Conference sponsorship update.

• Author: McCormally, Timothy
• Position: Recent Activities

Beginning in 2001, TEI has invited various firms to become sponsors of its Midyear and Annual Conferences. TEI's program has four different levels of sponsors--Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze--with the sponsorship fee and benefits varying with the level of sponsorship. The sponsorship program has given conference registrants access to professionals from law and accounting firms, tax research and information companies, and other professional enterprises whose products and services are aimed at corporate tax departments, while generating revenues that have permitted TEI to keep its registration fees and dues in check. (Conference registration fees have generally not increased for three years, and the Institute's dues have remained at $200/year for well more than a decade.)

With respect to TEI's 2004 Midyear Conference, 34 firms became sponsors of the Midyear Conference, 18 of which maintained exhibits during the conference. (TEI's Midyear Conference sponsors are listed in this issue's President's Corner column.) In addition, 16 sponsors hosted receptions during the conference (4 on Sunday evening and 12 on Monday evening). By all accounts, those events were enjoyed by conference registrants. To encourage conference registrants to stop by their exhibits or receptions, several sponsors distributed souvenirs or conducted prize drawings.

From the outset, TEI has solicited feedback from conference participants about the sponsorship program. The comments received from TEI members has generally been positive, though some registrants have voiced concern about the possible effect...