By Youth.SG Campus Spy Blogger Mentor, Darryl Kang

1. How to cover events
as a blogger?
(darrylkang@dk.sg)

2. Disclaimer!
• This is a very broad topic
• There are tons of different events out
there
• Everything here is based on my experience
and are my opinions

3. Type of events
• For Media
• For Trade Partners
• For Bloggers / Forumers / Influencers

4. Type of events
• Product / Service launch
• Exhibition / Conference
• Event coverage
• Press conference
• Fashion show
• Food tasting
• One on one interview
• Influencer engagement
• Etc etc etc.....

5. What do you need?
• A camera
• DSLR
• Pro Consumer
• Point and shoot

6. Camera phones?
• As much as possible, try not to use your
camera phone only. Not even if it has 12
megapixel and shoot great photos
• BUT! Camera phone is good for instant
uploading of photos to Twitter, Instagram or
Facebook.

7. What do you need?
(Optional)
(Optional)
• Paper and Pen for notes taking
• Voice recorder
• Camera Flash or LED Lights
• Namecards
• Internet connetion

8. Embargo
• Some events (especially product launches)
might have an embargo
• Take note of the date / time
• Do not blog, tweet, Facebook etc before
the embargo date / time
• You might be required to need to sign a
NDA

9. Live blogging / tweeting
• Make sure you have a good internet
connection
• Use the official Twitter hashtag if any
• Try to use a laptop or tablet if possible
• Good to have someone helping you
• Make sure there isn’t any embargo

10. Seating arrangement
• Most events do not have specific sitting
arrangements (except a few reserved seats
in the front)
• The company / PR agency will inform you if
there is a special seating arrangement

11. Photo opportunity
• Do not be afraid to go forward to take
photos (even if you are using point and
shoot)
• Do not be shy to ask the spokesperson /
models to look at your direction
• Try not to block other photographers

12. Q&A session
• Feel free to ask questions
• Always introduce yourself first before
asking
• Make sure you ask the right person the
right question
• Make sure the answer isn’t already on the
press release

13. One on one interview
• Always have a voice recorder ready
• Research on the company / interviewee
and prepare your questions
• Check with PR person on the boundaries
• Keep the voice recording even after you
published your blog

14. Product Demo
• Feel free to ask questions and play with the
demo unit
• Check if it is still a prototype
• Take as much photos as you want
• Try not to hog the queue

15. Tips
• Try to do some research before attending
the event
• Take photos of presentation slides for
reference
• Press release and facts sheet are your best
friend

16. Tips
• Ask the PR person about the agenda / flow
of event
• Try to think of a story angle during the
event
• Make friends with other bloggers /
journalist

17. Tips
• Take as much photos as possible
• Do not blog about the food / drinks (unless
it is a food tasting event)
• Have fun at the event

18. Questions?

19. Is it a must to blog
about the event?

20. How do I get invited to
events?

21. BTW...
• You don’t need to be invited to an event in
order to cover it (But please do not
gatecrash into private event)