In theirannual industry forecast,IEGpredicts that North American Companies will increase their spending on sponsorship by 4.5% in 2016.  Actual spending in 2015 was up 4.1% over the previous year and continues the steady growth trend we’ve seen year-over-year for the last six years.

While Associations and Membership Organizations, as a category, are only projected to receive 3% of all sponsor dollars spent, that’s still a healthy $612 million dollars, according to the same report.

Your conference, event or expo is likely full of relevant and inspiring content, engaging experiences, meaningful connections, and thought provoking insight for your attendees. It may also be an exhausting experience for attendees who spend a lot of time battling crowds - for parking or shuttlebuses, admittance to the event or to general sessions, buffet lines, concession stands, etc. The larger your event, the more likely your attendees are to have to wait around and fight crowds, and the risk is that they potentially give up on some element of your show. When that happens, you lose the chance to grow a loyal fan, and your exhibitors and partners lose a potential buyer.

Some of your attendees - Industry veterans, influential thought leaders, and affluent buyers - are likely willing to pay for a better experience. VIP Experiences can let attendees bypass lines, enjoy private lounges, network with other VIPs, and be the first to hear of industry news and special offers.