Tour Company Partner Application

The Biggest Week in American Birding is very grateful for the support of our tour company partners. The expertise and enthusiasm you bring to this festival makes an enormous difference for our participants, and we do our best to make this a mutually beneficial partnership for you and for Black Swamp Bird Observatory.

Below please find our new Tour Company Partner application. In order for your application to be considered, it must be completed by January 15, 2027.

It is imperative that you read the following, as our Tour Company Partnership program is completely new.

Eligibility Requirements: All interested tour companies are welcome to apply. To qualify, you must provide proof of valid insurance/license (PDF upload), have at least one English-fluent guide with demonstrable bird identification knowledge specific to Northwest Ohio, and sign our code of conduct (provided upon selection).
Sponsorship Fee: Qualifying companies secure a booth by paying our $1,000 sponsorship tier.
Earn Credit Toward Reimbursement: Completed field trips and presentations earn credit toward reimbursement of your sponsorship fee (up to 100% of your $1,000):
- Presentations: $250 credit and $500 for a keynote (Note: Travel Talks do not count towards this)
- Field trips: $125 credit per guiding day
Only completed guiding days and presentations count. Regardless of credits earned, your company will receive the full benefits of our $1,000 (Yellow Warbler) sponsorship tier. By June 15, we'll send an invoice reflecting your adjusted balance after presentation and field trip credits are applied.
Limited Availability: We offer a maximum of 6 tour-company booths per festival.
Selection When Applications Exceed Availability: If more than 6 qualified companies apply, priority is given based on track record for returning partners, or reference strength for new applicants, along with application date.
Application Deadline: Applications must be submitted by our published deadline of 1/15/2027. Late applications will not be considered, so we encourage early submission.

Two Important Next Steps

Review the Tour Company Partnership Memorandum of Agreement at the button below
Complete the application form below

If your application is approved, we will send you the MOA for your signature. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Tyler Ficker at [email protected].

* Indicates required field

Tour Company Name *

Tour Company Website *

Company Address *

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City

State

Zip Code

Country

Contact Person's Name *

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Last

Contact Person's Email *

Contact Person's Phone Number *

Please provide the number of guides you plan to have attend the festival. *

If possible, please provide the names of the guides you plan to have attend the festival. *

Please provide proof of insurance or licensure. *

Max file size: 20MB

I have read and agree to the Biggest Week in American Birding Tour Company Partnership MOA and agree to sign it if my application is selected. *

Yes No

Questions?

Please email Tyler Ficker ([email protected]) for additional information or with any questions.

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