Event Marketing and Event Press in Calgary

Calgary loves a good event, from galas and summits to launches, pop-ups and Stampede breakfasts. Event marketing in Calgary fills the room, and event press makes sure the moment reaches far beyond it. Here's how to do both.

This guide is part of our Calgary marketing series, and builds on experiential marketing.

Before the event: fill the room

Local media: event listings, community calendars, and story pitches (Calgary media)
Radio: sponsorships, mentions, contests and live remotes (radio)
Social and creators: teasers, countdowns, creator invitations (social in Calgary)
Partners: co-hosts, sponsors and community organizations (co-branding)
Email and SMS reminders for registrants (with consent) (SMS marketing)

Event press: make it newsworthy

Media come for a story. Give them:

Notable speakers or guests
A community impact angle
A visual moment: a red carpet, a reveal, a performance
Local firsts or data

Send a media advisory a few days before and a reminder the day before.

During the event: capture everything

Red carpet and interviews with guests and speakers
Short reels and photo content
Live social updates (Stories)
Quotes and highlights for recaps and press features
Contact capture with clear consent

After the event: keep it going

A recap video and photo gallery
A press feature or article
Thank-you messages to attendees, speakers and partners
Follow-up offers and booking links within days
Share content for weeks, not just the next day

Event press partnerships

Many Calgary events partner with a press partner who handles media, content and coverage in exchange for access and visibility. It's a practical way to get professional coverage and content without building a media team. What partners typically receive: a press feature, social content like reels, and a published recap.

Measure

Registrations and attendance
Media coverage and mentions
Social reach and engagement
Contacts collected
Bookings and sales in the following weeks

Stampede and seasonal events

Timing matters in Calgary. See Stampede marketing and the Calgary marketing calendar.

Event press checklist

[ ] Media advisory sent and followed up
[ ] Press list and check-in desk
[ ] Red carpet or photo backdrop
[ ] Interview questions for key guests
[ ] Photographer and video creator briefed
[ ] Consent process for contact collection
[ ] Recap and press feature scheduled
[ ] Follow-up messages ready to send

Never lose an event lead

The best events create dozens of warm conversations. AI-powered follow-up makes sure every one gets a personal, timely message. See AI marketing in Calgary.

Frequently asked questions

How do I promote an event in Calgary?＋

Combine local media pitches, radio mentions, social media and creators, email to your list, community partners and listings on local event calendars. Start early and build momentum.

What is an event press partner?＋

A partner that handles media and content around your event, such as press invitations, red carpet interviews, photo and video content, reels, recaps and published features.

How do I get media to attend my Calgary event?＋

Give them a story: notable guests, community impact, a visual moment or a local first. Send a media advisory a few days ahead and follow up the day before.

How do I turn event attendees into clients?＋

Collect contacts with consent, follow up within days with a personal message and a clear next step, and use automated reminders for any bookings.

Work with Blastily

Blastily partners with Calgary events as press partner and red carpet host, delivering coverage, reels and recaps that keep your event talked about long after the lights go down.

Blast Now