SoCal Swordfight 2024

Endless
possibilities.

Partnering together to grow our brands

SoCal Swordfight 2024 Sponsorship Opportunities

Join us in Making History

SoCal Swordfight, the largest Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) event in the world, is gearing up for its monumental 2024 edition. With the previous year's success as our foundation, we're excited to announce SoCal Swordfight 2024 from February 16th to 18th, 2024, at the prestigious OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, California.
SoCal Swordfight 2024

Why You Should Partner with Us

By aligning your brand with SoCal Swordfight 2024, you'll connect with a passionate and diverse audience, creating lasting impressions and boosting your brand's exposure.

As a sponsor, you'll enjoy prominent visibility through event signage, digital platforms, and promotional materials. Maximize your impact with on-site activations, product displays, and sampling opportunities.

SoCal Swordfight 2024

Event Highlights

February 16, 17, & 18, 2024
President's Day Weekend.

OC Fair & Event Center
88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA

SoCal Swordfight 2024 will offer over 100 hours of in-depth courses led by distinguished instructors from the United States and around the world.

SoCal Swordfight will host a minimum of 25 tournaments across various weapon sets, tiers and divisions.

Crafting

Your Sponsorship Package

At SoCal Swordfight 2024, we value unique experiences and meaningful engagements. We invite sponsors who not only attract attendees but also add value with distinctive experiences, features, activities, and prizes.

We tailor sponsorship packages to suit your brand, fulfilling your marketing objectives and leaving a lasting impression.

MEET THE HEMA PRACTITIONER: UNVEILING THE MODERN MARTIAL HISTORIAN

The Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) practitioner stands at the intersection of diverse affinity categories, embodying a unique blend of passion, discipline, and historical curiosity.

Last year, SoCal Swordfight 2023 was an historic event that shattered records and exceeded all expectations. Hosted for the first time at OC Fair and Event Center in Costa Mesa, California, a record-breaking crowd of 1,009 attendees (547 spectators and 462 participants) from across the United States and around the world descended on Costa Mesa making SoCal Swordfight the largest Historical EuropeanMartial Arts Event in modern times.  We hosted 18 tournaments across a variety of weapon sets, tiers, and divisions that resulted in 1,695 individual matches between pools and eliminations for a total of 10,339 exchanges.

For 2024, we’ve secured additional space at the venue, providing ample room for tournaments, but more specifically for classes, vendors, and exhibits with the goal of enhancing and improving the overall experience both inside and outside the tournament ring.

SoCal Swordfight 2024 will feature:

  • 25 Individual Tournaments Across a variety of weapons, tiers and divisions - include four U18 Tournaments.
  • Over 100 hours of courses delivered by instructors from across the country and around the world
  • Expanded indoor vendors space
  • A Lecture and Panel Series
  • Antique Weapons Handling Session
  • And much much more.
  1. Passion for History: The HEMA practitioner is driven by a profound love for history, drawn to the allure of mastering martial arts techniques that echo through time. Their journey is a fusion of physical prowess and intellectual curiosity.
  2. Discipline and Dedication: Training in HEMA requires unwavering dedication, emphasizing discipline both on and off the training ground. This commitment extends to a lifestyle steeped in respect for tradition and a quest for personal improvement.
  3. Versatility in Combat Styles: From the finesse of rapier duels to the power of longsword techniques, HEMA practitioners embrace a diverse array of historical combat styles, seeking a well-rounded martial education.
  4. Community-Centric Mindset: Active engagement within the tight-knit HEMA community is crucial. Practitioners participate in shared learning experiences, events, and collaborations, thriving on camaraderie.
  5. Intellectual Curiosity: Beyond physical training, HEMA practitioners are avid researchers, delving into historical literature, manuscripts, and cultural contexts to enrich their understanding of historical combat.
  • Athletic Apparel / Training and Performance Gear: HEMA practitioners gravitate towards high-quality athletic apparel and specialized training gear that supports their rigorous physical training regimen.
  • Knives and Tactical Gear: Appreciating the martial arts ethos, practitioners may show interest in knives and tactical gear, aligning with their dedication to historical combat.
  • Energy Drinks: Fueled by the intensity of HEMA, practitioners may seek energy drinks that complement their physical exertion during training and competitions.
  • Gaming and Entertainment Companies: Given the historical and martial nature of their pursuits, HEMA enthusiasts may have an affinity for gaming and entertainment companies that echo similar themes.
  • Technology and Training Tools: Embracing modern advancements, practitioners seek technology and training tools that enhance their learning experience and skills.
  • Fitness and Health Supplements: Committed to physical well-being, HEMA practitioners may incorporate fitness and health supplements into their regimen for optimal performance.
  • Media and Content Creators: HEMA practitioners actively consume content from media outlets and creators, staying informed about the latest developments in historical martial arts.
  • Historical and Cultural Organizations: Engaging with historical and cultural organizations, practitioners contribute to and draw inspiration from initiatives that preserve and promote historical traditions.
  • Local Businesses and Restaurants: Supporting local businesses and restaurants, HEMA practitioners value community connections, reflecting their community-centric mindset.
  • Event Services and Equipment Rental: As participants in events, practitioners appreciate event services and equipment rental options that contribute to the success of HEMA gatherings.
  • Fitness and Wellness Brands: Aligned with their commitment to physical fitness, practitioners may resonate with fitness and wellness brands that share their values.
  • Travel and Accommodation Providers: Attending events and tournaments, practitioners may seek travel and accommodation services to enhance their overall experience.

