How To Write A Press Release For An Event
A press release is a great way to let people know about your upcoming event. But writing an event press release can feel like a daunting task, especially if you've never done it before.
In this blog post, I'll show you how to write a press release for an event by sharing 6 best practice tips, examples, a fill-in-the-blank template, and an infographic to help you.
What is a press release?
A press release is a written communication sent out to the media about a new product, service, or event. It is used to announce the news to the public and promote it to potential customers.
A press release is also used to get the attention of journalists and media who may then write a story about it in their publications.
Keep it short and simple.
When writing a press release, it is important to keep it short and simple. This will make it easier for journalists to understand and write about. The ideal length of a press release is 1 A4 page of about 300 to 400-words. Be sure to include breaks between paragraphs to ensure that your press release is easy to read.
Know your target audience.
Before you write an event press release, it is important to first identify the target audience. This can be done by looking at the event’s date, location, and topic. Once you have a good idea of who will be attending the event, you can begin to write your press release in a way that appeals to them.
For example, if the event is taking place at a convention centre and is focused on technology, the press release might focus on how the latest technology will be used. If the event is taking place at a school and is focused on science, the press release might talk about the importance of science and technology for students.
Know your target audience
Include visuals
One way to make your press release stand out is by including photos. When preparing your release, consider using appropriate photos to illustrate your points. For example, you could include a photo of the speakers, the organisers, or even the event venue.
What are the different types of press releases?
There are many different types of press releases. Here are 7 of the most common types.
Product Launch Press Release
Winning an Award Press Release
Charity Initiatives Press Release
New Partnerships and Acquisitions Press Release
Internal Employee, Staff or Executive Press Release
New Product Updates Press Release
Event Announcement Press Release
6 key elements for how to write a press release for an event
Follow the steps below the infographic and learn how to write a press release for an event.
How to Write A Press Release For An Event
1. Headline
Write a catchy headline to capture your reader's attention. Your attention-grabbing headline should be short, clear and no more than 110 characters. The way to make your headline newsworthy and interesting is to include the most compelling or unique thing about your event in the actual headline.
Don't use clickbait or exaggerated or misleading information in your headline. This will make journalists less likely to trust you and turn off potential attendees.
press release headline
2. Date and Lead
Your goal with the lead is to capture a journalist’s curiosity, but not give away all of the event details yet.
Include the date and location of the event (for example, Melbourne, Australia, November 9th, 2022) and then a short paragraph that answers the five W questions, which are:
What is the press release about?
Who are the organisers and speakers?
When and where is the event happening?
Why is the event important?
Keep your lead short and interesting so that journalists will be curious to find out more.
press release date and lead
3. Body
Your body content should provide the essential information for readers who may be interested in attending the event and journalists who might want to feature it in their article.
When writing your body content, it's important to provide essential information about the event (such as an expanded version of the five W questions, who, what, why, when, where?).
You also want to make people excited about your event. Make sure you explain why your readers should attend and how they will benefit from participating.
What are the most interesting things about your event? What makes it stand out from other events in your industry? Do you have any noteworthy speakers attending? Is it the first event of its kind? Does it only happen once per year?
press release body
4. Quotes
Quotes help to make your press release more credible and interesting by offering a human perspective. Try to include a quote from the organiser or one of the main speakers if possible. Your quote could be about the importance of the event, why the organiser decided to put it on, or how attendees will benefit from attending.
press release quote
5. Boilerplate
If your press release has done a good job of capturing a journalist’s attention and interest, then they will probably want to learn more about you. Think of it as your business card. The boilerplate is where you provide information about you and your company.
press release contact and boiler plate info
5. Contact Information
Include your contact details so reporters will know how to reach you if they want to ask any questions about your event to gather more information for their story. Failing to include your contact info is a guaranteed way to ensure your press release receives no media attention!
Event press release template
[Logo]
[Company Name]
[Headline]
[Date and Lead]
Include the date and location and then a short paragraph (2 to 4 lines) that answers the five W questions, which are: "what, who, when, where, and why?".
[Body]
Write 2 to 4 body paragraphs that provide essential information about your event.
[Quote]
Include a quote from the organiser or one of the main speakers if possible.
[Add Visuals]
Add a relevant attention-getting image or photo such as the speaker, organiser or the venue.
[Boilerplate]
Write an ‘About’ paragraph for your organisation or company.
[Contact Info]
[Full Name]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Website URL]
2 press release event examples
Check out these examples to inspire you to create your own event press release!
1. Dan Chan - The Billionaire's Magician
how to write a press release for an event example 1
Dan Chan has been featured in popular media outlets such as BuzzFeed, CNBC, and Business Insider, because of this unique and unusual offer.
Dan decided to make a captivating offer to event organisers around the world. His well-written press release claims that Dan will "perform anywhere in the world for $1", which is definitely a newsworthy announcement. And it seems to have worked, securing him speaking gigs at conferences around the world and for leading companies.
2. LearnEase - Speak To Inspire 5-Day Workshop
how to write a press release for an event example 2
This press release is promoting an upcoming 5-day online workshop called ‘Speak To Inspire’ from LearnEase LLC featuring professional speaker Diahana Barnes.
The release does a great job of communicating the key benefits of attending the workshop and paints a picture of the results attendees can expect as a result of her training.
Diahana asks clients to, “imagine a room (virtual or in-person) filled with your raving fans, your exact dream clients, who are hanging on your every word, feverishly taking notes, and then coming up to you afterwards...asking YOU, ‘how can we work together?’"
The release also overcomes a common objection of speakers needing to “sell” from the stage by saying “Attendees will learn an inspiring way to enroll clients and share expertise from their zone of genius without the offputting sales-y tactics.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How to write a press release that's SEO-friendly?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to write a press release that's SEO-friendly will vary depending on the content of the release and the specific needs of your target audience. Some tips on how to write a press release that's search engine friendly include using keyword-rich titles, including keywords in the body of the release, and making sure all text is properly formatted.
When should a press release be released for an event?
Press releases announcing upcoming events should be released at least 1 to 2 months before the event begins. This will give busy journalists enough time to write and place an article in their publications. However, there are no hard and fast rules. If the event is happening soon, release a press release then.
What are examples of press releases?
A press release is a public relations document sent out to announce the launch of a new product, the release of a new edition of a book, the opening of a new store, or the inauguration of a new president, among other things. It can also be used to announce newsworthy events, such as natural disasters or terrorist attacks.
Press releases are often used to generate publicity for a company or individual. They can be distributed through newspapers, magazines, e-mail lists, or social media. They should be written in an easy-to-read style and contain key facts about the event.
Want us to write a press release for your event?
Need help promoting your upcoming event? Want to get the attention of the media and journalists who might cover your event in their publications?
The first step is to figure out what makes your event unique and newsworthy. The second step is to craft an attention-getting press release to help market your event and attract new attendees.
At Copywriting Crew, our team of top-level copywriters can help you write a press release that is compelling and newsworthy, giving you the best shot at promoting your event.
You can check out our affordable press release writing service and place your order today. You can also check out press release examples inside our portfolio too.
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