Press and Publicity
PR Contacts
Natalie Campbell
Public Relations Manager
312-420-2225
campbellcommunicationspr@gmail.com
Sophia Lapat
Public Relations Manager
312-382-8441
Press Kits, New Product Information, Exhibitor Press Releases
Effective public relations can strengthen the sales and marketing strategies you implement to promote your presence at NeoCon. MMPI invites all exhibitors to take part in the opportunities NeoCon provides to connect with the media.
NEW IN 2012!
In an effort to best connect you with media attending NeoCon, we have revamped the NeoCon website to include an online press room. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to post your own press releases in a special Exhibitor Press Release section of the site. You can also upload your new product images directly to the site as well. http://www.neocon.com/press-room/
POST YOUR PRESS RELEASE
Maximize your press coverage by posting news releases to the official NeoCon website. News releases will be included in the Press Release section of the NeoCon Press Room website chronologically by date of release. News releases should contain "hard news" that is current, such as new product announcements or special events happening at NeoCon.
Please follow the instructions at http://www.neocon.com/press-room/press-releases/exhibitor-press-releases/upload-a-press-release/
NEW PRODUCT SUBMISSION
Companies launching new products at NeoCon 2012 can be listed in the online new product press release.
To be included in the release, complete this new product formand e-mail it to Natalie Campbell at campbellcommunicationspr@gmail.comand/or Sophia Lapat at Sophia@sophiaandco.com. Submit one e-mail and form for each new product. Be sure to write “NeoCon New Product Submission” in the subject line of the e-mail.
One high-res images (at least 300 dpi) of the new product in a JPEG format may be uploaded to http://www.neocon.com/press-room/image-gallery/upload-image/
Please do not email the images to the public relations team. All entries must be submitted by April 20th.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF A FREE PUBLICITY OPPORTUNITY DURING NEOCON® 2012
MMPI strongly encourages exhibitors to be a part of the NeoCon® 2012 press room by submitting your company's press kits before the show begins.
From June 11-13, 2012 more than 300 local, national and international media members are expected to visit the NeoCon press room on the 7th Floor of The Merchandise Mart. Our hope is that you will gain maximum exposure in the media before, during and after NeoCon.
One of the ways to do this is to display your company press kits in the press room. It is an easy way for you to have exposure for your company and products. All exhibitors may showcase their press kits to media in the NeoCon Press Room, which is organized in alphabetical order for easy viewing. It is recommended that your company creates no more than 60 press kits, including company name and showroom or booth number, for show distribution. Press kits shipped must be received by May 25. Press kits received after the May 25 deadline will be displayed in the order in which they are received. If you would like to ship your press kits in advance, send to:
Sara O’Hare
MMPI The Merchandise Mart
Suite 470 Chicago, IL 60654
Phone: 312-527-4141
You can also drop off your kits to the Press Room in booth 7-3099 on Friday, June 8 to be included in alphabetical order.
Well-known editors and writers of both print and broadcast are invited to the press room where your kits will be on display. We hope you will participate in this ideal publicity opportunity to get the word out on your unique product or service.
*IMPORTANT NOTES*
• Be sure to clearly mark your company name and showroom/booth number on each press kit.
• If an outside P.R. firm is handling your media relations, kindly forward this information.
• If you are hosting a media event in your showroom or booth during NeoCon, please be sure to alert our Public Relations Team by emailing campbellcommunicationspr@gmail.com
• MMPI is not responsible for lost or stolen press kits.
Please pick up your remaining press kits by 5 p.m. on June 13 from the Press Room (booth 7-3099). Press kits which are not picked up by 5 p.m. will be recycled.
Press Kits - NeoCon
How to Prepare a Press Kit
It is important for you to present your unique product or service to the press. Some commonly asked questions about press kits include the following:
- What is is a press kit?
A press kit is an information packet conveniently assembled for the media to review. Most P.R. professionals use simple tools to compile a media kit, starting with a two-pocket folder, plastic envelope, or even a paper envelope.
- What goes into a press kit?
A press kit usually consists of the following:
- press release[s]/news release[s]
- a CD of images (high-resolution jpegs are best; 300 dpi, to be formatted no larger than 4x6)
- company brochures
- company fact sheet/brief company history
- related company news
- What is a press release/news release?
A press release or news release [interchangeable terms] is a brief announcement, which contains newsworthy material. 'News' is the operative word. Explain the innovative aspects or the benefit of your product. A release is written in the style of an article [in the third person]. This means that parts of - or the whole - release could be used 'as is' in a publication. It can conclude with a background paragraph on your company. On the first page, always include the date, contact name, title and phone number for people to call with questions, or if they need more information. Press releases are usually one or two pages in length.
- Is it necessary to put our company's name and booth number on the cover of every press kit?
Yes. If an editor or reporter picks up your kit and readily sees the booth number on it, he or she saves time by not having to look up the location in the show directory.
- Does every slide, transparency and photo in the kit need to be identified?
Yes. Again, an editor will be more inclined to work with a manufacturer who is organized and presents an array of choices.
- Should a product sample be enclosed?
If you are a fabric or wall coverings manufacturer, for example, you may choose to add a small piece of the material in the press kit. It is not necessary, though.
- Should past articles be enclosed in the kit?
If your company was written up in a major newspaper or magazine, you may wish to add a copy of the article, but it is not an essential component for your press kit.
