ALLIED MEMBERSHIP & SPONSORSHIP GUIDE
ABOUT CRHA The Connecticut Restaurant & Hospitality Association (CRHA) is our state’s premier industry trade association representing the local restaurant and hospitality sector. We are a mission-driven, member-based, non-profit organization comprised of community advocates who fight every day to ensure our small business members not only survive - but thrive. The CRHA is dedicated to championing the restaurant and hospitality industry by shaping policy, and ensuring the voices of our industry are heard in creating a thriving and sustainable future for local businesses. We are committed to:
Elevating important issues and influencing discussions wherever policy decisions are being made. Building relationships with key lawmakers, and shaping policy to improve the landscape for our business members. Breaking down barriers to doing business and addressing industry-wide challenges that directly impact a business's bottom line. Ensuring our industry perspective is highlighted consistently in the news media, and that the stories and faces of our local businesses are pushed to the forefront of policy conversations. Amplifying the voice of our members with clear, consistent, and unified messaging.
CONNECTICUT HOSPITALITY EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION (CHEF) The Connecticut Hospitality Educational Foundation (CHEF) is the non-profit 501(c)3, philanthropic arm of the Connecticut Restaurant & Hospitality Association (CRHA). CHEF’s mission is to promote the health and prosperity of Connecticut’s hospitality industry through education, scholarships and financial assistance. CHEF works to attract, empower, advance and impact a career-oriented professional workforce for the hospitality industry through education for future hospitality industry professionals, workforce development opportunities and scholarships.
FURTHER QUESTIONS? CONTACT OUR MEMBERSHIP TEAM AT MEMBERSHIP@CTRESTAURANT.ORG
ALLIED MEMBERSHIP WITH CRHA Positioning your brand as a trusted industry resource and advocate
ALLIED MEMBERSHIP Put your business in front of the right audience and turn connections into growth. Allied Membership with the Connecticut Restaurant & Hospitality Association provides access to industry leaders, targeted visibility, and exclusive opportunities to expand your reach and generate new business.
CORE
ADVANTAGE
Core membership gives you access to essential tools, resources, and opportunities designed to generate leads, boost credibility, and support business growth.
Advantage membership includes all Core benefits, along with expanded visibility and promotional opportunities, plus additional tools and resources to support growth and elevate industry recognition.
Be listed in Connecticut’s most trusted hospitality vendor directory to reach operators actively seeking solutions
Upgrade your visibility with enhanced placement in the Vendor Directory, Member Resource Guide, Member Savings Program, plus email promotion
Generate leads and drive revenue with an exclusive offer in the Member Savings Program
Access the CRHA member mailing list annually to support targeted outreach and generate leads
$650 PER YEAR
$2,500 PER YEAR
Stay ahead with curated, members-only communications, including industry news, association updates, and special opportunities Unlock exclusive access to member savings, business support and resources, and preferred pricing on promotional tools
Enjoy exclusive, priority access to networking events, connecting you with key industry leaders Gain top partner visibility with a business profile on CRHA’s Industry Partners page and logo featured in broadcast email footers Share your expertise by contributing thought leadership content to the CRHA blog
PRIME
STARTING AT $10,000 PER YEAR Prime Partners are recognized for their dedicated support of the Connecticut Restaurant & Hospitality Association and receive customized annual plans to maximize impact. They are promoted as our most respected industry partners, showcasing their commitment to advancing the growth and success of the restaurant and hospitality community.
