Today, we’re here to shed some light on one of the unsung heroes of event promotion: event press releases.

A press release is a short but detailed message that alerts the press about your event. Your goal is to be clear but compelling enough for the media to want to show up. An event press release is your chance to make headlines, generate buzz, and shout from the rooftops about your upcoming extravaganza. Think of it as the grand announcement that sets the stage for your event's success.

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of how to write a press release, let's talk about why this particular piece of promotion is so important.

The Importance of the Press Release

Build Anticipation

A press release is akin to the movie trailer for your event. It gives the public a sneak peek into what they can expect, encourages ticket sales, and creates anticipation before the big day.

Draw Media Attention

If you’re interested in free publicity, a well-crafted press release is your golden ticket to media coverage, newspaper features, blog articles, and even TV coverage. 

Bolster SEO

When optimized with the right keywords, press releases work their magic and boost your event's online visibility. That means when someone Googles "Festivals near me," the press release for your event might just pop up.

Build Credibility

Having your event covered by the media adds a touch of professionalism and legitimacy to your event. This stamp of credibility goes a long way when you’re trying to establish yourself in the event world. 

Spreading the Word

Ironically, your press release isn’t just for the press; it's for everyone. The social media announcement or newsletter coverage is just the first domino in line that sets off a chain reaction of ticket sales and excitement. 

Press Release Best Practices

Ready to catapult your event into the spotlight by writing a headline-worthy press release? Let's dive into our pro tips and best practices for crafting a press release that turns heads!

1. Start with a Captivating Headline

‍

The headline of your press release is your event's first impression. Make it count by creating an informative and attention-grabbing headline. Consider these examples:

‍

  • "Unveiling the Enchantment: ‘Christmas on Main’ Takes Center Stage!"
  • "Breaking News: August 6 - Save the Date for Central Coast Ren Faire!"

2. Craft an Engaging Lead Paragraph

Your lead paragraph should encapsulate the essence of your event. Answer the who, what, when, where, and why of your event in a compelling way. For example:

In a dazzling display of lights and fireworks [Event Theme],  the Tuscon Torch Parade [Event Name] is set to captivate audiences on July 4th [Event Date] at the prestigious Canyon Cove Amphitheater [Event Venue].

3. Showcase Event Highlights

Highlight the key elements that communicate to your attendees this is an event they don’t want to miss. Whether it's a celebrity performer, a groundbreaking announcement, or an exclusive experience, make these highlights shine in your press release.

4. Include Relevant Quotes

Incorporating a few quotes from the key event players—ie. performers, sponsors, or organizers—adds personality and credibility to your press release. For instance:

"We're thrilled to bring the Pumpkin Carnival [Event Name] to life and create lasting memories for our attendees this fall," says Stephen J [Key name], the farm owner visionary behind the event.

5. Make Event Details Obvious

Ensure all essential event details, including date, time, venue, and any special instructions, are clearly outlined and impossible to miss. Make it easy for journalists and influencers to relay the information to others.

6. Utilize Multimedia Elements

In today’s event world, it often takes more than an article or blurb to get attention. Enhance your press release with captivating elements such as reels, high-quality images, and event graphics that people can share. 

7. End with a Strong Call-to-Action (CTA)

Remove potential points of friction by guiding journalists and readers through the next steps. Whether it's for a press pass, interview access, or tickets, make it clear and enticing. Example:

For media inquiries or to secure your spot at [Event Name], contact [Media Contact] at [Contact Email/Phone].

Final Takeaways

With this guide by your side, you're equipped to create press releases that not only inform but generate excitement. Ready to make headlines? Time to get writing!

As always, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our support team. We’re here to help you have the best event ever! 

– The TicketSpice Team