Hot Ticket:  The '08 MGA Conference
Benefits     Sponsor Categories     Special Event Sponsors     The New MGA Show    Silent Auction

SPONSORSHIP:  A Virtual Bagful of Benefits
The very best way to show your support of MGA retail members is by becoming a sponsor of this year’s 110th Food Business Conference. More than 9 out of 10 suppliers that attend the conference every year ARE sponsors. You’re invited to join this list of real VIPs – the Diamond, Platinum, Gold and Silver sponsors that provide the vital financial foundation allowing the Association to offer a relevant and rewarding event for retailers and suppliers alike. As a Sponsor, you are MGA’s business partner in the conference, choosing from four (4) cost-effective contribution levels to fit your own company’s goals, objectives and resources. Basic sponsorship is required in order to host a special event or to participate in the Food Show (additional cost). You can expect and receive valuable recognition and complimentary conference registrations matched to the level of your investment.

How your company gains from becoming an MGA conference sponsor

How you can stand out in the crowd

When you support MGA and its 2008 Food Business Conference you’ll reach a highly desirable market: Michigan’s most progressive and successful chain and independent grocers. 

MGA Conference Sponsors
Our Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond sponsors are the VIPs of the event, providing the important financial foundation that allows MGA to offer a relevant and rewarding program for all concerned. Sponsors can choose from four cost-effective sponsorship levels to fit their own goals and resources. Every category includes valuable recognition and complimentary conference registrations matched to the level of your investment:

Special Event Sponsors
So you’re a market leader that requires a higher profile sponsorship, or do you just want more visibility for your company and its products? Either way, MGA provides Conference Sponsors the opportunity to "stand out in the crowd" through a specific event or activity sponsorship. There are many options to choose from including some co-sponsorships at a lower cost. Michigan Grocers Association staff can coordinate all aspects of the event or you can play an active role in your sponsorship. We are dedicated to work with you to ensure that all of your sponsorship objectives are achieved. The following is a partial list of possibilities for 2008. Some are subject to minimum or maximum participation levels. The contribution amounts indicated are in addition to your chosen basic sponsorship level. Check with MGA for others or to share your own ideas.

Fall Golf Classic (Sold), Receptions, Dinners - $10,000 +
     Contact Mike Hamelin at 800.947.6237 x 20
General Session Speakers - $5,000
Entertainment  - $2,500  
Campfire Host - $1,500
Trout Pond - $900
Bocce Tournament - $750
Buster's Saloon Hospitality - $750 (co-sponsor)
Refreshment Break - $500 (co-sponsor)

The NEW MGA Show
Back and better than ever, it’s the right-sized show with the right customers to build your business: supermarkets, grocery and gourmet stores in the business of selling food !

Show, sample, and sell to a top-shelf audience of retailers. Nationally known food business sage Michael Sansolo will ‘emcee’ and tour the show floor with commentary and conversation. A common New Product display area at the show entrance allows you to feature your top new item that will draw retailers back to your booth to learn more.

Help Michigan’s leading food retailers capture new sales with:

ü NEW items in the marketplace; LOCALLY sourced and manufactured foods
ü Natural & Organics, Healthy, Whole Grain & Allergen-free
ü Fresh, Value-added & Ready-to-eat
ü Kitchen gear & cooking resources for the Home Chef
ü ‘GREEN’ Packaging, Supplies & Equipment, Services

Don’t delay – only 45 booths will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. MGA will hold a booth for prior-year exhibitors only until May 16, 2008. Be among the first to secure your space.

*Associate Members $750°° per booth

Diamond, Platinum, Gold or Silver sponsorship is also required
*More show, more customers, same great price!

Limited Benefit:  Show-only option is available to exhibitors that are NEW to MGA.

Call Mike Hamelin at 800.947.6237 x 20 or email mike@michigangrocers.org
for further details.

Silent Auction
Plan early for your contribution to this year’s Michigan Grocers Association silent auction. In its short history this event has raised nearly $100,000 toward the Association’s legislative education and food industry support activities.  There’s no better way to support MGA!

The auction is a high-profile event at every Michigan Grocers fall conference – everyone in attendance will recognize your donation.  Auction bidding is fun, fast and furious on some very unique and sought-after items.  It’s rewarding and easy to take part…

Donated items can be accepted throughout the year and stored by MGA until September.  Vacation trips, resort getaways, college or professional sporting events, concert-special event tickets, sports memorabilia, framed art, dining certificates, gourmet foods, rare or highly-rated wines – all are popular and desired items by MGA’s silent auction audience.  You can also donate collectible gifts, premiums, or valuable logo items.  If people treasure it, it qualifies!  Do you have something really special that could be the featured item in this year’s auction?  Please contact Mike Hamelin with your auction questions, ideas or donations at 800.947.6237 ext. 20.

Consult your tax advisor about donations to MGA’s auction.  To qualify as a deductible charitable contribution for federal income tax purposes, simply check the box below to designate your donation to benefit the 501(c)(3) Michigan Grocers Foundation (Federal ID #38-3417266).  Either way, you’re supporting a food industry-friendly cause and earning a valuable benefit.