As an event organizer, you pour your heart and soul into crafting unforgettable experiences for your attendees. But even the most meticulously planned event can fall short if it doesn’t capture the attention of your target audience.
While social media, posters, and advertisements are effective channels for promotion, have you considered leveraging event press releases to garner media coverage for your event?
Event press releases may seem like a relic of the past, but securing coverage in traditional media outlets such as local newspapers, TV stations, and regional publications can help you reach audiences you might not otherwise tap into. Sending out a well-crafted press release is often the key to capturing the interest of journalists.
In this guide, you’ll discover real-world examples of event press releases from successful organizers, accompanied by valuable insights on how to execute a successful PR campaign for your next event.
Should You Create a Press Release for Your Event?
Let’s get real – crafting a press release isn’t always worth the effort. It largely depends on the nature of the event you’re promoting. Press releases are best reserved for announcements that are deemed “newsworthy.” While there’s no strict definition of what constitutes newsworthy, here are some examples of events that typically warrant a press release:
- Major festivals, conferences, or large-scale events
- Product launch parties or unveiling events
- Charity events for noteworthy causes
- Events with a distinct and compelling angle
- Pioneering events in your area (e.g., the inaugural food and drink expo)
- Community-wide activities such as fun runs or group endeavors
- High-profile concerts or artistic performances
Conversely, some events may not merit the creation of a press release, including:
- Routine occurrences like open mic nights
- Recurring event series that happen frequently
- Internal events such as company retreats or training sessions
- Small-scale private events with limited ticket availability
The primary objective of a press release is to attract media attention, and certain events inherently have a greater chance of piquing a journalist’s interest.
Crafting Your Event Press Release from a Journalist’s Perspective
When drafting your event press release, approach it from the standpoint of a journalist. Consider the following questions:
- What aspect of this event makes it noteworthy?
- What is the underlying purpose or motivation behind the event?
- What unique angle sets this event apart from others?
Remember, a well-crafted press release is just one facet of your event marketing strategy. Take the time to explore promotional channels that align with your event type and target audience. There are myriad cost-effective methods to market your event effectively!
Why it Works:
- Succinctly summarizes key details such as featured athletes, filming locations, and the film’s premise.
- Includes a compelling call to action prompting readers to watch the trailer and purchase tickets.
- Generates excitement and engagement by highlighting the People’s Choice award and the extensive tour locations.
- Provides additional resources for further information, including contact details and access to a media kit.
Community Event Press Release Example: “A Letter from Santa – SantaCon NYC”
Read the press release here.
Why it Works:
- Captures attention with a unique angle, featuring a message penned by Santa himself.
- Showcases a vibrant community event, SantaCon, which supports charitable causes annually.
- Demonstrates the event’s significance as a highly anticipated yearly tradition in New York City.
Festival Press Release Example: “The Bloody Mary Festival Announces Nominees”
Read the festival press release here.
Why it Works:
- Engages collaborators by recognizing local bar and restaurant nominees, encouraging them to share the news with their audiences.
- Provides essential event details while intriguing readers with a creatively titled announcement.
- Achieves local media coverage, appearing in publications such as the Milwaukee Record.
New Product Press Release Example: “Midwest Trading Group Launches ‘The Voice’ Electronics in Retail”
Read the product launch press release here.
Why it Works:
- Adheres to a professional format suitable for PR distribution networks.
- Enhances engagement with multimedia features, including images.
- Facilitates communication by providing clear contact information for media inquiries.
These examples demonstrate effective strategies for crafting compelling event press releases across various industries and event types. Each press release leverages unique angles and key information to capture media attention and drive engagement.
Can AI Write My Event Press Release?
While artificial intelligence (AI) tools can assist in generating event descriptions and calls to action, human input is essential to ensure the final result is comprehensive and impactful. AI-powered platforms like Sickening Events can streamline the content creation process, but human oversight adds depth and authenticity to the final output.
