Publicity and promotion of your event is an important part of your planning. It’s a win-win for all involved if there is a large, engaged audience with a deep interest in the subject being discussed. It can draw greater attention to your group while also increasing familiarity with the resources available through the UWM Speakers Bureau.
Below is a brief outline of some key points to consider and helpful resources to use in building your communication plan.
Press Release Template
The Speakers Bureau can provide you with a template for a press release. If interested, please email speakers-bureau@uwm.edu.
All publicity material should include the following complete event information:
- Your Organization’s Name
- Speaker’s Name and Title
- Event date and time
- Location
- Topic
- Website for more information
It is also important to include a contact name, email address and phone number where you can be reached if there are questions about your request for publicity for your event. You should always give credit to the UWM Speakers Bureau in all of your publicity.
Community Opportunities
There are a number of free and easy community resources that will be happy to partner with you in publicizing your event. Consider reaching out to the library, seniors’ center, rec center, community center, etc. Invite their members, ask them to post information in public areas and include your event in their newsletters or email communications.
Television and Radio
Many Milwaukee-area TV and radio stations have a calendar of events on their website. Some will also broadcast information on community events. It is important to note there is a lot of overlap in ownership of radio stations, meaning a submission to one spot could you get attention in additional spots. Plus, many TV and radio stations may be partnering with a print group or other online resource, again increasing the reach of your message.
Some local stations that have community calendars and offer you the chance to submit your own events include:
My24 Milwaukee (affiliated with Channel 18)
The community calendar for WISN-TV links to the OnMilwaukee.com calendar (see below)
Newspapers
Many newspapers run a calendar of events both in print and online. The list below features some of the widely-read spots but do not overlook a community newspaper if you think targeting a hyper-local audience could be effective. The website http://www.mycommunitynow.com/ has links to news sites for a variety of southeast Wisconsin communities.
Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Engage an Audience
Engage staff, volunteers and constituents in the planning and publicity. The more people are engaged in the planning and publicity, the wider your reach will be for a potential audience. Encourage those that are involved in the planning to publicize the event through their own social media channels and social circles
Cancellation Communications Plan
It is vital you have a communications plan in place should you need to cancel the event. Please notify the UWM Speakers Bureau, the speaker and any media outlets as soon as possible. Also post the cancellation on any social media channels you have access to in addition to any organizational website(s).