Increasingly, we are asked by our members to use the DIARY directory platform - as a space used by PRs and press alike - to offer industry ‘codes of conduct', often simply in order to help the relationships involved run smoothly. 

It is not our intention to make accusations, but simply to make suggestions, clarify aspects some may be unsure of, and open up constructive discussion.

One topic that comes up repeatedly is how to avoid uninvited guests attending invitation only press events. See our suggested codes of conduct below.

If you would like to comment, or if you have an area you would like us to try and address – do let me know! Holly.
 

When organising an event:

• When submitting your event to DIARY dates – you can use the options available to hide the venue, but please add the venue details for our records. There are also options to hide the event name and the organisers’ details. (DIARY directory will confirm further details to other event organisers upon request to prevent clashes – but the details will not be available to industry members on the site.) 
• If the event is ‘by invitation only’ – have a clearly organised list of invited guests on the door - and we would strongly suggest that PRs should only allow entry to those who are on the guest list. 
• The team members monitoring the door list should be briefed on protocol and provided with a script (polite but firm!) that they can follow when turning away uninvited guests.  
• If you are open to enquiries from people wishing to attend, either direct to you, or via DIARY directory, please let us know via the 'additional details' section on the submit dates form.

We feel that by more PRs following these simple suggestions – more guests would be encouraged to RSVP, and to only attend ‘by invitation only’ events for which they have received an invitation.

When attending an event: 

• If the event is ‘by invitation only’, please do not attend without an invitation from the organiser. We encourage the organisers to turn you away from the event if you have not been invited. 
• If there is a ‘by invitation only’ event you would like to attend but that you have not received an invite for – please contact the organiser (if displayed) to request an invitation. But be prepared for the event to already be at capacity.      
• Please RSVP before attending ‘by invitation only’ events that you are invited to. 
• If you are invited to an event, please don’t invite peers / friends to accompany you unless they have received an invitation, or you have the prior agreement of the organiser.
• Please remember that an invitation is at given at the brand's or PR's discretion.