Meeting with Media at CES
CES is just weeks away and it’s time to make sure that you have everything ready for the big show. We’ve put together some PR insider tips on how to manage your CES this year. Good luck!
- Create a media schedule – While it may not always be easy to stick to the schedule, many media are open to scheduling their time with you at the show. At least you can figure out what day they will be in your area to keep an eye out. When clients ask us if the media really show up, I tell them that about 85% of scheduled interviews typically show up. If you are doing something new for the industry and/or if they already know you the numbers rise.
- Distribute your news – Make sure that you distribute your news to the relevant people on the media list. We typically go through the media list early on to remove any irrelevant media contacts. The more targeted you keep your list the better your results will be. We typically distribute to the list by 7 am or so on show days.
- Craft a short & sweet pitch with a CTA – Getting 50+ emails with meeting requests can be overwhelming. Make sure you lead with your value proposition and why certain media should meet with you at the show. Get to the Who, what and why quickly and efficiently and give them something to respond to.
- Get media contact information – For any pre-scheduled media interviews that you secure to come to your booth, make sure you have their cell number. You may also want to ask if they have a preference for text vs. calling. Cell service can be shoddy and it’s pretty loud in the convention center.
- Send out reminders with details – Before your scheduled meeting (a day before or before you head to CES) confirm your meeting. Make sure you give them your contact # and booth #. We like to take a look at the floor map before the show and send a screenshot in an email so that it is easy to find. Landmarks are good to include as well (ie. next to the restroom, food court, etc.)
- Be available and easy to contact – When handing out your card or press materials to media, make it easy to remember. Make sure the name of your product (not just the company) is on the card with your phone number and booth # highlighted. It also helps them if you’re open to texting so that they can verify any facts before they post their article(s).
There is always a lot to remember, but this process will not only make your PR for the show much easier but all of your networking and business development. See you at CES next week!
If you have questions or are interested in speaking about PR at CES, contact us and view our CES page:
