By Nova Noir | Chicago’s Premier Event Experience
Being an event planner in Chicago is more than coordinating parties — it’s about turning creativity into consistent income. Whether you’re hosting intimate soirées or large-scale galas, there’s one secret the most successful planners know: you don’t just make money from tickets — you make it from partnerships and spaces.
Let’s talk about how you can boost your profits using sponsors and venues — two of the most powerful (and often overlooked) revenue streams in the game.
🎯 1. Think Beyond the Event — Think Brand Exposure
Sponsors aren’t just cutting checks; they’re investing in visibility. And Chicago is full of brands — from local clothing lines (Kendall Miles) to beverage companies (Funky Town Brewing) — that want their name in front of stylish, social crowds.
Here’s how to attract them:
-
Know your audience: Create a short event deck that highlights who attends your events (age, vibe, lifestyle). Sponsors want to know who they’re paying to reach.
-
Offer spotlight moments: Give sponsors logo placement on step-and-repeats, shoutouts on social media, or branded cocktails at the bar.
-
Make it visual: A few professional photos or videos from your past events can seal the deal faster than a long pitch.
💡 Example: Imagine you’re throwing a rooftop mixer in downtown Chicago. Partner with a local champagne brand — they supply bottles, you name the lounge after them for the night. You save on inventory, they gain exposure. Everyone wins.
🏙️ 2. Partner Smartly with Venues
Venues are not just spaces — they’re your biggest leverage point. In Chicago, especially, venues compete for bookings. You can use that to your advantage.
Here’s how:
-
Build long-term relationships. If you consistently bring in crowds, many venues will offer discounted rates or revenue shares from the bar.
-
Negotiate win-wins. Offer to promote the venue heavily on social media in exchange for free or reduced rental fees.
-
Use off-peak times. Hosting events on weekdays or early evenings can earn you better deals — venues want to stay booked year-round.
💡 Example: If Nova Noir hosts a “Midweek Mixer” at a trendy Chicago lounge that’s slow on Wednesdays, that venue may give free space — even bar percentages — because you’re helping them bring traffic.
🤝 3. Turn Sponsors + Venues into a Power Combo
Here’s where the real magic happens: when your venue partners and sponsors complement each other.
Think of it like this:
-
The venue provides the vibe.
-
The sponsor adds the money, product, or luxury touch.
-
You, the planner, curate the experience that ties it all together.
For example, Nova Noir could host a “Luxury Lounge Night” in the West Loop, featuring a local jewelry brand as a sponsor. The brand decorates a corner display and sponsors VIP goodie bags. The venue gets exposure and bar traffic, the sponsor gets a glam audience, and you — the planner — get paid on both ends.
💵 4. Monetize Every Angle
If you’re strategic, every part of your event becomes an income stream:
-
Vendor Tables: Let businesses rent tables or booths to showcase products.
-
Content Packages: Offer sponsors photography/video coverage and post-event shoutouts for a premium.
-
VIP Access: Use exclusive lounge access, premium seating, or photo booth passes to boost ticket value.
💡 Pro Tip: Always include sponsor tiers (Gold, Silver, Bronze). Give each level different perks — like logo placement, speaking time, or exclusive brand zones — so even smaller businesses can participate.
🖤 5. Keep It Chic, Keep It Nova Noir
At Nova Noir, every event is more than a party — it’s a brand moment. Whether it’s a rooftop affair overlooking the Chicago skyline or a sleek networking night in River North, the goal is the same: create experiences that attract both crowds and collaborations.
The key is positioning your event as the place to be seen — once people recognize your brand’s aesthetic and influence, sponsors and venues will start coming to you.
✨ Final Thoughts
Chicago’s event scene is competitive — but it’s also full of opportunity. If you can build relationships with brands and venues while creating unforgettable atmospheres, you’ll do more than host events — you’ll build a business that thrives.
So the next time you plan your event, don’t just think about the party. Think about the partnerships.
