Tricks of the Trade: Promoting Events on Campus

“Advertising is the art of convincing people to spend money they don't have for something they don't

need.” – Will Rogers

Web: www.sga.neu.eduFacebook: www.facebook.com/NortheasternSGA

Twitter: @NortheasternSGA

Web: www.nuprssa.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/NortheasternPRSSA

Twitter: @NUPRSSA

OVERVIEW

1) Defining a Message

2) Knowing the Basics

3) Campus Resources

4) Policy Reminders

5) Commitment

6) Creativity and FUN

Step #1: Defining a Message

Consider your audience

Taglines: Nike – Just Do It. Subway – Eat Fresh. Ford – Built Ford Tough.

Concepts: Simple Easy to Remember Targeted

Step #2: Knowing the Basics

Event Name

Event Location

Event Date & Time

Contact Email (…@husky.neu.edu)

Co-Sponsors

Cost of Attendance

Promotional items such as flyers and posters must display the following information:

They should also include (if applicable):

Funded by the SAF Logo

Fees/Ticket Prices

Event Description

Event Logo

Student Group/Event Website

Step #3: Campus Resources

Printing Flyers Reprographics

Campus Calendar On myNEU:

http://www.northeastern.edu/studentlife/calendar/submit.html

OrgSync Calendar Make OrgSync event, request to post to Campus

Activities calendar

Social Media Facebook, Twitter – get creative!

Step #3: Campus Resources (con’t)

A-frames and Banners: http://www.northeastern.edu/facilities/sign_do.html

Mass mailings (via ResMail): 617.373.5108

Curry plasma boards: r.grier@neu.edu, CC program manager (use .JPEG)

Scrollers in Centennial and Freshman Quad: Short Message to e.hardman@neu.edu

Plasma screen in Blackman lobby: contact j.benham@neu.edu

Chalking: Free chalk via Campus Activities, see permitted chalking locations here: http://s3.amazonaws.com/os_extranet_files_test/8162_13450_policy_chalking.pdf

Step #3: Campus Resources (con’t)

Campus Connections: Talk to your co-sponsors, like-minded organizations All student organizations have contact info online:

http://neu.orgsync.com/student_orgs Pursue co-sponsorships Incorporate co-sponsors into event planning

Step #3: Campus Resources (con’t)

Residential Life/dorm postings Bring up to 50 flyers to the

Residential Life desk located on the bottom floor of Speare Hall – you will be asked to fill out a quick informational form, and Residential Life will post these in the dorms for you

Curry Student Center postings Bring 15 flyers to the Operations

Desk, staff will post flyers for you

Step #4: Policy Reminders Groups cannot advertise without a signed contract

(if applicable)

Events sponsored by NU student groups may not be publicized to the general public or in off campus media

It is illegal in the City of Boston to post flyers on city buildings and light poles

Advertising must not violate the NU Student Code of Conduct

All publicity must be written in English (except for event titles)

Consumption of alcohol may not be the focus of any promotional items

Only recognized student groups may use the University logo on advertisements

Outside vendors cannot be listed on promotional materials as “co-sponsors”

Step #5: Commitment

Commitment Not all of us are natural-born salesmen – for you to

sell your event, you have to BELIEVE in your event, and commit yourself to its success

Leadership Be sure to communicate expectations to those

working with you promptly and clearly Delegate – give your members a chance to take

charge

Planning Be sure to have a good idea of your intended

promotional strategy 2-3 weeks ahead of time Work with your Campus Activities program manager Consider any and all resources that you may need,

and determine how to access them

Step #6: Creativity and FUN Design SANDWICH BOARDS for your event that members can

wear around campus.

Use WORD of MOUTH – affordable and effective

Use an event TEASER – create an active audience

Pass out FREE TICKETS (even if you’re not charging for the event) :)

Brainstorm PRIZES and other incentives that will make your event more appealing.

Order T-SHIRTS to give away at your event, or to wear to promote your event.

Use or create PROMOTIONAL VIDEOS to generate interest in your event.