Want to get your event in front of millions of potential attendees? Time Out is a leading global media and entertainment company that showcases the best of what’s happening in cities around the world, from concerts and exhibitions to festivals and workshops. Understanding how to effectively submit your event to Time Out can significantly boost your visibility and attendance. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, offering insights and best practices to ensure your event gets the attention it deserves.
Why Submit Your Event to Time Out?
Before diving into the submission process, it’s crucial to understand the immense value Time Out offers. Their platform is a go-to resource for locals and tourists alike seeking information on what to see and do. By getting your event listed, you gain access to:
- A massive, engaged audience actively looking for experiences.
- Increased credibility and exposure for your event.
- A direct channel to reach potential attendees in specific geographic locations.
- The potential for editorial coverage, further amplifying your event’s reach.
Time Out’s reach extends across numerous major cities, meaning your submission could be seen by a truly global audience. This unparalleled visibility is invaluable for event organizers aiming for widespread recognition and successful attendance.
Understanding Time Out’s Event Submission Process
Time Out operates with a structured approach to event listings, aiming to provide its users with accurate, engaging, and relevant information. While the specific submission portal might vary slightly by city, the core principles and information required remain consistent.
The Core Requirements: What Time Out Needs to Know
To successfully submit your event, you’ll need to gather and provide comprehensive details. This ensures that Time Out’s editors and their automated systems can accurately categorize and present your event to their audience. Key information typically includes:
- Event Title: This should be concise, descriptive, and enticing. It’s the first thing potential attendees will see, so make it count.
- Event Description: This is your opportunity to sell your event. Highlight what makes it unique, who it’s for, and why people should attend. Be specific about the experience offered.
- Date and Time: Accurate start and end dates and times are paramount. If your event spans multiple days or has different sessions, ensure all are clearly listed.
- Venue Name and Address: The full, correct address is essential for navigation. Include any specific entrance details if necessary.
- Ticket Information: This includes pricing, where to purchase tickets (website link), and any early bird or group discounts.
- Event Category: Select the most appropriate category (e.g., Music, Theatre, Art, Food & Drink, Family). This helps users filter and find events they’re interested in.
- Images/Media: High-quality images or videos are crucial for attracting attention. Ensure they are visually appealing and represent your event well.
- Contact Information: This should include an organizer contact name, email address, and potentially a phone number.
- Website/Social Media Links: Provide links to your event website and relevant social media pages for more information.
Navigating the Submission Platform
Time Out typically uses a dedicated platform for event submissions. This might be accessible through their main website or a specific city-specific portal.
Finding the Right Submission Portal
The first step is to locate the correct submission page for the city where your event is taking place. You can usually do this by:
- Visiting the Time Out website for your specific city.
- Searching on Time Out’s website for “submit event” or “add event listing.”
- Checking the “Contact Us” or “About Us” sections for submission guidelines or links.
Once you find the relevant portal, you’ll likely need to create an account or log in if you already have one. This account will allow you to manage your event submissions and keep track of their status.
Filling Out the Submission Form
The submission form will guide you through providing all the necessary information. Take your time to fill out each field accurately and thoughtfully.
- Craft a Compelling Narrative: Don’t just list facts; tell a story. Use evocative language to describe the atmosphere, the performers, the culinary delights, or the artistic merit of your event.
- Keywords are Key: Think about what people would search for to find an event like yours. Incorporate relevant keywords naturally into your event title and description.
- High-Quality Visuals: This cannot be stressed enough. A blurry or uninspired image can significantly detract from an otherwise excellent event. Ensure your photos are high-resolution and accurately represent the event’s essence.
The Review and Approval Process
Once you’ve submitted your event, it enters Time Out’s review process. This typically involves a team of editors who assess submissions to ensure they meet Time Out’s editorial standards and guidelines.
- What Editors Look For: Time Out prioritizes events that are high-quality, well-organized, and likely to appeal to their diverse audience. They look for clarity, accuracy, and originality. Events that are genuinely unique or offer exceptional value are more likely to be approved.
