W H A L E T R U S T M AU I

WHALE TALES

FEBRUARY 24-27, 2017THE RITZ-CARLTON, KAPALUA

Whale Tales is hosted annually by Whale Trust Maui, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to whale research and education.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Whales bring the vast blue sea to life. When the whales return to the breeding grounds of Maui, they captivate us, drawing in people of every age with a profound curiosit y about another world .

Whale Trust Maui is dedicated to scientific research and public awareness of whales and their environment . We believe that the well-being of whales matters to us all. As the largest mammals in the ocean, the health of whales speaks to the overall health of the marine environment . With oceans covering more than 70% of the ear th’s sur face and containing 97% of all living matter, humans depend on the health of this ecosystem for our food, water and air.

WHALE TALES is an annual four-day event on Maui that brings together marine exper ts with thousands of residents and visitors from around the world. Scientists, photographers, filmmakers and conservationists join the public for a memorable weekend of talks, receptions and exciting whale watches.

Over the last 10 years, WHALE TALES has raised more than $500,000 for whale research and reached tens of thousands of people, including thousands of local schoolchildren in Hawaii.

Since 2006, world-renowned presenters have joined the Whale Trust Maui research team in Maui to collaborate and share the latest findings on humpback whales and their environment . All proceeds from WHALE TALES suppor t whale research and education in Hawaii.

WHALE TALES is an esteemed marine-science event among whale researchers and enthusiasts around the world. Corporate and individual sponsors are critical to bringing this world-class event to Maui each year.

Partnering with Whale Trust Maui as a WHALE TALES sponsor emphasizes your commitment to the future of our oceans. Your sponsorship is an investment in the ongoing research and education efforts that inform long-term management and conservation programs.

Whale Tales 2017 Preview

VIP SUNSET WHALE WATCHSponsors at the Sperm Whale level ($3,500) and above will receive special invitations to the Whale Tales VIP Sunset Whale Watch. It is not often that all of the top cetacean researchers in the world are on one boat! Talk story with our presenters aboard the luxury Trilogy catamaran, indulge in delicious catered food and beverages, and enjoy the humpbacks while the sun sets over Lana’i and the West Maui mountains glow. It is a beautiful evening with great company, including our sponsors, presenters and ‐ of course - the whales!

PHOTO SAFARIMiss the Photo Expedition? Cruise the Maui coastline looking for whales with a world-renowned National Geographic photographer as your photography mentor. This intimate two-hour whale watch trip aboard the exclusive 40-foot Jayhawk yacht is limited to eight passengers The Photo Safari is an experience you’ll never forget and you will learn new skills along the way to take with you aboard your next adventure!

FLIP NICKLIN AND FRIENDS WHALE WATCHFlip Nicklin is widely regarded as the premier whale photographer worldwide. A celebrated National Geographic contributing photographer, Flip has collected numerous diving stories from his adventures around the world. Sponsors at the Orca level ($500) and up will have the opportunity to join Flip on an intimate whale watch to learn, observe and share stories. The mystery and awe-inspiring nature of the whales comes alive when you are on deck with Flip!

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

WHALE WATCH HIGHLIGHTS

PRESENTER HIGHLIGHTSTUESDAY-FRIDAYFebruary 21-24

FRIDAYFebruary 24

SATURDAYFebruary 25

SUNDAYFebruary 26

MONDAYFebruary 27

Whale Trust Photography Expedition (Separate registration and fee required. Limited to 10 participants.)

7:30 AM - 12:00 PM Benefit Whale Watches12:30 PM - 5:30 PM Education and Art Exp2:00 PM - 5:00 PM Presentations6:00 PM VIP Opening Reception at Kapalua

Denise Herzing, Research Director of the Wild Dolphin Project , has studied the natural behavior, social structure and communication of Atlantic spotted dolphins since 1985. Detnise presented her research on interspecies communication (between humans and dolphins) using a keyboard interface at a 2013 TED talk. Her 2011 book Dolphin Diaries tells the incredible story of her research.

Hal Whitehead, Professor at Dalhousie University, is a seaman at heart and in his research. He primarily studies social structure and culture of sperm whales and northern bottlenose whales in the eastern Pacific and northwest Atlantic. Hal’s book The Cultural Lives of Whales and Dolphins (2015) explores how information is transmitted in whales and dolphins - just as humans pass along knowledge between generations.

Robert (Bob) Pitman, Marine Ecologist in the Marine Mammal and Turtle Division at NOAA, investigates the ecology and evolutionary biology of cetaceans and other marine species around the world. Bob’s work and recent publication exploring why humpback whales protect other species has recently received wide-spread media coverage. He shares that animals tend to do what is in their best interest and starts his research with this tenet in mind, but interspecies empathy cannot be ruled out.

