Whether you are planning a new product launch in Lagos, hosting a leadership summit in Abuja, or rolling out a grassroots campaign in Port Harcourt, your event deserves media attention. But in Nigeria’s fast-paced news cycle, securing coverage is not just about the event itself, it is about how well you communicate it through a structured, locally relevant press release.
A press release remains one of the most effective ways to generate buzz, attract journalists, boost attendance, and amplify your post-event visibility. This guide walks you through how to craft a press release for Nigerian events that editors will publish, audiences will respond to, and partners will share. With help from Pressdia’s expert distribution, and amplification through Crest Africa, Talented Women Network, and Empire Magazine Africa, you can turn every event into a visibility win.
ALSO READ: Press Release Packages
Why Events Deserve Strategic Press Releases
Events are naturally newsworthy, they bring people together, share announcements, build partnerships, and often set new directions for brands and communities. But the media cannot attend or cover what they do not know about. A well-written event press release helps:
- Generate pre-event publicity and drive attendance
- Attract media houses to cover the event on-site
- Provide editors with ready-made content to publish
- Create post-event coverage opportunities
- Support your partners, speakers, or sponsors with added exposure
Whether the event is in-person, hybrid, or virtual, a press release ensures it reaches beyond your mailing list and into public awareness.
When to Send Your Event Press Release
Timing is everything. For event visibility, your release should follow this basic timeline:
- 2 weeks before: Send the first release with full event details, confirmed speakers, and RSVP links
- 1–2 days before: Send a reminder release or media advisory with updated logistics
- 24–48 hours after: Send a post-event wrap-up release with highlights, photos, and quotes
All three can be distributed via Pressdia, depending on your media goals. You may use the same structure but adjust the content slightly for each stage.
How to Structure Your Event Press Release
1. Headline That Communicates What, Where, and Why
Make the headline timely and location-specific.
Example: “TechWomen Nigeria Hosts Lagos Innovation Summit to Empower Female Founders”
This includes the organiser, location, purpose, and relevance.
2. Opening Paragraph With the 5Ws
Cover the basics upfront:
- What is happening?
- Who is organising it?
- Where and when is it taking place?
- Why should Nigerians care?
Example:
TechWomen Nigeria has announced it will host the Lagos Innovation Summit on August 10 at Landmark Centre, Victoria Island. The summit aims to support over 1,000 female entrepreneurs with access to capital, mentorship, and digital tools.
3. Expand With Details That Matter
In the next 1–2 paragraphs, expand the story with:
- Names of confirmed speakers or special guests
- Partnerships or sponsors
- Themes or objectives of the event
- Number and types of expected participants
- Media opportunities
Example:
The summit will feature keynote addresses from Dr. Mayowa Sanni of the African Development Bank and Yewande Adebayo, CEO of SheBuilds Africa. Sessions will cover topics such as venture capital for women-led startups, digital branding, and cross-border scale strategies.
4. Include At Least One Compelling Quote
Quotes make your release more human and memorable.
Example:
“Our mission is to close the gender gap in innovation by connecting women with the tools and voices that shape Africa’s future,” said Amina Bello, Founder of TechWomen Nigeria.
You may also include a quote from a key sponsor or featured speaker.
5. Bullet Points for Event Highlights
Use bullets to summarise features of the event in a skimmable format.
Example:
Event Highlights:
- Over 1,000 women-led startups in attendance
- Live startup pitching sessions with investor feedback
- Keynote speeches from five African tech leaders
- Networking with VCs, accelerators, and policy influencers
6. Call to Action and Contact Info
Make sure your release includes what the reader should do next:
- RSVP for the event
- Register as media or participant
- Contact for interviews
Example:
To register for the summit or request a media pass, visit www.techwomennigeria.org/summit2025. For interviews or sponsorship opportunities, contact:
Tolu Adebayo
press@techwomennigeria.org | +234 701 234 5678
7. Boilerplate About the Organisation
End with a 1-paragraph description of the organising group.
Example:
TechWomen Nigeria is a nonprofit organisation committed to supporting the rise of female tech leaders in Nigeria through training, mentorship, and investment readiness. Since 2018, the group has impacted over 5,000 entrepreneurs across 12 states. Visit www.techwomennigeria.org to learn more.
Pre-Event Distribution: What to Include
The pre-event release should include:
- Date, time, and venue (physical or virtual)
- Speaker and guest list
- Key themes or topics
- Link to register or RSVP
- Quote from organiser or speaker
- Clear contact info for press
Send this version via Pressdia at least two weeks ahead of the event to give journalists time to express interest, schedule interviews, or arrange attendance.
