Meet the Media is celebrating its tenth, or aluminum, anniversary according to celebration lore, in business tomorrow. The announcement is made by Owner/Founder Rebecca Antonelli, who says a milestone anniversary in business is cause to celebrate the media and attendee partnerships that made the longevity possible.
“To that note I salute and celebrate the following media supporters who have graciously donated more than their share of time making these meetings a success: David Crabtree (who holds the record for participation), WRAL-TV; Nannette Wilson and Kim Genardo, NBC-17; Sougata Mukherjee, Dale Gibson and the whole team from Triangle Business Journal; also, Samantha Smith, Alan Wolf and many other News & Observer staffers,” Antonelli says.
Results-Focused Face-to-Face Meetings at Forums
David Crabtree, news anchor at WRAL-TV sums up why he continues to be involved. “The media and the public want news. We want to meet business people, learn about the products and services their company produces, and what new innovations they’re working on. Information is the essence of news and business owners are the essence of information.”
Antonelli believes Meet the Media’s intense focus on building a Rolodex of both media and the business owners, entrepreneurs, non-profits and professionals who attend the meetings. What’s in it for her? “It’s never been about the money – if we break even we’re lucky. I just want small business America to have a voice in the news as well.” The event does, however, lead to speaking and consulting engagements for Antonelli.
Dickey Eason, who has been to nearly every meeting held in the past 10 years explains, “Can you say “Thank You” too much? I don’t think so. Thanks for your help again. Yesterday, WTVD replayed the Big Shelf tape from last year. We already have a job from it. The story also got picked up by the Durham paper, which called to interview me. You are making a difference in people’s lives.”
Because of the Meet the New Media forums, hundreds of businesses and dozens of reporters have made contacts that otherwise would be time and cost prohibitive. “Since the first meeting in 1999, our focus on ensuring win/win/win results has not wavered,” commented Antonelli. “During the past year, Meet the Media has aggressively embraced and incorporated the Internet and social media tactics into its package of value-added forum – going so far as to rename the event “Meet the New Media.”
The next event will be held this Thursday, August 27th at the Angus Barn Pavilions. It will be the biggest crowd ever – over 200 attendees. Why the outdoor venue? “I believe we should care as much about our environment while doing business as we do in other areas of our life. I’d rather have a Carolina blue sky above us – not ceiling tiles. “
About Rebecca Antonelli
Rebecca Antonelli specializes in building businesses utilizing a full spectrum marketing approach that includes media relations, sales systems, special events and promotional efforts. The focus is on the strategies and tactics necessary to achieve impactful visibility through coverage in national, trade press, local and social media. http://www.MeetTheNewMedia.com
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