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Generating media attention for your issue is a great way to educate the campus and the public, put pressure on decision-makers to take action, and build your SGA's visibility and name recognition.

A press conference is a short event where you invite reporters out to cover something newsworthy. For example, you could hold a press conference...

• To release the results of a survey or a study
• To launch a new campaign
• To culminate a campaign (at the end of your Voter Registration Drive, Petition Drive, etc.)
• To highlight a big event (kick off your Lobby Day with a press conference)

Here's what you need to do to make your press conference a success.
 

1. Figure out the logistics.
   • Timing is critical. The best time is usually between 9:30 and 11 am. The best days are generally Tuesdays, Wednesday, Thursdays, or in some places Saturdays.
   • Decide your location. The most important factor is that it's easy to get to. In addition, it should make for good photographs and be relevant to the story.
2. Get speakers.
   • It's best to have 1-3 speakers other than yourself, who will each speak for 2-5 minutes.
   • Great speakers include:
     • Someone from your organization
     • A credible "expert" on the subject
     • Someone with a compelling personal testimonial
     • An elected official
   • Line up your speakers in advance, and ask them to send you their statement in advance.
3. Prepare materials.
   1. Prepare a press advisory to send out three days in advance.
   2. Prepare a press release to give to reporters at the event, and send out afterwards to media outlets that weren't there.
   3. Prepare your talking points. Assign one or two people from SGA to be the "media spokespeople", and make sure they know the talking points!
4. Invite the media.
   1. Build a list of all your local media outlets in advance, including their contact information, and individual reporters who are most likely to cover your issue.
   2. Send your press advisory to everyone three days in advance.
   3. Call through all the media outlets three days in advance, the day before, AND the morning of the event.
5. Be prepared at the event.
   1. Arrive early to set up.
   2. Greet reporters. Ask them to sign a sign-in sheet, and give them a press packet.
   3. Start on time.
6. Follow up with the media.
   1. Send the press release to any reports who did not show.
   2. Call through your media list again. Thank everyone who did show and answer follow-up questions. Encourage everyone who didn't show to still cover the story, and answer their questions.

You can find examples of what a press advisory, press release, or press packet look like in the Student Government Action Kit: http://trainings.org/page/set/campaign-resources.