TIPS: The easier you make it for the media to use your event information, the more likely it is to be published/broadcast. The following suggestions may be helpful.

• Write in complete sentences.
• Whenever possible, write in active tense:
  "Stroll the grounds…”
  “Travel back in time at the anniversary celebration…”
  “Sample delicious regional cooking…”
• Use active verbs.
• Be specific about foods served, activities offered, any special exhibits, tours, etc.
• If there is a charge, designate that with the $ sign or give specifics: $8/adults; $4/ages 6-11; free/under 6.
• If there is no charge, say Free. Remember your limited number of characters; no need to waste them on “No admission charge” or “Free to the public.”
• Unless it is clearly stated in your event title, give the location/venue:
  City Park
  Main Street
  Riverside Winery
  
• Do not give driving directions to the event – prospective visitors can find that information on your website or call for directions.
• Do not give starting and ending times – that will be picked up from your general event entry.
• Do not add telephone and web address – they will be picked up from your general events entry.
• Please remember these events are intended for media who write for prospective visitors – don’t include information for prospective vendors/exhibitors.
• Use correct AP style (see samples below.)

Examples: Please note: portion in RED is what you need to enter in the “Media Listing Description” box; other info will be pulled from your general events entry.

The media would receive the following:
July 4	Anytown
ANYTOWN 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION.Celebrate Independence Day at Historic Anytown. Sample summer favorites such as hot dogs and homemade ice cream. Pitch a few horseshoes or kick back and enjoy the music. Kids compete in their own special events. Cheer the parade down Main Street that begins at noon. Watch the fireworks explode at dusk. Free. 8 a.m.-10:30 p.m. (804) 123-4567. E-mail: < pr@anytown.net >. Website: < www.anytimeva.org >.

The media would receive the following:
Oct. 16-17	Anyothertown
PLANTATION LIFE IN VIRGINIA.Stroll the grounds of this 18th-centry plantation as you experience the sights and sounds of Virginia’s past. Chat with costumed interpreters, and watch artisans demonstrate the skills and crafts necessary to maintain a typical plantation home. Virginia Plantation. $8/adults; $4/ages 6-11; free/under 6. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (434) 984-9822, (434) 984-9800. E-mail: < info@VAplantation.com >. Website: < www.VAplantation.org >.