Ooh Corporate Invitation - Asia Music Festival Press Conference

I was lucky enough to join fellow colleague, Lilian to the Asia Music Festival Press Conference on September 3, 2014. It was an interesting experience definitely. We were invited as special guests because of the University’s ties with Miri City Council and Sarawak Tourism Board. Also in my opinion, because a good chunk of their volunteers are students of Curtin Sarawak. They made us feel special and treated us real nice. Stakeholder Relations 101 right there!

Asia Music Festival launching gimmick.

It was an experience to see how a press conference is held in Sarawak. Thought was definitely put into how the information was to be presented, the decorations and the launching gimmick. The mingling session before the press conference started was fun as we went around shaking hands, getting to know people and passing around Lilian’s business cards. It was interesting as well when a few of the representatives of the Press and Sarawak Tourism Board asked me for my business card after talking to the both of us. Lilian with a grin on her face told them that I’m an Intern which they were surprised at. I’m very glad that I don’t give off the “Intern” aura which is usually associated with being nervous, shy and unconfident. Way to go me! Pat on the Back!

Well from this experience I gathered how a press conference is executed in Malaysia. In general however, this is a summary checklist for holding a successful press conference to introduce a new product or event.

• Prepare a good Press Release and distribute them on the day. Or a whole media kit gift bag instead of just a press release.

• Invite the press earlier and follow up at least a week before the press conference.

• Decorations should be appropriate and compliment what is important like banners, buntings, backdrop, etc.

• Launching gimmick should be appropriate to the product or event and stand out as the best Photo opportunity. (This photo is most likely to be used to accompany the printed news).

• Prepare the press conference hall appropriately make sure you have everything you need, such as a speech podium, adequate mics, tables, sign in pad for attendance, etc.

• Be prepared to answer any question that might be asked by the Press

• Serve refreshments! (A must especially if you are in Malaysia as food is a big part of our culture)

With that I hope that my post is informative enough to help jolt memories of what we have learnt on Press Conferences and Event Launching plans during our study of Public Relations theories. In addition, here is a link to a website that goes into more detail on arranging Press Conferences, for your further reading :Arranging a Press Conference

Cheers,

Josephine Joeyna