Preparing for my first PR event was exciting. 1800FLOWERS is coming out with a new line of products, and we are helping them with a Happy Hour Launch Party. Though we sent out invitations quite a few weeks ago, after several follow ups and re-invites, the RSVPs are still rolling in just hours before the event. Getting the media to attend can be challenging, even though the event is quite appealing! I assume they probably get invited to several events, so figuring out what would make ours special is all in the wording.
Understandably, when you work in the media, your job doesn’t end when you leave the office. Therefore, committing to an event that is after hours, as fun as it may seem, is still work. It is very important to form great relationships with people in the media so that they’ll come to your seemingly social event, and it will serve as a win-win for all: your client is happy that the media is there, you’re happy because your client is happy, and your media contact is happy because they are able to attend a fun event surrounded by PR contacts that they actually have great relationships with!
The event was a success. It was a relief to see everything unfold, from the tireless media lists, to the actual execution of the party. It was also interesting to put faces with names finally! It was also good to actually put names and faces with our clients, whom I’d been communicating with but hadn’t met. The team is amazing! At the event everyone was mixing and mingling, which was crucial to the success. Plus, it was a chance to get the right people excited about the new launch. Everything was decorated perfectly and it was noted by everyone, which proves that presentation is also very important. At the end of the night, it was clear that everyone had a great time, and that all of the hard work definitely paid off!