7:30 AM - 12:00 PM Benefit Whale Watches12:30 PM - 5:30 PM Education and Art Exp1:00 PM - 5:30 PM Presentations

7:30 AM - 12:00 PM Benefit Whale Watches12:30 PM - 5:30 PM Education and Ar t E xp2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Presentations4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Closing Ceremonies6:00 PM Mahalo Reception7:30 AM - 12:00 PM Benefit Whale Watches

Preview schedule based on 2016 event. Times and agenda are subject to change. Check www.whaletrust.org for updated schedule.

WHALE TALES PHOTOGRAPHYEXPEDITION with Ralph Lee Hopkins

Join Us for the 2nd annual Whale Tales Photo Expedition led by Lindblad Expeditions Founder and Director of Photography, Ralph Lee Hopkins. This four-day exclusive workshop will provide you with a unique and in-depth experience to learn and explore some of the key elements of nature photography with whales as your muse.

Limited to ten people, this intimate experience includes daily private whale watches at sunrise and sunset, a welcome dinner with National Geographic contributing photographer Flip Nicklin, personal mentoring and instruction with Ralph, special room rates at the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, and several sponsorship benefits associated with Whale Tales. All profits support the research and education programs of Whale Trust. Our 2016 expedition raised over $25,000 and sold out quickly.

COST: $3,500 minimum donationREGISTRATION DEADLINE: November 1st , 2016

Contact Dayna Garland to reserve your spot as soon as possible!PHONE: 808-572-5700 EMAIL: dgarland@whaletrust.org

FEBRUARY 21-24, 2017

ULTIMATE WHALE WATCH

Photography invites you into a world of WONDER and ANTICIPATION,

where it’s no longer about the camera but about being IN THE MOMENT. And living in the moment is what

LIFE is about. Live ONE DAY at a time, and make it a MASTERPIECE.

-Ralph Lee Hopkins

Kohola (Title) SponsorBlue Whale (Day)Sponsor

Humpback Whale SponsorGray Whale Sponsor

EVENT BENEFITS• Private Whale Watch with

Whale Trust founders (4 invitations )• Private Mahalo Dinner

with Whale Trust founders (4 invitations)• VIP Opening Reception at Kapalua

with presenters (4 invitations)• VIP Sunset Whale Watch with presenters

(4 tickets) • Flip Nicklin and Friends Whale Watch (4 tickets)

• Photo Safari Whale Watch (2 tickets)• Mahalo Reception (4 invitations)• VIP seating (6 seats)• Early registration for whale watches• Event pass: Early access to all presentations,

expo and special event seating• Opportunity for discounted room rate on two

(2) rooms at The Ritz-Carlton, KapaluaMARKETING AND RECOGNITION• Opportunity to speak during Welcome Ceremony

and/or present a promotional video• Logo/name featured in all level 1 & 2 event

marketing and promotion • Logo/name featured on e-newsletter, Whale

Trust website and social media• Opportunity for exhibition booth at the

Education and Art Expo• Full-page recognition in event program• Full on-screen sponsor slide recognition• Option for branded giveaways• Option to provide promotional material

EVENT BENEFITS• Private Mahalo Dinner with

Whale Trust founders (2 invitations)• VIP Opening Reception at Kapalua with

presenters (4 invitations)• VIP Sunset Whale Watch with presenters

(4 tickets)• Flip Nicklin and Friends Whale Watch

(4 tickets)• Photo Safari Whale Watch (2 tickets)• Mahalo Reception (4 invitations)• VIP seating (4 seats)• Early registration for whale watches• Event pass: Early access to all presentations,

expo and special event seating• Opportunity for discounted room rate on one

(1) room at The Ritz-Carlton, KapaluaMARKETING AND RECOGNITION• Opportunity to speak at a designated time during

the event or present a promotional video• Logo/name featured in all level 1 & 2 event

marketing and promotion • Logo/name featured on e-newsletter, Whale

Trust website and social media• Opportunity for exhibition booth at the

Education and Art Expo• Full-page recognition in event program• Full on-screen sponsor slide recognition• Option for branded giveaways• Option to provide promotional material

EVENT BENEFITS• VIP Opening Reception at Kapalua with

presenters (3 invitations)• VIP Sunset Whale Watch with presenters

(3 tickets)• Flip Nicklin and Friends Whale Watch

(4 tickets)• Photo Safari Whale Watch (2 tickets)• Mahalo Reception (3 invitations)• VIP Seating (4 seats)• Early registration for whale watches• Event pass: Early access to all

presentations, expo and special event seating

• Opportunity for discounted room rate on one (1) room at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua

