5 rules to CES media pitching!

Yes, that's right! The media list is here and if you're on the ball you downloaded the media list last Friday morning. And while reaching out to 4000+ media may seem daunting, the sooner you get started the better chance you'll have to set up interviews. I would like to hope you're already on top of this but just in case you're getting started, here are 5 simple rules we use to booking meetings

1. Make sure your reporter is the right one- You don’t need to reach out to the whole list. The more targeted the more likely you are secure the right folks. First look at the outlet and then investigate what reporters are covering what topics, this will save you time and rejection in the end.
2. Have something newsworthy or timely to share - Make sure you have carved out your key message and you have something impactful to share. If you don't, line up your brand with some of the CES themes and how they play into those. Talk about 2024 trends and how your brand is a critical part of setting the consumer tech stage for 2024.
3. Have a call to action -? Most pitches that fail don’t have a call to action. Make sure you include your booth information. Do you want them to set up a meeting/experience a demo/have them read your embargoed release? What is it that you want them to do?
4. Provide options - I like to provide options when the reporter has expressed interest and try to be as flexible to THEIR schedule as possible. Breakfast, lunch, dinner or drinks may even be in order depending on who you're talking to. Don't shy away from these options, we all get hungry at CES.
5. Follow and follow up - We have a three follow up process, make sure you're following up multiple times. However, if they say "pass", make sure to put them on the DO NOT DISTURB list. CES is not a great time to get on anyone's bad side.

Good luck with pitching my friends. Be creative and don't worry about the no's, you're bound to get at least 1 yes if you do it right.

Just as an FYI and if you're not attending CES, this process and method applies to almost ANY tradeshow, so you can duplicate this for NRF or MWC or any other upcoming tradeshows that fit in your wheelhouse.

If you need help, this is the last week we are accepting new clients through this week for CES. After that it will be hard to lock down interest if your strategies are not yet set. Contact [email protected] or book a meeting with me here: https://calendly.com/ronjini/ces-2024-intro-meeting