Sponsor the Invitational
Align your brand with the most rigorous tattoo competition in the country. Reach a passionate, engaged audience of artists, collectors, and industry professionals.
The Originals
This competition exists to bring it back — and to honor the people who built it the first time. These are the originals.
Gil Montie
Still StandingVenue Provider — Ink Slingers Ball
Gil Montie opened the doors — literally. Through the Ink Slingers Ball, he provided the venues that gave this competition a home and a stage worthy of the artists. He is the last of the originals still with us, and this revival is dedicated to him. We bring it back so he can see it live again.
Dennis Dwyer
Original Supplier
Dennis supplied every piece of tattoo equipment and materials that made the first competitions run. Without his generosity, there was no show. Gone but never forgotten.
Lyle Tuttle
Historian & Living Legend
One of the most important figures in tattoo history. Lyle brought credibility, knowledge, and the deep roots of the craft to the original competition. His legacy lives in every artist who competes.
Ink Mania Tattoo Shop
Original Sponsor
The first shop to put their name on it. Ink Mania Tattoo Shop believed in this competition before anyone else did. That kind of faith doesn't get forgotten.
Sponsorship Tiers
Bronze
Entry-level visibility
min. $1,000 cash/digital
- Logo on event website
- Social media mention (1 post)
- Name in event program
- Complimentary tickets (2)
Silver
Growing presence
min. $2,000 cash/digital
- Everything in Bronze
- Logo on event signage
- Social media mentions (3 posts)
- Vendor table at event
- Complimentary tickets (4)
- Logo on livestream lower-third
Gold
Premium exposure
min. $4,000 cash/digital
- Everything in Silver
- Dedicated sponsor spotlight segment
- Logo on all printed materials
- Social media mentions (6 posts)
- Speaking opportunity at opening ceremony
- Complimentary tickets (8)
- Branded competition category naming rights
- Email blast to artist & client database
Platinum
Title-level partnership
min. 40% cash/digital
- Everything in Gold
- "Presented by" naming rights
- Exclusive logo placement on championship trophy
- VIP hospitality suite access
- Complimentary tickets (16)
- Dedicated landing page on event website
- Custom activation space on event floor
- Post-event recap video feature
- Year-round social media partnership
Contribution Rules
We accept both cash and in-kind contributions — but every sponsor must meet the minimum cash/digital requirement to ensure the event is properly funded.
Mandatory Cash / Digital Minimum
Every sponsor must contribute at least 40% of their tier value in cash or digital assets (crypto, digital payments, etc.). The remaining up to 60% may be fulfilled through in-kind goods or services.
Accepted In-Kind Contributions
Up to 60% of your tier value may be contributed as goods or services. In-kind value determines tier placement. All in-kind contributions are subject to approval.
Minimum Cash / Digital by Tier
The Audience
Tattoo Artists
Professional artists from across the country — licensed, credentialed, and actively building their careers and studios.
Collectors & Clients
Enthusiasts who invest significantly in quality tattoo work and are actively seeking top-tier artists and products.
Industry Professionals
Studio owners, supply distributors, health inspectors, and media covering the tattoo industry.
Sponsorship Inquiry
Fill out the form below and our partnership team will be in touch within 48 hours.