I agree with smarter business.
I think branding is important, but the egos is what really pushed things bigger and bigger in the past. I think with all of the changes, the excess isn't there as much as the past, so why waste the money.
What was interesting is that last year....a company bought out an entire strip club for the night....not naming names because that isn't important....they have like 200 girls they picked, all free lap dances and open bar all night long....okay....so how much did they drop on that party do you think?
Sadly....I was on a bus going to Joe E's private party the next night along with the owner and crew of that strip club party amoung tons of other people.....I wanted to test something, so I asked around on the bus, who threw that slamming as party last night at the strip club.....no one on the fucking bus knew. That was a wakeup call.
I agree about the leeching too. Man....last few shows when I am at the parties attempting to network....I swear that 50% of the crowd is someone's buddy that told them how cool the parties were....they are not even in the busines....wtf! And to think the money that is put out on these parties by the sponsors.
I personally have co-sposnored and put my $10-15K+ up for my sponsorships in the past.....honestly.....I am looking for Branding and ROI.....Not ego......if I can't see how something will give me the return I need.....I just don't do it.
I think a lot of others feel the same way and that is why things are going more private, invite only and multiple sponsor route these days.
Just my
See you guys at the show!