• Arrive at least one hour before the event, even earlier if you have to set-up or supervise the set-up of equipment, banners, chairs, podium, podium sign, etc.
• Meet with the speakers at least one-half hour before the event and have them familiarize themselves with the facilities, attend to any last-minute details and relax
  for a few minutes before the event begins.
• Assign someone the “greeter” role, instructing that person to meet guests as they arrive, direct them to the sign-in table and see them into the conference area. The greeter should be able to answer most questions the attendees may have. Alert your greeter to keep an eye out for dignitaries and immediately direct them to the person in charge, who will then introduce them to the event spokesperson.
• Start the news conference on time.
• Designate an official to welcome the media and briefly mention why the purpose of the news conference. This person should acknowledge VIPs and key speakers, introduce the spokespersons and let the media know who will answer questions at the conclusion of the presentation.
• Have the moderator request that reporters identify themselves by name and media outlet during the question and answer period.

Conference Post-Mortem

• Evaluate attendance and the quality of the news conference.
• Request feedback from non-partisan attendees.
• Assess the quality of the presentation and include a critique of the spokesperson and audio-visual materials.
• Follow-up with key media who were unable to attend.
• Monitor the media for coverage.