Getting Media to Your Next Event
December 9, 2009
Last Thursday evening, December 3, we helped our client Oakland City Center/Shorenstein Realty Services bring the media out for its annual Holiday Tree Lighting event. Our charge was to showcase the kind of activity that's going on in Oakland year round, with a long-term goal of building positive association for the city and its merchants. In response to a short and sweet event news release and focused follow up prior to the event, the media turned out in force. Two TV stations and the Oakland Tribune covered the event.
 |
| 2009 Holiday Tree Lighting at Oakland City Center |
Here are a few tips for getting media to your next event:
1. Tis the Season... Seasonal events are good as are events that tie into timely news items.
2. A Picture is Worth A Lot... At the Holiday Tree Lighting event we had bell ringers, elves, Santa Claus and a big tree, all great visuals. We also had cookie decorating for kids to add a bit of spice and another photo opp.
3. The Company You Keep... Create higher profile partnerships whenever possible. This event was held in partnership with The City of Oakland. This helped to build its stature with the media.
4. Timing is Everything... Keep in mind that TV and print reporters live by deadlines for submitting their stories. Try to plan your event time accordingly if possible. Also remember deadlines when calling the media to remind them of the event.
5. Be Prepared... Remember that breaking news is always your competitor. Even the best laid plans for media coverage can go awry if a major news event pulls reporters away.
6. Tweet About It... After the event, send journalists who didn't attend a message on Twitter with a link to a photo or video of the event.
Further reading on our blog:
|
