Rural Councils Victoria Annual RCV Rural Summit and Forums Sponsor and exhibitor opportunities: RCV Rural Summit 15-17 April 2015 Halls Gap Northern Grampians RCV Mayors, Councillors and CEO Forums Thursday 14 May 2015 and Wednesday 21 October 2015 Melbourne CBD RCV Annual Rural Summit and Forums 2015 Background Rural Councils Victoria (RCV) is the group of 38 rural councils in the State of Victoria, Australia. Rural councils are responsible for 79 per cent of Victoria’s land area. This land area is diverse and includes many of our state’s greatest natural assets and most of the biodiversity. Rural communities, industries and their natural environments make an important contribution to the quality of life for all Victorians. RCV’s core objective is to support and promote sustainable, liveable and prosperous rural communities. The Networked Rural Councils Program (NRCP) provides a mechanism for discussion, engagement and coordination of activities responding to the mutual challenges of the 38 rural councils. Vision Mission RCV is an alliance representing the 38 rural Victorian councils, supporting and promoting sustainable, liveable, prosperous rural communities. 1. Heighten awareness and understanding of issues that impact on rural communities. 2. Assist with building the capacity of rural councils to face challenges. 3. Provide leadership on local governance. RCV is now seeking sponsorship support for its three key events, the RCV Annual Rural Summit and two RCV Mayors, Councillors and CEO Forums. It is desirable that any sponsorship and/or partnership aligns with the core objectives of RCV as outlined in this document. RCV is also seeking broader exposure of its role throughout Victoria. The purpose of the Rural Summit is to equip rural councils, community leaders and residents of rural communities with the necessary information, skills and capacity to respond positively to the ever changing environments faced by rural councils in Victoria. The Summit program includes the development of strategies to address identified challenges, such as enhancing population expansion, providing new job opportunities and enabling local business and civic enterprises to flourish. The Summit attracts a wide range of elected representatives and council staff from across the state in a number of range of roles including; councillors, CEO’s, senior management, economic and community development staff, tourism and events staff, planners, disaster recovery, key decision makers and local business operators. Attendance numbers are expected to be 180+. The purpose of the RCV Mayors, Councillors and CEO Forums is to bring together the key decision makers from each Shire for a half day of presentations and workshops tailored to the audience. Previous Forums have been well attended by Ministers (as well as other elected State officials), CEO’s of government organisations and other invited guests relevant to the audience. Attendance numbers have typically been above 60 participants. These three events represent an outstanding opportunity to share information and/or promote commercial products and services required by the 38 rural councils. RCV Annual Rural Summit and Forums 2015 Sponsorship of these events will provide one-of-kind opportunities for sponsors and exhibitors to showcase their capabilities in product and service provision and the chance to engage with senior decision makers within the Victorian rural government sector. Sponsor and exhibitor opportunities The 2015 RCV Annual Rural Summit and Forums provide a unique opportunity to: Promote your products and services to the rural council sector, the group of 38 Victoria rural councils who are responsible for 79% of Victoria’s land area Raise and enhance your organisation’s profile among local government senior decisionmakers in one location, these are often hard to reach key influencers from across the 38 Victorian rural councils. Leverage the RCV brand which is a trusted and respected name within the local government sector. Network with both current and potential new clients. Victorian rural government - key services Rural government provides over one hundred different services to Victorian communities. The rural councils have a strong focus towards the key services as listed below, to better serve their communities; General public services Health services Social, cultural and community services Planning and building services Environmental services Transport, infrastructure and facilities services Emergency management services. Victorian rural government - key statistics 38 councils