Sign In / Register

Resources

Stepping into the Adelaide Fringe media spotlight can truly elevate your show or venue, and our annual "Meet the Media" event is designed to help you do just that. This guide will walk you through what this unique opportunity offers and how you can make the most of it to forge valuable connections with South Australian media representatives. Consider this an essential step in your Fringe journey, particularly for those looking to amplify their presence.

Contents

What is Meet the Media?

"Meet the Media" is an invaluable networking event hosted by Adelaide Fringe, specifically for our wonderful artists and venue managers. It provides a relaxed, face-to-face setting for you to connect directly with South Australian journalists, reviewers, broadcasters, and digital content creators. Think of it as a speed-dating session for your show or venue, giving you a chance to put a face to your name and start building those all-important relationships.

The primary aim is to facilitate initial introductions and foster ongoing connections. While you might be tempted to pitch your show on the spot, the real magic happens when you use this opportunity to establish a rapport, understand what media outlets are looking for, and lay the groundwork for future coverage. Details regarding the exact date, time, and location for the upcoming "Meet the Media" event will be announced later in the year, so keep an eye on our channels for updates!

Who Should Attend?

If you're an artist or venue manager keen to generate buzz and secure media coverage for your Adelaide Fringe involvement, then "Meet the Media" is for you. This event is particularly beneficial for those managing their own public relations campaigns or looking to supplement their existing marketing efforts. Whether you're a Fringe veteran or a first-timer, making personal connections with media representatives can significantly enhance your visibility.

  • Artists: Especially those doing their own PR or wanting to get reviews and stories about their performance.
  • Venue Managers: If you're looking to promote your venue as a Fringe hub or highlight the diverse programming you're hosting.

Planning Your Media Campaign

While "Meet the Media" offers a brilliant opportunity for face-to-face networking, it's really important to understand that it's just one piece of your wider public relations puzzle. To truly maximise your chances of getting noticed, your media campaign needs to start well before this event, ideally in November and December.

Think of it this way: by the time "Meet the Media" happens in late January or early February, many journalists and media outlets will have already largely planned their Fringe coverage. Their calendars fill up fast! Starting your outreach early gives you a significant advantage. It provides ample time to:

  • Craft compelling media releases: Get your unique story, show details, and high-resolution images ready.
  • Identify key media contacts: Figure out which journalists, publications, or radio shows are most likely to be interested in your specific show or venue.
  • Develop targeted pitches: Instead of a generic email, tailor your approach to each media outlet based on what you know they cover.
  • Build initial relationships: A well-timed, thoughtful email introduction or a phone call can set the stage for a more meaningful conversation at "Meet the Media."

By engaging with the media early, you position yourself as organised and proactive, making it easier for them to consider your show for their coverage plans. "Meet the Media" then becomes a powerful tool to solidify those early connections, reinforce your pitches, and explore new opportunities, rather than your first frantic attempt at getting attention.

Getting the Most Out of It

To really make your time at "Meet the Media" count, a little preparation goes a long way. This isn't just about showing up; it's about making a memorable impression and setting yourself up for success.

Be Prepared

While the specific details of the event are still to be confirmed, remember that this is largely a networking opportunity. You'll want to have your key messages clear and concise. Think about:

  • What's unique or compelling about your show or venue?
  • What are you hoping to achieve from media coverage?
  • What's your one-sentence hook that will pique interest?

Bringing along a few business cards or a simple one-pager with your key show details (title, dates, venue, a brief description, and your contact info) can be super handy. Remember, this is about making connections, not giving a full presentation!

Summary

The "Meet the Media" event is a fantastic chance to connect directly with South Australian media and boost your Fringe presence. Here's a quick rundown of the key points:

  • It's a prime networking opportunity to meet local journalists, reviewers, and content creators in person.
  • Your media campaign should begin much earlier, in November or December, to secure early attention.
  • Attending "Meet the Media" allows you to build valuable relationships that can lead to future coverage for your show or venue.
  • Focus on having clear, concise information about your Fringe offering ready for the event.
  • "Meet the Media" complements your existing PR, helping you put faces to names and strengthen your media contacts.

Additional Resources

To help you prepare even further for your Fringe marketing and PR, check out these helpful guides: