What You Should Know About the Special Event Sites Marketing Alliance (SESMA)
The Special Event Sites Marketing Alliance (SESMA) is an association that focuses on the marketing needs of its Primary Members - museums, mansions, historic homes and buildings, art galleries, ballrooms, aquariums, gardens, wineries, and other unique venues that permit business meetings and social events to take place at their sites. It also welcomes Associate Members - companies, such as caterers, florists, equipment providers, transportation services and others that supply products and services that support these events. In addition, the Affiliate Member category invites organizations and associations that share common interests with SESMA and support its purposes.
SESMA's mission is to develop cooperative marketing programs that bring its members' special event sites to the attention of the tens of thousands of meeting/event professionals and wedding planners throughout the country who seek unique venues for their functions. In addition, it offers networking, referral opportunities, and educational programming that focus on subjects of interest and importance to those responsible for marketing their sites and serving their clients.
SESMA is incorporated and designated as a 501(c6) non-profit organization by the IRS. It has a blue-ribbon Board of Directors focused on developing member benefits, educational programs and marketing opportunities. The founding chapter was established in the Greater Baltimore-Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area in 2002.
SESMA is a member of the Washington Convention and Tourism Corporation.
Consider the ways, outlined below, that SESMA can enhance your marketing efforts, then act today to join this new, exciting, productive, and unique marketing alliance.
SESMA Benefits for Special Event Sites
Website Listing
Your site will receive a full page, detailed listing, with photographs, on the SESMA Web site (www.sesma.org). The SESMA home Web site promotes and lists members and provides direct links to their web sites.
Public Relations
A comprehensive public relations campaign is ongoing to call attention to the special event sites of SESMA members located in the Baltimore-Washington, D.C. area.
Press and Planner Tours
SESMA will host actual and virtual tours of member sites specifically for reporters representing the trade, business, and consumer press, and corporate, association, and independent meeting and event planners as well as wedding planners. A hosted reception will conclude the tour.
Educational Programs
Programs featuring expert speakers or roundtable discussions, covering topics of interest and importance to SESMA members are scheduled regularly throughout the year. Program topics include marketing, brochure development, business etiquette, and exclusive vendor relationships.
Lead Generation
SESMA will provide invaluable networking and business referral opportunities, first in the Baltimore-Washington, D.C. area; later throughout the United States.
Associate (Supplier) Members
Associate Members are caterers, florists, equipment suppliers, decor/production companies, transportation firms and others who provide products and services for the business and social gatherings that take place in special event sites. As an Associate Member, your company will be listed in a special section of the website by type of service offered. You will be included on the SESMA Web site that provides a description of your services and a link to your own site. In addition, your company may purchase a display ad in the directory or a banner ad on the Web at discounted prices.
You also will be invited to take part in SESMA's seminars and roundtable discussions and other membership meetings. Networking, referrals, and recognition are additional tangible benefits of representing your company as a member of the association.
Affiliate Member Benefits
Affiliate Members are individuals, organizations and associations that share common interests with SESMA and support its purposes. Among the benefits Affiliate Members receive are:
- Listing on the SESMA Web site
- Invitations to all SESMA events
- Opportunity to serve on committees and advisory boards