As anyone who has planned a wedding knows, logistics, politics and money all play a major part. From deciding the content of the ceremony to resolving the heated debate over who sits next to whom, wedding planning has driven more than one couple to elope.
Federal event planners are popping aspirin and pulling their hair out in the aftermath of the disclosures about "over the top" expenditures at a General Services Administration conference in Las Vegas. The GSA planners were told by their boss to kick out all the stops to make the conference enjoyable and eventful. And it was, until it showed up in the Washington Post and other media outlets.
I must be going to the wrong events.
Actually, as a federal Flack (the generic term for public affairs/communications specialist), most of the events I've been involved organize or participate in are not the "training" conferences infamously held by the GSA.
Communications specialists are typically involved in planning:
If you're a West Wing aficionado, you know that government speechwriting is a "collaborative" effort, subject to rounds of reviews. And don't forget the all important briefing giving the who, what when, where and why. Logistics are also key. Think Toby Ziegler AND Donna Moss.
Briefings
Think PowerPoint, lots of PowerPoint.
Press Conferences
Theoretically, press conferences are supposed to make news for the agency holding them. Whether they do varies. Regardless, press conferences, or news conferences, take a great deal of effort to prepare for.
In addition to the opening statement and press release, flacks will advise on likely questions and help develop answers. And, since a press conference is worthless unless the press shows up, flacks put out news advisories, cajole reporters into showing up or at least calling in.
Site Visits and Press Events
If your Federal agency gives out grants, chances are likely that the announcement will be made at the grantee's location. Visiting work places, like factories, roadside inspection facilities or landfills,are just some of the places I've visited as a reporter or flack.Federal event planners are popping aspirin and pulling their hair out in the aftermath of the disclosures about "over the top" expenditures at a General Services Administration conference in Las Vegas. The GSA planners were told by their boss to kick out all the stops to make the conference enjoyable and eventful. And it was, until it showed up in the Washington Post and other media outlets.
I must be going to the wrong events.
Actually, as a federal Flack (the generic term for public affairs/communications specialist), most of the events I've been involved organize or participate in are not the "training" conferences infamously held by the GSA.
Communications specialists are typically involved in planning:
- Speeches
- Briefings
- Press conferences
- Media events
- Site visits
If you're a West Wing aficionado, you know that government speechwriting is a "collaborative" effort, subject to rounds of reviews. And don't forget the all important briefing giving the who, what when, where and why. Logistics are also key. Think Toby Ziegler AND Donna Moss.
Briefings
Think PowerPoint, lots of PowerPoint.
Press Conferences
Theoretically, press conferences are supposed to make news for the agency holding them. Whether they do varies. Regardless, press conferences, or news conferences, take a great deal of effort to prepare for.
In addition to the opening statement and press release, flacks will advise on likely questions and help develop answers. And, since a press conference is worthless unless the press shows up, flacks put out news advisories, cajole reporters into showing up or at least calling in.
Site Visits and Press Events
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