A press release is a great way to generate publicity for your event. But how do you write a press release that will actually get media attention? If you are ready to write your first press release, here are the steps explaining how to write a press release for an event. You’ll find a free template and press release example below.
“Consistently distributing accurate press releases allows you to build credibility over time with journalists as well as existing and potential customers. ” – Cision
What is a Press Release For An Event
A good press release is a brief, professional announcement about your event. It should include all the essential information about your event, such as the date, time, location, and what will be happening. An event press release template can help you format your press release correctly. More on that in a bit.
Why Write a Press Release?
Event press releases generate interest in your event launch. By sending a press release to media outlets, you’re increasing the chances that your event will be covered. This can result in more people attending your event, and more publicity for your organization or business. A formal press release for your event launch is also a great way to create a professional image for your event.
Search engines also index press releases, so a well-written press release can also help your event show up in search results. This can bring even more attention to your event.
Writing a press release for an event can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. By following these steps, you can write a press release that will get media attention and help your event be a success.
Press Release Preparation
Before you start writing press releases, research the outlets you want to target. Find out what kind of events they usually cover, and what kind of information they need. Then, make sure your press release has all the necessary information (more on that below). Once you have all that, you’re ready to start writing.
Understanding your target audience will help you create a well written press release for media contacts.
Here’s what should be in your press release:
1. The Who, What, When, Where, and Why of your event. This is the most important part of your press release. Be sure to include all the essential details about your event so reporters can easily write their stories.
2. A quote from a representative of your organization. This helps add personality to your press release and gives reporters another angle to approach the story from.
3. Additional information about your organization or the event itself. This can include background information, statistics, or anything else that might be relevant and interesting to reporters and their readers/viewers/listeners.
4. Contact information for someone reporters can reach out to for more information or interviews. Include a phone number and email address (or both) so reporters can get in touch with you easily.
5. Photos, videos, or other forms of media. These can help make your press release more visually appealing and give reporters additional material to work with.
Once you have all this information, you’re ready to start writing your press release. Remember to keep it brief and to the point—the goal is to give reporters the information they need so they can write their stories. If you do that, you’ll increase the chances that your press release will result in media coverage for your event.
Steps: How to Write a Press Release For An Event
Press coverage can help increase awareness and interest in your event, which can lead to more people attending. A press release is one of the best ways to generate that coverage. Here’s how to write a press release for an event that will get media attention:
1. Format your header
Your header should include the following:
The word “PRESS RELEASE” in all caps, centered on the page
The date (written out as “Month, Date, Year,” e.g., “January 1, 2022”)
The city and state where the event will be taking place (e.g., “New York, NY”)
Here’s an example of what a press release header might look like:
PRESS RELEASE
January 1, 2022
New York, NY
2. Write your lead paragraph
Write in an active voice. This is your chance to really grab attention in the first few words, so make it count. Start with the most important information about your event, and then include additional details in subsequent paragraphs.
Your lead paragraph should be the most important part of your press release. It should give reporters all the essential information about your event in a way that is clear, concise, and easy to understand.
Remember to include the who, what, when, where, and why of your event. You can also include a brief description of what will be happening at the event.
For example, your lead paragraph might look something like this:
On January 1, 2022, the XYZ Organization will be hosting a New Year’s Eve party in Times Square. The event will feature live music, entertainment, and a midnight countdown.
2. Wite your second paragraph
Your second paragraph should provide additional information about your event or organization. This can include background information, statistics, or anything else that might be relevant and interesting to reporters and their readers/viewers/listeners.
For example, The event will include a silent auction, food, and drinks. All proceeds will benefit the charity.
The key is to focus on what would be interesting or valuable to that audience. A good way to do this is to think about what reporters typically cover, and how your event fits into that.
Here’s an example of how you might make your event sound more newsworthy:
XYZ Company’s annual charity event is not only a great way to support a worthy cause, but it’s also a fun evening out. This year’s event will feature a silent auction with some amazing items up for grabs, as well as live music from a local band.
3. Add quotes.
A quote from a representative of your organization helps add personality to your press release and gives reporters another angle to approach the story.
For example: “We’re excited to host this event for the fourth year in a row,” said John Doe, spokesperson for XYZ Company. “It’s a great opportunity for us to give back to the community and support a worthy cause. We encourage everyone to come out and join us for a fun evening.”
4. Include additional information.
While you included the basics in the lead paragraph, there may be some additional information about your organization or the event itself that would be relevant and interesting to reporters and their readers/viewers/listeners. Include this additional information further down in the press release, after the quote.
This can include background information, statistics, or anything else that might be relevant and interesting to reporters and their audience.
5. Add media.
This can include background information, statistics, or anything else that might be relevant and interesting to reporters and their readers/viewers/listeners.
For example, Last year’s event raised $10,000 for ABC charity. This year, XYZ Company is hoping to raise $15,000.
6. Add links
Include an event website. If you have one, be sure to include the URL so reporters can easily find more information about your event. If you have more than one hyperlink, make sure they are all working and that they go to the correct page. If you are using a free press release media platform, you may have to upgrade to include a 2nd link that sends the user to your event details.
With these tips in mind, you’re ready to write an effective press release for an event that will get media attention and help increase interest and attendance.