Responsible for 79% of Victoria’s land area 270+ elected councillors Thousands of council employees and contractors $28.2 billion worth of community infrastructure and assets. Manage a huge proportion of Victoria’s road, parks and waterways network Key food producing, extensive manufacturing and export industries RCV is unable to consider a sponsorship or partnership if: 1. The Proposal doesn’t demonstrate a clear benefit to RCV and its member Councils 2. The Partner organisation doesn’t align with the mission and vision of RCV 3. Individuals, political organisations or professional teams are seeking financial support 4. The Partner organisation or event co-sponsors are associated with tobacco, alcohol (local producers will be considered) or products deemed unhealthy 5. The Project is the operational responsibility of federal, state or local governments (e.g. road improvements, local park maintenance) 6. The Organisation already receives funding from RCV or the Municipal Association of Victoria 7. There is the potential to cause reputational risk to RCV or division amongst its member councils RCV Annual Rural Summit and Forums 2015 Sponsor and exhibitor opportunities at the RCV Annual Rural Summit The RCV Rural Summit is an annual event funded by Rural Councils Victoria which is hosted by a different rural council each year. The Rural Summit brings together a wide range of council staff and representatives to hear from local and international key-note speakers, discuss the key challenges facing rural councils, explore solutions, network with peer councils and prioritise the direction of RCV into the future. With an audience comprised primarily of Councillors, Mayors, CEOs, senior council management and core council staff (economic and community development officers, tourism and events staff, planners, etc.), over 180 delegates are expected to attend the Rural Summit in April 2015. The Summit also has a core focus on networking opportunities and includes a well-attended Welcome Event (held the Wednesday night before the conference starts) and the Summit Dinner at the conclusion of day one, as well as generous morning, lunch and afternoon breaks. This is a one-of-kind opportunity for sponsors to travel to a rural location to stay and interact directly with Summit delegates over two days. As well as the opportunity to speak and mingle with delegates during designated breaks, we are also offering sponsors the opportunity to attend all networking events. The Rural Summit will provide sponsors and exhibitors the opportunity to showcase their capabilities in product and service provision and engage with senior decision makers within the Victorian rural government sector. Sponsor and exhibitor provisions Several different sponsor and exhibitor opportunities are available, offering varying provisions and budget options (please note all prices exclude GST). Principal Sponsor (1) $12,000 + GST Dinner Sponsor (1) $7,000 + GST Acknowledgement as Principal Sponsor by the RCV Chairperson throughout the conference, including during the welcome and close Double exhibition booth (6m x 2m) Keynote address (10 minutes) as part of the official opening address* Prominent placement of signage throughout the conference venue Banner advertisement on the 2015 Summit page on the RCV website Logo inclusion on projection screens throughout the day Sponsorship and logo acknowledged pre and postconference across all RCV marketing and communication channels First right of refusal for sponsorship of the 2016 Summit Four conference exhibitor passes** Four dinner passes*** Four welcome event passes**** Exclusive dinner function sponsorship – only sponsor with a brand presence for the entire evening RCV Annual Rural Summit and Forums 2015 Welcome Event Sponsor (1) $5,000 + GST Morning Tea Sponsor (1) $3,000 + GST Acknowledgement as Welcome Event sponsor by chairperson during official welcome Speaking opportunity (up to 5 minutes) at welcome event* Opportunity to place a free-standing banner at the event Sponsorship and logo acknowledged pre- and postconference across all RCV marketing and communication channels Single exhibition booth (3m x 2m) First right of refusal for sponsorship of the 2016 Summit welcome event. Two conference exhibitor passes** Two dinner passes*** Four welcome event passes**** Acknowledgement as Morning Tea Sponsor by chairperson before delegates break for morning tea Speaking opportunity (2-3 minutes) before morning tea* Logo on screens during morning tea Opportunity to place a free-standing banner at the exhibition entrance during