Who should be attending #MeetTheMedia, and why…

The breadth of experience, expertise, and seniority, of a diverse number of experts from a range of industries attending #MeetTheMedia, amazes me.

Now in its ninth year, the quality of media that attend the event also continues to raise the bar. There’s simply no other event like it.

It’s arguably more important today to attend #MeetTheMedia, with all the recent personnel cuts within the two major media houses of Seven and Nine, the change of ownership at Ten, and the continual movement of people working in media.

You need to start, develop, and build relationships with all forms of media.

There are seven typical personas that should attend, regardless of experience or knowledge of media communications:

 Business Owners – these could be the most desired talent media are looking to engage. The business owner is the spokesperson of their business, with the potential to be the leading voice for their industry. Media love talking to business owners.

 Leaders of Industry – these are the people that are known within their fields but aren’t necessarily recognised externally. It’s critical for these leaders to make themselves known to media.

 Public Relations – anyone in this space should attend #MeetTheMedia, even if it’s just for professional development. The media has changed dramatically over the last three years, so this is the chance for those working in PR to meet face-to-face with the media they’re trying to communicate with.

 Middle and Senior Management – Managers, CEOs, MDs, GMs, if you’re in professional services or the head of your department, you might find yourself having to front the media. Understanding how the media works and how to effectively communicate with them to get your key points across is critical.

 Not-For-Profits – it’s essential for NFPs to be in attendance. Communications and media play an important role in the ongoing success of any charity. While not having the biggest budgets, spending a little to make a huge impact is a calculated and clever move. #MeetTheMedia delivers maximum value in making connections and fostering relationships.

 Speakers – never have speakers needed more help in raising their profiles, particularly around their keynote topic. While the industry suffered at the start of the pandemic, events and attendance numbers are rising rapidly. It’s time to get known in the media again.

 Academics – there’s a pool of academics that do extremely well in the media but there are many that are underrepresented, and some who aren’t putting themselves forward at all. #MeetTheMedia gives academics the chance to understand the media cycle and where their expertise fits.

If you’re serious about becoming a spokesperson or the ‘go-to’ person in your area of expertise, you really need to make the effort to meet the media. When you understand what’s going on in the media cycle, you’re able to communicate with it much more effectively.

See you at #MeetTheMedia, proudly partnered with Medianet.

Nic Hayes, Managing Director, Media Stable.