- Processing Time: The time it takes for an event to be reviewed and approved can vary. It’s generally advisable to submit your event well in advance of its occurrence to allow ample time for review and potential edits. Some platforms might provide an estimated turnaround time.
- What If My Event Isn’t Approved? If your event is not approved, Time Out usually provides a reason. This could be due to not meeting their editorial guidelines, insufficient information, or the event not being a good fit for their platform. Use this feedback to improve future submissions.
Tips for a Successful Time Out Event Submission
Beyond simply filling out the form, employing strategic approaches can significantly increase your chances of getting your event featured prominently.
1. Understand Your Target Audience and Time Out’s Audience
Time Out caters to a broad demographic, but their readership often consists of individuals actively seeking cultural experiences, entertainment, and dining. Tailor your event’s description and highlights to resonate with these interests. Think about what would make someone in your city choose your event over others.
2. Craft a Powerful Event Title and Description
Your event title is your hook. Make it attention-grabbing and informative. Similarly, your description should be engaging, highlighting the unique selling points of your event. Use strong verbs and descriptive adjectives.
Example of an Engaging Description Element:
Instead of “Concert by The Band,” consider “Experience the electrifying energy of The Band live, performing their chart-topping hits and new anthems in an unforgettable night of music.”
3. Prioritize High-Quality Visuals
As mentioned, visuals are critical. Invest in professional photography or videography if possible. Ensure your images are well-lit, in focus, and showcase the best aspects of your event, whether it’s a performer on stage, a beautifully presented dish, or the vibrant atmosphere of your venue.
4. Be Meticulous with Dates, Times, and Location
Accuracy is non-negotiable. Double-check all dates, times, and venue addresses. Incorrect information can lead to a rejected submission or, worse, disappointed attendees.
5. Categorize Appropriately
Choosing the right category ensures your event is discoverable by the most relevant audience. If your event spans multiple categories, select the primary one that best represents its core offering.
6. Provide All Necessary Links
Make it easy for potential attendees to find more information and purchase tickets. Ensure your website and ticketing links are current and working correctly. Include social media links to build further engagement.
7. Submit Early
Give the Time Out editorial team ample time to review your submission. Submitting weeks, or even months, in advance of your event date is highly recommended. This also allows for potential inclusion in upcoming event roundups or features.
8. Leverage Your Existing Network
Once your event is listed, share the Time Out listing through your own channels – social media, email newsletters, and your website. This drives traffic to your listing and signals to Time Out that your event is generating interest.
9. Understand City-Specific Variations
While the core principles remain, Time Out’s editorial focus and specific listing requirements might have slight variations from city to city. Spend a few minutes browsing Time Out in your target city to get a feel for the types of events they feature and the tone they use.
10. Engage with Time Out’s Editorial Team (If Appropriate)
For truly unique or significant events, consider reaching out to Time Out’s editorial team directly after submitting. A brief, compelling email highlighting what makes your event newsworthy could potentially lead to further editorial coverage, such as a feature article or inclusion in a curated list. However, use this judiciously and only for events that genuinely warrant special attention.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Awareness of common mistakes can help you steer clear of them and ensure a smoother submission process.
- Incomplete Information: Failing to provide all requested details is a primary reason for rejection.
- Low-Quality Images: Pixelated, dark, or irrelevant images will not capture attention.
- Vague Descriptions: Not clearly articulating what the event is about or why it’s appealing.
- Outdated Information: Links that don’t work or incorrect event details.
- Submitting Too Late: Waiting until the last minute drastically reduces the chances of review and listing.
- Irrelevant Content: Submitting events that don’t align with Time Out’s focus on urban culture, entertainment, and lifestyle.
By following these guidelines and paying attention to the details, you can significantly increase your chances of getting your event featured on Time Out and reaching a wider, more engaged audience. Your event deserves to be seen, and a well-executed submission to Time Out is a powerful step in achieving that goal.
What is the primary benefit of submitting an event to Time Out for reaching a global audience?
