Did you know there are over 86,000 pickleball players in the Research Triangle?
More importantly, 5,000-10,000 of them are the exact decision-makers you're trying to reach:
CEOs and Business Owners
VPs of Sales, Marketing, and Operations
Senior Directors and Executives
High-net-worth professionals
Successful entrepreneurs
And right now, less than 1% of them know about Dink & Deal Network.
That's not a problem. That's your opportunity.
By The Numbers:
Population & Economy:
2.4 million residents (5.6% growth since 2020 - fastest in the U.S.)
7,000+ companies in the region
700+ international companies
$106,358 median household income (ages 45-64)
85.8% of workers in professional/administrative roles
Pickleball Explosion:
86,000-108,000 active pickleball players in the Triangle
142 courts in Raleigh alone (28 locations)
2,707+ courts across North Carolina
Fastest-growing sport in America (36.5M players nationally)
Triangle has "thousands" of active players with growth accelerating
Your Target Audience:
5,000-10,000 decision-makers who already play pickleball
Average age: 38 years old (prime career years)
60% male, 40% female
College-educated, affluent, socially active
They're already on the courts - we just bring them together
The Dink & Deals Network is in growth phase. Early sponsors help shape and build a premium professional community from the ground up.
Early Sponsor Advantages:
Shape the community - Tell us your ideal prospects and we'll recruit them
Founding partner status - Recognized as instrumental in our growth
Locked-in pricing - Rates increase as we grow; you lock in current pricing
Category exclusivity - First in your industry gets exclusive positioning (Premier only)
What Makes Us Different: Your sponsorship directly funds our semi-annual evening Premium events (Spring & Fall) where we bring 50-70 high-level professionals - CEOs, VPs, business owners, and senior leaders - into one room where YOUR brand is everywhere and YOU have the speaking platform.
Twice yearly: Spring (April/May) & Fall (Sept/Oct)
Format: Evening, 6:00-9:00 PM at Pin Point Indoor Pickleball
Schedule:
6:00-6:45 PM: Premium appetizers, cocktails, networking
6:45-7:00 PM: Welcome & sponsor presentations
7:00-8:30 PM: Tournament play (sponsor logos everywhere)
8:30-9:00 PM: Awards ceremony, sponsor presents trophies
Target Attendance: 50-70 professionals
20-25 current members (brand ambassadors)
25-35 invited decision-makers (CEOs, VPs, business owners)
10-15 sponsor VIP guests
How We Attract Decision-Makers:
LinkedIn executive outreach campaigns
Strategic partnerships with CEO groups
Sponsor direct invitations
Exclusive "by invitation only" positioning
Production Value:
Professional photographer & videographer
Premium appetizers & bar service
String lights, music, with a fun ambiance
Sponsor banners throughout venue
Prizes & trophies with sponsor branding
13 weeks of exposure and access
Weekly Sessions:
One 15-minute presentation per quarter
Logo on all weekly emails (13 weeks)
Sponsor Spotlight email to all members
4 social media features
Listed on website
Listed on all email communications
Premier Benefits (automatically included on both events):
Logo prominently displayed
3 VIP invitation slots for your prospects
Recognition during event
Post-event communications feature
Access to photos/video and attendee contacts
52 weeks of maximum visibility
Weekly Sessions:
4 presentations (once per quarter) + 1 exclusive 30-minute workshop
Banner/signage at venue ALL year
Logo on every weekly email (52 weeks)
Premier website placement with video option
Monthly social media features (12+ posts)
Quarterly Sponsor Spotlight emails (4 total)
Quarterly contact list updates
Quarterly strategy sessions with founders
Category exclusivity
BOTH Premier Events (Spring & Fall):
Title Sponsorship: "The [Your Company] Spring/Fall Premier"
10 VIP invitation slots per event (20 total for YOUR prospects OR LOOK-A-LIKE prospects we are targeting for you)
2-minute speaking slot at each event
VIP sponsor area with your branding
Logo everywhere: Banners, digital displays, programs, photo backdrop, bar/food signage
Input on guest list (submit 20-30 targets we'll recruit)
All content rights (photos, videos, testimonials)
Complete attendee contact lists
Standard Branded Swag (at sponsor cost): Choose ONE distributed to 50+ members/attendees:
Premium sling bags
Insulated water bottles
Performance t-shirts
Custom package
Branded balls
Exclusive Naming Rights (your choice):
Annual "[Your Company] Cup" Tournament, OR
Quarterly "Dinker/Smasher of the Quarter" Award
Optional Add-On: Open Bar at BOTH Events +$2,000-3,000
Enhanced hospitality sponsor status
Signature cocktail naming rights
Bar napkins with logo
Only 1 available
1. Choose Your Tier
Quarterly: $750/quarter
Annual Premier: $9,500/year
Event: $1,000-$2,500/one-time
2. Contact Troy Vermillion
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 720-261-7760
Website: www.dinkanddeals.com/sponsor
3. Discovery Call
We'll discuss your goals, target market, and how to maximize your sponsorship.
