Hi Everyone,
I had the opportunity to be part of the events side in Pr on the 1st July 2010, when we organized and facilitated, if I am allowed to put it that way, a Press Conference for our client UHY. It was a real eye opener as i never thought that i would have a sleepless night over something that does not directly affect me. Oh how i was wrong.
Sandeep Juneja Agency is a boutique size firm but i believe that they are on the verge of becoming something big, anyway back to the PC, I thought that since I am just an intern i would not have much to do as in being directly involved in the running of the PC but the night before I was called into action,we spent the night double checking and sealing any potential cracks that might pose as a threat to the success of the event. Thank goodness I have a caring boss, this session was held over dinner- a very elegant one if i might add on him.lol. I only got home at 3am and had to be up and ready by 6am so as to go prepare the area for the PC.
I could hardly sleep because I was so anxious, anyway the day that could make or break us arrived, and it was time to shine. We prepared the venue, confirmed some of the media that we had sent press invites and releases to prior to the event then prepared press kits with goodie bags. We were all set and to our surprise the media exceeded the count we had anticipated, plus they were about an hour early for the PC so the pressure was on. I was in charge of the media registration, and I must admit i was very nervous, as they signed in i presented them with their press kit and goodie bag and thanked them for coming. You know how first impressions are the most vital aspect in Pr so I had to put on my award winning smile and scavenge all the poise in me.
The PC was a major success and the client was pleased with our Pr work, he even nicknamed me 'the secret weapon' . What I am most glad about in this event is that I wasn't thrown into the deep end expected to swim back to shore all alone, my work colleague was with me every step of the way. I then came to realize that, organizing skills, good oratory skills are an advantage but the success to any event comes in the form of team work. PR is not a one man show, its a team sport that requires near to perfect communication channels. Theory gives you the guidelines, practical gives you the true taste of what PR is. I really had fun and learnt alot about media relations, networking, and event management.
I hope you guys all get a chance to be part of a successful event in your placements. oh something to ponder, do you guys think that PR and the media can work independent from one another or do they need each other to survive?
10 comments:
Complements for the success of the event.Of course PR and media work hand in hand,without each other there will be no effective communication between organisations and their publics,and communication in general.Its true that teamwork is the secret towards the success of an event,and the organisation.It is important for everyone in the team to contribute and most importantly feel appreciated,as this drives individuals to do their best.
Well put Bonny, and thanks. I agree with you, communication is the key to success, moreover media is the most crucial platform for Pr practitioners to reach all their stakeholders with one unified message and get their message across fast and efficiently. As for the team work issue its a definite must for any organization and I love your input and insight.thanks
Hey, I am sorry.I cannot read your comment, can you please write it in English. I would really love to hear what you have to say.
Hello Gee. Nice to hear that you are enjoying that side. I also had a chance to attend an event which was organized for the media and blogger only. Well I thought they will not come in large numbers and they will just come because they have been invited to come. I was also wrong as they came in great numbers and seemed to be enjoying the event. We are learning what to expect before, during and after the event
Thanx and take care..
hey Molly,
Thanks for the support, organizing an event is a bit nerve wrecking aint it? I am glad you are also getting full exposure in the vast dynamics that is PR. Its good I guess that we get to be on the technical and practical side of PR, double the impact...haahhaa. i hope your week is fun packed and insightful. laters!
Hello Godirilwe! It seems our companies are doing the same. I guess the Press Conference main objective was to build media relation. I would like to say that media is a powerful tool that can destroy and even lift. Approaching the media and having a good relationship with them puts the organization on the safe side.
I guess you are having fun and learning a lot from your respective workplace.
All the best.
hey Boikanyo
That is very well put, media relations are of paramount importance in PR and I am fortunate enough to be getting full hands on exposure as I hope you are getting to. A little tip I got is that in order to slightly tilt the scale in your favor with regards to the media, make them feel extra appreciated and constantly thank them for their support. Where would we be without the media?
Good luck and all the best in the final leg of your placement.
Yes that's true. Thanking them by sending 'thank you emails' and even by giving them gits is vital. This will demonstrate their importance to us (organizations)
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