MARKETING AND RECOGNITION• Logo/name featured in all Level 2 event

marketing and promotion • Logo/name featured on e-newsletter, Whale

Trust website and social media• Opportunity for exhibition booth at the

Education and Art Expo• Full-page recognition in event program• On-screen sponsor slide recognition• Option for branded giveaways

EVENT BENEFITS• VIP Opening Reception at Kapalua with

presenters (2 invitations)• VIP Sunset Whale Watch with presenters

(2 tickets)• Flip Nicklin and Friends Whale Watch (4 tickets)• Mahalo Reception (2 invitations)OR • VIP Opening Reception at Kapalua with

presenters (4 invitations)• Flip Nicklin and Friends Whale Watch (4 tickets)PLUS: • VIP Seating (4 seats)• Early registration for whale watches• Event pass• Opportunity for discounted room rate on one (1)

room at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua MARKETING AND RECOGNITION• Logo/name featured in all level 2 event

marketing and promotion • Logo/name featured on e-newsletter, Whale

Trust website and social media• Opportunity for exhibition booth at the

Education and Art Expo• Full-page recognition in event program• On-screen sponsor slide recognition• Option for branded giveaways

$20,000+$10,000+

$7,500+$5,000+

Sponsorship Levels

Level 1 Marketing/Promotion: Logo/name on all event collateral including rack cards, posters, event programs and paid advertising. Level 2 Marketing/Promotion: Logo/name on event collateral including posters, event programs and mahalo ad.

As a Whale Trust partner, we are happy to tailor sponsorship benefits to your business objectives or individual needs. Your sponsorship contract will allow you to select which benefits best suit your needs as a sponsoring partner.

WHALE TRUST IS A 501(C)(3) NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION. ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE TO THE EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW.

Sperm Whale SponsorMinke Whale Sponsor

Orca Whale SponsorMakai Sponsor

IN-KIND SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

EVENT BENEFITS• VIP Opening Reception at Kapalua with

presenters (2 invitations)• VIP Sunset Whale Watch with presenters

(2 tickets)• Flip Nicklin and Friends Whale Watch (2 tickets) • Mahalo Reception (2 invitations)• VIP seating (4 seats)• Early registration for whale watches• Event pass: Early access to all presentations,

expo and special event seating• Opportunity for discounted room rate on one (1)

room at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua

MARKETING AND RECOGNITION• Name recognition on e-newsletter, Whale Trust

website and social media• Quarter-page recognition in event program• On-screen recognition• Option for branded giveaways

EVENT BENEFITS• VIP Opening Reception at Kapalua with

presenters (2 invitations)*• Flip Nicklin and Friends Whale Watch

(2 tickets)• VIP seating (2 seats)• Early registration for whale watches• Event pass: Early access to all

presentations, expo and special event seating

• Opportunity for discounted room rate on one (1) room at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua

MARKETING AND RECOGNITION• Name recognition on e-newsletter, Whale

Trust website and social media• Quarter-page recognition in event program• On-screen recognition• Option for branded giveaways

* $1000 sponsorship includes one (1) invitation to the VIP Opening Reception at Kapalua,

plus all other benefits listed above.

EVENT BENEFITS• Flip Nicklin and Friends Whale Watch

(2 tickets)• Early registration for whale watches• VIP seating (2 seats)• Event pass: Early access to all

presentations, expo and special event seating

• Opportunity for discounted room rate on one room at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua

MARKETING AND RECOGNITION• Name recognition on e-newsletter, Whale

Trust website and social media• Recognition in event program• On-site recognition

• Early registration for Whale Watches• Recognition in e-newsletter, Whale Trust

website and social media• Recognition in event program• Event pass: Early access to all presentations

and expo

For more information about sponsorship and partnership

opportunities please contact Whale Trust.

Phone: (808) 572-5700Email: dgarland@whaletrust.org

• Accommodation• Transportation• Whale Watching• Graphic Design• Food/Snacks

• Printing• Photography• Videography• Media Partners• Auction Items

We welcome in-kind contributions. For inquiries details, or further opportunities, please contact Whale Trust at dgarland@whaletrust.org.

$3,000+$2,000+

$500+$100+

Whale Trust is a nonprofit marine research and education organization based on Maui. We collaborate with researchers around the world to conduct and share scientific research about whales and their ocean

environment, with the vision of creating a world more knowledgeable about whales and our oceans.

PO BOX 243 MAKAWAO, HAWAII 96768 ˚ P. 808-572-5700 ˚ WWW.WHALETRUST.ORG

Some of the photos included here were taken under NOAA Permits #13846, 753, and 986.Photo Credits: Flip Nicklin/Minden Pictures, Ralph Lee Hopkins, and Bryan Berkowitz Photography.

WHALE TRUST