Reach the World’s Largest Historical Martial Arts Audience

Become a sponsor of SoCal Swordfight 2026 in Pomona, CA

North America’s premier Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) tournament and expo!
Engage directly with 1,200+ passionate martial artists, fitness enthusiasts, and history lovers. Boost your brand recognition on-site, online, and throughout the global HEMA community.

SOCAL SWORDFIGHT 2026

Why Become a Sponsor?

APPLY TODAY

  • Unparalleled brand exposure in a rapidly growing sport
  • Access to a high-spending, engaged target audience (ages 18–50+)
  • Digital reach: 2,800+ email subscribers, 2,100+ Facebook fans, 1,950+ Instagram followers, plus TikTok and YouTube
  • On-site engagement: 1,200+ annual attendees, with practitioners from 20+ countries
  • Lasting social impact: Promote athleticism, community, and youth involvement in martial arts

SOCAL SWORDFIGHT 2026

Example Sponsorship Level Descriptions

The sponsorship levels and benefits outlined here are examples of our standard packages. We know that every sponsor has unique goals, needs, and creative ideas—so every package can be customized. If you want to mix elements from different tiers, add new features, or tailor a partnership for your brand, just let us know. We’re committed to building win-win sponsorships that maximize your visibility and impact. Use these samples as a starting point, and contact us to create the perfect fit!

The Presenting Sponsor is our highest visibility partner, recognized as the primary supporter of SoCal Swordfight 2026. Your brand will receive top billing on all event material, a premium tournament hall booth with the greatest frontage, and the opportunity for exclusive features such as medal lanyard logos, primary event shirt placements, and tournament naming rights. This level is perfect for companies seeking maximum exposure and leadership status in the HEMA or martial arts market.

Platinum Sponsors receive premier branding across event shirts, banners, and digital platforms, first opportunity for sleeve logo placement, and a large, high-traffic booth. Enjoy priority access to demos, podium presentations, and custom social media “takeover” options. Ideal for brands who want to be prominent but don’t need full presenting status.

Gold Sponsors enjoy many core benefits—a great booth, shirt logo, premium podium and step-and-repeat presence, and dedicated website features. Includes eligibility for featured sponsor page upgrade and digital/social promotions. Suited for established brands wanting a major event presence at an efficient investment.

Silver Sponsors gain significant on-site exposure: booth, shirt logo, event signage, web listings, and podium acknowledgment. This is a great package for brands testing event sponsorship or those looking for highly efficient, local visibility.

Community Partners include restaurants, local businesses, services, or small organizations who want a visible association with the event at an accessible rate. Get listed on our site, included in attendee guides, and take advantage of specific on-site or digital promotions designed to drive local traffic.

Compare Our Sponsorship Benefits

Browse sponsorship levels for SoCal Swordfight 2026. All tiers allow you to combine cash and gear/prize donations. Booth sizes scale with tier and can be upgraded in 6' increments. See notes column for special terms and conditions.

Benefit / Perk Presenting Platinum Gold Silver Community Notes
Premier Booth Space (Tournament Hall) 🟢 🟢 🟢` 🟢 🟡 Booth Sizes are Scalable. Booths in this areas are 10' deep and increase in 6' increments @ $250 each. Sponsorship levels with booth inclusion only come with 1 type of booth.
Booth Space (Tournament Hall) 🟢 🟢 🟢 🟢 🟢 Booth Sizes are Scalable. Booths in this areas are 8' deep and increase in 6' increments @ $200 each. Sponsorship levels with booth inclusion only come with 1 type of booth.
Demo/Workshop Space 🟢 🟢 🟡 🟡 🟡 Demonstration availabilities are based on scheduling. Priority times will be given to Presenting and Platinum level sponsors.
Logo on Event T-Shirt 🔵 🔵 🟢 🟢 🟢 Variable logo size options are available for placement on the back of the shirt, these are added post-agreement, and updated weekly for our print-on demand sales. There is an exclusive sleeve logo opportunity available for Platinum and Presenting Partners.
Logo on Home Page 🟢 🟢 🟢 🟡 🔴 Silver Sponsors can upgrade for logo inclusion. All others will be listed as text with hyper-link to site.
Dedicated Sponsor Page on Site 🟢 🟢 🟡 🔴 🔴 A page about your brand, custom offer, etc. will be developed with your content on SoCalSwordfight.com, and link directly back to where you want it.
Logo on Event Page at HEMAscorecard.com 🟢 🟢 🟢 🟢 🔴 HEMA Scorecard is constantly accessed by competitors, attendees, and those not with us but trying to keep up with the tournament action.
Social Media Post 🔵 🔵 🟢 🟢 🟢 All sponsors will be announced with a dedicated post on social media. Platinum and presenting sponsors have the opportunity to do an additional "take-over" post.
Step and Repeat Banner 🟢 🟢 🟢 🟢 🔴 Prime for presenting, shared with others. Perfect backdrop for photos, may appear on live-stream.
Logo on Medal Lanyards 🔵 🟡 🔴 🔴 🔴 Limited spots. Commitment before December 31, 2025 is required.
Medal / Prize Presentation 🟢 🟢 🟡 🔴 🔴 Company rep presents live. Featured on livestream. Only available for Tier A prizes.
Announcer Mentions 🟢 🟢 🟢 🟢 🔴 Silver + sponsors will be mentioned by name. Community sponsors will be read off in a group.
Live Stream Mentions 🟢 🟢 🟡 🔴 🔴 Premium coverage provided for higher tiers.
Tournament Naming Rights 🔵🟡 🔵🟡 🔴 🔴 🔴 This is an exclusive opportunity made available at an additional costs to our sponsors.
Included     Add-on     Not Included     Exclusive

