DOWNTOWN
ITHACA
Sponsorship
Opportunities
2014
ITHACA
Downtown Ithaca is the economic, social, and cultural heart of Tompkins County. The
Downtown Ithaca Alliance strives to preserve and develop the central downtown core
as the region’s center for banking and finance, business and professional offices, government and community services, downtown residences, and as a retail destination
highlighted by specialty shops, restaurants, arts and entertainment. Downtown serves
people who live and work downtown, city and county residents, college communities,
area visitors and tourists.
The Downtown Ithaca Alliance hosts the most diverse and attended events in Tompkins
County. From annual favorites including the Chili Cook-off, Apple Harvest Festival, and
Winter Festival, to our weekly Summer Concert series and our art events, there is an
event for every demographic, with year-round entertainment for locals and tourists
alike. Special events accounted for over 130,000 visits to Downtown Ithaca in 2013.
When you invest in one or more Downtown Ithaca events, you are investing in the
DIA’s mission and gaining valuable community recognition. Being a Downtown Ithaca
Events Sponsor lets attendees and area residents know that you and your business are
committed to supporting your community by enabling fun, diverse, and family friendly
events. We encourage you to consider sponsoring a Downtown Ithaca event in the
2014/2015 menu of options.
Sponsorships can be customized for your individual needs and additional demographic information is available. Discounts can be negotiated if you are interested in multiple event or multi-year sponsorships.
We look forward to working with you to create the best opportunity
for your business and to creating the best events in the area.
For more information or to discuss these opportunities,
please contact Vicki Taylor Brous, Associate Director at
607-277-8679 or vickit@downtownithaca.com.
WELCOME
DOWNTOWN
Shop, Dine, Play;
Live, Work, Stay!
Highlights
Ithaca has been named one of America’s Foodiest
Towns, Best College Town, Smartest City, Best Place to
Retire, and one of America’s Most Livable Cities.
An estimated
2.4 million
annual visits
to Downtown
Over 350,000 people
visit downtown
annually from out
of the area
3,000
Downtown
Employees
Downtown Ithaca is the third greatest motivator
for visitors to the area – only after gorges and the
universities. Dining is the 4th.
678 housing units
(and more on the way)
with over 1,000
Downtown residents
Over 130,000
visitors to
events in
Downtown
50,000 Downtown
Seasonal Guides
distributed at area
attractions
180,000 visitors to DowntownIthaca.com
8,000 Facebook Likes
4,000 Followers on Twitter
5,000 Email subscribers
HIGHLIGHTS
Downtown Ithaca
Schedule
EVENT DATE
First Friday Gallery Night (First Friday of the Month
unless otherwise noted)
Spring Fashion Night April 25
Downtown Living Tour & Open House
April 26
Ithaca Festival Spring Craft Show
May 29 – June 1
Summer Restaurant Week
May 31 - June 8
Downtown Summer Concert Series
June 19 – Sept. 4
Art in the Heart of the City
July to November
Downtown Employee Appreciation Days July 28 – August 1
Summer Sale/Winter Sale
August 1-3/Jan. 30–Feb. 1
Welcome Back Students Party
September 5
Apple Harvest Festival
October 3-5
Ithaca Oktoberfest
October 25
Halloween in Downtown
October 30
Small Business Saturday
& Light up the Holidays
November 29
Buy Local Week
November 29 – Dec. 7
Santa’s Arrival to Downtown & Holidays Around the World December 6 & 7
Winter Restaurant Week December 6 – 14
Ice Wars Ice Carving Competition
December 11 -14
Chowder Cook-off
& Wine and Cheese Expo
December 13
Downtown Ithaca Annual Dinner
January 27, 2015
Downtown Chili Cook-off February 7, 2015
Ithaca Commons Grand Opening
Weekly E-News Sponsorship
SCHEDULE
Event & Exhibit
Opportunities
This section describes the Downtown Ithaca Event sponsorship opportunities taking place in Downtown
Ithaca from April 2014 to March 2015. Some Downtown events, such as Apple Harvest Festival – going into
its 32nd year – are well established. Other events, such as Chowder Cook-off – going into its 5th year – are
more recent additions to the Downtown events calendar.
