Event in Numbers: 1 hour | 24 national media | 7 brands and retailers
Things are looking very merry and bright down at our CIJ Group Power Pitching HQ as we hosted our second in our series of festive Power Pitching events last week; Christmas Lifestyle Gifting.
The virtual event was full of passion, pitches and a playlist full of The Pogues as 7 brands and retailers pitched their Christmas offerings to a line up of national journalists looking to secure coverage opportunities for their brand and products throughout the coming months.
Bringing brands and journalists together
The session welcomed a fantastic mix of returning favourites and first-time exhibitors.
Returning brands included:
- Gaia Skincare
- Beaverbrooks
- Lily & Roo
- Cricut
Making their Power Pitching debut:
- VistaPrint
- Bubblegum UK Greetings
- Spotlight Oral Care
From personalised gifts to festive must-haves
Ahead of the event, the 25 journalists shared an insight into the types of products they were hoping to see and the topics they were currently working on. The brands and retailers delivered, ensuring they covered all bases and tailored their pitches to suit the different intimate groups of media they were meeting, helping to make the most out of their time with them.
Products ranged from personalised cushions to jewellery, gifting bundles to must-have wrapping paper and included something for every journalist’s budget and preferences. This resulted in 100% of the journalists who provided feedback rating the session as an excellent use of their time and 100% of the journalists surveyed planning to feature at least one of the products they were pitched.
Hear what the media had to say
The Independent – “I always have a great experience with the Power Pitching events, and find them so useful. The short, snappy presentations give you a great overview of each brand, and the selection really covers something for everyone.”
Good Housekeeping – “It’s always a good use of time!”
Yours – “It was really useful to hear so many different pitches in one place. The small breakout groups meant we could ask questions too. It was very really organised and I ended up with lots of useful content!”
Reach PLC – “It’s harder than ever before to justify taking time away from business as usual to find new brands and products to write about. This is the most efficient way to come out with a batch of new ideas and contacts around a specific theme. It’s like virtual speed dating for journalists and PRs – succinct pitches, new introductions and great new angles, all without leaving your desk.”
The Guardian – “I found it interesting to find out about new products and enjoyed the short nature of the pitches.”
Netmums – “What a great way to start the Christmas season! Great to meet with PRs and find out what should be on our Christmas lists this winter. The event was really slick and well organised. Fast paced and informative! Highly recommended.”
Woman & Home – “Like Christmas had blasted out of a cracker and all over the screen!”
Turning conversations into coverage
The pitching doesn’t end when the breakout rooms close.
Following the event, every participating brand received the full contact list for attending journalists, including email and postal addresses, making it easy to continue conversations, arrange product sampling and build valuable editorial relationships long after the event.
What’s coming up next?
Our Christmas Power Pitching series is in full swing with many more Power Pitching events taking place over the coming weeks, up next are;
- Christmas Toys, 30th September
- Christmas Food & Drink, 1st October
- Christmas Home & Drinks, 8th October
If you’d like to get involved at any of our upcoming Power Pitching events, email aimee@cijgroup.co for more information.
