How on earth do creators get invited to influencer events? Brands seem to be hosting PR events, fancy dinners, and other unique activations, and it’s not as hard as you think to get on their radar.
This is a quick blog post for my fellow content creators and influencers so that you don’t miss out!
There is actually a lot of overlap between this post and my guide on how to attract paid partnerships because getting invited to events and landing brand deals both come down to getting on the radars of brands and PR contacts.
But first…
What is a PR or Influencer Event?
A PR event is usually a hosted activity, dinner, or experience. It’s an opportunity for brands to showcase their products or services with content creators.
As creators, we aren’t usually paid to attend them, but there’s a symbiotic relationship and expectation that in exchange for a good time and a bag full of goodies, we will share our experience with our audience.
My favourite thing about events is that they always feel like a little reunion where you get to connect with your fellow creators.
How to Get Invited to Brand Events: 5 Essential Tips
Want the video-version of this post? Watch it below! The highlights are summarized beneath it!
1. Make Sure Your Location is in Your Bio
This will ensure you show up in searches when brands are looking for local creators to invite.
It will also make it clear to the brands you already have a relationship with where you are located. People aren’t going to dig through your content to figure out where you’re based, so make it easy for them.
If you aren’t near a major city that often hosts events, consider putting the nearest metropolitan hub in your bio if you are open to travelling there for a good time (ahem, I mean.. for work).
2. Strategic Hashtag Usage
Strategically using hashtags is my top tip for getting invited to influencer events.
The moment I started using hashtags like #VancouverInfluencer and #VancouverBlogger, I began to get invited to brand activations almost immediately.
While hashtags aren’t as powerful as they used to be for reach or getting in front of new audiences, brands and PR contacts still use them to search for creators.
Think about different hashtag combinations that describe you, your demographic, and where you live, and start using them in your content.
3. Research, Follow, and Engage with Local PR Agencies
More often than not, it’s PR agencies that organize the events and determine the guest list on behalf of brands. So you want to make sure you are on their radar.
Some agencies even have submission forms on their website to add yourself to their roster.
4. Make Friends in the Space
First, this is helpful because through other creators, you’ll likely be able to compile a strong list of local agencies.
Second, a lot of brand events offer plus ones to their invites. I’ve been really grateful to attend events as a plus one, and whenever I get a plus one, I try my best to pay it back or pay it forward.
I want to make it clear: I’m not saying you should slide into other creators’ DMs saying, “Invite me to your next event.” I’m just saying to consciously make connections and network with your community, and those opportunities will come naturally.
5. Don’t Be Afraid to Host Your Own Gatherings
It’s not the first thing creators think of when trying to figure out how to get invited to influencer events, but hosting your own events, parties, or get-togethers for creators will help solidify your presence in the community.
Just like at a traditional brand event, creators are likely to share their experiences, which will help get you on more people’s radars.
Final Thoughts on Getting PR Invites
I know that was really rapid fire, but I hope you were able to take something away to start getting yourself out there and started getting invited to influencer events!
I’m thinking of doing a follow-up post on what to do at a PR event and another on what to do afterward. Let me know if you’d be interested.
Until next time!
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