Staging A Successful Press Conference

A press conference is all about presenting information that you want to relay in the way you want to communicate it. From the welcoming remarks to the Q&A period, the successful press conference takes preparation and a professional approach.

Whenever you can, script all remarks. Even if your speakers don't follow them word for word, the message and tone will come through if you prep your speakers well. In addition, insert the prepared remarks in the press kit and the media will most likely refer to what you've prepared, ensuring a pick up of key points.

Make sure your press release and the remarks are in sync. In fact, any quotes from your speakers in the press release should be picked up verbatim from the remarks.

Don't assume a media alert will bring the media in. Call each one and check that they have you on their “to do” list.

Don't be obsessed with starting the press conference on time-- it's more important to have your key target media in attendance than to start on time. On the other hand, if they are more than 10 or 15 minutes late, respect those already in attendance and start the show.

Find someone in your client's organization who can handle the logistics of set up, sound system etc. An efficient person on that end will save you both time and headaches in the long run. Communicate clearly with that person – treat him as part of your PR team.

After the press conference, be sure all the key media who were not in attendance receive the press kit shortly after the conference ends.

These are just a few of the things you need to do to ensure a successful press conference. There are many more things involved, but if you begin by following these simple guidelines, you'll at least have a good foundation for success.