Trade shows are great opportunities to meet with the many professionals writing about your industry. Meeting with a reporter face-to-face can solidify a relationship beyond what email could ever do. Here are some tips to working with press at tradeshows:
Get the Show Media List: The first step to getting a reporter to visit your booth is to set up an appointment with the reporter. But first you need to know who is going to attend. Contact the show's press contact and request a media attendee list. It is usually free to show participants.
Make an Appointment: Media reporter’s schedules can fill up fast at trade shows, so once you have that list, go ahead and ask them for a meeting - try to do this at least 3 months ahead of the show. Give them a reason to stop by your booth (show them a new product you're launching, meet with your CEO, etc.) and be as accommodating as possible to their schedule. You may need to be persistent if you want the meeting - don't give up after one email. Email and call again as the show nears.
Do Your Homework. If you do set up a booth visit with a reporter, make sure you do your homework and prepare for the meeting as if you're about to do a formal interview. Have your press kit on hand and only say what you're okay seeing in print. In a relaxed environment we often say things we shouldn't - so be buttoned-up if you're not ready to release info to the press. (Side note: Some times reporters don't want to lug around press kits and product samples - so offer to mail the items to the reporter's office - brownie points for you!). Go to Full Article.
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