GROWTH

Since Starting in 2015, attendance to SoCal Swordfight has grown by 380.48%. An increase from 210 attendees in 2015 to 1,009 and in 2023. SoCal Swordfight 2024 attendance is on pace to outperform 2023.

Followers & Subscribers

Being a niché market we have a very dedicate customer base who follows us across multiple channels. Facebook and our Facebook Group are our most engaged channel with a +12% engagement rate. We have recently begun to expand into Tik-Tok, Twitter, and Youtube.

Demographics: Gender

Depending on channels our traffic is between 75% - 82% male. Our at event attendance typically stays +72% male as well with more females attending as spectators. We are currently making efforts to grow female participation by testing expanded tournament categories to encourage participation

Demographics: Age

The majority of our attendees weather male or female are between the ages of 25-54, with the largest segment being between 25-44. We can attribute this to the relative young age of competitive HEMA in the United States and this age group being that of our most ardent competitors. We are expanding out U18 categories to help encourage younger competitors to be a part of HEMA to be able to maintain these numbers. As more competitors age, we will also look in to develop a seniors category.

History Enthusiast

  • Background: This individual is deeply passionate about history and is drawn to HEMA to explore and extend their knowledge of historical combat techniques.
  • Interests: Manuscripts, historical literature, book-based techniques, cultural contexts, and traditional combat forms.
  • Event Participation: Likely to attend as a spectator or an attendee to learn from instructors and engage in fellowship.
  • Affinity Interests: Historical and cultural organizations, media and content creators, and local businesses and restaurants.

Fantasy & Gaming Enthusiast

  • Background: This persona is immersed in the world of fantasy, sword and sorcery, and gaming, seeking to enhance their participation in related activities by learning authentic historical techniques.
  • Interests: Fantasy literature, role-playing games, LARP, miniatures, and historical combat techniques related to their interests.
  • Event Participation: Likely to attend as a competitor or an attendee to learn from instructors and improve their skills.
  • Affinity Interests: Gaming and entertainment companies, technology and training tools, and travel and accommodation providers.

Competitive Athlete

  • Background: This individual has a background in athletics, martial arts, or combat sports and is interested in the competitive and self-defense aspects of HEMA.
  • Interests: Self-defense, combat sports, historical combat, and physical fitness.
  • Event Participation: Likely to attend as a competitor to test their skills and excel in tournaments.
  • Affinity Interests: Athletic apparel, fitness and health supplements, event services and equipment rental, and energy drinks.

Become a Sponsor

Join us in elevating SoCal Swordfight 2024 to extraordinary heights and be a vital part of this remarkable event. We sincerely appreciate your support and look forward to creating a tailored sponsorship package that perfectly aligns with your business goals.

For inquiries or to discuss sponsorship ideas, please email us at sponsors@socalswordfight.com. Let's work together to create an exceptional experience for our attendees while showcasing your brand at SoCal Swordfight 2024.

Sponsorship Ideas and Opportunities at a Glance

Empower martial artists to excel with your products by sponsoring SoCal Swordfight 2024. Reach a dedicated audience seeking top-quality athletic wear and training gear. Showcase your offerings to help participants boost their performance and stand out on the battlefield.