7. Write an attention-grabbing headline
Your headline should be clear, concise, and to the point. It should give reporters a sense of what the press release is about and why they should read it.
If you’re stuck, try using a headline generator like the one from Jasper AI. I use Jasper to help write clever headlines, intro paragraphs, and even full articles.
Your headline doesn’t have to be too creative—it just needs to accurately reflect what’s in the press release. For example, “XYZ Company to Host Annual Charity Event” is a perfectly fine headline.
8. Write your closing paragraph
Your closing paragraph should restate the main points of your event and thank reporters for their time.
For example:
XYZ Company’s annual charity event is a great way to support a worthy cause and have a fun evening out. This year’s event will feature a silent auction with some amazing items up for grabs, as well as live music from a local band. All proceeds will benefit the ABC charity.
We encourage everyone to come out and join us for a fun evening. Thank you for your time.
Event Press Release Template (Boilderplate)
If you need a little help getting started, here’s a template you can use for your upcoming event press release. Your first paragraph should include the following information:
Who: The name of your organization
What: A brief overview of the event (what it is, why it’s being held, etc.)
When: The date and time of the event
Where: The location of the event
Why: The purpose of the event (i.e., to raise money for a charity, to celebrate a milestone, etc.)
The second paragraph of your press release should include more information about the event, making it sound newsworthy as described above.
The third paragraph should include a quote from a representative of your organization.
The fourth paragraph can include additional information about your organization or the event itself.
The fifth paragraph should include information about any media that will be present at the event.
The sixth paragraph should include contact information for reporters, as well as any other relevant information such as URLs for event websites, etc.
With these tips in mind, you’re ready to write an effective event press release for an event that will get media attention and help increase interest and attendance.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Contact Details)
Contact: John Doe
Phone: (212) 555-1234
Email: jdoe@example.com
XYZ Company Hosts Annual Charity Event
New York, NY (January 1, 2022) – XYZ Company will host its annual charity event on January 10, 2018, at 123 Main Street in New York City. The event will begin at 6:00pm and will feature a variety of activities, including a silent auction and live music. All proceeds from the event will go to benefit ABC charity.
“We’re excited to host this event for the fourth year in a row,” said John Doe, spokesperson for XYZ Company. “It’s a great opportunity for us to give back to the community and support a worthy cause. We encourage everyone to come out and join us for a fun evening.”
Last year’s event raised $10,000 for ABC charity. This year, XYZ Company is hoping to raise $15,000.
For more information or to RSVP, please contact John Doe at (212) 555-1234 or jdoe@example.com.
Event Press Release: Circus
For more information, please contact:
John Doe
XYZ Company
(212) 555-1234
jdoe@example.com
The circus is coming to town! The Greatest Show on Earth will be in town for two weeks, from June 15-30. This year’s show will be even more spectacular than ever, with new acts, new animals, and new thrills.
Some of the highlights of this year’s show include:
The death-defying aerial act of the Acrobat Brothers
The comedic antics of the Clown Prince
The high-flying trapeze act of the Flying Aces
“We’re excited to bring the circus to town for another year,” said spokesperson John Doe. “It’s a great opportunity for us to give back to the community and provide some family-friendly entertainment.”
This year’s circus is sure to amaze and delight audiences of all ages. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online (link) or at the box office.
If you’re looking for a fun and exciting event to attend this year, be sure to check out the circus! This year’s show promises to be even better than last year’s. Tickets are on sale now, so be sure to get yours before they sell out. For more information, please contact John Doe at (212) 555-1234 or jdoe@example.com. We hope to see you there!
Distributing your event press release
Now that you’ve written your event press release, it’s time to get the word out. Here are a few ideas for how to distribute your press release:
– Email the press release to local media outlets
– Post the press release on your website or blog
– Share the press release on social media (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.)
– Submit the press release to online PR directories or news wires (PR Newswire, Business Wire, etc.)
With a little effort and creativity, you can get your event press release in front of the right people and increase interest in your upcoming event.
Writing a press release for your event doesn’t have to be difficult. Just make sure you include all the essential information (who, what, when, where, why), along with quotes, additional background information, and contact info for reporters. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to generating media attention for your event!
FAQ
What is the format of a press release?
The format of a press release is typically: date, contact information, headline, body copy, and end. To get the readers attention, make sure to write a catchy headline and use strong verbs throughout the body copy.
How can I make my press release stand out?
One way to make your press release stand out is to include quotes from people involved with the event, such as the organizers, performers, or sponsors. You can also try to include interesting statistics or add multimedia elements, such as photos or videos.
How long should my press release be?
A press release should be one to two pages long, or about 400-500 words. Keep in mind that reporters are often pressed for time, so make sure to get your point across quickly and concisely.
What should be included in a press release?
A press release should include the who, what, when, where, and why of your event, along with quotes from organizers or attendees, additional background information, and contact info for reporters.
What are the 7 Steps to a press release?
The 7 Steps to a press release are: 1) research your audience, 2) understand what is newsworthy, 3) craft a catchy headline, 4) provide more details in the body copy, 5) include quotes from organizers or attendees, 6) add additional background information, and 7) include contact info for reporters.
