September 27-29, 2023 | Chicago
The Summit is for anyone who wants to be in the middle of the action, on the cutting-edge, changing the game and shaping the future. You’ll hear from the most influential industry thought leaders as they share revolutionary ideas and insights. Where innovative and inspiring conversations happen.
JW Marriott Chicago
151 West Adams Street
Chicago, IL 60603
The Summit will be hosted at JW Marriott Chicago, a landmark hotel brimming with history in the heart of downtown. The hotel is located in Chicago’s famed Loop, offering guests easy access to Union Station, West Loop restaurants, United Center, Columbia College, the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park and Willis Tower Skydeck.
Wed, September 27
Theme: Find Purpose
8:00-10:30 – Special Pre-Summit Sponsorship Sales Training Session
11:00AM – Check-in and Opening Reception
Noon – Lunch & Featured Speaker
1:00PM – Breakout Sessions
3:00PM – Rapid Keynote Speaker Presentations
4:00PM – Panel Conversation
Thur, September 28
Theme: Learn New Insights & Ideas
8:00AM – Breakfast Buffet, Networking Roundtables, 1:1 Coaching Chats
10:00AM – Panel Discussion
11:00AM – Breakout Sessions
12:30PM – Lunch & Featured Speaker
2:00PM – Panel Discussion
4:00PM – Rapid Keynote Presentations
5:00PM – SMA Soiree and Awards Ceremony
Fri, September 29
Theme: Discover Sponsorship in Action
8:00AM – Breakfast Buffet, Networking Roundtables, 1:1 Coaching Chats
9:30AM – Panel Conversation
11:00AM – Sponsorship in Action Tour: Wrigley Field
Noon – Summit Closes
Attendance is limited to 350 to provide an immersive learning and networking experience.
$1300 – Group 5+ Rate Email us to register your group.
$1600 – General Admission

8:00-10:30AM | WEDNESDAY, SEP 27
Pre-Summit Training:
Become a Sponsorship Rockstar
Before the Summit kicks off, we have a special treat for you — an immersive and interactive 2 ½-hour, pre-Summit Sponsorship Mastery Academy Training Session. We will provide you with the knowledge, strategies, and insights necessary to conquer the sponsorship world.
Attendees can register for the training through the official Summit app.
2023 Speakers & Presenters
FEATURED SESSION
A Partnership That Went Bananas
Discover how the Savannah Bananas and Zappos.com transformed a traditional sports experience into an unforgettable, fan-centric extravaganza that resonated with audiences far and wide.
2023 Topics
The tough topics, cool trends and innovative ideas we’ll be talking about at the Summit:
The Changing Media Landscape
Simple & Transparent Valuation Methods
Building & Activating Partnerships through DEI
Embracing Change & Driving Growth
Emerging Technology from AI to the Metaverse.
Data-Driven Decisions Deliver Results
Cultivate a High-Performance Mindset
Finding your Personal Purpose
Purpose-Driven Partnerships
Mastering the Art & Science of Selling Sponsorships
Navigating Economic Conditions
Success Metrics and Determining ROI

“The Summit always inspires and invigorates me. It’s an exciting, educational environment allowing attendees to visit each other and learn about bold partnerships unfolding in extraordinary markets nationwide.”
-JAMILIA POPOV
PARTNERSHIP MARKETING MANAGER, SAN DIEGO ZOO WILDLIFE ALLIANCE
ATTENDEES
Who’s Joining Us in 2023
The Summit is for those who buy, sell, activate, and support sponsorship and partnership marketing.
Here are just some of the organizations you’ll see at this year’s Summit…






























until Sponsorship Mastery Summit 2023
In Store at this Year’s Summit…
- Join the Pre-Summit virtual happy hour and get insider tips on how to make the most of their visit to the Windy City.
- Attend the Welcome Reception and mingle with like-minded sponsorship professionals.
- Get access to the Summit app, the one-stop-shop for event info and networking.
- Attend more than 20 sessions and hear 30+ industry leaders who were invited specifically to expand your knowledge and skills.
- Book 1-on-1, 15-minute coaching sessions with speakers and SMA board members to get personalized advice.
- Attend an immersive, interactive 2 ½ hour pre-Summit Sponsorship Mastery Academy Session.
- Participate in “Talking (Sponsor)Ship” roundtables and expand your professional network.
- Enjoy two plated lunches and breakfast buffets – because good food makes for great conversations!
- Attend the Summit Soiree and Awards Ceremony and celebrate with your peers.
- Join our Sponsorship in Action tour and experience sponsorship from a sponsor’s POV.
- Receive post-Summit cliff notes with three key takeaways from every session – so you can put your new knowledge into action right away!