How can you get media coverage for your conference press release?

2 Write a catchy headline

Your headline is the first thing that journalists and editors will see when they receive your press release, so you need to make it catchy, clear, and concise. Your headline should summarize the main point of your press release, highlight the benefits or outcomes of your conference, and spark curiosity or interest. Avoid jargon, hype, or vague statements. Use active verbs, numbers, or questions to make your headline more compelling. For example, "How to Boost Your Sales Skills at the XYZ Conference" or "Learn from Top Experts at the ABC Conference".

3 Follow the inverted pyramid

The inverted pyramid is a classic structure for writing press releases, where you present the most important information first, followed by the less important details. This way, you can capture the attention of busy journalists and editors, and make it easy for them to scan and understand your press release. The inverted pyramid consists of four main elements: the lead, the body, the boilerplate, and the contact information. The lead is the first paragraph that summarizes the who, what, when, where, why, and how of your conference. The body is where you expand on the details, facts, and quotes that support your lead. The boilerplate is a short paragraph that provides some background information about your organization or conference. The contact information is where you provide the name, email, phone number, and website of the person or team responsible for handling media inquiries.

4 Include multimedia elements

Adding multimedia elements to your press release can make it more engaging, attractive, and memorable. You can include images, videos, audio clips, infographics, or logos that showcase your conference speakers, agenda, venue, or testimonials. Multimedia elements can also help you convey your message more effectively, as they can illustrate data, stories, or emotions better than words. However, make sure that your multimedia elements are relevant, high-quality, and optimized for different platforms and devices. You can also use online tools or platforms to create and host your multimedia elements, and provide links or embed codes in your press release.

5 Distribute and follow up

Once you have written your press release, you need to distribute it to your target media list. You can use email, online platforms, or wire services to send your press release, depending on your budget, goals, and preferences. However, no matter which method you choose, you need to follow some etiquette rules to avoid spamming or annoying the media. For example, you should send your press release at least two weeks before your conference, avoid attachments or large files, personalize your email subject line and salutation, and provide a clear call to action. You should also follow up with your media contacts after sending your press release, but don't be too pushy or persistent. A polite and friendly reminder, a thank-you note, or an offer to provide more information or assistance can help you build rapport and trust with the media.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?