SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Each year, Pipeline Entrepreneurs convenes the region’s most ambitious founders, investors, and business leaders for the Innovators Gala, our signature annual celebration of entrepreneurship and innovation in the Midwest. Taking place on June 5, 2026, the Gala is both a moment of recognition and a powerful convening of the people building the region’s future.
For nearly two decades, Pipeline Entrepreneurs has supported hundreds of high-growth founders across Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. Pipeline alumni companies have generated more than $2.9 billion in revenue, raised over $900 million in capital, and contributed more than $1 billion in wages to the regional economy. These founders now lead many of the Midwest’s most influential and innovative companies, shaping industries and creating lasting economic impact.
The Innovators Gala brings this powerhouse community together in one room. It is where entrepreneurial achievement is recognized, relationships are strengthened, and new connections are formed across founders, funders, and corporate leaders who share a commitment to innovation and growth.
Sponsoring the Innovators Gala offers more than event visibility. It provides meaningful access to a highly curated audience of decision-makers and ecosystem leaders, alignment with Pipeline’s founder-first mission, and a seat at the table with the entrepreneurs driving the Midwest’s economy forward.
Below, you’ll find a range of sponsorship opportunities designed to meet different organizational goals, from thought leadership and executive engagement to brand visibility and ecosystem support.
INNOVATORS GALA
PRESENTING SPONSOR
$20,000
(Limited Availability: 1 Sponsorship)
Our Presenting Sponsor for the Innovators Gala is the perfect opportunity to showcase your brand to Pipeline’s Members, Network, and biggest advocates.
Sponsor Benefits Include:
Exclusive Executive Access
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Eight (8) exclusive tickets to the Pipeline Innovators Fireside Chat, held the morning of June 5th.
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Recognition as the Presenting Sponsor of the Fireside Chat, including welcome remarks and logo placement during the session
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Invitation to a private meet-and-greet with Fireside Chat speaker(s)
Premier Brand Visibility
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Logo featured on all printed, on-screen, and digital materials associated with the Innovators Gala and Fireside Chat
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Prominent logo placement on TV screens at the Gala entrance
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Stage recognition as Presenting Sponsor during the Innovator of the Year award presentation
High-Touch Engagement
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Opportunity to host a future hybrid session with Pipeline Members, Fellows, and Pathfinders to showcase your company and leadership
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Two (2) dedicated email blasts to Pipeline Members and Network prior to the Gala
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One (1) post-event “Thank You to Our Presenting Sponsor” email
VIP Gala Experience
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Premier table placement for ten (10) guests at the Innovators Gala
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Ten (10) passes to the Innovators Cocktail Hour
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Overnight Accommodation: Enjoy a complimentary overnight stay at the luxurious Westin Hotel in Kansas City from June 5th to June 6th, 2026, ensuring a comfortable and seamless gala experience.
INNOVATORS GALA
COCKTAIL HOUR SPONSOR
$15,000
(Limited Availability: 1 Sponsorship)
The Cocktail Hour Sponsor receives exclusive visibility during one of the most social and high-energy moments of the Innovators Gala, along with select executive access opportunities.
Sponsor Benefits Include:
Exclusive Cocktail Hour Branding
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Naming rights as the official sponsor of the Innovators Gala Cocktail Hour
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Opportunity to feature a branded signature cocktail named after your company
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Prominent logo placement at bar and lounge areas
Fireside Chat Access
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Four (4) tickets to the Pipeline Innovators Fireside Chat, offering curated access to founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders
Event Recognition
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Live stage acknowledgment during the Gala
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Logo included on all printed, on-screen, and digital event materials
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Prominent signage throughout the Cocktail Hour space
Marketing & Visibility
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Inclusion in Pipeline social media promotion of the Gala and Cocktail Hour
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One (1) dedicated email blast recognizing your sponsorship
VIP Gala Experience
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Preferred table placement for six (6) guests at the Innovators Gala
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Overnight Accommodation: Enjoy a complimentary overnight stay at the luxurious Westin Hotel in Kansas City from June 5th to June 6th, 2026, ensuring a comfortable and seamless gala experience.
INNOVATORS GALA
INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR
AWARD SPONSOR
$10,000
(Limited Availability: 1 Sponsorship)
The Innovator of the Year Sponsor is exclusively aligned with the most meaningful moment of the Innovators Gala, honoring the founder whose leadership, resilience, and impact best represent Pipeline’s graduating Fellowship class.
This sponsorship is intentionally limited to a single organization, creating a deeper and more visible association with the Innovator of the Year recognition.
Sponsor Benefits Include:
Exclusive Award Alignment:
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Sole recognition as the Innovator of the Year Sponsor
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Logo prominently featured during the Innovator of the Year award presentation
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Verbal acknowledgment from the stage during the award announcement
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Name and logo included in the official program and on-screen displays
Founder Storytelling
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Brand association with the Innovator of the Year storytelling moment, reinforcing your company’s commitment to entrepreneurship, leadership, and founder success
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Verbal reference connecting your organization to the Innovator of the Year Award (e.g., “The Innovator of the Year Award, supported by…”)
Visibility & Recognition
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Logo included on printed, on-screen, and digital Innovators Gala materials
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Inclusion in Pipeline social media posts recognizing the Innovator of the Year Sponsor
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Inclusion in the post-event “Thank You to Our Sponsors” email to Pipeline Members and Network
Gala Experience
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Reserved Seating for four (4) guests at the Innovators Gala.
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Complimentary access to the Innovators Cocktail hour for all four guests
INNOVATORS GALA
FIRESIDE CHAT SPONSOR
$5,000
The Fireside Chat Sponsor is directly aligned with Pipeline’s Innovators Fireside Chat — an invitation-only conversation bringing together founders, investors, and senior leaders for thoughtful dialogue on innovation, leadership, and the future of entrepreneurship in the Midwest.
This sponsorship is ideal for organizations that value thought leadership and meaningful engagement with the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Sponsor Benefits Include:
Thought Leadership Alignment
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Recognition as an official Fireside Chat Sponsor
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Logo placement on Fireside Chat signage and digital materials
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Verbal acknowledgment during the Fireside Chat welcome
Curated Access
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Two (2) tickets to the Pipeline Innovators Fireside Chat
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Access to the Fireside Chat reception or networking time following the session
Brand Visibility
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Logo included on select printed and digital Innovators Gala materials
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Inclusion in Pipeline social media posts recognizing Fireside Chat Sponsors
Gala Experience
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Two (2) general admission tickets to the Innovators Gala
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Complimentary access to the Innovators Cocktail Hour for both guests
INNOVATORS GALA
TABLES & TICKETS
TABLE SPONSORS — $2,500
(Limited Availability)
Elevate your Innovators Gala experience with a reserved table for ten (10) guests.
Table Sponsor Benefits Include:
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Reserved seating for your group
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Two (2) complimentary bottles of wine
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A stunning floral arrangement from your table to take home with you.
Secure your table now and enjoy a premium gala experience with your guests!
GENERAL ADMISSION — $150/per ticket
General Admission seating is NOT reserved this year. General Admission seating is open and available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you prefer reserved seating, we recommend purchasing a reserved table as a Table Sponsor. General admission tickets include dinner, complimentary beer, wine, and signature cocktails.