FURTHER QUESTIONS? CONTACT OUR MEMBERSHIP TEAM AT MEMBERSHIP@CTRESTAURANT.ORG
ALLIED MEMBERSHIP DELIVERABLES Explore the deliverables available for each Allied Membership level, offsetting your annual investment, giving you visibility, opportunities for business growth, connections within the industry, and member exclusive access: Promote Your Business
Core
Advantage
Prime
✓
Enhanced
Enhanced
✓
✓
Half Page
Half Page
Business Profile on Industry Partners Page
✓
✓
Vendor Partners Flyer in Board Meeting Packet
✓
✓
1x Annually
2x Annually
Unlimited
¼ Page
½ Page
Full Page
✓
✓
✓
Vendor Directory Listing Expanded Directory Categories Listing in Member Resource Guide
Free Event Calendar Postings Inclusion in Member Savings Program Promotion of Member Savings in Member Email
Company Name
✓ ✓
Promotion of Member Savings in Broadcast Email Dedicated Email to Industry Distribution List
Save Time & Money
Core
Advantage
Prime
Member Pricing on Training & Education
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Build Connections & Grow
Core
Advantage
Prime
✓
✓
✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Core
Advantage
Prime
Subscription to Upcoming Events Newsletters
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Access to Industry Training & Update Webinars
✓
✓
✓
Instant Access to Member Exclusive Content
✓
✓
✓
Member Only Helpline Access Labor & Employment Consultation (quarterly) Discounted Pricing for CRHA Events
Featured in New Member Announcemeents Invitation to Annual Members Meeting Sponsorship Opportunities Exclusive VIP Access Opportunities Unlimited Job Board Postings Discounted Featured & Premium Job Listings Direct Mail Membership List Access
Stay Informed Subscription to Latest Info Newsletter Subscription to Advocacy in Action Newsletter Subscription to Member Update Newsletter Subscription to In The News Newsletter
Broadcast Email Advertising Opportunity
1x Annually
2x Annually
Subscription to Benefit Bites Newsletter
Included in Broadcast Email Footer Weekly
✓
✓
Subscription to Foundation Newsletter
Sponsored Social Media Post Opportunity
1x Annually
Thought Leadership Business Blog Post Featured in New Member Announcement
✓
✓ ✓
✓ ✓
✓ ✓
FURTHER QUESTIONS? CONTACT OUR MEMBERSHIP TEAM AT MEMBERSHIP@CTRESTAURANT.ORG
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS MY BUDGET ONLY ALLOWS CORE LEVEL FOR NOW. CAN I STILL GET ACCESS TO MEMBERS AT THIS LEVEL? Core members are welcome and encouraged to network with members at applicable CRHA events, and promote their business by submitting to our Member Savings Program. Core members have the opportunity to sponsor events, emails, and promote their involvement and support of the CRHA.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF UPGRADING FROM CORE TO ADVANTAGE? Advantage level membership includes all the benefits of Core, plus increased visibility and advanced opportunity for engagement. Upgraded benefits include, the opportunity to include business promotion in Board Member packets at CRHA Board Meetings, enhanced listings in the Vendor Directory, Member Resource Guide, & Member Savings Program, direct Mailing List for CRHA members annually upon request and more.
WHAT BUSINESS PROMOTION DO I GET AT EACH LEVEL? View pages 4 & 5 of this guide for an in-depth look into the benefits available at each level.
ARE MEMBER NETWORKING EVENTS FREE FOR VENDOR MEMBERS TO ATTEND? CRHA Flagship Events, such as the Annual Golf Classic & CRAZIES, are ticketed events. Vendor members & nonmembers may purchase tickets, tables, or sponsorships to gain entry. Most free networking events hosted by the CRHA are accessible to all members, such as Night at the Capitol and CRAZIES Kickoff. In general, most other events are available for free to Advantage and Prime Partners, at a small fee for Core members, and not open to non-member vendors unless with sponsorship.
FURTHER QUESTIONS? CONTACT OUR MEMBERSHIP TEAM AT MEMBERSHIP@CTRESTAURANT.ORG
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS DO I HAVE TO BE A MEMBER TO SPONSOR CRHA EVENTS? No. While vendors are encouraged to demonstrate their support of our industry through membership, one does not need to become a member to sponsor an event.
I WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS A REVENUE SHARE. HOW DOES THIS WORK? Revenue share opportunities are only available at the Advantage level or above. As a new member you must join at $2,500 as the program will take time to become established. If the revenue generated in year one surpasses $2,500, you may qualify for a revenue share only agreement and potential for upgraded benefits.
I WANT TO ACTIVELY PROMOTE MY BUSINESS TO YOUR MEMBER BASE. WHAT IS THE BEST MEMBERSHIP LEVEL FOR ME? Advantage and Prime Partnership offer businesses the highest level of year-round visibility and brand promotion.
WHAT IS PRIME PARTNERSHIP AND HOW DO I QUALIFY? Prime Partnership is reserved for industry leaders who are highly engaged with the association. To qualify, Prime Partners must commit to an annual investment of at minimum $10,000. This investment can be fulfilled through a combination of partnership dues, sponsorship commitments, and contributions to our Foundation.
DO I QUALIFY FOR OTHER MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS? In most cases, yes. Please reach out to our membership team should you have questions about specific benefits.
FURTHER QUESTIONS? CONTACT OUR MEMBERSHIP TEAM AT MEMBERSHIP@CTRESTAURANT.ORG
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS DOES DUAL MEMBERSHIP FOR THE NATIONAL RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION OR AMERICAN HOTEL & LODGING ASSOCIATION ALSO APPLY TO ALLIED MEMBERS? No, dual membership with the National Restaurant Association or American Hotel & Lodging Association is not a benefit of CRHA Allied Membership. Visit their respective websites to learn more about membership.
HOW CAN I BE INVOLVED WITH THE CRAZIES? Vendors can participate at the CRAZIES by becoming a sponsor, contributing to our Foundation through a donation to our CRAZIES Silent Auction, or by simply attending the event to show support for the industry.
