Certified Event Sponsorship Professional (CESP)

The Certified Event Sponsorship Professional (CESP) program is a prestigious certification meticulously designed to equip individuals with advanced knowledge and expertise in the specialized domain of event sponsorship and partnership management. Event sponsorship plays a crucial role in the success of events by providing financial support and strategic partnerships. The CESP program offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers sponsorship fundamentals, strategy development, negotiation and activation, ethical standards, and the latest industry trends, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to excel in roles that demand precision and proficiency in securing and managing event sponsorships.

Certification Program Objectives:

Upon completing the Certified Event Sponsorship Professional (CESP) program, participants will be able to:

  • Master Sponsorship Fundamentals: Develop a deep understanding of the foundational principles of event sponsorship, including the benefits for sponsors and event organizers.
  • Craft Effective Sponsorship Strategies: Proficiently design sponsorship strategies that align with event goals and objectives, ensuring the successful acquisition of sponsors.
  • Negotiate and Secure Sponsorships: Gain negotiation skills and techniques to secure sponsorship agreements that benefit both sponsors and event organizers.
  • Implement Sponsorship Activation: Plan and execute sponsorship activation strategies to maximize sponsor exposure and engagement during events.
  • Uphold Ethical Standards: Demonstrate ethical conduct and professional integrity in all aspects of event sponsorship and partnership management.

Certification Eligibility Criteria:

To apply for certification from The American Institute of Business and Management (AIBM) and its allied institutions, candidates must meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution

And/or

  • 2 to 5 years of relevant work experience in the related professional field.

Note: Applicants who do not hold a Bachelor’s degree but possess exceptional professional experience and hold significant positions within their organizations in a relevant field may also be considered for certification on a case-by-case basis, subject to the approval of the AIBM evaluation committee.

Certifying Examination:

  • To be certified as CESP, student should take up a 1.5 hours online exam conducted by AIBM.
  • The qualifying exam would consist of 50 multiple choice questions, testing core certification modules.
  • Professionals with relevant experience and other qualifying criteria may be exempted from the examination.

Certification Modules:

  1. Sponsorship Fundamentals
  2. Sponsorship Strategy Development
  3. Sponsorship Negotiation and Activation
  4. Ethical Standards in Event Sponsorship and Partnership Management
  5. Measurement and Evaluation of Sponsorship ROI
  6. Leveraging Digital Platforms for Sponsorship Engagement

* The modules of the certification are constantly updated and are subject to change.

Who Should Do This Certification:

The Certified Event Sponsorship Professional (CESP) certification is highly beneficial for professionals across various roles and industries, including:

  • Event Planners and Managers: Those responsible for securing sponsors and managing partnerships for events.
  • Marketing and Sales Professionals: Individuals interested in specializing in event sponsorship sales and management.
  • Aspiring Event Sponsorship Professionals: Students and individuals looking to enter the field of event sponsorship and acquire foundational knowledge.
  • Nonprofit and Association Professionals: Those responsible for fundraising and securing sponsorships for their organizations’ events.
  • Business Development Specialists: Professionals seeking to expand their skills in partnership development and management.

Embark on the journey of achieving the CESP certification to refine your event sponsorship and partnership management skills, secure valuable sponsorships, and contribute to the success of a wide range of events across industries.