Presenting, Major, and Event Sponsorships will receive the benefits listed below. Certain events have additional benefits that are affiliated with these three sponsor levels; those additional benefits are listed under
each event. Of course, if you don’t see the opportunity that you are looking for, please let us know. We can
tailor a sponsorship to meet your business needs.
PRESENTING SPONSORSHIP
• Top billing on the event’s radio, print and social media advertising
• Featured advertising space – with company logo included – on the DIA website homepage
for two weeks prior to the event
• Name and logo recognition on event banners as title sponsor
• Banner placement at event
• Prominent Recognition on Event Map or Program as presenting sponsor
• Company driven promotions and giveaways during event
• A 10x10 booth space (tent can be provided by DIA) as close to the event epicenter as possible
• Depending on the event, company employees will have the opportunity to present awards
or talk about your company’s history and mission at the microphone
• Event tickets provided for your company (where applicable)
• Downtown Ithaca Quarterly Guide Advertisement – ½ page
MAJOR SPONSORSHIP
• Logo in print advertising and mentioned in radio and social media advertising
• Advertising space – with company logo included – on the Event’s individual webpage
on the DIA website
• Logo recognition on event banners
• Banner placement at event
• Recognition on Event Map or Program
• A 10x10 booth space (tent can be provided by DIA) for the duration of the event
• Event tickets for your company (where applicable)
• Downtown Ithaca Quarterly Guide Advertisement – ¼ page
EVENT SPONSORSHIP
• Name recognition in print, radio, and social media advertising as an Event Sponsor
• Advertising space – with company logo included – on the Event’s individual
webpage on the DIA website
• Name recognition on event banners
• Recognition on Event Map or Program
• Event tickets for your company (where applicable)
OPPORTUNITIES
Event Sponsorship
First Friday Gallery Night is a monthly community celebration that takes place
in and around downtown Ithaca. Over twenty local galleries and art houses
host special receptions, performances, screenings and other events showcasing the work of local, national, and international artists. Gallery Night is free
and open to the public and takes place on the first Friday of every month from
5:00-8:00pm. Gallery guides with maps of participating locations and show
descriptions are available at all participating venues monthly. The Gallery Night
website at gallerynightithaca.com and social media promotions direct patrons
to new shows and special events. Sponsorship opportunities are for 12 Gallery
Nights, April-March or as arranged.
Dates: Apr 4, May 2, June 6, July 11, Aug 1, Sep 5, Oct 3, Nov 7,
Dec 5, Jan 2, Feb 6, Mar 6
Time: 5 – 8pm each date
Location: Throughout Downtown Ithaca
Attendance: 450 to 750 patrons each evening
Presenting Sponsor: $4,000– 1 available
Major Sponsor: $1,500 – 2 available
Event Sponsor: $500 – 4 available
Per-event sponsorship is available.
Please contact the DIA for more information.
FIRST FRIDAY
EVENTS
First Friday Gallery Night
Spring Fashion Night showcases the inventories of the numerous women and
men’s clothing stores in downtown Ithaca. At least ten retailers participate in this
event. Promotions and giveaways are offered during the event, as are appetizers,
cocktails, and more. Spring Fashion Night highlights downtown merchants’ new
fashion lines as Upstate New York moves into the spring and summer. A program
guide and event signage will lead the way to Center Ithaca where the event will
take place. Show commentary will provide an opportunity for your company
message to be announced.
Date: April 25, 2014
Time: 6 to 7pm
Location: Center Ithaca
Attendance: approx. 250
Presenting Sponsor: $1000 – 1 available
Major Sponsor: $500 – 2 available
Event Sponsor: $150 – 2 available
EVENTS
Spring Fashion Night
The Downtown Living Tour is a self-guided tour of apartments and attractions in the downtown area. The Tour offers a new opportunity to get a sneak
peek into a range of apartments in the downtown area. Attendees are able to
tour up to ten apartments during this open house of urban living. Attendees
receive goodie bags including a map, coupons, a lanyard pass, and discounts to
downtown attractions. Attendees are entered to win prizes such as Downtown
Ithaca Gift Cards.