4. Launch
Sign simple one-page agreement
Payment options available
Onboarding call to align strategy
We handle all logistics
Ready? Let's build something special together.
Troy and Hilda Vermillion
Co-Founders, Dink & Deals Network
Q: Can I try Quarterly before committing to Annual? A: Absolutely! Many sponsors start with a quarter to experience the value before upgrading. Just understand that there is only one annual premier sponsorship at this time.
Q: What if my quarter doesn't align with calendar quarters? A: Your 13-week quarter can start any Thursday that works for your business.
Q: How do you collect member contact information? A: Members opt-in to share with sponsors. We only share contacts who explicitly agree.
Q: What if my quarter doesn't include an Invitational? A: You still get excellent weekly exposure, plus 2 VIP slots and supporting sponsor status for the nearest Invitational.
Q: How much input do I get on the Invitational guest list? A: Significant. You submit 20-30 target companies/individuals and we actively recruit them. You review the confirmed list 2 weeks before.
Q: Is the open bar upgrade worth it? A: Yes. The goodwill created is significant. Attendees specifically remember and appreciate this generosity.
Q: Do you offer payment plans? A: Yes! Annual Premiers can pay quarterly or monthly. Quarterly Sponsors pay upfront.
Q: What happens if I need to cancel? A: Quarterly runs full 13 weeks. Annual requires 30-day notice but remains at a one year commitment, even if you are paying monthly or quarterly.
Q: How do I measure ROI? A: We provide quarterly reports showing member growth, engagement metrics, and brand exposure. Most sponsors track leads, referrals, and closed business.
Q: How soon can I expect results? A: Month 1-2: Brand awareness and relationships. Month 3-4: Referrals and leads. Month 6-9: Deals in pipeline. Month 12+: Closed deals and thought leadership.
Q: What does "category exclusivity" mean? A: We won't accept another Annual Premier in your same industry vertical while you're active.
Q: Can I sponsor if my business is outside Raleigh? A: Yes! If your target market includes Triangle professionals or you offer remote services, sponsorship is valuable.
Q: What topics work best for presentations? A: Educational and informational content performs best. Think "How to [solve problem]" or "Trends in [industry]." Avoid pure sales pitches. We'll help you craft a valuable topic.
Q: Can multiple people from my company attend weekly sessions? A: Yes! While guest passes have specific allocations, additional team members can attend by paying $10/visit or $30/month membership.
Q: What if I can't attend an Invitational? A: You can send team members to represent your company. We strongly encourage attendance for maximum impact, but we'll maximize your presence through signage and materials if needed.
Q: Can I bring more than 10 VIP guests to an Invitational? A: Contact us to discuss. We maintain an intimate setting (50-70 total), but if you have additional must-invite prospects, let's talk.
Q: What happens if Dink & Deal grows significantly? A: You lock in current pricing for your contract term plus renewals. As an early sponsor, you maintain preferred pricing even as we raise rates.
Q: Can I upgrade from Quarterly to Annual mid-quarter? A: Yes! We'll credit your quarterly payment toward the annual investment.
Q: Are there any industries you won't accept as sponsors? A: We reserve the right to decline sponsorships that don't align with our community values (MLMs, controversial industries, businesses with poor reputations).
Q: What if actual Invitational attendance is lower than projected? A: If attendance is significantly lower than 50, we'll work with you on adjustments. Our goal is 50-70, and we're committed to delivering value.