morning tea Opportunity to provide gifts that could be used for morning tea (eg; mugs) Single exhibition booth (3m x 2m) First right of refusal for sponsorship of the 2016 Summit morning tea. Two conference exhibitor passes** Two dinner passes*** Single exhibition booth (3m x 2m) Two conference exhibitor passes** Two dinner passes*** Exhibitor (2) $1,500 + GST Acknowledgement as Dinner Sponsor by chairperson or MC during welcome at the dinner event Prominent placement of signage throughout the dinner venue Speaking opportunity (up to 10 minutes) during the dinner function* Single exhibition booth at the conference (3m x 2m) Sponsorship and logo acknowledged pre- and postconference across all RCV marketing and communication channels First right of refusal for dinner sponsorship of the 2016 Summit Three conference exhibitor passes** Three dinner passes*** Three welcome event passes**** * Length and content of sponsor speaking opportunity subject to RCV approval. RCV Annual Rural Summit and Forums 2015 ** Conference exhibitor pass includes morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and conference entry. *** Conference dinner pass includes a seat at the dinner. **** Welcome event pass includes entry to the pre-summit Wednesday night welcome event Sponsor and exhibitor opportunities at the RCV Forums The RCV Mayors, Councillors and CEO Forums are held twice yearly (May and October) and provide RCV members with updates on local government issues, projects being undertaken by RCV as well as the opportunity to hear from Ministers and other invited guests. With an audience comprised of rural Mayors, Councillors CEOs as well as Ministers and other high profile speakers, you will have access to over 60 delegates. Each Forum includes a half hour registration and afternoon tea, while the October event also includes a one hour networking event on conclusion of the Forum. The RCV Forums represents an outstanding opportunity to promote commercial products and services required by the 38 rural councils. The Forums provide one-of-kind opportunities for sponsors and exhibitors to showcase their capabilities in product and service provision and engage with senior decision makers within the Victorian rural government sector. Sponsor and exhibitor provisions Several different sponsor and exhibitor opportunities are available, offering varying provisions and budget options (please note all prices exclude GST). Principal Sponsor (1 per event) $2,000 + GST (for one Forum) or $3,000 + GST (for both Forums) Acknowledgement as Principal Sponsor by chairperson at both the welcome and close of the Forum Exhibition space at venue Prominent placement of signage at the venue Keynote address (10 minutes) during Forum* Logo inclusion on projection screens throughout the day Sponsorship and logo acknowledged pre and post-Forum across all RCV marketing and communication channels Two Forum passes** *Length and content of sponsor speaking opportunity subject to RCV approval. **Forum pass includes afternoon tea, Forum entry and the post networking event (October only). RCV Annual Rural Summit and Forums 2015 Standard exhibitor shell scheme package (to be confirmed depending on venue) RCV will allocate floor space according to sponsorship value, your preferences and date of application. Booth Size Walls Fascia Sign Lighting Power Furniture 3.0m x 2.1m 2.4m high velcro compatible panels 30cm high velcro compatible fascia board, across aisle frontages One corflute sign (1800mm long x 200mm high) per booth. Computer cut vinyl lettering (max. 26 characters) Two 150-watt spotlights per 9sqm mounted on light track inside fascia 1x 4amp power point per booth. Trestle table + table cloth, two chairs Note: all of the above are subject to change dependent on facilities available at each venue Applying to sponsor or exhibit To apply for a sponsorship package, please complete the Sponsor Application Form on the last page of this document, and return to Nicole Wakelin, RCV Program Coordinator, by email at: nwakelin@mav.asn.au or phone 03 9667 5538. Following acceptance of application, sponsors will be sent additional exhibition information. RCV Annual Rural Summit and Forums 2015 SPONSOR / EXHIBITOR APPLICATION FORM Complete the Sponsorship Application Form and return to RCV Confirmation of your booking will be acknowledged by email RCV will raise an invoice for your prompt payment Payment must be received before the event date PLEASE PRINT Company Name ABN Address Suburb State Postcode Contact Name Position Telephone Mobile Email Sponsor / Exhibitor level applying