Michelle Tverberg, a seasoned wedding photographer with over two decades of experience, knows a thing or two about what it takes to stand out in the competitive wedding industry. Today, she’s sharing her top five tips for photographers and videographers looking to use their in-kind sponsorship of Twin Cities Wedding & Event Professionals (TCWEP) events to secure a coveted spot on preferred wedding vendor lists for hotels, venues, and other key industry players.
Here’s how to make the most of your TCWEP involvement as an in-kind sponsor:
1. Do Your Homework Before attending the assigned TCWEP event, take the time to learn about the vendors and venues involved. Familiarize yourself with their online presence as well as their style, client base, and unique selling points. This knowledge allows you to tailor your approach and create meaningful work that will catch their eye.
2. Put Your Best Foot Forward Your work speaks volumes about your professionalism and expertise. Make sure your contributions to TCWEP events—whether it’s photos, videos, or other creative elements—are of the highest quality. Presenting your best work builds credibility and shows fellow vendors why they should consider you as a preferred vendor.
3. Share Your Work Don’t let your stunning event photos and videos gather digital dust! Share your images and footage with all the event sponsors promptly. Provide them with polished, watermarked versions for their marketing use. This gesture not only showcases your talent but also demonstrates your willingness to support their business goals. You might also provide them with watermark-free images, but you may want to charge for those depending on the situation and what the usage is going to be.
4. Leave an Online Review Take the time to write thoughtful online reviews for the event sponsors. Highlight what you admired about their services, the venue’s ambiance, or the event’s execution. Genuine, positive reviews show your appreciation and help strengthen professional relationships. Trust us, these are seen by the vendors and are so greatly appreciated.
5. Make the Ask Sometimes, all it takes is asking. After building rapport and demonstrating your value, reach out to the sponsors and politely inquire if they’d be willing to add you to their preferred vendor lists. Highlight the ways your work aligns with their brand and can enhance their offerings to clients.
By following these steps, you’ll not only maximize the benefits of your TCWEP in-kind sponsorship but also create lasting professional relationships that can elevate your career.
Join Us! Want to put these tips into action? Attend a monthly Twin Cities Wedding & Event Professionals venue tour and vendor meetup, held every second Wednesday of the month. These events are the perfect opportunity to network, showcase your work, and learn from other industry leaders. We’d love to see you there!