Advertising Your Event

[bqbowden]

How do you advertise your event? Do you want a good spectator turnout? Is this an event just for reenactors?

We all know to advertise your event you must get it listed in one of the many printed Civil War publications. Also, the more you spread the word thru contacts, friends and other organizations, the better chance you will have of getting folks to come out. What has worked for you? What did not work?

Also, how did you get spectators to come out? Did you want spectators? Did you advertise in the newspaper, get spots on TV, or other means used? Perhaps put a video ad on uTube.com?

[HOG.EYE.MAN]

For spectator reenactments only, advertising in the local newspaper as well as radio ads work pretty well.

[Kevin O'Beirne]

How do you advertise your event? Do you want a good spectator turnout? Is this an event just for reenactors?

We all know to advertise your event you must get it listed in one of the many printed Civil War publications. Also, the more you spread the word thru contacts, friends and other organizations, the better chance you will have of getting folks to come out. What has worked for you? What did not work?

Also, how did you get spectators to come out? Did you want spectators? Did you advertise in the newspaper, get spots on TV, or other means used? Perhaps put a video ad on uTube.com?

The above post sounds a lot like advertising a "mainstream" event (this is a "campaigner" forum). Most "campaigner" events are lower-key in their advertising, often with marketing done directly via phone calls and e-mails, and by posting on one or two forums frequented by "campaigners". That's pretty much it.

As for spectator advertising, most "campaigner" events aren't geared much around spectators. Those that are, such as a NPS living history, often have the public advertising campaign handled directly by the site owner (NPS, etc.).

[bqbowden]

The above post sounds a lot like advertising a "mainstream" event (this is a "campaigner" forum).

Kevin,

I understand what you are saying. But, what would you do to invite "mainstreamers" who would be interested in attending an authentic event for the first time? How would you reach out to those folks?

[BrianHicks]

Kevin,

I understand what you are saying. But, what would you do to invite "mainstreamers" who would be interested in attending an authentic event for the first time? How would you reach out to those folks?

Those who are interested in attending an authentic event for the first time, most often know folks who go to such events, and from them, via word of mouth, as well as visiting forums such as this one, those interested in will gain the information they need to register.

We had several such fellas fall into the ranks at the WIG's recent OutpostIII/TAGII event in Springhill, Tn.

As for actually 'inviting' folks from the mainstream community? We do it all the time. All we ask is that the individuals make a good faith effort at meeting the impression guidelines, and most importantly that they come with a good attitude, and are willing to fully participate as a soldier for the full duration of the event.

[Johnny Lloyd]

Also, how did you get spectators to come out? Did you want spectators? Did you advertise in the newspaper, get spots on TV, or other means used? Perhaps put a video ad on uTube.com?

Sir-

Resoundingly "Not necessary and No" to the above questions for me.

I can speak for no others but myself.

Thanks- Johnny Lloyd

[Kevin O'Beirne]

I understand what you are saying. But, what would you do to invite "mainstreamers" who would be interested in attending an authentic event for the first time? How would you reach out to those folks?

I'd post it on the AC Forum. Sometimes I put a link to a "campaigner" event in my signature line on a "mainstream" forum, but that's about it. You cannot drag a "mainstreamer" to a "campaigner" event if he or she does not want to attend it in the first place. Most "mainstreamers" are perfectly happy with the way they reenact and see no reason to change it, and it's important for an event sponsor to understand and accept that. Identify the type of event you wish to organize, then publicize it to the audience you are targeting, and forget about extensive "cross-overs". Folks only cross over when they want to.