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Partnerships and Sponsorships
• Partner to fundraise for a not-for-profit organization at your food event; you can charge slightly
more and it positions you to enhance your ticket sales. Incorporate a cause into the story and
promotion of the event. Use wording like “proceeds to go to…for…” and “proceeds to help
support...”
• Include a silent auction to increase the event’s revenues and give guests something to look at
while wandering and tasting; local artisans and accommodations/restaurants are good partners.
• Use tracked numbers from prior events to build a case for why sponsors should invest in making
your event even more successful and, most importantly, what is in it for them (positive public
relations, media coverage, and exposure to your event’s guests).
Conclusion
With creativity and energy great food events are possible. There is growing enthusiasm for all
things local. You now have a good idea of the resources required to source local food and the
variety of formats available for your event. There are many excellent guides and resources on
planning events. Use them, as well as this document for insight into what it takes to organize an
excellent local food event. Remember, it is your responsibility to research and comply with all
federal, provincial and municipal regulations related to food and its handling.
Additional Resource
Planning
• Explore Local Website – http://www.explorelocal.ca
• Event Planning: Marketing Local Food – http://eatlocalfood.com/index.php?q=articles-and-
press
• Local Foods Dinner Planning Checklist – www.landstewardshipproject.org/lfdpg/checklist.html
• Plan Your Earth Dinner Tool Box – http://earthdinner.org/resources/index.html
• Party Planners Guide to Serving Local Food at your next Event – www.wisconsinlocalfood.com
• Regional Food Cluster Review – 13 profiles of actual local food events and trails. – http://www.
farmcentre.com/Resources/Detail.aspx?id=6a3cdd23-a828-40bd-9933-a1b18bb7c198
• Setting the Stage - A Community-Based Festival and Event Planning Manual – http://www.tpr.
alberta.ca/tourism/festival_event_manual.aspx