Today, TechCrunch posted a review announcing a service that provides metrics to event promoters. SponsorHub, similar to Klout.com, will measure the value of social influence for events. 

It is about time that services and products like SponsorHub change the way sponsors are viewed at key events. As part of my mission in covering key takeaways at conferences, I hope to help all of the players active in the event marketplace. From the event promoters, producers, attendees, speakers and sponsors, services like SponsorHub and event coverage can help provide value, leading to an more simplified sales cycle, brand awareness and publicity opportunity from key events. 

Services that assist sponsors are especially critical to the success of any event. After all, I view the sponsors as venture capitalists, the investors of an industry and the key events. They are responsible to finance the event and they should be provided the metrics both prior to their decision to invest in an event. They also should be recognized and promoted during the event. It is time sponsors are not treated like second-class citizens at events. Enough with the black ribbon that reads, "Vendor" attached on lanyards while they are quarantined in the expo area away from the attendees.  

I'm looking forward to seeing services like SponsorHub and more that provide value for sponsors. This will increase the value overall for all the players involved in an event and will lead to more winning for more of us.