how to plan your first event in plattsburgh, NY A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Plan Your First Event in Plattsburgh, NY: A Step-by-Step Guide

Hosting your first event is exciting! Whether you’re planning an art show, open mic, workshop, or a community get-together, it’s a chance to bring people together and create something memorable. But where do you start? This guide walks you through planning events in Plattsburgh, from brainstorming to the final cleanup.

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1. Brainstorm with Friends and Your Community

Every great event starts with an idea—and sharing that idea with others can make it even better. Talk to friends, family, or community members about your plans. Ask for feedback:

  • Does your event idea make sense?
  • Are there potential challenges you’re not seeing?
  • What would make the event more engaging?

This collaboration can help refine your vision, clarify your goals, and ensure you’re not missing anything important. Plus, brainstorming with others can generate creative ideas for themes, activities, or even promotion strategies.

Poster made by Kimberly Cummins for the Plattsburgh Zombie Walk

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2. Find the Perfect Location

Plattsburgh offers many fantastic venues for hosting events. Here are some local favorites:

  • Koffee Kat – 104 Margaret St., Plattsburgh, NY
  • Chapter One Coffee and Tea – 30 City Hall Pl., Plattsburgh, NY
  • Plattsburgh Public Library – 19 Oak St., Plattsburgh, NY
  • Old Soul Collective – 139 Margaret St., Plattsburgh, NY

When choosing a location, consider the following:

  • Price: Does the venue fit your budget?
  • Availability: Is the space available on your chosen date?
  • Accessibility: Can people easily find and access the venue?
  • Audience Fit: Does the venue align with the vibe of your event?

Reach out to the venue early to ensure availability, especially if you’re planning during a busy time of year.

Rock For Haiti Event Poster Rouses Point Social Media Marketing Freelance fundraising event

3. Book the Venue and Plan the Details

Once you’ve picked the perfect spot, connect with the venue owner or manager to confirm the booking. While you’re at it, ask for advice—they’ve likely hosted similar events before and can provide valuable insights.

Make a checklist of everything you’ll need for the event:

  • Tables and chairs
  • Microphones and speakers
  • Decorations and banners
  • Easels, if it’s an art show
  • Lighting needs

Walk through the venue to visualize how everything will come together. This prep work will help you avoid surprises on the day of the event.

4. Create an Eye-Catching Poster

A great event poster does two things:

  1. Grabs attention.
  2. Communicates the details clearly.

 

If your budget allows, hire a local artist to design your poster—it supports local talent and ensures a unique design. If not, try a tool like Canva to create a professional-looking poster yourself.

Where to post your flyer in Plattsburgh:

  • North Country Food Co-op – 25 Bridge St.
  • Dress Code Consignment – 2 Margaret St.
  • Chapter One Coffee and Tea
  • Koffee Kat
  • Vilaris Studio – 23 Durkee St.
  • Yama Sushi – 54 Margaret St.
  • The Strand Center for the Arts – 23 Brinkerhoff St.
  • Plattsburgh Public Library
  • The YMCA – 17 Oak St.

Pro Tip: Keep extra posters handy for last-minute locations you might discover!

Graffiti style poster with two cats illustrated to look like bob ross with information about the cat art show around it.

5. Promote on Social Media

Social media is your best friend for spreading the word. Create an event page or post about it on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Here’s how to make your posts pop:

  • Use high-quality images.
  • Be clear about the who, what, when, where, and why.
  • Encourage your audience to share the event.

Add personal touches—like a behind-the-scenes peek at your planning process—to build excitement.

Make it easy on yourself and schedule as many posts as you can. Don’t force yourself to remember to post everyday- instead schedule a months worth of posts at a time. This will help you free up time to promote via press release, and putting up posters at local businesses. 

6. Optional: Create a Website for Your Event

If your event is larger or has several components, consider creating a simple website. This can include:

  • Event details (date, time, location).
  • A short FAQ section.
  • Links to tickets, RSVPs, or donation pages.

Tools like Wix or Squarespace make it easy to build a website without needing advanced design skills.

 

7. Send Out Press Releases

A press release is an excellent way to reach local audiences through newspapers and TV stations. Here’s how to craft a great one:

  • Start with a compelling headline (e.g., “Local Art Show Brings Creative Vibes to Downtown Plattsburgh”).
  • In the first paragraph, cover the who, what, when, where, and why.
  • Use a friendly but professional tone.
  • Include your contact information.

Send your press release to:

Local Newspapers & Online News Platforms

  • Press-Republican
    • Coverage: Plattsburgh and the North Country region.
    • Submission: Submit via their website’s contact form or email Editor-in-Chief Joe LoTemplio (likely contact: news@pressrepublican.com). They also feature event listings and trending local stories 1.
    • Notes: Publishes event announcements and community news.
  • Peru Gazette
    • Coverage: Peru, NY, and surrounding areas.
    • Submission: Email editor John Ryan at perugazette@gmail.com. This free community platform highlights local events and educational initiatives 11.
  • Lake Placid News
    • Coverage: Lake Placid and the Adirondacks (within 50 miles of Plattsburgh).
    • Submission: Visit their website for submission guidelines. They cover regional human-interest stories and events 6.
  • Adirondack Daily Enterprise
    • Coverage: Saranac Lake, Lake Placid, and Tri-Lakes region.
    • Submission: Submit via their website contact form.

Television & Radio Stations

  • WPTZ (NBC)
    • Coverage: Plattsburgh and Burlington, VT.
    • Submission: Contact their news desk at news@wptz.com or visit their website. They cover breaking news and community events 14.
  • WCAX (CBS)
    • Coverage: Burlington, VT, and the Champlain Valley.
    • Submission: Use their online tip form or email news@wcax.com 14.
  • ABC 22/Fox 44
    • Coverage: Colchester, VT, and the greater Plattsburgh-Burlington area.
    • Submission: Email news@abc22fox44.com 14.
  • North Country Public Radio (NCPR)
    • Coverage: NPR affiliate for the North Country and Adirondacks.
    • Submission: Submit event listings via their website calendar.

Community & Government Resources

  • Town of Plattsburgh Government
    • Submission: Contact Town Supervisor Michael S. Cashman’s office at townclerk@plattsburghtown.com. They share community updates and events via social media and local partnerships 4.
  • Champlain Valley Events Calendar
  • North Country Chamber of Commerce (Plattsburgh): Submit events via their website or contact for regional promotion 11.

College & University Platforms

  • SUNY Plattsburgh
    • Submission: Contact the Office of Communications at pr@plattsburgh.edu to share events with students and faculty 1.
  • Clinton Community College (CCC)
    • Submission: Email events@clinton.edu to list events on their community bulletin board 

8. Pack a “Day-of” Survival Kit

Be prepared for anything with a box of essentials, including:

  • Tape and scissors
  • String and zip ties
  • Staples and a stapler
  • Extra pens and paper
  • Backup batteries or chargers

This small kit can save you from last-minute headaches and keep your event running smoothly.

9. Arrive Early and Set Up

Give yourself plenty of time before the event starts. Setting up early allows you to:

  • Handle unexpected issues.
  • Test any equipment (e.g., microphones or lights).
  • Relax before guests arrive.

Aim to finish setup at least 30 minutes before the first guest is expected.

10. Reflect and Learn

After the event, take some time to reflect. Write down what went well and what could be improved for next time. Did you:

  • Choose the right venue?
  • Promote the event effectively?
  • Have all the materials you needed?

These notes will make planning your next event even easier.

Final Thoughts

Planning events in Plattsburgh is a rewarding way to connect with the community and share your passions. With a little preparation and creativity, your event can become a cherished local experience.