Sponsor compatibility
Tiger Woods' marital problems are a private matter. But his sponsorship deals are not.
Accenture ended its sponsorship arrangement with Woods because it felt he was no longer a suitable representative for the company.
Other sponsors may feel similarly.
Event sponsorship does not usually carry the huge risk that companies accept with celebrity sponsors. Still, companies must be compatible with the events they sponsor.
Running events don't sign tobacco or hard liquor sponsors because their products are not compatible with exercise and healthy living. Events may also bar sponsors that are a bad match for their organizations or audiences.
Look for sponsors whose markets intersect with yours.
If your event is involved in a controversial issue (even a legitimate one), be frank with prospective sponsors so they are not surprised and won't have to resort to quick damage control to protect their images.