Are you looking to host your own event or programme but want to keep our outlay to a minimum then it is likely you have considered finding sponsors.

In my experience in running live events and conferences, in the current economy this is becoming increasingly challenging. However done well with a great plan sponsorshops could help you not only cover your expenses for the event, but can even make a profit BEFORE the event.

• For example you could look for sponsors to:
• Run a live event and get sponsors to pay for the conference room, cover catering costs or even the conference materials
• Create a virtual event and get sponsorships to cover the costs of your wrbinar service, creating transcripts and your online advertising to market the event

My friend and PR expert Shannon Cherry has been working with her clients to help them attract lucrative sponsorships and she is now launching a Sponsorshis Programme where she will teach you how to create those winning sponsorship partnerships.

I have known Shannon for some years and her programmes are always rich in content and practical solutions that you can implement with ease.

Find out more about her programme what starts on 21 September 2010.

Further education in Digital Marketing are being planned for this Fall by two organisations in Ireland I have come across (one of them I already work  with as a member of their faculty).

DCU have launched a Graduate Certificate in Digital Marketing.

The Digital Marketing Institute (DMI) has announced their Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Marketing and follows the success of their 12 week programmes and their Boot Camps that have been running for the last 18 months.

I don't know much about the programme with DCU, but as someone who has worked with the DMI since their first programmes started, let me share a little of what I know about their programme.

The programme commences on September 21 2010 and you need to apply by 15 August 2010.

The programme is a 1 year part time programme with two semesters of course work and requires the completion of two individual digital marketing projects. The programme requires attendance on two evenings a week, three hours per evening and at 2 Saturday tutorial/workshops throughout the year.

Here is a summary of the curriculum:

• Digital Marketing Fundamentals
• Customer as King in Digital Media
• Digital Marketing Channels
• Digital Marketing Strategy
• Digital Marketing Management

To apply for the Postgaduate Diploma in Marketing you must meet the minimum admissions requirements:

• you must hold a recognised third level honours degree (minimum of a lower second class honours degree)  along with at least 2 years working in an appropriate industry sector
• you must  have significant and suitable work experience in a marketing (or associated) role.

Yes one programme is accredited currently by a third level institute and the other isn't - so the choice is yours. I do know from one of the founders of the DMI, Ian Dodson, that they are in discussions about the formal recognition of their programme through a third level institute.

How do you choose which programme to attend?

Well in my personal experience when studying for programmes in other areas I find that taking the time to get to know the orgnanisations, understanding their apporach and getting clear about the outcomes you can expect does help. I also have spoken to people who have attended previous programmes to get a sense of what the organisation of the programme and the capabilities of the faculty are like in terms of their teaching style and experience. Cost, duration, location and timing have also been a factor for me to consider.

At the end of the day though I have focused on my personal motivation to study for the programme and looked at the curriculum that best fits my personal and professional needs.

How do you choose which programmes and training you attend?

Here is a terrific opportunity for people looking to develop their skills in digital marketing and also for small businesses in Ireland who want to get their businesses online.

The programme is called WebActivate.

Listen to my podcast about the programme here:

At the moment the programme is taking registrants from people through to the 16 July 2010 - they mention on their website that applications are particularly welcomed from people who are unemployed with an existing educational attainment of NFQ level 6, 7, or 8. You will receive 6 weeks ‘In-Centre’ training following which you will spend 12 weeks with 3 different SMEs creating websites and coaching the employees of the SME's on how to maximise business through online channels.

During the work placement you will attend their designated training centres one day a week for classes, ongoing mentoring and coaching from the Webactivate trainers. You will be equipped with a Notebook computer, software and 3G broadband, all of which are provided through the WebActivate programme. Find out how to register HERE.

The curriculum includes modules in:

• Internet Publishing
• Marketing
• Social Media Marketing

Certification includes a suite of FETAC component modules with 4 credits at NFQ Level 6.

If you are an SME WITH NO WEB PRESENCE AT THE MOMENT then I also recommedn that you check out the programme and benefit from the skills that people will be learning. You will receive access to support by providing a workplacement to one of the participants of the programme. There are no fees or charges for the SMEs providing work placements in the programme. The programme will serve small to medium businesses in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway and you can register online here.