Date: April 26, 2014
Time: 1 to 4pm
Location: Downtown Ithaca Apartments and Retail Establishments
Attendance: 350
Presenting Sponsor: $1,000 – 1 available
Major Sponsor: $500 – 2 available
Event Sponsor: $150 – 2 available
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EVENTS
Downtown Living Tour & Open House
The bi-annual Restaurant Week enables residents and tourists to enjoy great
food at moderate prices. Individual chefs choose specials that showcase the
restaurant’s best dishes. Previous specials have included: 3-course fixed price
menus, a free appetizer, dessert, or wine with the purchase of an entrée,
$10-lunch special, and $20-dinner specials. Many restaurants put on special
events to highlight bar and restaurant items. Wineries often host free wine
tastings with appetizers. Twenty to thirty restaurants have participated in
each Restaurant Week in Tompkins County to date. In 2014 we are expanding
offerings including packaged tours and special events. A mobile app and extensive collateral materials will be designed to promote the event. The website
at restaurantweekithaca.com received over 140,000 views for the year.
Date: May 31 - June 8 & December 6 - 14
Time: Anytime restaurants and wineries are open!
Location: Participating Restaurants in Tompkins County
Attendance: 20-30 Restaurant Locations, Approx. 2,000 per event
For each event the following sponsorships are available:
Presenting Sponsor: $5,000 – 1 available
Major Sponsor: $2,000 – 2 available
Event Sponsor: $1,000 – 3 available
EVENTS
Summer & Winter Restaurant Weeks
The Downtown Ithaca Summer Concert Series is a free outdoor concert series
held every Thursday evening from June 19 to September 4. Local and national
acts perform music in genres including jazz, blues, reggae, folk, country,
zydeco, bluegrass, rock, and more. The Summer Concert Series has become a
weekly summer tradition in the local community and tourists enjoy stumbling
upon a vibrant downtown on a weekday evening. Sponsorship of the Summer
Concert Series enables you to have consistent exposure throughout the summer and can include VIP seating and a booth to feature your products. In 2013,
there were 15 Summer Concerts.
Date: June 19 – Sept. 4
Time: 6pm – 8pm, every Thursday
Location: The State Theatre Marquee – 100 block of W. State St.
Attendance: Average 1,000 attendees per show
Presenting Sponsor: $9,500 – 1 available
Major Sponsor: $2,500 – 2 available
Event Sponsor: $1,000 – 12 available
EVENTS
Downtown Ithaca Summer Concert Series
Now in its 15th year, Art in the Heart of the City brings the creativity of local
and national artists to Downtown Ithaca through this annual exhibit of outdoor
art. From July to October, fifteen pieces – crafted by seven artists – will enliven and enrich the Downtown Ithaca environment. The art is to be touched,
inspected, and interacted with by the public. We invite residents and visitors
alike to experience the cultural vitality and creativity of Downtown Ithaca in
new ways. There is a program including a map that can be picked up at any art
piece and a mobile app and website for visitors to learn more about the artists
and our sponsors.
Date: July to October
Time: Artwork is in a public space and can be viewed at any time
Location: Downtown Ithaca
Attendance: Continuous traffic from June to November estimated
at 100,000+ patrons
Presenting Sponsor: $5,000
Major Sponsor: $2,000
Event Sponsor: $500
EVENTS
Art in the Heart of the City
A one week extended lunchtime celebration of all the fine folks that work in
Downtown Ithaca! Downtown employees enjoy a range of free events and
giveaways including: live music, ice cream sundaes, Downtown Employee Discount Cards, the infamous Gnome Hunt, Dewitt Park lawn games, and the extremely popular Office Worker Olympics. Challenge Holt Architects for the title
in 2014! Sponsorship lets Downtown employees know that you are an active
member of the Ithaca community and can raise awareness of your company.
Date: July 28 – August 1
Time: 11:30am – 1:00pm, Monday to Friday
Location: The Ithaca Commons
Attendance: 1,000 Downtown Employees
Presenting Sponsor: $1,500
Event Sponsor: $500
Office Olympics Sponsor: $500
EVENTS
Downtown Employee Appreciation Days
Enjoy strolling on the Ithaca Commons during the Upstate New York Summer!