Day-Before Media Advisory: Keep It Short and Action-Oriented
This version is more of a reminder. Focus on:
- Confirmed logistics (venue, time)
- Final speaker confirmations
- Instructions for media attendance or streaming
- Contact for urgent inquiries or on-the-day questions
A brief and well-timed media advisory boosts attendance from journalists and bloggers.
ALSO READ: How to Format a Press Release
Post-Event Release: Spotlight What Happened
Don’t stop once the event ends. Post-event releases can secure even more coverage.
Include:
- Summary of turnout and success
- Notable quotes from the event
- Photos and visual highlights
- Announcements made during the event
- Next steps or future dates
This keeps the conversation going and allows media who missed the live event to still cover the story.
Using Pressdia to Distribute Your Event News
Pressdia simplifies your event press release process with:
- Easy submission flow
- Bundle options by location, industry, and audience
- Guaranteed delivery to top Nigerian media houses
- Fast turnaround for media advisories or late-breaking changes
- Multimedia-friendly uploads for event photos and flyers
Whether you are hosting an NGO summit, a fintech conference, or a luxury product launch, Pressdia gets your news where it matters.
Collaborate With Visibility Amplifiers
Once your event press release is out, take it further with aligned content through:
- Talented Women Network — ideal for gender-focused, educational, or community-driven events
- Crest Africa — best for innovation, impact, sustainability, or thought-leadership forums
- Empire Magazine Africa — perfect for lifestyle, luxury, entrepreneurship, and culture-focused events
Each platform gives your event an extended shelf life, social buzz, and valuable third-party endorsement.
Add Multimedia for Better Coverage
Every event press release should include:
- At least 1–2 high-resolution images of your speakers, participants, or venue
- Your organisation’s logo
- A flyer or visual invite (especially helpful for social sharing)
- A short video teaser or testimonial if available
Pressdia allows you to upload and tag these assets so editors can easily republish.
Label all assets clearly (e.g., techwomen_lagos_2025.jpg) and add short captions.
Pro Tips for Getting Journalists to Cover Your Event
- Always include a press contact who is responsive and media-ready
- Offer interviews with speakers or key organisers
- Mention any previous media coverage or recognitions (e.g., by Crest Africa)
- Send invites to media at least 7 days before
- Use WhatsApp for follow-up confirmations (common practice in Nigeria)
- Provide reserved seating or backstage access for invited journalists
Media relationships are built on clarity, respect, and proactive communication. Make it easy for them to say yes.
Avoid These Common Event PR Mistakes
- Sending the press release too close to the event date
- Leaving out contact details or RSVP links
- Not following up with journalists after sending
- Using overly technical or corporate language
- Failing to include a high-resolution image or speaker list
- Overhyping the event without clear outcomes
A good press release tells a true, timely story. Editors do not need hyperbole — they need clarity.
Sample Event Coverage Rollout Plan
Monday
- Finalize your press release and media list
- Submit via Pressdia for Tuesday delivery
Tuesday Morning (8:30 AM)
- Pressdia distributes the release
- Send individual invites to key journalists
Wednesday
- Amplify via Talented Women Network or Empire Magazine Africa
- Run countdown content on your brand’s platforms
Thursday (Event Day)
- Have a press contact on-site or online
- Capture live quotes, images, and video
Friday
- Send a post-event release via Pressdia
- Thank journalists who attended and share published links
- Tag partners like Crest Africa in recaps
This flow keeps your story active all week long.
Final Checklist Before Sending Your Event Press Release
- Does the headline include the organiser and location?
- Are the event details (date, venue, time) crystal clear?
- Have you included a media-friendly quote?
- Is there a clear RSVP or registration link?
- Did you attach or link multimedia assets?
- Is a press contact included and reachable?
- Have you chosen the right Pressdia bundle for your audience?
- Are you collaborating with networks for amplification?
If all answers are yes, your release is ready to go.
Make Every Event Count With Pressdia
Nigerian events deserve coverage that reflects their importance. Whether it is a summit on innovation, a workshop on youth empowerment, or a glamorous product launch, the right press release ensures your story reaches the right people at the right time.
Use Pressdia to handle distribution and reporting. Then expand your impact through trusted voices like Talented Women Network, Empire Magazine Africa, and Crest Africa.
Your event is a milestone. Make sure the world knows it.
