Generating that initial conversation with brands about a potential sponsorship is the No.1 challenge rights holders say they face in securing commercial partners. At the same time, brands get frustrated with the high volume of irrelevant pitches they receive.
With two brands and two rights holders on the panel, the purpose of this ESA Breakfast is to explore best practice in the pitching process that can help to reduce or eliminate wasted time in the pursuit of the perfect partnership.
This event will be moderated by Catherine Hawkins, ESA Fellow and ESA Sponsorship Sales Certificate Course Director.
Event timings (BST)
08:30-09:00 networking breakfast
09:00-10:00 session
10:00-10:30 additional networking
Alma Birbilaite (remote)
Marketing Manager – Brand & Communication, Cairn
Alma is a marketer passionate about building connections between brands and communities. With over 15 years of global and local experience in tech, finance and real estate, she leads the Brand and Communications team at Cairn, Ireland’s largest home and community builder. She launched Cairn Community Games, commended at the 2025 ESA Awards. Previously, Alma was part of Indeed’s global marketing team, spearheading the award-winning Team Ireland partnership and developing a sponsorship evaluation platform. She is dedicated to empowering businesses and communities through impactful sponsorship initiatives. Alma holds a Bachelor’s in Computer Science and a Master’s in Marketing.
Alex Burmaster
Co-founder, caytoo
Alex is co-founder of caytoo and leads the company’s research and marketing functions. Having worked as an analyst and VP of Global Communications at Nielsen, the world’s leading data and measurement firm, he went on to establish his own highly successful PR agency which promoted clients in the advertising technology and retail industries. Alex uses this experience in data, analysis, communications and storytelling to help caytoo’s rights holder clients better understand how to identify and pitch target sponsors more effectively.
Marc de Jong
Head of Business Development, FIA World Rally Championship, WRC Promoter GmbH
Marc has been part of the commercial team behind the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) for over 20 seasons. At WRC Promoter, he currently heads specific business development projects, including growth of new rally events in Japan and USA, and the publishing of WRC’s interactive video game franchise. Marc was born in The Netherlands, educated in the US and lives in England. He has extensive international experience in the car industry, motorsports and broadcasting.
Cat March
Head of Corporate Development, The Old Vic
Cat has built a career in sponsorship and fundraising within the cultural sector, including with Tate, Theatre Royal Stratford East, and is currently Head of Corporate Development at The Old Vic. She has designed and executed sponsorship campaigns with a variety of brands including EY, BMW, Deutsche Bank, LOEWE, PwC, Royal Bank of Canada and UNIQLO. As a sponsorship practitioner, she is particularly interested in understanding the intricate dynamics that define the relationship between the cultural and corporate worlds. Cat is also Vice Chair at Hackney Showroom – east London’s home for experimental theatre and performance artists.
Andrew Selby
Head of Partnerships, Deloitte LLP
Andrew leads the Partnerships and Sponsorship function at Deloitte, strategically developing relationships to elevate the firm’s brand, communicate its values and deliver business impact. His previous agency experience encompasses diverse sectors, from established businesses to emerging companies, and includes work with clients in sport, media, automotive, FMCG and fashion. A firm believer in the transformative potential of sport and entertainment, Andrew also serves as a Trustee of London Sport.
The webinar recording is available exclusively to ESA members in our website event resources.
Sign-up to our mailing list to be the first to hear about future ESA events and other updates.
