• Swindon & Wiltshire Education, training and skills
• Thursday August 1 2024
• Author Name: Peter Davison

PR event will focus on getting in front of journalists

How to successfully pitch stories to journalists will take centre stage at a public relations event being planned for Swindon.

Scheduled for February 5 and 6 next year, the two-day No BS Media Summit is being organised by Fiona Scott, founder of PR consultancy Scott Media.

Delegates will get the chance to spend time with five journalists who write for national publications, as well as have an opportunity to work on personal branding and public speaking.

They’ll be able to find out the types of stories that really interest the media, getting tips and advice on boosting their PR at a local, regional and national level. Plus, they’ll hear from business people who’ve successfully leveraged the power of the media.

The ‘No BS’ title comes from Fiona’s fortnightly podcast, which lifts the lid on the smoke and mirrors world of PR.

“Like my podcast, this event will bat aside the nonsense and dispel some of the myths around the world of public relations, instead giving delegates some practical advice, hints, tips and inspiration,” said Fiona.

“By having journalists there, who are producing content day in and day out for the nationals as well as regional and trade press, people will get a real understanding of what makes a news story.

“Delegates will work on their stories, learn about personal branding and how to share their stories with the media at the right time.”

The two-day event is being staged at The Double Tree Hilton, Swindon. Day one focusses on working with journalists and there is also the opportunity to book for a VIP dinner, with fundraising in aid of ‘Ainslie’s Pavilion Project’; the project’s goal is to build a pavilion at Purton Cricket Club, a cause close to Fiona’s heart. Day two covers personal branding, how to be a successful speaker, and the chance practise pitching stories to journalists.

Attendees can opt to attend day one only, or day one plus the dinner, or the whole two-day event, and prices range from £300-£660 + VAT. There will also be optional extras, including a mini photoshoot on day two.