Prepping for an event - event directors MUST do’s for media

We’ve done a lot of events this year and with each one we learnt something that we take into the next to make it even better. But there are some consistents that we urge every event director to consider to make the most of media channels at your events

• Branding – ensure you have some subtle event branding on your podium which can be easily captured within photos. That way every image of a medal winner which appears across media will be clearly identifiable as yours helping the reach of the event go further

• Streaming – consider how you can simply stream the event so it can be enjoyed by those not fortunate enough to join you in person. In a digital world, it’s essential to open your event in this way to a much wider audience if you can.

• WiFi – Don’t underestimate how important strong, reliable wi-fi is for media attending your event. Upload speed is vital for photographers and broadcasters to quickly file their content. Rely on standard venue/public wifi at your peril. And test it all before the event goes live!

• Screens – Provide screens showing the event in your mixed zone and media centre. Often media rights and access restrict media to these areas and not the field of play so keeping an eye on the action on screens is a must for media attending

• ·Location and media routes – Think about the location of your mixed zones, tribunes, photo positions and media centre. What is their proximity to field of play and to each other? Is it easy for media to quickly get from area to area?

And it goes without saying that a cup of coffee and a biscuit goes a long way to keeping media happy too.