Tip: Don't serve food, because it is a distraction rather than an enhancement.
* Plan how you want the room set up and how the traffic should flow.
* Work beforehand with the person charged with setting up the room so you know where equipment will be, who will set it up, and when and who to contact if you have last minute "emergencies."
• Develop signs to guide people to the press conference area.
• Make sure there is adequate parking, including reserved space for VIPs.
• Be sure the area is accessible for the physically disabled.
• Decide who will speak, the order of the speakers, and how long each will present. Determine who will introduce speakers and who will ac knowledge dignitaries.
Tip: No speaker should take more than 10 minutes; total speaking time should be no more than 20 to 30 minutes.
• If more than one person is presenting information, develop an agenda or program for attendees.
• Set up a registration table outside the press conference area. Have a knowledgeable person at the table to answer questions and hand out materials.
• Have two sign-in sheets at the registration table — one for the press and one for guests.