for: Sponsorship level (tick one only) Principal Sponsor (Summit) Amount (ex GST) $12,000 Total Amt (incl GST) $13,200 Dinner Sponsor (Summit) $7,000 $7,700 Welcome Event Sponsor (Summit) $5,000 $5,500 Morning Tea Sponsor (Summit) $3,000 $3,300 Exhibitor (Summit) $1,500 $1,650 Principal Sponsor (Forum x1) $2,000 $2,200 Principal Sponsor (Forum x2) $3,000 $3,300 We accept the sponsor package as outlined in the 2015 proposal provided and agree to the terms and conditions outlined on this application form. We agree to pay the sponsorship fee indicated (incl. GST) in accordance with the details provided. Authorised Signature / Print Name / Date Return to: Nicole Wakelin, Program Coordinator, Rural Councils Victoria Ph: 03 9667 5538, Email: nwakelin@mav.asn.au 1. Definitions a. ‘The Event’ is either; the RCV Annual Rural Summit or the RCV Mayors, Councillors and CEO Forum. b. ‘Application’ means an application to be a sponsor or exhibitor. c. ‘Sponsor’ means any person, firm, body corporate, unincorporated association or authority allocated space by the organiser of the event and includes all employees, agents and representatives of such person, firm, body corporate, unincorporated association or authority. d. ‘Organiser’ means Rural Councils Victoria, its employees, agents and contractors. e. ‘Venue’ means the event venue as specified. 2. Application for Participation and Acceptance a. A binding contract comes into existence in accordance with the Application and Terms and Conditions upon the Organiser’s acceptance of the Application. b. The Organiser has the right to reject or accept any Application. 3.Sponsor Obligations a. The Sponsor will provide all necessary information and material required for the Organiser to carry out its obligations to the Sponsor, by the dates stipulated by the Organiser. b. The Sponsor will make good and compensate Venue for damage caused by any act or omission of the Sponsor or other persons arising from or in connection with the use of the exhibition venue by the Sponsor. c. The Sponsor must have the display space ready with all exhibits completed and available for display by the time specified by the Organiser before the opening of the Exhibition. d. Sponsors are responsible for any damage or loss of own goods and equipment left in the Hotel or function area prior to or after the function and must secure all goods and equipment during the Event. e. All Sponsor deliveries to the Venue must be prior advised to the Venue and must be marked with the name and date of the Event and Sponsor. 4. Exhibition Space: Standard Fittings, Design and Signs a. The Organiser agrees to provide the Exhibition booth and fittings, as detailed in this application, whereby applicable to the sponsorship level selected. b. The Organiser will ensure that booth positions will be allocated according to sponsorship value and on a first served basis should value be equivalent. 5.Assignment The Sponsor may not assign its rights under the agreement without the Organiser’s prior written consent. 6 Terms of Payment The agreement will be terminated if the Sponsor does not pay the required fee prior to the event. In the event of termination by the Organisers, the Sponsor will not be entitled to any form of compensation. 7. Withdrawals The Sponsor will not withdraw, cancel, alter or reduce in any way their Application. In the event the Sponsor withdraws after receipt of signed application and confirmation of acceptance, the following terms shall apply: Withdrawal, cancellation or reduction of agreement 60 days before event 50% of sponsorship value will be charged. Withdrawal, cancellation or reduction of agreement 30 days before event 75% of sponsorship value will be charged. Withdrawal, cancellation or reduction of agreement <30 days before event 100% of sponsorship will be charged. 8. Insurance and Indemnity a. The Sponsor shall take out and maintain a policy of public liability insurance for an amount of not less than $5,000,000 during the Event. b. The Sponsor will indemnify the Organisers against any cost, claim, liability and expense to which the organisers are in any way subject arising from or in connection with any act or omission of the Sponsor. 9. Compliance The Sponsor will comply with all applicable laws and regulations and all reasonable directions from the Organiser and the owner of the exhibition venue. MUNICIPAL ASSOCIATION of VICTORIA ABN 24 326 561 315 GPO Box 4326, Melbourne VIC 3001. Level 12, 60 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000. Ph: 03 9667 5555 Fax: 03 9667 5550 Web: www.mav.asn.au