Sponsorship Terms

PURPOSE

The Michigan Society of Association Executives (MSAE) welcomes sponsorships as a valuable opportunity to create mutually beneficial relationships with organizations that support our mission to advance the profession of association management. This policy establishes guidelines for securing, managing, and fulfilling sponsorships to ensure transparency, alignment with our values, and effective delivery of sponsor benefits.

SCOPE

This policy applies to all sponsorship activities, agreements, and related payments for MSAE-hosted events, programs, publications, and digital platforms.

GUIDELINES

1. Eligibility
   MSAE welcomes sponsorships from businesses, organizations, and individuals whose products, services, or missions align with MSAE’s values and the interests of our members. MSAE reserves the right to refuse sponsorships that may conflict with our mission or reflect negatively on the organization or its members.
2. Opportunities 
   Sponsorship opportunities may include, but are not limited to:  
      - Event sponsorships (e.g., conferences, webinars, award ceremonies)  
      - Program support (e.g., leadership initiatives, issue-specific programming)  
      - Digital sponsorships (e.g., e-communications, digital recordings, digital publications)  
3. Benefits  
    Each sponsorship opportunity includes a defined set of benefits, which may include logo placement, verbal recognition, exhibit space, speaking opportunities, and/or complimentary registrations, as outlined in the sponsorship product.
4. Agreements 
    Sponsorships are formalized through a digital confirmation of the product purchased. 
5. Payment Terms
   Invoices for sponsorships must be paid in full no later than 90 days prior to the sponsored event or program date. If a sponsorship is secured within 90 days of the event, payment is due upon receipt of invoice. Sponsorship benefits may be withheld until full payment is received. Failure to remit payment as required may result in forfeiture of sponsorship benefits and exclusion from future opportunities.
6. Boilerplate
   Purchase of a sponsorship constitutes agreement to these terms and conditions.
   Sponsorship does not imply MSAE endorsement of the sponsor’s products, services, or mission. MSAE retains full editorial control over event content and messaging.  

RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL

As a courtesy, MSAE may, at its discretion, offer returning sponsors a Right of First Refusal for the same sponsorship opportunity in the subsequent year. This right allows the current sponsor to renew their sponsorship at the same level prior to the opportunity being offered to new sponsors.
Beginning in 2025, sponsorship renewals for the subsequent year will be issued automatically on October 1. To exercise the right of first refusal, the Sponsor must submit full payment 90 days prior to the sponsored event or program date. If the Sponsor declines, fails to respond, or does not meet the stated deadline, MSAE reserves the right to offer the opportunity to other prospective sponsors.
The Right of First Refusal is not guaranteed and may be withheld or revoked at MSAE’s discretion if:

1. The event or sponsorship opportunity undergoes significant changes
2. The sponsor fails to meet payment deadlines or agreement terms
3. MSAE determines the sponsorship is no longer aligned with its mission or audience

This clause applies only to defined sponsorship opportunities and does not confer priority access to new or substantially modified offerings.