How to Create a Media-Friendly Political Event
Media coverage can dramatically increase the impact of your political event — helping you reach new supporters, build momentum, and shape public perception. Whether you’re planning a press conference, campaign announcement, or fundraising rally, designing your event with the media in mind can take it from good to unforgettable.
At Venue on Lake Lily, we’ve hosted political and civic events of all sizes, and we know what it takes to make an event media-friendly. Here are our top strategies to help your next political event capture the spotlight.
1. Choose a Visually Compelling Venue
Media outlets are drawn to visuals. A beautiful, scenic backdrop or well-designed stage can elevate your photos and B-roll. That’s why many campaigns choose our venue — our lakeside patio, clean indoor spaces, and natural light create a polished, professional setting for interviews, speeches, and press photos.
Be intentional about where your speaker stands, what appears behind them (think branded signage or flags), and how your guests are arranged. Avoid cluttered or distracting backgrounds.
2. Notify the Media Early
Don’t wait until the day before. Reach out to media outlets at least a week in advance with a detailed media advisory. Include:
- Date, time, and location
- Speaker names and titles
- Purpose of the event
- Any visuals or moments of interest (e.g., endorsements, unveiling, performances)
- Contact info for your press lead
Follow up with phone calls or personalized emails to key journalists. Offer interviews or exclusive angles where appropriate.
3. Set Up a Designated Press Area
At your event, create a clearly marked space for media to set up cameras, conduct interviews, and access materials. This area should have a clear sightline to the stage or podium, ample space for tripods, and ideally access to power if needed.
Prepare a media table with press kits, printed bios, schedules, and your campaign’s contact info. Assign a team member to serve as a media liaison, available for questions or troubleshooting throughout the event.
4. Provide Strong Lighting and Sound
Good lighting and audio make your event more camera-friendly. If indoors, ensure the space is well-lit and avoid overly bright backlighting that can make subjects appear in shadow. If outdoors, try to schedule during the “golden hours” (early morning or late afternoon) for the best natural light.
Use a microphone and sound system to ensure your message is heard clearly both in-person and on camera. At Venue on Lake Lily, we can assist in coordinating AV needs to support professional-quality production.
5. Use Strategic Branding and Signage
What will viewers see on the evening news or in the paper? Make sure your branding — logos, campaign colors, slogans — is visible behind and around your speakers. Banners, podium signage, flags, and step-and-repeat backdrops all help reinforce your identity visually.
Consider the photos that will circulate online and in the press — make them count.
6. Include a Call-to-Action for Viewers
When the press covers your event, it’s a free moment of amplification. Take advantage of that visibility by including a clear call-to-action in your speech or signage — something like “Donate at [website],” “Volunteer today,” or “Early voting starts October 1.”
Reinforce this message during interviews and across any materials you hand out.
7. Capture Your Own Content
Don’t rely solely on the media to document the event. Have your own photographer or videographer on site to capture key moments, crowd reactions, and behind-the-scenes energy. Post clips and highlights to your campaign’s website and social platforms shortly after the event to keep the momentum going.
8. Choose a Venue That Understands Political Events
Working with a venue that knows how to support media coverage makes a world of difference. At Venue on Lake Lily, we regularly host political events and are happy to accommodate staging needs, press areas, and early setup for your media team. With indoor and outdoor options, AV assistance, and flexible rental packages, we help campaigns look their best under the spotlight.
Ready to Plan Your Media-Friendly Event?
If you’re planning a political rally, press event, or campaign fundraiser, our team is ready to help you create a professional, press-ready experience from start to finish.
Contact us today to check availability and start planning:
📧 Venue@venueonlakelily.com
📞 (407) 647-2111
With the right preparation and the right venue, your message can reach far beyond the room — and into homes, headlines, and hearts.
