from corporate sponsorship decision-makers.”
Minda Logan, Smithsonian Institution
“Great keynote speakers and great global brands with widespread topics.”
Christie Cameron, Calgary Stampede
“Face time with some key contacts.”
Tom Etzel, SportsOne
“Having a variety of workshops to attend.”
Chrystal Robert, Manitoba Lotteries Corporation
“Access to presentations for download. Ample networking time. Variety of subjects/sessions.”
Leah MacNab, NBA Canada, Inc.
“Hearing best practices from others and learning the newest techniques.”
Ruth Burshtein, Scotiabank
“Hearing companies’ activation plans and stories, as well as trials and tribulations and how they overcame them.”
Rob Scherr, US Lacrosse
“I love the connectivity between general sessions, workshops, and round tables. It's easy to find the right kind of presentations most beneficial to me each year.”
Stephen Emerick, Boy Scouts of America
“I loved the morning roundtables. Being able to hear from other people's experience was very beneficial. I also loved all of the keynote speakers. They all did such a wonderful job. In addition, the break-out sessions were all really well-done and the conversations that took place during and after them were excellent!”
Katherine Bradley, The Coulter Cos.
“I very much enjoyed the discussions on return on engagement and found this year's speakers to be inspiring.”
Whitney Allen, U.S. Hunter Jumper Assn.
“Identifying industry trends and networking.”
Terry Dorner, Bonnier
“The think-tank environment for long-term strategic planning and immediate takeaways I can apply to my day-to-day.”
Bretta Walker, Amelia Island Tourist Development Council
“Insight into what motivates a corporate sponsor.”
Amy Lambrecht, Women in Cable Telecommunications
“Inspiring keynotes plus excellent tactical workshops.”
David Sobel, JCC Assn.
“Meeting one on one with sponsors.”
Barbara LeNoble, Points of Light Institute
“Meeting people from the industry and making quality contacts.”
Carleen O'Reilly, ALSAC / St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
“Meeting potential sponsors.”
Ted Kennedy, CEO Challenges
“Multiple tracks and sessions to choose from.”
Andrew Johnson, Miller Motorsports Park
“Quality of speakers and insight into their strategies, challenges and thinking.”
Tove Okunniwa, MEC Access
“Roundtables, contacts, industry updates, online dashboard.”
Lisa Feldman, NBC
“Small-group sessions and networking time.”
Jacqueline Kral, Tufts University
“Seeing and hearing the broad spectrum of sponsorships, programs, methods and processes. You can begin to build a point of view of the larger landscape of your industry or niche (and your place in it) by seeing such a wide range of objectives and solutions. I came away with high quality presentation materials, contacts and ideas.”
Lonnie Hanzon, Museum of Outdoor Arts / Hanzon Studios
“The early morning round-table discussions and the workshops.”
Ingrid Dunowitz, Taste of Atlanta
“Opportunities to network during roundtable discussions and collaborative lunches.”
Cory Warren, United Arts of Central Florida
“The theme and content for this year's conference was more focused than previous years. Given the amount of material covered at this conference, I appreciated that focus. The conference had a good cross-section of industries; good representation from leading global (not just American) brands; and the physical set up and proximity of workshop rooms worked well.”
Meltem Tekeli, Tekeli Inc
“The time for networking built in was essential and appreciated. Having the cocktail hour just after the last session was perfect.”
Kathi Grummel, Susan G. Komen Chicago