Tricks of the Trade:

Promoting Events on Campus
“Advertising is the art of convincing people to spend
money they don't have for something they don't need.”
– Will Rogers
Web: www.sga.neu.edu
Facebook: www.facebook.com/NortheasternSGA
Twitter: @NortheasternSGA
Web: www.nuprssa.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/NortheasternPRSSA
Twitter: @NUPRSSA
OVERVIEW
 1) Defining a Message
 2) Knowing the Basics
 3) Campus Resources
 4) Policy Reminders
 5) Commitment
 6) Creativity and FUN
Step #1: Defining a Message
 Consider your audience
 Taglines:
 Nike – Just Do It.
 Subway – Eat Fresh.
 Ford – Built Ford Tough.
 Concepts:
 Simple
 Easy to Remember
 Targeted
Step #2: Knowing the Basics
Promotional items such as flyers and posters must
display the following information:
They should also include (if applicable):

Event Name

Event Location

Funded by the SAF Logo

Event Date & Time

Fees/Ticket Prices

Contact Email (…@husky.neu.edu)

Event Description

Co-Sponsors

Event Logo

Cost of Attendance

Student Group/Event Website
Step #3: Campus Resources

Printing Flyers


Campus Calendar


On myNEU:
http://www.northeastern.edu/studentlife/calendar/submit.
html
OrgSync Calendar


Reprographics
Make OrgSync event, request to post to Campus
Activities calendar
Social Media

Facebook, Twitter – get creative!
Step #3: Campus Resources (con’t)

A-frames and Banners:
http://www.northeastern.edu/facilities/sign_do.html

Mass mailings (via ResMail): 617.373.5108

Curry plasma boards: r.grier@neu.edu, CC program manager (use
.JPEG)

Scrollers in Centennial and Freshman Quad: Short Message to
e.hardman@neu.edu

Plasma screen in Blackman lobby: contact j.benham@neu.edu

Chalking: Free chalk via Campus Activities, see permitted chalking
locations here:
http://s3.amazonaws.com/os_extranet_files_test/8162_13450_policy_c
halking.pdf
Step #3: Campus Resources (con’t)

Campus Connections: Talk to your co-sponsors, like-minded
organizations
 All student organizations have contact info online:
http://neu.orgsync.com/student_orgs
 Pursue co-sponsorships
 Incorporate co-sponsors into event planning
Step #3: Campus Resources (con’t)

Residential Life/dorm postings


Bring up to 50 flyers to the
Residential Life desk located on
the bottom floor of Speare Hall –
you will be asked to fill out a quick
informational form, and
Residential Life will post these in
the dorms for you
Curry Student Center postings

Bring 15 flyers to the Operations
Desk, staff will post flyers for you
Step #4: Policy Reminders

Groups cannot advertise without a signed contract
(if applicable)

Events sponsored by NU student groups may not be
publicized to the general public or in off campus
media

It is illegal in the City of Boston to post flyers on city
buildings and light poles

Advertising must not violate the NU Student Code of
Conduct

All publicity must be written in English (except for event titles)

Consumption of alcohol may not be the focus of any promotional items

Only recognized student groups may use the University logo on advertisements

Outside vendors cannot be listed on promotional materials as “co-sponsors”
Step #5: Commitment

Commitment


Leadership



Not all of us are natural-born salesmen – for you to sell
your event, you have to BELIEVE in your event, and
commit yourself to its success
Be sure to communicate expectations to those
working with you promptly and clearly
Delegate – give your members a chance to take charge
Planning



Be sure to have a good idea of your intended
promotional strategy 2-3 weeks ahead of time
Work with your Campus Activities program manager
Consider any and all resources that you may need, and
determine how to access them
Step #6: Creativity and FUN

Design SANDWICH BOARDS for your event that members can
wear around campus.

Use WORD of MOUTH – affordable and effective

Use an event TEASER – create an active audience

Pass out FREE TICKETS (even if you’re not charging for the
event) :)

Brainstorm PRIZES and other incentives that will make your
event more appealing.

Order T-SHIRTS to give away at your event, or to wear to
promote your event.

Use or create PROMOTIONAL VIDEOS to generate interest in
your event.