Sumfest Sponsors Reacting to Economic Crunch

Reggae Sumfest is set to kick off on July 18 at Catherine Hall in Montego Bay. This is the 17th year of this festival, widely known as the Greatest Reggae Show on Earth. Over the years the organisors of the event have been able to keep its high standard with the help of several loyal corporations who have consistently sponsored the event. Some of the major sponsors have been Air Jamaica, the Jamaica Tourist Board, Digicel, the Wisynco Group, The Jamaica Observer, CVM TV, Irie FM, Fame FM and a host of others.

Even with the increasing economic decline which started becoming critical in 2009, the festival was able to hold its own with the help of sponsors. This year it was rumoured that the festival would not take place because of a reduction in sponsorship, however this was denied by Executive Director, Johnny Gourzong who confirmed that it would definitely be on. He admitted that there were challenges due to reduced sponsorship but that creative ways would be found to ensure that the festival would happen.

Marcia McDonnough, Sponsorship Manager of the event explained, "Our sponsors are definitely reacting to the economic crunch and so they must ensure that their expenditure will be a worthwhile investment. With less cash available it has been much harder to get the sponsorship commitments, and in some cases sponsorship has been reduced. It has therefore become even more important for us to work closely with the companies to creatively mould the partnerships so that it creates a win-win situation in the end, and it becomes critical to ensure that the benefits promised are delivered and that these benefits will give the return on investment that the companies expect.

Ms McDonnough also confirmed that Sumfest is still inviting companies to partner with the festival which brings thousands of music lovers together, giving sponsors the opportunity to have direct contact with a very wide audience. "Whether you are launching new products, offering staff or customer incentives, or simply wishing to educate, and create more awareness for your brand, there is an opportunity for you", she added.

There are several options available for investing in the event,and organisors are willing to sit with each partner and work out the package that will suit them best. For those persons who wish to attend the festival with a bit more style, there are skyboxes available which sit high above the rest of the audience, offering excellent views of the stage as well as all inclusive service. These can be bought by individuals or corporations. There are also opportunities for persons to purchase booth spaces for art and craft as well as food stalls.

This is your chance to get involved and more information can be obtained by visiting the website at www.reggaesumfest.com, emailing touchstonenet@gmail.com or calling the office at (876) 702-0536. Keep tuned to this blog for more information.