I have been thinking that we should know a little more about toostep. Or rather, toostep founder or moderator should know about us and our plans to meet. It makes no sense to believe that he is not aware of the toostep meet plan.
For all practical purposes, what we plan is an event. What we plan to achieve is interaction and possible publicity for our views and recommendations. In such circumstances, why will toostep moderator or founder give sponsorship. He could give us email ids and a possible list of members. Rest of the job will be on the different committees that gets formed for specific purposes.
I think it is for the sponsor to take a call.
For example, the news paper that your company owns can become the official print media. They can offer a cash budget towards expenses or possible agree to become one third sharer of food cost. In return, they may publicize their business newspaper and appointments supplement.
Similarly, five hotels and time share companies can come forward with share of expenses of stay and provide a events' office.
Airlines can provide a subsidy on travel. FMCG and coke/pepsi companies could become main sponsor with a substantial budget. Ad/pr and events companies could not only offer their services free but also get their clients sponsor varios aspects of the event. It companies could make a transparent website for the event and maintain it. IT products can be launched or offerred free. Companies like Reliance/Kingfisher can participate in more ways than one.
Each of these specific companies can plant events to highlight their product or service.
That's why I am maintaining the stand that they can indicate a budget - not a commitment - with a condition that they may withdraw the offer if their competitor is given prominence or if the agenda is not suitable to their product of service. It will then be easy for us to prepare a program that suits the event sponsors.
This is only an indicative plan. With more clarity on sponsorship, I can provide better plan and projection.