How To Get Media Coverage For An Award Event
Have you ever planned an award event only to realize no one outside the room heard about it? The venue was just right, speeches were touching, and trophies were shining, but the buzz? Missing. That’s where smart media coverage comes in.
The right press can turn your award event into the talk of the town or even the whole industry. In this article, you’ll learn exactly how to get media coverage for an award event that grabs headlines, builds credibility, and brings real attention. Read on to learn more.
Why Media Coverage Matters for Award Events
An award event isn’t just a celebration. It’s a chance to:
- Showcase achievements
- Build your brand reputation
- Attract new clients or supporters
- Spark social proof in your industry
But none of that works if people don’t hear about it. Media coverage helps extend your event’s impact far beyond the venue. It turns your story into something that sticks. And in 2025, when attention is hard to grab, getting the right kind of press matters more than ever.
Step 1. Craft a Story, Not Just an Announcement
Let’s be honest, “We gave out awards. It was lovely.” won’t grab a journalist’s attention. If you want real media coverage, you’ve got to give them a reason to care. That means digging deeper and finding what makes your award event more than just another night of applause.
Is there something unique about your event this year? Perhaps you’ve introduced a bold new award category that reflects the times, such as climate leadership or social impact. Is it an unexpected person you are honoring, perhaps a young local hero or a lesser-known pioneer in your field? Does your event connect to ongoing things in the world, such as diversity in business, innovation in tech, or sustainability in fashion?
Media outlets aren’t just looking for events. They’re looking for stories that matter. So think beyond the trophies. Show how your event connects to a broader conversation and why now is the time to talk about it.
Step 2: Get Your Timeline in Order
Media planning isn’t last-minute. Here’s the simple timeline to follow:
- 4 weeks out: Build your media list and identify outlets.
- 3 weeks out: Write and finalize your press release.
- 2 weeks out: Send initial pitch to reporters.
- 1 week out: Send reminders and secure interviews.
- Day of event: Share media access, schedule photo ops.
- Next day: Send event recap with photos and quotes.
Following this schedule gives journalists time to plan coverage and keeps your event top of mind.
Step 3: Build a Targeted Media List
For award events, it’s all about the right people. Focus on:
- Local news outlets (TV, radio, digital)
- Industry-specific magazines or blogs
- Alumni publications or school press (if honorees are graduates)
- Community reporters
- Business journals or trade associations
Pro Tip: Include lifestyle editors if your event has visual appeal like red carpets, celebrity guests, or fashion-forward moments.
Step 4: Write a Press Release That Sparks Interest
A press release isn’t just a formality; it’s your ticket to attention. Keep it clean, clear, and loaded with value.
Include:
- A bold headline (example: “NYC Nonprofits Recognized for Saving Lives in 2025”)
- A strong lead: Who, what, where, when, and why
- Quotes from honorees or organizers
- A short description of the awards’ history or mission
- Event highlights (live music, red carpet, special guests)
- Contact info and a media kit link
- Stick to one page. And remember, journalists scan. Make every word count.
Step 5: Offer Exclusive Access
Want to guarantee media shows up? Offer inside access.
That could be:
- One-on-one interviews with honorees
- Early access to the winners’ names under embargo
- Behind-the-scenes previews
- Photo ops with celebrities or city officials
- Make their job easier and they’ll be more likely to cover you.
Step 6: Create a Media Kit Just for the Event
A media kit is like your event’s resume. It should include:
- High-resolution event logo
- A one-sheet overview (summary, mission, honorees)
- Speaker bios
- Photos from past events
- A sample invitation
- Contact details for media inquiries
Upload everything to a shared Google Drive or Dropbox folder. Journalists love not having to ask for assets.
Step 7: Add Visuals: Before, During, and After
Award events are visual gold. Use that to your advantage.
- Before: Share teaser photos of trophies, venue setup, or rehearsal
- During: Hire a photographer to snap high-quality shots
- After: Send a “Thank you” media email with 3–5 captioned photos, a recap, and key quotes
Pro Tip: Create Instagram Reels or TikToks of the best moments. Tag media outlets and use relevant hashtags.
Step 8: Get Your Honorees Involved
Your honorees aren’t just guests; they’re built-in buzz makers. Provide them with the proper tools and they would be more than glad to spread the word. Begin with a brief, ready-to-use press release or announcement that they can share. Then make it even easier by including pre-written social media captions and eye-catching images they can upload with a tap.
Don’t forget to ask them to tag the event’s official pages and use your hashtags. Their network brings fresh eyes to your story and when they’re proud of the recognition, they’ll naturally want to talk about it. More shares, more views, more impact. Simple as that.
Step 9: Use the Right Channels
Don’t just rely on traditional news. Here’s where to share your media content:
- LinkedIn: Great for professional audiences
- Instagram: Behind-the-scenes and styled moments
- Twitter/X: Quick announcements and links
- Email Newsletter: Recap to your followers
- Event Website: Create a “Press” section to house coverage
Maximize every piece of coverage. Let it live beyond event night.
When to Bring in a PR Agency
Do you want your event to stand out? Then it is time to seek professional help. R. Couri Hay Creative Public Relations specializes in high-profile event coverage. We know how to:
- Package your event story
- Leverage relationships with top-tier outlets
- Position your award night as headline-worthy
From red carpets to nonprofit galas, they’ve done it all, and we can do it for you.
In A Nutshell:
Getting media coverage for an award event isn’t about luck or size; it’s about strategy. Start early, stay organized, and share a story worth covering. Highlight what matters. Show what’s different. With the right pitch and the right partners, your next award event won’t just be memorable; it’ll make headlines.
Want your next award event to make headlines instead of just memories? Partner with R. Couri Hay Creative Public Relations and turn your spotlight moment into front-page news.