Your PR planning checklist for CES

It’s that time of year again! Closing out the year with CES prep makes December one of our busier times of year. Anyone attending CES is probably in full swing for planning and finalizing logistics and getting ready for media relations during the show should be no different.

Here are a few key PR practices to keep in mind while you’re getting ready for CES.

• Plan your PR strategy for the show – Think about what you want the focus of your presence at CES to be. While it is important to measure all your activities, make sure that PR goals get on your list as well. Do you have a product launch? A press announcement? Do you want to preview news to the press? Will you have a demonstration? Will you hand out samples? You should have all these key questions answered as you plan your PR outreach to media.
• Holding a press conference – For those companies that are exhibiting at the show, there are opportunities to schedule and host a press conference through CES. Talk with your salesperson to see if you can secure a spot for a press conference if you have something important to announce to media at the show.
• Prepare your press materials – Create a press kit and any other marketing materials early. Make sure there is contact information on your documents and they are easy to share. We typically host a link via Dropbox or the Google Drive. You’ll want to include key company and product information, images, press releases, and any other important company notes. You should also utilize the exhibitor press portal to upload your materials there so that media can discover your content if they are looking for it.
• Start reaching out to your media contacts early – Have you been working with media throughout the year? Make CES the best time to meet them in person. Reach out to anyone that has covered your company to secure an in-person meeting at the show, preferably if you have news or a demo.
• Get the pre-registered press list – If you are an exhibitor at the show, you will have access to the pre-registered press list very soon. Make sure you get it as soon as possible. The list is updated weekly but getting a head start when it is released is key.

While there are so many things to watch out for while at the show, preparation is key. If you have questions or need help getting a grip on your PR strategy for the upcoming CES, schedule a free 30-minute call to get on the road to media success.