Free “How to Write a Press Release” workshop offered in June

Local journalist Lesley Ann Beck will lead a free seminar in crafting effective materials for communicating with the media

“How to Write a Press Release,” a workshop led by local journalist Lesley Ann Beck, will be given at 6 p.m. on Thursday evening, June 2. A well-written press release is essential for any business, organization, or individual wishing to generate publicity, whether in print or online. Fortunately, crafting an effective press release is achievable simply by following some basic, time-tested rules.

“How to Write a Press Release” is a workshop led by local journalist Lesley Ann Beck, held at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts at 28 Renne Avenue in downtown Pittsfield. The event is open to the public, free of charge, and will last 90 minutes and include time for questions. Megan Whilden, Pittsfield's  Director of Cultural Development, will be the moderator.

The workshop will cover style, organization, format, and structure, including tips on writing strong headlines and good leads. Making important decisions on content and timing will also be covered, as will attachments, photographs, design elements, and length.

The workshop will be useful for anyone who needs to generate publicity in the media, whether a small business owner, leader of a local nonprofit organization, an independent artist or performer, or even the representative for a religious institution or community action effort.

The workshop leader, Lesley Ann Beck, now the editor of BerkshireArtsAlmanac.com, has more than twenty-five years of experience as a journalist, most recently as managing editor of Berkshire Living magazine and editor of BBQ: Berkshire Business Quarterly. Before joining Berkshire Living, she was the editor of the Berkshires Week section in the Berkshire Eagle for nine years.  Moderator Megan Whilden was the editor of Artful Mind magazine, a columnist for the Berkshire Eagle and a freelance writer for the Boston Globe and other publications before becoming the City of Pittsfield's first Director of Cultural Development in 2005.

Examples of successful press releases will be available, and a handout covering the seminar topics and much more will be shared.

Please email mmoyborgen@pittsfieldch.com or call 413.499.9348 to reserve a space; seating is limited.