Press conference How CARNet does it Nela Marasovi

Press conference Þ How CARNet does it? Nela Marasović, PR executive Zoran Birimiša, International Relations TERENA PR Task Force meeting, Lyngby 16/03/2005

Press conference. . . One of the most important communication tool in relationship with medias Combining it with other tools like press release, events etc, you can build strong and permanent relation with media Stabile media relations are important because they create public opinion and in that way opinion about our organization

Press conferences @ CARNet Aspects that we pay attention to: n Place, n Time, n Concept + Content, n Other little but important things

Press conferences - Time How often? w 3 -5 times a year (to keep attention) w More only for hot topic (alternative = briefing) Day in the week w Avoid Mon (edit. meetings) and Fri (end week) w Try to track media release days Time of the day w 10 pm (before meetings) - 13 pm (issue closing)

Press conferences - Place Venue corresponding with the topic w Po. P establishing => “server room” (visual effect) Dislocation (If news occurs at another spot) w Use local media and lack of hot news w Avoid lazyness and move to the actual venue Accessibility w Journalists have tight schedule / not far venues

Press conferences – Concept 1/2 Focused issues w 1 main topic, possibly 2 but need relation Speakers w 3 speakers preferably, avoiding “balast pax” w 5 minutes each Including “celebrities” or not? w only in calm periods of their core activity

Press conferences – Concept 2/2 Way of presentation w Avoid (all) long presentations => 15 slides Duration w Not more than 20 minutes of 1 -way communication w 10 – 15 minutes for questions w Interaction Coordination w Required because of time limitation w Hiring a professional moderator or name an associate

Press conferences – Press materials Invitation by e-mail and fax (+ follow up) Press kit (in a corporate map) n n n Official Press release (with contact data) Ppt handouts Data about the organization (only for freshmens) Promotional materials (those related to the topic) Press list (to keep track of attendance)

Press conferences – Scene setting Visual elements w standing banners, logo w not too big room (stunts ) Technical support w microphones, projector (+VC facilities) Other details w w w Name tags for speakers Enough chairs, tables Photographer (or one-man-band) Quiet corner/room for taking statements Coffees (and catering if occasion requires)

Press conferences in CARNet prepared and executed by PR manager (Nikolina), PR executive (Nela) and other associates which work in and around PR and Marketing dpt: press@carnet. hr marketing@carnet. hr THANK YOU!