Become an essential part of HEMA history by sponsoring SoCal Swordfight 2024. Connect with martial artists who rely on your protective gear, weapons, and training equipment. Showcase your products and expertise, ensuring participants have the tools they need for a safe and successful event.

If you run an Historical European or Western Martial Arts Event we would be very interested in exchanging prizes for our medalist to be able to attend your event. We will of course reciprocate in kind.

We will also list you as a sponsor on our website, do a social media post announcing your sponsorship, and due another post to remind people to register for your event when your registration is open (please do not be shy about reminding us to do this).

We look forward to working with you as HEMA grows when we are all successful.

Equip our Historical Martial Arts enthusiasts with your exceptional outdoor and tactical gear by sponsoring SoCal Swordfight 2024. Connect with a passionate audience seeking high-quality knives and tactical equipment. Showcase your products to enhance their pursuit of excellence in martial arts and outdoor activities.

Energize the competition by sponsoring SoCal Swordfight 2024. Connect with participants who rely on your invigorating beverages to stay at their best. Showcase your energy drinks and boost their spirits and endurance throughout the event, ensuring they perform at their peak.

Level up your brand's exposure by sponsoring SoCal Swordfight 2024. Engage a diverse audience interested in strategy, competition, and history. Create an immersive gaming/experience lounge at the venue, offering unique interactive experiences and merchandise related to sword fighting games. Include role-playing games to broaden your gaming appeal and create memorable moments for attendees.

Unlock a world of possibilities by sponsoring SoCal Swordfight 2024. Connect with a tech-savvy audience passionate about honing their martial arts skills. Showcase your innovative training tools, software, or apps through live demonstrations and hands-on experiences, empowering participants to elevate their performance with your cutting-edge solutions.

Elevate your brand by sponsoring SoCal Swordfight 2024. Reach a dedicated audience seeking peak physical performance. Align with the rigorous demands of HEMA, providing participants with the energy and recovery they need to excel. Collaborate to offer on-site product sampling and expert guidance, ensuring attendees stay at their best throughout the event.

Amplify your presence by sponsoring SoCal Swordfight 2024. Access a passionate martial arts community hungry for knowledge and entertainment. Engage with your audience through content coverage, exclusive interviews, and live broadcasts during the event. Your expertise and insights will resonate with our dedicated viewership.

Preserve the past and shape the future through sponsorship of SoCal Swordfight 2024. Align with the rich historical context of HEMA and connect with enthusiasts eager to explore their heritage. Contribute educational materials, immersive presentations, and engaging experiences to deepen attendees' understanding of martial history.

Support your community and elevate your brand's visibility through sponsorship of SoCal Swordfight 2024. Showcase your local business or restaurant to an engaged and diverse audience. Offer catering services, ensuring attendees savor quality food, and consider exclusive promotions that entice them to visit your establishment.

Be the backbone of success by sponsoring SoCal Swordfight 2024. Connect with event organizers and attendees reliant on top-notch services and equipment. Showcase your offerings in audiovisual equipment, seating, or transportation. Ensure the seamless execution of the event while promoting your expertise.

Empower attendees to achieve peak performance by sponsoring SoCal Swordfight 2024. Reach a health-conscious audience seeking fitness equipment, recovery tools, and wellness products. Set up interactive booths for live demonstrations and sampling, inspiring participants to embrace your brand for their wellness journey.

Enhance the attendee experience by sponsoring SoCal Swordfight 2024. Extend your hospitality to those traveling from afar with special discounts and packages. Your support ensures attendees have a comfortable stay, creating lasting memories beyond the event.

Some of Our Previous and Current SoCal Swordfight Sponsors

MINNIMUM SPONSORSHIP INCLUSIONS

Website Visibility

Your brand listed on socalswordfight.com as a sponsor with logo, brand name, description, and link to your site or social media.

Social Media Promotion

A dedicated post announcing your sponsorship on our Facebook, Instagram, Facebook Group, and more tagging your pages and promoting your brand.

IN-VENUE SIGNAGE

Your logo will be featured on the step and repeat photo walls at the event, as well as a provided sponsor banner displayed in the main hall.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Acknowledgment during opening ceremonies, finals event, and throughout the event, providing information and CTAs to attendees.

EVENT REGISTRATION

Minimum of 2 Full Event Registrations to SoCal Swordfight, ensuring your team's presence to promote your brand and you access to the experience.

LIVESTREAM

Announcement during livestream of the 2024 event finals and throughout the event.