Unique Sponsorship Benefits

  • Visibility on event t-shirts, awards, banners, livestreams, and online platforms
  • Booth options in the Tournament Hall or Entry Hall (high-foot-traffic zones)
  • Podium award presentations, bracket/tournament naming opportunities
  • Product demos, trial experiences, sampling
  • Exclusive add-ons: Opening Reception, t-shirt sleeve, food truck partner, custom merchandise

Event Stats & Demographics

SoCal Swordfight Attendance Growth (2015–2025)

This area chart shows SoCal Swordfight’s rapid attendance growth, with total attendance increasing over 350% since 2015. The event attracts more competitors, participants, and attendees every year, reflecting its role as the world’s leading HEMA tournament and expo.

Attendee Demographics by Gender

While SoCal Swordfight attendance is predominantly male (68% in recent years), we’re seeing steady growth in female participation, driving diversity and broadening the event’s appeal for all sponsors and partners.

Age Distribution of SoCal Swordfight Attendees

This chart illustrates the age breakdown of our attendees. A majority are between 18 and 40 years old, representing a vibrant and active segment with significant purchasing power and long-term engagement in HEMA. The event also attracts participants from U18 through 60+, making it appealing for brands and partners targeting youth, adults, and mature enthusiasts alike.

Tournament Participation by Weapon & Division (2025)

With hundreds of competitors across disciplines like longsword, saber, rapier, and more, SoCal Swordfight offers unique opportunities for bracket, category, or weapon-specific sponsorships—putting your brand front and center for every audience segment.

Global Online Reach: Subscribers & Followers (as of Oct 2025)

Beyond onsite engagement, SoCal Swordfight reaches thousands globally through digital channels. Our community includes 2,800 email subscribers, 1,900 Facebook followers, 1,570 on Instagram, plus an expanding TikTok and YouTube audience—giving your brand digital exposure far beyond the venue.

Special: Prize Donation Program

Contribute to the event's excitement by donating products, certificates, or vouchers as prizes or giveaways. The retail value of your prize donations will be applied to the costs of your sponsorship or vendor package, with only $250 needing to be paid in cash.

Example:
You sponsorship package costs $2,500. You donate a $1,000 cash + $2,000 product = Platinum Sponsor. Present your product on the podium, drive sales, and get full package benefits.

Donations and sponsorships may be tax-deductible.

How to Become a Sponsor

  1. Review our detailed sponsorship packages and select the options and benefits you are most interested in.
  2. Select your preferred tier or request a custom proposal
  3. Fill out the quick application or contact our team for a custom proposal
  4. Secure your priority placement — spots fill fast!
Apply Today

SOCAL SWORDFIGHT 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can sponsor?

National brands, small businesses, HEMA manufacturers, local restaurants, hotels, and service providers welcome.

Who should just get a booth?

Vendors who want to sell and interact, without the added branding benefits of sponsorship.

Who should upgrade to a sponsorship?

Any vendor wanting extra exposure via shirts, banners, media, social, and special activations – plus key premium booth placement.

Can vendors become sponsors later?

Yes! Booth cost already paid is credited toward any sponsorship if upgraded.

What if I want only branding and no booth?

Possible at all sponsor tiers except Community; let us know in your application.

Can we sponsor a tournament, category, or activation?

Yes! Custom options available—get your name on a shirt, medal lanyard, tournament, or special event.

Are sponsorships or donation tax-deductible?

SoCal Swordfight is operated by Swordfight USA, a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Contributions, sponsorships, and product donations may be tax-deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law. Please consult with your tax advisor for details.

What’s the application deadline?

The earlier you apply, the better your placement. Applications typically close in February.

Ready to Sponsor SoCal Swordfight 2026?

Start Sponsorship Application

Or email us anytime: sponsors@socalswordfight.com

Sponsorship Benefits and Tax Implications

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Swordfight USA offers unique advantages to our sponsors. Your sponsorship may be tax-deductible as a charitable contribution, providing significant tax benefits while supporting our mission to promote Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA). SoCal Swordfight operates as a DBA (Doing Business As) of Swordfight USA, ensuring that all donations and sponsorships for SoCal Swordfight are eligible for tax benefits under Swordfight USA's non-profit status. By partnering with us, you're directly contributing to educational and cultural preservation efforts, enhancing your brand's image through alignment with our non-profit mission. We recommend consulting with your tax advisor to understand the specific implications for your organization. For more detailed information about Swordfight USA and our initiatives, please visit our main organization page.