I am planning on getting a race going up here in the greater Seattle Area (or a little south). My ideal situation would for it to be a City event similar to Lacey (since this was the last year). Or at least get a few sponsors so that I can make it enticing to come up here! This is something I have not done before so I was hoping for some advice from people who have. I created a PowerPoint presentation (and a PDF version) that gives a bit of an overview of electrathons. It basically just summarizes the handbook. Is there anything that would be nice to include? Any other generic feedback? It is a lot of information, so maybe things to cut out?
Also, eventually I would like to get more high schools involved, particularly in WA. Any advice as far as approaching a school/school board/school district?
Like to Google doc with PowerPoint: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1bjRQxB3z0nsiWt-CT9iwNbiPvvj3S3Vv7K5eEFLznA8/edit?usp=sharing
I've had to do a lot with sponsors to fund-raise for my school, when we do it a 30 second over view is best.
When I make letters I put basic designs, like a how you put a large scale RC car. I don't believe you need track requirements but I always have something like we (in Tampa) race in parking lots a lot. You could just summarize the classes, such as "we have Adult and high school classes each can run lead acid batteries, advanced batteries to test new technology or solar power." One thing that I really like and will probably start doing is showing the math on efficiency. Saying how 550 watts = 1hp and letting them compare the power of our cars to household electronic is awesome. Since you are trying to get sponsors say how it will help them and help you.
If you want I can send you the general letter we use to give to sponsors, its just a 2 page word document which has basic Electrathon overview and team info.
My experience has been that you need to tell the potential sponsor 'what is in it for them' right from the beginning.
Why should they give you money to run this race? Information about the race and electrathon in general is only useful in that context.
Some examples.
If you are approaching Cloud Electric, your approach is this is an opportunity to advertise to people who have need of Cloud Electric product.
If you are approaching a High School, this is an opportunity to expand and support their STEM educational curriculum.
If you are approaching a city commission. This is an opportunity to promote the city and burnish it's 'Green' credentials.
Then you target the rest of your presentation to give specific reasons how sponsoring the race will achieve this entitie's objectives.
Cloud: We can expect to have somewhere between X and Y teams at the race and each of them could become a customer....
High School: Students gain basic knowledge of electrical theory, mechanical aptitude,...
City: We expect X number of teams coming from all around. We will contact the media and promote the city.....
Some more random thoughts:
Power companies have money and experience with this type of sponsorship but a long lead time. They are also good for multi year support.
Solar companies and installers have money but do not often have any experience with local sponsorship. Offer them space for a tent to put their salesman.
EV car/motorcycle start ups never have money or experience but it is a good market for them.
Great, I appreciate the feed back. My plan was to target the individuals with and email directed at them, and that is where I would have the benefits to that individual/company/city/school. So the presentation was mostly just generic information.
I included the track requirements specifically for the city, or places to hold a race just so they know what would be needed and if it was feasible. But I would take it out for sponsors or schools.
I hope to update you all with information about a new race soon!
My experience has been that you need to tell the potential sponsor 'what is in it for them' right from the beginning.
Why should they give you money to run this race? Information about the race and electrathon in general is only useful in that context.
Some examples.
If you are approaching Cloud Electric, your approach is this is an opportunity to advertise to people who have need of Cloud Electric product.
If you are approaching a High School, this is an opportunity to expand and support their STEM educational curriculum.
If you are approaching a city commission. This is an opportunity to promote the city and burnish it's 'Green' credentials.
Then you target the rest of your presentation to give specific reasons how sponsoring the race will achieve this entitie's objectives.
Cloud: We can expect to have somewhere between X and Y teams at the race and each of them could become a customer....
High School: Students gain basic knowledge of electrical theory, mechanical aptitude,...
City: We expect X number of teams coming from all around. We will contact the media and promote the city.....
Some more random thoughts:
Power companies have money and experience with this type of sponsorship but a long lead time. They are also good for multi year support.
Solar companies and installers have money but do not often have any experience with local sponsorship. Offer them space for a tent to put their salesman.
EV car/motorcycle start ups never have money or experience but it is a good market for them.
Great summary, Pro Ev! This would be a good topic/thread/response for all teams/organizers starting out.
This is something I have not done before so I was hoping for some advice from people who have. I created a PowerPoint presentation (and a PDF version) that gives a bit of an overview of electrathons. It basically just summarizes the handbook. Is there anything that would be nice to include? Any other generic feedback? It is a lot of information, so maybe things to cut out?
, your approach is this is an opportunity to advertise to people who have need of Cloud Electric product.