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>7.2. Getting Media Attention at Trade Shows</H1
><P
>If you want publicity while exhibiting at a trade show,
don't do what too many other organizations do.
During the show, they wait patiently at their booth until they
spot a reporter coming down the aisle. Then, if the reporter
stops at its booth, the exhibitor moves in with the same tired
pitch used on everybody else who walks by.</P
><P
>If this has been your approach in the past, now is the time
to change. Waiting until the show begins is already too late to
capture the news media's attention. You should
now understand that establishing strong news media relationships
weeks or even months in advance can pay off when the show
begins.</P
><P
>Begin by finding out which news media will be covering the
show. The best way to get that information is from the
show's public relations department. Ask them
if they can give you the names of print, broadcast, and online
media they are targeting. This information is important to know,
so that you don't pitch the same story ideas
as the show organizers.</P
><P
>If you discover the organizers are pitching an idea that
fits well with your organization's objectives,
ask if they could include your business as an example in their
pitch.</P
><P
>Check the editorial calendars of both the publications that
will be covering the show and other publications that might have
an interest. (A computer magazine, for example, is a prime target
for a large Linux conference.) Many publications will issue a
special report before or after the show takes place. The report
may be a section within an issue or even an entire special
edition. If you cannot glean this information from the calendar,
you should call the publication and ask.</P
><P
>The special reports present ripe opportunities for media
coverage. Pitch story ideas that may become part of the special
report to your media contacts.</P
><P
>Prepare a compelling news release describing the most
interesting thing that your organization will be doing at the
show. Mention awards, impressive results, or endorsements by
Linux experts&#8212;anything that will snag the
media's attention. Include the line
<SPAN
CLASS="QUOTE"
>"For more information or to arrange an
interview, contact:"</SPAN
> as part of your contact
information at the end.</P
><P
>In devising your strategy to get media coverage at the
show, always position your organization as
<SPAN
CLASS="QUOTE"
>"part of the solution,"</SPAN
> not as a
mere attendee.</P
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