Publicity of your event can play an important role in attracting an increased number of new spectators. Now more than ever, the use of media is the fastest and most cost effective way to get the word out about an event. There are many simple, inexpensive, and effective ways to broadcast your club’s event(s) in addition to spreading the news by “word of mouth.” Now, do not get the wrong idea; you should keep verbally promoting your event(s) to your peers, co-workers, boss, and your friend who only occasionally participates in agility. The question is how can your club benefit from the utilization of the multitude of media outlets that are at your fingertips?

Just about everyone has heard of public relations (PR) and has seen a promotional strategy implemented in some fashion. It is fairly well known that building a relationship with your local media can be beneficial in various ways. One of the best ways to make friends in the media is to offer a unique story or idea, related to a reporter’s area of expertise, and involves a strong local tie. By developing a friendly rapport with a local newspaper columnist or a field reporter for your local news channel, you will help your club successfully promote events, the sport of purebred dogs, and the AKC.  All of this will immediately increase the odds of attracting fresh faces to the fancy.

A progressively more popular method of advertising an event is through the medium of online social networking. Websites like Facebook, LinkedIn, and MySpace boast a combined total network of over 500 million user profiles! With the need for incorporating technology into one’s everyday life becoming more prevalent, a number of dog show enthusiasts are setting up Facebook accounts to communicate with their canine compatriots. Most of these online tools are FREE and easy to use. There are various ways to create digital event advertisements and keep track of potential attendees!

In the modern day tech era, there is no reason not to use these resources as aids in the exchange of pertinent information. Your club can create an online forum, Facebook group, or weblog to add breed or event specific information, and answer exhibitor questions using the various discussion features. Even AKC has jumped on the band wagon and is making use of Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, and YouTube to reach out to a new audience and educate the world!

While some of these suggestions may be easily employed, it takes the desire and concentrated efforts of your event committee members to take charge and delve into unfamiliar territory for the greater good of the sport. By incorporating new strategies and technology, your club will be able to effectively reach out to existing fanciers and attract a new, youthful demographic.

See detailed information about PR tips and tools here or contact the AKC Communications Department.

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