Great deals on summer merchandise from over 50 Downtown Ithaca retail
locations are available. This sponsorship opportunity will entitle you to sponsorship recognition for the Summer and Winter Sales. With extensive regional
advertising, the sales are designed to draw new traffic to the downtown and
our businesses and sponsors.
Date: August 1-3 & Jan. 30–Feb. 1
Time: Whenever retail locations are open!
Location: The Ithaca
Presenting Sponsor: $2,000 – 1 available
Major Sponsor: $1,000 – 2 available
Event Sponsor: $500 – 3 available
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EVENTS
Summer & Winter Sales
All Cornell University and Ithaca College students, whether you’re a Masters
student or a college freshman, are invited to Downtown Ithaca to enjoy discounts at Downtown Ithaca eateries, free wine and beer tastings, live music,
and more. The Welcome Back Students Party is an excellent time to let students know about your active presence in Ithaca and the services that your
business can offer students. As a part of this sponsorship opportunity, we
encourage businesses to have representatives present so they can get
acquainted with students.
Date: September 5
Time: 5 to 9pm
Location: TBD
Attendance: 2500
Presenting Sponsor: $1,500 – 1 available
Major Sponsor: $1,000 – 2 available
Event Sponsor: $500 – 2 available
EVENTS
Welcome Back Students Party
Ithaca’s premier event of the Fall, Apple Harvest Festival is a weekend celebration of food, fun, and apples! Residents and tourists enjoy the products of
farmers, wineries, bakeries, crafters, and food vendors. Festival activities include: live music, an apple pie eating competition, dancing, eating, amusement
rides, a craft fair, and street performers. The three-day Festival attracts an
audience of approximately 30,000 people to Downtown Ithaca. Apple Harvest
Festival’s high traffic volume provides sponsors with the opportunity for tremendous exposure.
Date: October 3-5
Time: 10am – 6pm Friday – Sunday
Location: The Ithaca Commons and surrounding streets
Attendance: approx. 30,000 people over the 3-day period
Presenting Sponsor: $6,000 – 1 available
Major Sponsor: $2,500 – 2 available
Event Sponsor: $1,000 – 4 available
EVENTS
31st Annual Apple Harvest Festival
Now in its third year, Oktoberfest celebrates the Fall with beer, wine, and food
tastings, Sample Finger Lakes wines and beers as well as tasty morsels from
local restaurants and food vendors. An event program, posters, and website
advertise the event.
Date: October 25
Time: 12noon to 5pm
Location: The Ithaca Commons and surrounding streets
Attendance: 750-1000
Presenting Sponsor: $2,500 – 1 available
Major Sponsor: $1,500 – 2 available
Event Sponsor: $750 – 3 available
EVENTS
Ithaca Oktoberfest
Join in the Halloween Parade! The parade meets at the Greater Ithaca Activities
Center at 3:45pm and parades to the Ithaca Commons while trick or treating
at local businesses. There will be free music, hot cider, and chili inside Center
Ithaca. The Downtown Ithaca Alliance also offers free time in the bounce house
and free face painting for trick or treaters. Sponsorship of Halloween in Downtown lets Ithacans know that your company is a family company.
Date: October 30
Time: 3:45 – 6:00pm
Location: Center Ithaca, the Ithaca Commons, & surrounding streets
Attendance: approx. 500 children and parents
Presenting Sponsor: $1,000 – 1 available
Major Sponsor: $500 – 2 available
Event Sponsor: $250 – 2 available
EVENTS
Halloween in Downtown
Small Business Saturday, Buy Local Week, Santa & Light Up The Holidays
Small Business Saturday celebrates small businesses and all they do for their
communities. Start your holiday shopping at local Ithaca businesses and support friends and neighbors. Join us for giveaways, free gift-wrapping, and
more. Santa and his elves will land in Downtown Ithaca at Noon on Saturday,
December 6. This is followed by photos with Santa, games, music, and dance in
Center Ithaca. A professional lighting display will show off Downtown Ithaca’s
beauty in the winter night. Street performers, such as fire jugglers, will perform. This is a great sponsorship package if you’re looking for multiple event
recognition. Individual event sponsorships can be arranged.
