Event Promotion

Publicity protocol for events, conferences, appearances, lectures, performances, etc.

Media relations will determine whether media attention is the best publicity method:

• Meet with event organizers
• Discuss goal of the event and the intended audience
• Determine purpose of press coverage (if any)
  • Pre-event publicity: earned media cannot be expected to drive event attendance; rather, it is an imaging and awareness-raising tool for the organizing entity

Events will likely be eligible for media attention if:

• They are newsworthy (topical and timely)
• Open to the public or to the media
• Event organizers or keynote speakers are willing to provide interviews
• The event supports an administrative priority

If the event is determined to be newsworthy, media relations may:

• Develop a media plan with event organizers detailing media opportunities
• Issue a press advisory in advance of the event  
• Develop specific pitches about the event/keynote speaker
• Issue a press release after the event, summarizing what happened

Once media coverage is pitched:

• It’s very unprofessional to back out—please be sure all who have agreed to be interviewed are available to make good on their interview promises
• Media relations may need to be involved in event planning, to ensure media is properly accounted for
• Media relations will staff press at the event and staff interviews in advance/after the event as needed
• Media relations can provide a recap of any earned media

Other promotion options:

CU Denver News e-newsletter:

• Submit details about your event for consideration to CU Denver News.

Consultation:

• Set up a consultation to discuss options for your advertising/marketing budget, ideas on marketing plan creation, and brainstorm potential uses for social media. Contact: vivek.arora@ucdenver.edu.

Calendar listings:

• Submit your event to the university calendar
  • Please email the University Communications web team at ucommweb@ucdenver.edu for assistance with the CU Denver Calendar.
• Free opportunities for promoting ticketed events:
  • Denver 365 calendar
  • Denver 2-for-1 tix
  • 5280 Magazine events
  • Denver Post YourHub