Whether you’re a journalist covering an event, or a PR professional trying to promote one, crafting a concise and engaging article can be difficult. Event articles answer the who, what, when, where, and why questions about an event and help readers make sense of it in a quick and engaging way.
A great event article will start with the “who” and then quickly move on to provide background information about the event’s purpose, participants, or attendees. This helps readers understand the context and importance of the event in a short amount of time, and will keep them engaged throughout the article.
The next section of the article will discuss the event’s main takeaway, and should include at least a few key points or themes that emerged from the event. This can be a great opportunity to set the event apart from other similar events, and can really help drive traffic by offering a unique perspective or angle that people might not have considered before.
For example, if you’re reporting on an event about science and technology, don’t just tell the audience that scientists were present — explain how these experts helped to create a new generation of technologists and what this might mean for the future of our industry. This kind of detail will help to add depth and intrigue to the article, which will make it more likely to catch the attention of media outlets looking for exciting new stories.
Finally, the “where” and “when” sections should be clearly outlined. This will help readers understand the geographic location and time of the event, as well as how they might get involved in the event itself. For example, if you’re writing about an event hosted by your local community college, make sure to clearly state that the event is open to the public and free of charge.
If the event is a speaker or performance, it’s also important to include a brief biography of the person. Including quotes from the speaker or performer can add a more personal touch to the article, and can also serve to help readers connect with the subject matter.
Once you’ve outlined the event itself, it’s important to finish off the article with some general information about your organization and what you hope to achieve with the event. This can help readers feel more connected to the event, and can inspire them to attend or support future events.
Although writing an event recap can seem like a lot of work after a long day of event planning and execution, it’s well worth the effort. It will not only allow you to capitalize on months of hard work, but will also provide you with ready-made content for your next event newsletter and help to inspire people who weren’t able to attend this time around. So put on your best hat and give it a go! Your readers will thank you for it. (And so will your sponsors and speakers.)