SIA 49th Biennial Convention Sponsorship Guide
Overview
This guide makes it simple, consistent, and respectful for everyone on the sponsorship team to use the official Sponsorship Prospectus, follow guidelines, and ensure all funds are processed properly through the Region Office.
Our shared goal is to raise sponsorship support for the 49th Biennial Convention in Incheon, Korea. Each sponsorship strengthens SIA’s mission of empowering women and girls through education and economic opportunity, while showcasing the pride of our Korean Soroptimist community as host country.
Key Sponsorship Contacts
Convention Committee Chair: Ohran Choe, email SIA for contact information.
Convention Sponsorship Committee Chair: Ho Jung Lee, email SIA for contact information.
Korean Region Office Manager: Sunny Ji, siakorea@soroptimist.or.kr
SIA Chief Global Marketing and Development Officer: Kymberlie Adams, kymberlie@soroptimist.org
SIA Director of Donor Relations: Erica Cheslock, erica@soroptimist.org
SIA Associate Director of Development: Ilana Hirsch, ilana@soroptimist.org
Who Can Be a Sponsor
Businesses: Companies may sponsor at different levels for visibility and alignment with SIA’s mission. Sponsorship may be financial or in-kind (e.g., swag bag items, printing, event supplies).
Soroptimist Members: Individual members may sponsor convention events. Member sponsorships submitted through the Online Sponsorship Form count toward Laurel Society recognition.
Non-Members: Friends, family, community leaders, and philanthropists may sponsor. Their contributions receive recognition, but do not count for Laurel Society credit.
Sponsorship Rules
Always Use the Official Prospectus: Only share the official SIA Convention Sponsorship Prospectus.
Stick to What’s Listed: Do not promise benefits beyond the Prospectus without SIA HQ written approval.
Every Sponsor Must Complete the Online Sponsorship Form: Required for recordkeeping, Laurel Society credit, legal requirements, and audit compliance.
No Direct Handling of Funds: Volunteers may not accept cash or checks. All member payments go through the Region Office.
Keep It Simple and Respectful: If asked for something not listed, thank the sponsor and check with SIA staff before answering.
Step-by-Step Process
Preparing Yourself
Review the Sponsorship Prospectus thoroughly.
Know the opportunities (special events, in-kind, recognition items, etc.).
Have the Online Sponsorship Form link ready to share.
Note ALL sponsorship commitments close: April 30, 2026.
Introducing the Opportunity
Greet respectfully and introduce yourself: “Hello, my name is [Name], and I am part of the Soroptimist sponsorship team for our global convention in Incheon, Korea.”
Explain the Biennial Convention is a global event offering international recognition.
Share the official Prospectus (digital or printed).
Confirm Interest
Say: “We ask that sponsors complete the Online Sponsorship Form to confirm their sponsorship.”
Share the form link and offer help or refer to SIA staff.
Payments
Sponsorship is final only after payment is received.
If offered cash or a check, politely explain:
“Thank you very much. For legal requirements, all payments must go through the Online Sponsorship Form and be paid by electronic wire transfer.”
All Sponsorship funds should be transferred via wire to:
Bank Name: Shinhan Bank (Sookmyung Women’s University Branch)
Bank Address: 52 Hyochangwon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, 04309
SWIFT Code: SHBKKRSE
Account Number: 100-038-176530
Account Holder: Soroptimist International of Korea
Sponsorship Types
Business Sponsors
Businesses and corporations are key partners in making the Biennial Convention a success. Sponsorship provides them with visibility, alignment with SIA’s mission, and the opportunity to connect with an international audience. Business sponsors may support the convention through financial contributions or in-kind donations.
How to Handle
Thank the business representative warmly and share the Sponsorship Prospectus.
Highlight sponsorship opportunities that align with the company’s goals (events, ads, recognition, etc.).
Direct the business to complete the Online Sponsorship Form to confirm their sponsorship. Offer assistance with the form or refer them to SIA staff for support.
Once the form is submitted, SIA staff will issue an invoice and agreement for signature.
Do not promise benefits beyond what is outlined in the Sponsorship Prospectus.
Recognition
Corporate sponsors receive benefits and visibility according to their sponsorship level, as detailed in the Sponsorship Prospectus.
Recognition may include program ads, signage, logo placement, and public acknowledgment during convention events all of which will be agreed on with SIA HQ and the sponsor.
Member Sponsors & Laurel Society Credit
Soroptimist members may sponsor events or opportunities to demonstrate commitment to the mission and leadership at convention.
How to Handle
Ensure the member completes the Online Sponsorship Form and submits payment according to the instructions included in the form to the Korea Region Office.
Refer questions or special requests to SIA HQ staff.
Recognition
All member sponsorships count toward the Laurel Society.
Recognition is based on sponsorship level.
Inner Circle members ($25,000+) receive:
A purple and silver stone Inner Circle pin.
Invitation to the exclusive early access to the Laurel society Event for an Inner Circle Reception.
Business-Affiliated Member Sponsors & Laurel Society Credit
When a business affiliated with a Soroptimist member sponsors the convention, the member will also receive Laurel Society credit.
How to Handle
Confirm the Online Sponsorship Form is completed either by the sponsor or with your assistance.
Member must be connected to the business through:
Ownership
Family or close personal ownership (spouse, parent, or friend)
Employment
Recognition
SIA staff will confirm credit after payment is received.
Laurel Society credit reflects the sponsorship level of the business.
Please allow at least two weeks for processing and application of Laurel Society credit to a member’s account.
In-Kind Donations
In-kind gifts such as swag gift items, printing, or event supplies, reduce convention costs and are highly valued.
How to Handle
Thank the donor warmly.
Direct them to complete the Online Sponsorship Form
Provide details (type, quantity) in the Online Sponsorship Form.
Notify the Region Office and SIA staff once submitted.
Recognition
In-kind donors receive recognition consistent with the fair market value of their gift.
They will be acknowledged alongside financial sponsors.
Small Gifts & Donations Under $500
Some members or friends may prefer to contribute a smaller amount—for example, $100 toward convention support. These contributions are recognized as Convention Friends gifts.
How to Handle
Thank the donor warmly.
Ensure the Online Sponsorship Form is filled out.
Recognition
Convention Friends will receive an official thank-you letter/receipt.
They will be acknowledged as special friends of the convention in recognition materials.
Questions & Answers
Q: A sponsor requests something not listed in the Prospectus.
A: Kindly say: “Thank you for your interest. I’ll check with the SIA staff to confirm.” Do not commit immediately or make promises.
Q: A sponsor tries to hand me cash or a check.
A: Politely say: “Thank you very much! For legal reasons, all payments must go through wire transactions and the Online Sponsorship Form.”
Q: I’m unsure about something during a conversation.
A: Ask your Sponsorship Chair first. If you still need guidance, contact SIA Staff.
Q: A sponsor asks when they will receive their benefits.
A: Explain that SIA staff manage fulfillment of benefits and will ensure recognition (ads, logos, signage, etc.) once payment is confirmed. Volunteers may warmly thank sponsors, but staff handle official benefits.
If you have any additional questions, please contact development@soroptimist.org.