I've heard a lot of people mention that they would like to sponsor a band in the future. I just wanted to give people a little perspective from myself, who was a first time sponsorer this year. Only really doing this because I was always curious, and never saw anybody else post something similar.
One thing people tend to want to know is.. what are the perks. Well lets be clear. There's primarily 4. 1) Seeing a band you helped get here on stage and enjoying the hell out of their set and not giving a damn if anybody else is having a good time (yes I was a co-sponsor for Virgin Steele and had a bloody great time watching them, forget the haters). 2) Knowing that you contributed to such an awesome festival. 3) More availability to interact with the bands. 4) Camera priviliges
As for 1... that was the biggest thing for me. One surely has to question when they put down some money if they are getting their money's worth. After VS's set I knew I got my money worth. So yeah, I do recommend doing it. As for people saying 'I'll do it when I get spare cash.' Honestly, ask how many of the sponsorers will say that they just had ($X) laying around with no clue what they wanted to do with it. Heck ask Drew, who had to get his own sponsor to attend the event!! =) Also, you can stand in front of the barrier for your band's entire set if you want. I sat in the seats.
As for 2, its a good feeling. Sure you aren't going to make money from your investment, but you also aren't doing any work. I don't know how much Glenn makes on the whole event, but I bet when all is totalled its basically sweatshop labor of love. But this fest couldn't happen without people doing it. At least, it couldn't happen with the level of talent on stage that we have been privileged to watch. So knowing that you are a part of making it possible is definitely cool.
And 3... other sponsorers can chime in more on this one if they want. I really didn't use my VIP badge much. But there is definitely a better chance to run into them backstage without another 100 people all trying to talk to them.
4) You can use a digital camera. I don't take pictures. I rely on Esa for that
You also get to stand in front of the barrier for the first 2 songs of every band, but thats mostly for taking some close up photos if you want to (and as previously mentioned, for the entire set of your band).
And of course, this year, along with gold badge holders, it meant an automatic entry into the clinics.
Overall, I recommend being a sponsorer at some point. I think you'll find that you get your money's worth.
One thing people tend to want to know is.. what are the perks. Well lets be clear. There's primarily 4. 1) Seeing a band you helped get here on stage and enjoying the hell out of their set and not giving a damn if anybody else is having a good time (yes I was a co-sponsor for Virgin Steele and had a bloody great time watching them, forget the haters). 2) Knowing that you contributed to such an awesome festival. 3) More availability to interact with the bands. 4) Camera priviliges
As for 1... that was the biggest thing for me. One surely has to question when they put down some money if they are getting their money's worth. After VS's set I knew I got my money worth. So yeah, I do recommend doing it. As for people saying 'I'll do it when I get spare cash.' Honestly, ask how many of the sponsorers will say that they just had ($X) laying around with no clue what they wanted to do with it. Heck ask Drew, who had to get his own sponsor to attend the event!! =) Also, you can stand in front of the barrier for your band's entire set if you want. I sat in the seats.
As for 2, its a good feeling. Sure you aren't going to make money from your investment, but you also aren't doing any work. I don't know how much Glenn makes on the whole event, but I bet when all is totalled its basically sweatshop labor of love. But this fest couldn't happen without people doing it. At least, it couldn't happen with the level of talent on stage that we have been privileged to watch. So knowing that you are a part of making it possible is definitely cool.
And 3... other sponsorers can chime in more on this one if they want. I really didn't use my VIP badge much. But there is definitely a better chance to run into them backstage without another 100 people all trying to talk to them.
4) You can use a digital camera. I don't take pictures. I rely on Esa for that
You also get to stand in front of the barrier for the first 2 songs of every band, but thats mostly for taking some close up photos if you want to (and as previously mentioned, for the entire set of your band).And of course, this year, along with gold badge holders, it meant an automatic entry into the clinics.
Overall, I recommend being a sponsorer at some point. I think you'll find that you get your money's worth.
If I could have read this before the sponsor bids were closed, I would have been ALL OVER putting in for S.U.E.!! I guess my wish came true anyway! 
