How to Choose the Right Event as a Vendor or Sponsor – Our Winning Experience at the Akili Kids Treasure Hunt

Last Saturday, the Cake City team set out for a mission—a treasure hunt of our own. Not for gold or gems, but for something just as precious to any brand: visibility, engagement, and sales. And let me tell you, we hit the jackpot.

The Akili Kids Treasure Hunt was nothing short of magical. From the moment we arrived at the venue, it was clear this wasn’t just another family fun day—it was the family event of the season. Organized by Akili TV, the event was sold out a whole week before the big day. In fact, no tickets were being sold at the gate. That alone told us one thing—these organizers knew what they were doing.

As vendors, we came in with a clear goal: increase brand awareness, introduce our mascot Pink Simba (yes, the friendly pink lion who delivers cakes to schools!), interact with our target market—families—and of course, make some sweet sales.

And boy, did we succeed.

We had cupcakes. We had cookies. We had chocoballs and our famous moist cakes. And we sold out. Twice. We restocked, and sold out again. It was surreal. Kids tugged at their parents to visit our stand, parents sampled our treats and asked, “How much for your birthday cakes?”—and our brand name echoed from the stage more times than we could count. The MCs made sure of that.

But let’s rewind.

Before signing up as vendors, we did what every brand should do—but rarely does thoroughly. We asked the right questions. Questions that go beyond booth size and cost.

Here’s what made this event worth every minute and every cupcake:

1. How long had it been marketed?

Akili Kids started talking about this event weeks in advance. That gave it buzz—and credibility.

2. What marketing strategies were used?

From digital ads and influencer partnerships to on-air mentions and parent groups—this event was everywhere. We saw it. So did our customers.

3. How many tickets had been sold?

By the time we joined, we learned that most tickets had already been bought. It was a green light. It is important that by the time you are signing that contract, you have an idea of how many people are expected to attend the event, either using the data of the sold tickets, or the projections the event organisers have.

4. Where was the event held—and why?

The venue was easily accessible to families, secure, and spacious. Perfect for our target market. This time it was at Nairobi Club, close enough to Nairobi CBD so that even attendees using public means had an easy time accessing it.

5. Where would our stand be placed and what are the details of the brand visibility we will get?

We were strategically located along the main activity route. High visibility. Constant foot traffic. Engaged parents. Curious kids. The Emcee also kept giving us mentions and directing footfall to our stand in addition to strategically placed banners allover the place.

Even when the morning skies looked threatening, hinting at rain, the sun broke out just in time—as if giving its own stamp of approval.

Take it from me: not all events are created equal.

Sponsoring or vending should never be a gamble. Ask the trivial questions. Demand a media plan. Understand their reach. Scout the location. Know where your stand will be.

And when the stars align like they did at the Akili Kids Treasure Hunt, you’ll walk away not just with sales—but with genuine brand love.

We went in to make an impact.

We came out with more than we expected.

To the organizers—bravo.