Just because the event is over doesn’t mean the story is. This issue is about following up.

Here’s the situation: You had a PR plan for an event. You had your well researched media list, and you had all the supporting materials for your event. The pitch letters and invitations were perfect and delivered with in the correct amount of time. It was a truly newsworthy event, yet no one from media showed up. Is all lost?

Not at all!

There could be a slew of reasons a reporter didn’t show up.

The point is, this just because the event is over, it doesn’t mean the story is.

There is still an opportunity to get media coverage. So that means you will have to follow up. Change your mindset from “Am I’m being pushy?” to “I’m helping them out.” Change from “They weren’t interested in the first place” to “Not sure why they didn’t cover the story, but here’s another chance.”

💫 Pro Tip: Follow up promptly before it becomes old news.

A huge part of public relations is being helpful. My motto is always be ready to help my reporters out.

Do this now: Can you easily explain why people should care about your event and what makes it interesting? Write it down in one or two sentences.

Next time: How to host a free event.

Learn from others.

Sonder collapse leaves guest scrambling and Marriott looking bad.

Over the weekend, Sonder, which managed thousands of short-term rental units, including apartment-style and boutique hotel accommodations around the globe, abruptly dissolved its operations and cancels thousands of upcoming stays and leaves guests stranded with no place to stay.

Since Marriott has a licensing agreement with Sonder, and they are not going bankrupt, they are the party responsible for communications with guests and the public. Here is a statement they made.

Did you notice the press release has a note on “Forward Looking Statements” toward the bottom? Since a press release is official notice from a corporation, and Marriott is a publicly traded company, they hold a lot of weight. So they had to make the note that they can not “guarantees of future performance and are subject to numerous evolving risks and uncertainties that we may not be able to accurately predict or assess.” Basically it’s a way of protecting your butt.

✍️ Key PR Takeaway: Remember press releases are official statements from your company so consider your words carefully.

Another PR thought… it’s easy to make pledges to your clients, but if you really follow up on those pledges is another story entirely. Looks like Marriott is having difficulty keeping its pledge of its “immediate priority is supporting guests.”

We want to hear from you…

Useful PR Resources.

Matt’s done it again! Check out this jaw-dropping list of data sources that you can use in PR Campaigns. It’s divided into categories, and sorted by countries. 🇺🇸 🇬🇧

Remember journalists love data and good stories. Can you connect the dots and deliver on a platter a ready-to-go story?

Want to stay up to date with the latest Digital PR news and resources? The Digital PR Observer Newsletter is your go to resource!

Each week you’ll get: The latest new blogs and resources 5 quick fire tips to enhance your PR activity 5 data sources you can use for PR campaigns Analysis of 5 successful PR campaigns

Meet Leo, the one-and-half year old Maltese. Leo loves lounging by the pool, posing for pictures and jumping into unsuspecting laps. Leo finds he is never lacking attention with his cute face and charming personality.

Until next week, keep your shades on and stay cool.

Your fellow Seeker,
Keren

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