We have many wonderful races in our series! They are well organized, well timed and very well priced. Many of these races have been held for 20-30 years, and we believe that it’s time to put some excitement back into them. With all the competition from big for profit runs these days we need to let more runners know about our races. About how much fun they are, and that they are for anyone, not just the serious racer. We feel that where we fall down is in our approach to PR and advertising. Race directors are usually too busy to get involved in PR, and, let’s face it, sometimes we just assume that because the race has been held for so many years that ‘everyone’ knows about it.
With these thoughts in mind we are planning to hold a seminar on March 15, in Kelowna, to focus on getting our races more exposure in the media. Heading up the discussion will be John Wilson, webmaster IRA and KRC websites and Shawn Baenziger, editor KRC website (www.kelownarunningclub.com), all of whom have had experience in dealing with the media, and know what the media wants.
This seminar is open to all. If you enjoy writing e-mails, perhaps have a knack with words, and would like to help out your club but haven’t a lot of time to spare, this could be perfect for you. Topics will include –
- Current promotion of events and clubs
- Successes and lessons
- Options for publicity
- Online promotion and social media
- Offline campaigns
- Working with teams and volunteers
- Promotional strategy and schedule
- Analyzing success
- Exercises in promotion
- Web technologies and working with Content Management Systems
- Sports photography and video
- Writing and publicizing a sports story
- Setting up promotional schedule for 2014
- Developing a media directory for promotion
The workshop will take place from 10:00 until 16:00 with lunch provided by the IRA. Participants are encouraged to bring any examples of promotional media that is of interest.
Message Bill Stephens for the location if you are interested in attending.