How Do You Invite Media To An Event?

Sounds simple enough...

Obvious answer is a Media Alert.

But what if dignitaries and members of the community are also invited. Does that change the way you invite the media?

If you're thinking yes, then think again.

Let's begin by defining exactly what an invitation is. It's a request for someone to attend as a guest. Keyword here: guest.

A guest is someone invited to enjoy the event, maybe eat a little, drink a little and talk casually with other guests.

The media is not a guest. They are there to do their job. And their job is getting the story.

As a public relations specialist, it's your responsibility to your client to ensure that the media understands the news angle of the event and to get them on site to cover it.

So, what's the proper way to handle this?

Draft a Media Alert that is succinct and to the point. Send it out a day or two before the event and then vigorously follow-up the day before.

Make a list of which media has promised to attend and which will not. If someone has committed to attend but is a no show, don't be surprised to find you have to call them again minutes before the event.