Monday, August 18, 2008

Sponsorial Tutorial

Just two work weeks remain until this year's Kansas City Irish Fest opens. On my to-do list today: band sponsor signs.

What's a band sponsor, you ask? Well, it's you. You, local businessperson or philanthropist. You, community group or organization. You who see the value in not only supporting the Irish Fest cause, but also in having your company's name and logo proudly proclaiming that support in front of ten or fifteen thousand people. Your sponsorship will also be noted in the thousands of programs patrons will be handed as they enter. The signs I'll be designing today for the folks who've already signed up as band sponsors will hang on the stage backdrops during the chosen group's performances. They're big, they're bold, they're beautiful. Take it home with you when the festival's over if you like. It'll look great on your office wall...providing you have a really big office. Best of all they're an affordable, big-bang way for you to invest your sponsor dollars and show your love for your favorite band at the same time.

If you're interested, contact Keli today and find out what great KCIF artists are still available for adoption and what sponsorship levels are.

11 comments:

Kaylie T said...

I think it's a mistake to raise ticket prices this year. Last year seems you could get advance tickets at $6.00 a pop. Going up to $20 for 2 seems a wee overpriced. Then adding a high class Snug membership is out and out class snubbery! Good luck, won't be attending this year.

Anonymous said...

I think it's a mistake to raise ticket prices this year. Last year seems you could get advance tickets at $6.00 a pop. Going up to $20 for 2 seems a wee overpriced. Then adding a high class Snug membership is out and out class snubbery! Good luck, won't be attending this year.

Anonymous said...

I'm always amazed that every year someone has to say they think the fest is too expensive or some other such nonsense. Anonymous can stay home then. We'll have plenty other people who will disagree.

Danny Regan said...

Anonymous, you're badly misinformed. We haven't raised our ticket prices, ever. Our advance ticket price was $8 in 2003 in our first year, and 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and it is now. Our at-the-gate ticket price was $10 in 2003 and it is now. The only price difference from 2003 to now is that Friday nights have gotten cheaper than in our first year with our $5 Friday advance ticket.

As far as the "high class Snug" goes, let's do the math: Here's how a $100 Snug membership breaks down:

Fest ticket: $10
10 large beers: $60
T-shirt: $15
Poster: $3
Snacks: Let's say $5, for the whole day, conservatively.
Private restroom facilities, private bar, guaranteed seating, shade and space: priceless, at a crowded event.
Door prizes, and we lots so you're chances are exceedingly good: varied.

High class? Knowing our clientele, probably so. They're certainly a smart bunch. Expensive? Hardly. It's the best deal at the festival. And if you disagree, it's also strictly optional.

Let's say given all that, you still think ten bucks is too steep. Been to a movie lately? Better yet, been to a concert lately? How about a Gaelic Storm concert? You can see them this week in concert in Wisconsin. A reserved seat will run you $30, general admission is $20. Or see them and your choice of 16 other great bands at the Kansas City Irish Fest on Saturday for $8, bought in advance. How about The Barra McNeils or Millish? As luck would have it, if you skip Irish Fest this year to save some money, you can see those bands on consecutive days in Michigan, September 11th and 12th. Millish will run you $15, Barras go for $17.50. Or see them both here for $10 at the gate, along with 16 other bands.

Irish Fest costs mid six figures to put on every year. We're a not-for profit organization. We're 99.9% volunteer staffed. All the money made goes back into the festival and to community grants...maybe one to you if you choose to apply. And as I've said, we've never raised ticket prices. Now if you still think we're gouging you, by all means, don't attend. I know times are tough, prices are high, the economy's a mess. You'll absolutely save money by staying home. We'll miss you, and you'll miss a great time. But at least be informed before you start scolding us.

Anonymous said...

And hey, admission FREE with a fun 4-hour volunteer shift. That is so not-snubbery! The Snug, great deal that it is, is not for everybody for sure- but if you're a Fest goer who doesn't want to miss much, who maybe comes from out of town , who maybe is there when the gates open & until the last band's encore for the night or for the weekend, who maybe in between the Fest fun & music just needs a spot to relax, or rendezvous, or grab a beer or a bathroom break (without waiting!) then this is your place & we are going to make it so worth it - I hear Jenny is even baking cookies. Who doesn't like cookies with their Boulevard?

Danny Regan said...

Whoa. John, have you met Anonymous? You guys really ought to get together. You're on the same wavelength.

Anonymous said...

Snugilicious! I'm there, Snug sisters!

David Shaughnessy said...

Some of the bands are going to be hanging out in The Snug. Oh yea!

Anonymous said...

$6 per personality?


McCarthy

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry but I must respond...

Where in this great country of ours, can you get into such a marvelous festival with world-class entertainment and art and crafts and food and inflatables and on and on and on for a mere $8. EIGHT DOLLARS! What's that buy these days? Everything in our country has become more expensive. Look at a loaf of bread. But you still get the Best Festival in Kansas City, the fastest growing Irish Festival in America for the same price. I bet their flights cost more.

I understand and feel the economic pressure as well John. But is there anywhere else you can go and enjoy all that you can at the Irish Festival for anything less?

We can only thank all the wonderful people that make this festival possible.

Eight Dollars.

Anonymous said...

John is complaining about $8-$10? Could you imagine if he had to spend what Regan spends on inflatables,noodles and other devices? John should feel lucky!

McCarthy