Event Publicity

Consider the following tools to generate publicity for your next event.

1. If you want event publicity to spur registration, use tools to provide it according to your schedule (niche publications, Internet, direct mail, e-mail, telemarketing, and advertising).

2. Consider having key people drop by newsrooms for on the spot interviews.

3. Just because you have an event doesn't make it newsworthy. Reporters want good stories about people and things that affect their audience. High profile speakers, resolutions on controversial issues or new approaches to matters within your sector can all draw the right attention.

4. Involve members of the media on your publicity committee to develop feature stories and other tools.

5. Organize a telephone campaign. Assign people within your organization to a hot list of prospects they know personally to generate interest or involvement.

6. Cable TV is playing a more active role in covering community events and is capturing a larger local audience. Cable also has more time to deal with issues than traditional media has.

7. Daily newspaper published in-house documenting speakers and delivered to hotel doors in time for breakfast. News stories and photographs can also be posted on your website. Fund the publication with sponsors or view it as added value for sponsors of other events.

8. Professional video taping and production of speeches for use on hotel video loops. Copies should be made available if dignitaries want to buy a copy for viewing by staff. Use it as fodder for PSA's or commercials for next year's event.

Publicity directed at the wrong audience or at the wrong time is not effective publicity. Focus on what you can realistically expect and then choose the best tools for the job.