On the Waterfront Music Festival

Sponsorship

On the Waterfront, Inc. has a proven track-record for creating successful sponsorships that provide our sponsors with an opportunity to interact with over 350,000 Festival patrons. Through product sampling and demonstrations, retail tie-ins, cross promotions, media partnerships, local and regional advertising, hospitality, festival amenities and on-site visibility, the On the Waterfront staff will work with you to create innovative and exciting sponsorships that will help you achieve your company's marketing objectives.

Sponsorship fees vary according to the visibility and promotion received through the sponsorship and range from $5,000 to over $90,000.

Examples of previous sponsor participation include:

  • Presenting Sponsorship of the On the Waterfront Festival
    On the Waterfront presented by Associated Bank
  • Stage Sponsorships, both title and presenting
    Miller Lite Great Lawn; ComEd Country Jam presented by Q98.5
  • Venue Sponsorships, both title and presenting
    All-Sport Alley presented by FOX39; AMCORE Waterfront Backstage presented by B103; Ameritech Arena; Rockford Health System Kid's Castle
  • Special Event Sponsorships
    Fireworks sponsored by Pyrotechnico; Skydivers sponsored by Ocean Spray; Rockford Health System Waterfront 5K
  • Promotion Sponsorships
    Passport to Food, Fun & Travel sponsored by Q98.5 and United Airlines; Associated Bank Family Fun Packs
  • Hospitality Sponsorships
    Corporate parties at the Miller Lite Great Lawn; VIP tents; Dinner cruises and party packages on the Rock River; VIP skyboxes; Corporate picnics
  • Official Product Sponsorships
    The Home Depot, Official Home Improvement Warehouse of On the Waterfront; ComEd, the Official Power Provider
  • Share the Festival Corporate Button Program
    Over 20,000 Festival admission buttons are purchased at a discount each year by local businesses for distribution to employees, clients and customers. Discounts increase as quantity purchased increases.
  • On the Waterfront, Inc. Event Sponsorships
    On the Waterfront, Inc. is a multi-event production company. Sponsorships for additional events are also available. Events include Groove Walk, a music walk through Rockford's downtown River District in May, and the OTW Director's Challenge, the On the Waterfront, Inc. Board-sponsored golf invitational in June.

Individual sponsor promotions and special events are designed and implemented to fit each company's needs. Sponsor benefits can include:

Media Promotion and Recognition

On the Waterfront enjoys a terrific relationship with the local media and receives over $100,000 in advertising and promotion from local television, radio and newspaper. On the Waterfront TV commercials run extensively throughout July and August, and all three network television affiliates join Waterfront during the weekend to broadcast live or do remotes for their newscasts. Most of the local radio stations broadcast live from On the Waterfront and heavily promote Waterfront throughout the summer. Many stage sponsorships and Waterfront promotions have radio co-sponsors who provide dedicated promotion and coverage to their respective sponsors. $20,000 in local and regional newspaper advertising provides terrific regional reach.

Pre-Festival Brochure Recognition

Over 120,000 Brochures are distributed through insertion in the Rockford Register Star the week Festival buttons go on sale and through distribution at over 150 retail button outlet locations.

Festival Guide Recognition

Over 110,000 Guides are distributed through insertion in the Rockford Register Star the Wednesday before the Festival and through distribution at Festival entrances during the Festival.

Promotional Booth Space

For product sampling and demonstration, lead generation and event marketing. Tents with wrap-around sides, tables, chairs and electrical needs are provided by On the Waterfront. The On the Waterfront staff will work with you to design promotions or other activities to maximize the use of the booth space during the Festival.

On-site Signage and Recognition

Signage opportunities exist with many sponsorships and rights vary with the assets sponsored.

Festival Admisson Buttons

The button is good for all three days of the Festival and provides a discount for tickets purchased for the Opening Night Concert.

Admiral's Club Membership

The Admiral's Club is On the Waterfront's exclusive hospitality venue for sponsors and their guests. Featuring both an air-conditioned interior and a comfortable, tented patio area outside with a scenic view of the Rock River, the Admiral's Club is a haven for sponsors and VIP's to relax, socialize and enjoy special entertainment. Catered buffets, two full-service bars, special events and private entertainment make the Admiral's Club a truly VIP experience.

Other Sponsor Amenities

  • Framed commemorative Waterfront Festival poster
  • VIP Parking Passes
  • Admiral's Club polo shirts

For further information about On the Waterfront, Inc.'s sponsorship opportunities,
contact Diane Donze, Sponsorship Director

  
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