Time running out to apply for MLA event sponsorship

Grassroots producer groups with a passion to share knowledge are being encouraged to apply for sponsorship support from Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) before second round funding opportunities for this year close.

For many years, MLA has offered sponsorship support and MLA expert speakers for events and initiatives that bring long term benefit and add value to the red meat industry.

MLA Managing Director Richard Norton said all events that contributed to industry and provided a worthwhile experience for producers and others in the value chain were eligible for financial support or resources on the day.   

“We have re-evaluated the way we provide event sponsorship support because MLA sees value in investing in forums and events that bring benefit to producers,” Mr Norton said.   

“We understand how important it is to support localised events and grassroots producer education. MLA is committed to supporting groups which take the initiative to engage and inform the industry as it’s an important pathway for MLA to continue to build a strong, world-leading and profitable red meat sector.”

Earlier this year, MLA reviewed its sponsorship program to ensure its investments remain relevant, timely and aligned with the industry’s needs.    

The application process moved to an annual call for sponsorships of $10,000 and above and a bi-annual call for support of less than $10,000.

Calls for the second round of applications this year will close on 1 December and are for sponsorships of up to $10,000 for events held between January and June 2016.

“An important focus for MLA is events and activities that support the adoption of new tools, information and technology, which can contribute to increasing the efficiencies and profitability of the sector,” Mr Norton said.

“I encourage any group or organisation whose event meets these criteria to apply for MLA sponsorship; and I look forward to seeing these organisers provide innovative and informative events to industry over the next year and beyond.”

MLA has supported 39 events since July. Events such as the Birchip Cropping Group in Victoria, Banana Beef Industry Summit in Queensland, Murchison Innovation Conference in Western Australia and the Young Beef Producers’ Forum in Roma, Queensland, have all benefited from MLA sponsorship support or in-kind contributions and reached a wide network of growers to provide valuable, seasonal and relevant on-farm information at a localised level.

Key dates: Applications close Wednesday 1 December 2015 for sponsorships up to $10,000 and in-kind MLA resource support for the period January 2016 – June 2016.

All MLA-supported events and activities must:

• Target commercial red meat producers, with no specific breed focus
• Allow for an MLA presentation/speaker and appropriate levels of branding
• Where appropriate, include an interactive display/session/presentation as a part of the event
• Include agreed measures of success such as number of attendees, satisfaction/usefulness scores and spikes in follow-up activities
• Align messages with one or more of MLA’s 15 key focus areas
• Deliver a post-event analysis within two weeks of event concluding
• Provide follow-up opportunities post-event to further circulate or enhance the information delivered (including: events, online content, workshops)

To find out more about seeking support from MLA for an event or activity email events@mla.com.au or visit the MLA website here.

For media enquiries contact: Rose Glasser, MLA Media Manager, p: 0408 729 165, e: rglasser@mla.com.au