An Exhibitor’s Guide to Working with the Media

Each year, the SHOT Show serves as the largest gathering of outdoor media in the world. For many exhibitors, this is the one and only chance they have to connect with an influential media person that could drastically help or hurt the growth of their company.

Here’s a great video featuring Mark Thomas, NSSF’s managing director of marketing communications, on working with the outdoor media. Mark has also put together a written guide as well that’s available on the SHOT Show website.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONsN0pksFPQ

3 thoughts on “An Exhibitor’s Guide to Working with the Media”

  1. Excellent information!  I hope a lot of exhibitors take these suggestions to heart.  A couple of things I’d like to add:

    1.  Art, press releases and product specs should be readily available online and in person.  CDs or DVDs are ok, but a lot of us are operating on machines that do not have optical disc drives.  USB thumbdrives are best.

    2.  Please use the bins in the media room.  I would prefer to grab the materials there & cart them back to my room all at once rather than lug them around the show floor all day.

    3.  Include your policy on obtaining samples of your product for T&E with the press materials. Some manufacturers are very good at this.  Unfortunately, some companies don’t have a clear policy and no one seems to know who the contact person is for these requests.

    Thanks for making the video.  Looking forward to another great SHOT Show!

  3. Mark,
    This is great information and I hope that everyone attending this years SHOT Show will take the time to watch this video.  As a former news reporter you hit the nail on the head.  I especially liked your comment on ” identifying the companies best spokesperson and make sure that they are readily available”  When I was in the business, accessibility and having a good spokesperson would make or break the story.  When the media shows up and wants to do a story, they usually want it now!  It may not be the most convenient time, but I always tell folks that the story goes on with or without you and perhaps your competition is more accommodating.  That’s my two cents.
    Looking forward to a great 2012 SHOT Show!
    Ann Baldwin
    Baldwin Media Marketing

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