| |
HOW TO ORGANIZE A PRESS CONFERENCE
Hold a press conference only when you have news to present to the public, i.e. a news announcement, a new report released, a protest staged, etc.
Determine your Target Audience:
The target audience for your news will determine what kind of event you stage and what media outlets to invite. That means where you stage the event, who speaks, what the banners look like and numerous other details will be decided by your target audience. For example, events promoting youth related messages will look and sound very different from an event targeting seniors.
Good and Bad News Days & Times:
Tuesday –Thursday in the late morning hours are prime time for press conferences. Do not stage your events late in the afternoon or evening when many reporters are on deadline. If you must stage a rally after work, for example, at least do it during the evening television news so the station can send cameras for live coverage. Mondays are not preferred because offices will be closed over the previous weekend and you will not be able to reach key reporters for a couple of days before the event. Fridays are not good either, because the news may come out in Saturday’s media, the least read issue of the newspaper.
Avoid Being “Bumped” – Check for competing events.
Keep the Event Short – About 30 to 45 minutes is the length of a good press conference.
Location
Make your event convenient for reporters, yet dynamic and appropriate in terms of backdrop.
Speakers Lineup
Limit your speakers at a press conference to three or four maximum. The first speaker welcomes, hosts, introduces other speakers and communicates key messages. Typical speakers might include: An executive director or other key staff person, board member, a person or two representing the personal human interest, a public official, celebrity, local politician or ally and an “expert”, say, the author of the report you are realizing or the lawyer in charge of a case.
Practice Your Event
For press conferences, consider a “dress rehearsal” the day before with your speakers (at least those who can attend). Fire questions that reporters may ask at the speakers during the rehearsal, and test any audio visual equipment you may be using. If time is an issue, meet briefly before prior to the event.
HERE IS YOUR CHECK LIST FOR A PRESS CONFERENCE
 News defined for press conference
Identified target audience
Location, time and date scheduled and confirmed
Checked calendar for conflicts
Speakers identified and confirmed
Media advisory drafted and sent to reporters
Deliverables produced (press kit, reports, videos, etc.)
Logistics in place for media event (security, crew, volunteers)
Decorations produced (banners, posters, podium logo, charts, etc.)
Pitch call to reporters made
Dress rehearsal for speakers at press conference
Audio-visual equipment secured for space
Media check-in sheet put out. Someone assigned to staff the check-in desk at all times
Reporters greeted and checked in as they arrive
First speaker starts on time
Other speakers start on time
Q&A period starts
Closing after Q&A
Follow-up work completed |
