5 Reasons In-Person Events Drive Real Advocacy Results

One constant question for organizations is: how do you use your most important resource, time? 

In-person events and activations can help you reach several audiences and meet your advocacy goals.  

Whether it's a roundtable with key stakeholders, a press conference on the Capitol steps, or a rally that fills the streets, in-person advocacy events deliver results. 

Here's why in-person events should be part of your public relations and advocacy strategy:

1. Build and Strengthen Your Coalition

People in your coalition often only know each other from Zooms and emails. 

In-person events allow you to bring your coalition together so they can get to know each other and connect deeper with your cause. 

Events let coalition members see the breadth of support for an issue, connect with new allies, and leave feeling energized and committed.

A roundtable, for example, allows for candid conversation, relationship-building, and collaborative problem-solving. A well-organized rally can unify disparate groups under a common banner, reinforcing the strength of your advocacy.

2. Generate Authentic, Shareable Social Media Content

Today, digital and social content is key to connecting with your audiences and nothing is better to capture compelling photos and videos to repurose than in person event. 

Unlike stock photos or graphics, content from live events shows real people taking action, boosting engagement, strengthening trust, and inspiring others to join your cause. It is also a great opportunity to capture evergreen content that you can use in your social media calendar throughout the year. 

When you plan your event, you make sure you have a shared media plan - that means a strategy for your attendees to take photos and videos and share them on their channels. 

You can check out Fitler Square Strategies new content sharing tool, Amplify, to help connect your supporters to your social media assets so they can easily share it to their networks.

3. Engage Legislators in Face-to-Face Advocacy

In person events can help engage lawmakers and decisionmakers. Legislators can hear directly from constituents, see the passion and urgency in their eyes, and understand the real-world impact of policy decisions.

Personal stories told in person often stick with elected officials far more than written testimony. For many lawmakers, being present at an event signals their support to their peers and constituents, locks in their commitment, and allows them to learn more about your issue. 

4. Attract Earned Media Coverage

It's often tough to get reporters to cover in-depth policy issues. But with compelling visuals and human interest stories, nothing beats the photo of a lively rally, a press conference with multiple stakeholders, or a powerful public hearing. In-person events create newsworthy moments that can lead to coverage and clips. You can then repurpose these clips across your organization's social media channels. 

5. Create Momentum and Visibility

An in-person event sends a message to decisionmakers, the media, and the public that your issue is urgent and important. 

Visible, physical action signals power and momentum. A well-planned rally outside a legislative chamber can show policymakers that the public is watching. A packed roundtable can demonstrate broad support across industries or communities.

Conclusion

In-person events unite people, create stories worth sharing, and show the world that your cause matters.

Whether planning a roundtable with experts, a community listening session, or a rally to demand action, these gatherings can help you build your coalition, generate social media content, engage legislators, and attract media coverage.

Need help planning your next advocacy event? At Fitler Square Strategies, we can help your organization build strong in person events.