Tips on creating a successful media relations strategy at OFC
Working with the media and analyst community
OFC is a news-making event – be a part of it! Communicate your news and expertise with the key media and analysts that cover OFC. Take advantage of the opportunity to meet them for an interview, briefing or product demonstration. The best way to work with the media and analyst community is to take the time to understand their coverage area, editorial approach and audience in order to target only those who cover your technology/industry space.
Scheduling and conducting interviews
Keep in mind that media and analysts’ calendars book up extremely fast – so PLAN AHEAD. Please register as a PR representative to receive the preregistered media and analyst list as soon as it is available and target those who plan to participate in OFC. It’s critical to be prepared to communicate your story in a manner that best meets the needs and style of the reporter or analyst. While most of them have their own style, we’ve developed these guidelines to provide a general overview of how to maximize your time with them.
Click here for interview tips.
Developing a media strategyOne of the first steps in planning public relations activities for a conference and exhibition is to develop a media strategy. Once the initial planning has begun and product/solution/partnership announcement decisions have been made, creating a strategy document to focus your PR plans is critical. A media strategy is beneficial if you are planning to launch a new product or make a significant announcement.
A media strategy is a plan that contains the following elements:
- Messages for all event communications and activities
- Statement of PR goals and objectives for the show
- Announcement schedule
- If launching a product or significant announcement, statement of PR goals and objectives for specific announcements (if the announcement is significant enough, you may wish to write a separate strategy for each announcement)
- Target media and analysts for briefings
- Recommendations and requests for company spokespeople
- Media kit components
Click here to see a sample media strategy.
Building a media kit
We strongly encourage our exhibitors to post their media kits and media information on their company websites. A media kit provides vital background information, including an overview of your company, its management, significant milestones and recent news. It is a tool that can be used to communicate news and key messages, garner interest in your company, complement a media briefing or follow up with a reporter or analyst.
Recommended elements of a media kit include:
- Backgrounder: General information on your company, such as its history, mission, value proposition, etc.
- Fact Sheet: A one-page snapshot of your company, including management team, mission, corporate address, funding/investors (if private), stock symbol (if public), public relations contacts
- Management Bios: Biographical details for key members of your company’s management team
- Product/Service Overview: Overview of the company’s product and service portfolio
- News Releases: Current and significant company announcements
- Other items, such as product data sheets, white papers and product photos