Date: Nov. 29 to December 7
Time: Any time businesses are open or events are taking place!
Location: Downtown Ithaca
Attendance: 5,000
Presenting Sponsor: $4,000 – 1 available
Major Sponsor: $2,000 – 2 available
Event Sponsor: $1,000 – 4 available
EVENTS
Winter Festival - Part 1
Ice Wars Ice Carving Competition, Chowder Cook-off, Wine & Cheese Expo
Ithaca’s Ice Wars Ice Carving Competition is a National Ice Carving Association sanctioned event taking place from December 12 – 13. Sixteen acclaimed
ice carvers will compete in three competitions over two days to win the grand
prize! From Noon to 5:00pm on December 13, over twenty restaurants will
compete for the coveted Chowder Cup. Vegetarian, seafood, and meat chowders are available for hungry patrons. Sponsorship opportunities for these
events include: your company’s logo carved into the Ithaca Commons Ice Bar,
sponsoring a professional ice carver, your logo on cook-off ticket booths, and
more! Individual event sponsorships can be arranged.
Date: December 11 – 14
Location: The Ithaca Commons and surrounding streets
Attendance: 7,500
Presenting Sponsor: $6,000 – 1 available
Major Sponsor: $3,000 – 2 available
Event Sponsor: $1,500 – 4 available
Exclusive Event Sponsorship Opportunity: Sponsor an Ice Carver!
$1,000 – Contact DIA for the details of this sponsorship offer.
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EVENTS
Winter Festival - Part 2
The Downtown Ithaca Annual Dinner attracts business clientele from Tompkins County. Government officials, property developers, business owners, and
other individuals enjoy a night of cocktails, a buffet of food from several Ithaca
restaurants, an awards ceremony, and a keynote speech by a guest speaker.
Sponsor recognition may include the program, slide recognition, stage mentions, product features and placement.
Date: January 27, 2015
Time: 5:30pm – 8pm
Location: To Be Determined
Attendance: approx. 200
Major Sponsor: $1,000 – 2 available
Event Sponsor: $500 – 4 available
EVENTS
Downtown Ithaca Annual Dinner
The 17th Annual Great Downtown Ithaca Chili Cook-off is widely regarded as
one of the Southern Tier’s most anticipated culinary events. Chili Cook-off
features an outstanding variety of chilies from over 30 participating restaurants.
In addition to chili, Chili Cook-off features a Chili Idol singing competition, wine
and beer tastings, and a host of rides and attractions. Chili Cook-off is advertised extensively regionally. Your sponsorship can include chili and judging
position on official judging panel plus VIP passes.
Date: February 7, 2015
Time: 11:30am – 4:00pm
Location: The Ithaca Commons and surrounding streets
Attendance: approx. 15,000
Presenting Sponsor: $5,000 – 1 available
Major Sponsor: $2,500 – 2 available
Event Sponsor: $1,000 – 3 available
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EVENTS
17th Annual Great Downtown
Ithaca Chili Cook-off
As one of the most well-known outdoor pedestrian malls in the United States,
the Grand Opening of the Ithaca Commons is a historic event. We don’t have all
the details on what will be involved in this event, but we guarantee that there
will be live music, food vendors, wine and beer tastings, amusement rides,
street performers, and more. We additionally guarantee that the Downtown
Ithaca Alliance and the City of Ithaca will promote this event in local, regional,
and national media outlets. Don’t miss the chance to have your name associated with this historic moment.
Date: To Be Determined
Time: 3-Day Festival Event
Location: The Ithaca Commons
Attendance: Estimated 5,000
Presenting Sponsor: $7,500 – 1 available
Major Sponsor: $2,500 – 2 available
Event Sponsor: $1,000 – 3 available
EVENTS
Ithaca Commons Grand Opening
Sponsor the Downtown E-News, a weekly email to over 5,000 people about
Downtown things to do, events, business updates, ribbon cutting information,
and more! Sponsorships are available monthly for the weekly E-news for 4 to
5 newsletters.
Major Sponsor (first ad in the right sidebar):
$100/month or $1000/year – 1 available
Event Sponsor (the 2 ads following Major Sponsor):
$75/month or $750/year – 2 available
E-NEWS
Downtown E-News