Event Press Release
Jump right to the 'Sample
Event Press Release Template'
Out off all the press release types we get, 'Event Press Releases',
contain the most mistakes.
Below you'll find directions on how to write an 'Event Press Releases'.
This is a basic 'Event Press Releases' layout that should be
followed - no matter what the event is.
It is not meant to give every
detail, it covers the basics, and the most common press release
errors many people make.
Most Common Errors
*Your press release is not your event flyer.
You should always write your news
releases in 'press release style'...
Just the facts, very limited hype.
Cover the main news subject in the opening paragraph. Include the
who, what, where and when. Add any related details in 1 or 2
paragraphs that follow.
Always write as if your talking about somebody else, 3rd person.
He, she, it, and they are in the third person. Any person, place, or
thing other than the speaker and the addressee is referred to in the
third person.
Never: I, we, me, etc...Unless it is in a quote and the person
quoted is identified.
This is an easy rule to remember if you write your press release as
if you are the journalist writing about somebody else.
Example:
Not: "I said to him...."
Like this: Sam Smith, VP for Company Name said, "......"
(or)
Like this: Smith went on to say, "......."
(or)
"........," stated Smith.
Note: Proper names are preferred over he or she. You only need to
use the full name once, after that the last name is commonly used.
When you mention a persons name the first time, add a brief 'who
they are' statement. Example: Sam Smith, VP for Company Name
said,"...."
You may add a link to flyer at the
bottom of the release. Specify that it is the event flier (also
spelled flyer)
Example:
For more information see our event flyer http://yourlink...
*A press release is a 'Two-Way-Street'
A press release is not just about 'you'.
A press release is equally about giving a reporter/editor a good story so they can pass that onto their readers, listeners or viewers.
No hype. Don't overdue the hype about you, your products or your event. Journalist are independent, they are not a branch of your marketing department. Believe me, if a journalist likes your event, products or services, they can give you some of the really good 'press'. Let the 'Press' come to their own conclusions.
Remember these rules and you will do well.
*Limit the copy emphasis to just headings and to just 1 to 3 inline (in the body of the paragraph).
The headings if you look at the text
above on this page are: Event Press Release and Most Common Errors -
both in bold, and 1 in a larger font as well.
The inline emphasis above is: Just the facts, very limited hype - in
italics in this case.
Never use ALL CAPS or
Highlight Markers in
a press release. Exceptions for ALL CAPS are: abbreviations, stock
symbols and acronyms.
Never use colored fonts and use
standard fonts: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, Sans-Serif, Times New
Roman, etc. (Note: links should be the standard
blue with an underlne)
Underlined text should be avoided. Exceptions for underline text
are: links /
http://yourlink
Especially avoid ! and never !!!
This is ok: * - This in not ok: ***Some Text***
*Charts and graphs should be an image, not formatted html and never MSWord or other document editor formats. The news outlet will asked for text format if they need text.
Never include TM or R in the the title of your release. ® TM
You only need to mention TM or R once
in any PR - the first time it is used below the title is standard.
Limit the special characters used in
the title - Don't use: !@#%^&*()_+=?>":;
Use none if possible or try to use only the Dot (period) the short
dash - and the single quote ' (apostrophe).
This is mainly for the online posting of your news, not the print or
broadcast. This is because every news outlet's software will
interpret special characters differently.
Every wonder why you see
stuff like this:
- the funny looking errors that should be -
"quotes" - are caused by
pasting MSWord content (Smart Quotes in this case) into an html
form.
This rule is true for the main body of the release as well, so
turn off 'Smart Quotes' and any other special formatting when
writing your press release.
*Main Body
The start of the main body of the
release is the same as in any other press release...The dateline should
go as follows: City, State (2 letter or long) - date (long date)
(Country if Non USA) --
Example:
Miami, FL - August 8, 2009 -- Your opening statement....
Include up to 2 images to be imbedded in the release - these should
be very relevant to the story.
Additional images can be added below the main content. Each image
should have a caption, and the people in the images should be
named.
* Boiler
Include your contact information for
the media, the general public (if relevant) and repeat the event
details.
It is always a good idea to invite the media or to do something just for
them.
Example:
Backstage media passes are available, contact.....
*Plain text
Plain text press releases are required
by some media outlets.
When we send your press release, it goes out as 'Multi Part' - HTML
and Plain text.
It may also go out as a Fax (a few media outlets request this).
Always strive for 500 words or less - you may send more, but that is
what fits on a sheet of paper and that was once mandatory -
email press releases have changed this, but it is a good rule to
follow.
*Links
Limit the links to what is absolutely
necessary. (lots of links look sloppy and spammy)
Your email when posted online will not be linked on our websites
*Sample Event Press Release Template
Note: Plain text will include the text only, no images or special formatting other than the line breaks. Links and links to additional info will be included.
Additional images - fliers -PDF's (links)
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*Note: Plain text will include the text only, no images or special formatting other than the line breaks. Links and links to additional info will be included.
*Focus on 1 subject matter!
The above sample press release contains 500 words if you remover the 'instructions text'.
As you can see there is limited room in a press release to cover multiple subjects, so stick to 1 subject matter and highlight the most important facts and aspects.
If you must include another subject mater, be very brief, and only mention it at the end of your 'Why' details paragraph(s).
Note: 1 subject matter press releases tend to be more effective.
*Online only press releases
Online online only news releases should follow the same format, you may omit the top section:
| (Top section omitted for online only releases) | |
| For Immediate Release: | |
| Contact:
Your Name (required) (optional your title) |
Your logo can go here
(optional) |
| Phone: (required) | |
| email: (media contact required) | |
| Website: (optional but recommended) | |
*You may also send a 'Media Alert'
Media alerts can be very affective, as these are short and go directly to the point.
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*See
press release writing tips for more information.
*Need more help? Contact the author of this page: William Schroyer: 1-888-775-1557.
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