Some points to remember on news conferences are:

• Call a news conference only if you have important news to break or if it is requested by the media — which will not happen very often because a news conference is time consuming and everyone gets the same story.
  
  
• Make sure that most of the reporters you want to attend are free to come.  It is much better to make a few informal calls checking availability than to spend hours making arrangements only to discover that key reporters cannot make it.
  
  
• Check the deadlines of the major media and schedule the press conference so they can make these deadlines comfortably.
  
  
• Hold the conference in a central, easily accessible place that is comfortable, air conditioned and attractive.  Think visually.  TV reporters constantly seek the most exciting picture.
  
  
• Prepare your representative for a real grilling by the media.  Play the devil’s advocate and raise every tough, embarrassing question that could conceivably arise.  Make sure his/her answers are direct and concise, and his/her manner is friendly but firm and shows no sign of irritation or petulance, no matter what the provocation.
  
  
• Arrive well in advance to make sure the room is set up correctly.  This means a covered table in front, with podium and room for microphones, rows of seats for reporters, and sufficient lights and outlets.  Check the acoustics and set up coffee or soft drinks (if desired.)
  
  
• Greet the reporters at the door and ask if they need anything.  During the period prior to the entrance of your organization’s spokesman, circulate and make sure everything is running smoothly.
  
  
• Begin promptly.  Reporters are rightfully irritated when they make an effort to arrive promptly and are then kept waiting.
  
  
• Have the spokesman introduced briefly by someone who is known and respected.
  
  
• Have the spokesman open with a brief statement on the subject of the press conference.  Then open the session for questions from the floor.  Make sure you allow enough time for questions, which may be the most important and interesting part of the news conference.