WANT TO DISCUSSION YOUR OPTIONS? REQUEST A CONSULTATION To schedule a consultation and discussFOR membership, sponsorship, or marketingASSOCIATION opportunities, a AND DOES DUAL MEMBERSHIP THE NATIONAL RESTAURANT $250 consultation feeHOTEL is required. This fee is fully credited toward any investment you move AMERICAN & LODGING ASSOCIATION ALSO APPLY TOshould ALLIED MEMBERS? forward and must be redeemed within 30 days. This vendor deck includes full details on all offerings as well as an FAQ that answers most common questions. For quick clarifications not covered there, please contact membership@ctrestaurant.org.
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FURTHER QUESTIONS? CONTACT OUR MEMBERSHIP TEAM AT MEMBERSHIP@CTRESTAURANT.ORG
A LA CARTE SPONSORSHIPS & ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES
BLOG
AD
BLOG POST
Image or GIF in prominent, highvisibility placement in CRHA broadcast emails reaching ~8,000 industry professionals. Ideal for promoting products, services, or offers. ALLIED MEMBERS: $300 NON-MEMBERS: $500
Feature a thought leadership article on CRHA’s blog, offering the opportunity to position your brand as an industry expert. Share insights, trends, and solutions relevant to hospitality operators. Blogs are published and promoted through CRHA digital channels.
EMAIL CONTENT FEATURE Image & text in integrated placement within a trusted CRHA broadcast email reaching ~8,000 industry professionals, aligning your brand alongside curated industry content and updates with strong open rates. ALLIED MEMBERS: $500 NON-MEMBERS: $750
STANDALONE EMAIL
Dedicated email sent exclusively on behalf of your brand to ~8,000 industry professionals, supporting both awareness and conversion goals.
ALLIED MEMBERS: $300 NON-MEMBERS: $500
Advantage and Prime Allied Members: As part of your partnership with the CRHA, your membership includes FREE thought leadership blog postings. Contact Katie for more information.
ALLIED MEMBERS: $1500 NON-MEMBERS: $2500 FURTHER QUESTIONS? CONTACT OUR MEMBERSHIP TEAM AT MEMBERSHIP@CTRESTAURANT.ORG
ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC The CRHA’s Golf Classic is a highly anticipated annual flagship event, bringing together hospitality operators and industry vendors from across the state for CT’s largest industry golf outing of the year! Attendees enjoy a fantastic day of golf at Lyman Orchards Golf Club, all-day networking, food & drink activations throughout the event, followed by a Chefled dinner. This event is hugely popular and sells out every year, with sponsors benefitting from high visibility and promotion, while supporting the mission of the Connecticut Restaurant & Hospitality Association.
RETURNING 2027! More information on the 2027 Golf Classic coming soon!
FURTHER QUESTIONS? CONTACT OUR MEMBERSHIP TEAM AT MEMBERSHIP@CTRESTAURANT.ORG
CRAZIES The CRAZIES is Connecticut's premiere industry gala, celebrating the best-of-the-best in the restaurant & hospitality scene. This unparalleled event brings together 1,500+ industry leaders, including restaurateurs, top chefs, bartenders, vendors, media, political figures, and influencers to honor the nominees and winners of 21 coveted CRAZIES awards for the lasting impact they've made on our industry. With over 1 million social media views, major media coverage and 70+ sponsors, the CRAZIES is more than just an awards show - it's a night that celebrates, unites and elevates our hospitality community in Connecticut. Whether it is the pre-event reception, awards dinner, or after party, the CRAZIES offers many different exceptional opportunities to spotlight your brand to a target audience of hospitality professionals. See previous events and learn more at CRAZIESAwards.com.
SAVE THE DATE! The 2026 CRAZIES Awards is coming up on December 7 at Foxwoods Resort Casino!
FURTHER QUESTIONS? CONTACT OUR MEMBERSHIP TEAM AT MEMBERSHIP@CTRESTAURANT.ORG
BOARD MEETINGS Position your brand at the center of industry leadership by sponsoring a CRHA Board Meeting. This opportunity places you in front of key decision-makers shaping the future of Connecticut’s hospitality industry. CRHA Board Meetings are followed by high-impact industry networking events, designed exclusively for restaurant owners, hoteliers, and hospitality leaders to connect, collaborate, and strengthen relationships within our industry. A great opportunity for visbility and building connections with industry leaders.
SPONSORSHIP INCLUDES: Invitation to attend Board Meeting Opportunity to present to Board Brand materials included in Board packets Promotion as Board Meeting sponsor Exclusive industry networking
$2500
FURTHER QUESTIONS? CONTACT OUR MEMBERSHIP TEAM AT MEMBERSHIP@CTRESTAURANT.ORG
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