The primary benefit of submitting your event to Time Out is its vast and established global reach. Time Out has a significant international presence, with dedicated websites and editorial teams in major cities worldwide. This means your event listing can be seen by a diverse audience of locals, tourists, and expatriates who are actively looking for things to do in a specific city.
By leveraging Time Out’s platform, you gain access to a pre-existing community of engaged readers who trust Time Out’s recommendations. This exposure can significantly increase your event’s visibility beyond your immediate local network, attracting potential attendees who might not otherwise discover your event through traditional local marketing channels.
How does Time Out curate its event listings, and what makes an event likely to be featured?
Time Out’s editorial team carefully curates its event listings to ensure they offer quality and relevance to their audience. They prioritize events that are unique, timely, and offer a compelling experience. Factors such as the event’s originality, the reputation of the organizers or performers, and the event’s alignment with current cultural trends or seasonal happenings play a crucial role in their selection process.
To increase the likelihood of an event being featured, submit high-quality images and a well-written, engaging description that clearly communicates the event’s appeal. Highlighting any unique selling points, special guests, or exclusive experiences can also make your submission stand out. Providing all necessary information accurately and promptly is essential for a smooth review process.
What information is typically required when submitting an event to Time Out?
When submitting an event to Time Out, you will generally need to provide comprehensive details about the event itself. This includes the event title, a clear and concise description, the date and time of the event, and the exact location. You’ll also need to specify the ticket price or if the event is free, and include a link to where attendees can purchase tickets or find more information.
Furthermore, high-resolution images or promotional artwork are usually a requirement, as these are crucial for visually attracting potential attendees. Depending on the event type, you might also be asked for information about the performers, speakers, or any special features that make your event noteworthy. Providing accurate contact information for the organizers is also standard practice.
Can I submit events that are not happening in a major Time Out city?
While Time Out’s most extensive reach is in its major city markets, the platform does have mechanisms for submitting events in a wider range of locations. However, the visibility and impact of your event submission may vary significantly depending on whether your city has a dedicated Time Out section or is covered by a broader regional editorial team.
For cities without a dedicated Time Out presence, it’s still possible for your event to be listed, but it might be within a more general “what’s on” section or might require a different submission process. It’s always advisable to check the specific submission guidelines for the relevant Time Out website to understand the coverage and requirements for your particular location.
What is the typical timeframe for an event submission to be reviewed and potentially listed on Time Out?
The typical timeframe for an event submission to be reviewed and potentially listed on Time Out can vary. Generally, it’s recommended to submit your event as early as possible, ideally several weeks to a few months in advance of the event date, to allow ample time for editorial review and inclusion. This also gives your event a better chance of being seen in advance by potential attendees.
While some listings might appear within a few days, others can take longer, especially during peak submission periods or if the editorial team requires further clarification. It’s important to note that not all submissions are guaranteed to be published, as Time Out has editorial discretion in selecting events that best fit their content and audience.
Are there any costs associated with submitting an event to Time Out?
For standard event listings on Time Out, there are typically no direct costs associated with submitting your event. The platform’s core function is to serve as a comprehensive guide to what’s happening in a city, and this includes allowing organizers to list their events for free to reach a broad audience. This accessibility is a key part of their service to the cultural landscape.
However, Time Out may offer paid promotional opportunities or premium listing packages that can increase an event’s visibility or allow for more prominent placement. These are entirely optional and are designed for organizers who wish to invest in enhanced marketing for their events, providing options for sponsored content or featured event spots.
How can I track the performance of my event listing on Time Out?
Direct tracking of specific metrics like click-through rates or page views for individual event listings on Time Out is often not directly provided to submitters through the platform itself. Time Out’s focus is on broad visibility and reaching a diverse audience, rather than providing granular analytics for each event.
To gauge the impact of your Time Out listing, you’ll likely need to rely on broader performance indicators. This can include monitoring your own website traffic for spikes corresponding to the Time Out listing’s publication, observing ticket sales trends, and noting any increase in social media engagement or inquiries that can be attributed to the Time Out listing. Feedback from attendees about how they heard about the event can also be valuable.