Working with the media - the press briefing
A cornerstone laying ceremony marks the official start of an investment, and that makes it a natural news moment for local and trade media. Handled well, the press briefing turns a private milestone into coverage that reaches investors, future tenants, residents and partners - long after the last guest has left the site.
Working with the media is not improvised on the day. It begins weeks earlier with a clear media list, timely invitations and a press kit that gives journalists everything they need to report accurately. On site, a dedicated media area, a defined point of contact and a spokesperson ready with quotes keep the message on track and the construction zone safe.
Building the media list and accreditation
The foundation of any press briefing is a well-prepared media list: local newspapers and portals, regional television and radio, trade and industry titles relevant to the sector, and any partner or association channels. We help define who to invite based on the profile of the investment and the message the investor wants to carry.
Because a construction site is a controlled environment, accreditation matters. Journalists confirm attendance in advance, receive entry details and safety requirements, and are registered at a single check-in point. This keeps the site secure, lets the crew prepare the right number of passes and helmets, and ensures every reporter is accounted for.
Press invitations and the press kit
Press invitations go out well in advance - far enough ahead that editors can schedule a crew, but with a follow-up reminder closer to the date. The invitation states the time, the exact location and meeting point, who will be present and what the briefing will cover, so newsrooms can judge the news value quickly.
On the day, every journalist receives a press kit. This is the single most useful tool for accurate coverage: it gives reporters the facts, the visuals and the quotes they need without chasing details after they leave. A strong press kit typically includes:
- A short investment fact sheet - what is being built, its purpose and scale, and the planned timeline
- Background on the investor and the key partners involved in the project
- High-resolution photographs cleared for editorial use
- Architectural renderings and visualisations of the finished investment
- A press release summarising the ceremony and the key messages
- Quotes attributed to the investor or spokesperson, ready to publish
- Contact details for follow-up questions and additional materials
A dedicated media area and point on site
Filming and photographing on an active site requires a designated media area with a clear line of sight to the cornerstone, the time capsule and the speakers - positioned so cameras capture the moment without entering the working zone. We mark this area, arrange power where needed and reserve a spot for tripods and a tight television frame.
A single media point on site acts as the hub for the press: this is where reporters check in, collect the press kit, ask logistical questions and are directed to the spokesperson. One clearly identified contact prevents confusion, keeps the schedule moving and gives every journalist a consistent source of information.
Spokesperson, schedule and post-event distribution
A nominated spokesperson is available for quotes and short interviews, briefed in advance on the key messages so every statement is consistent. We propose a simple schedule for journalists - arrival and accreditation, the ceremony itself, the cornerstone and time-capsule moment, then a window for interviews and photography - so crews know exactly when each shot is possible.
The work does not end when the ceremony does. After the event we distribute materials to outlets that could not attend and to the agreed media list: the press release, selected photographs and any video. This post-event distribution extends the reach of the day and helps secure coverage well beyond the journalists who were on site. Media handling is tailored to each investment and priced individually.
Frequently asked questions
Who decides which journalists are invited?+
The media list is agreed with the investor and built around the investment's profile - local and regional outlets, trade titles relevant to the sector, and any partner channels. We propose the list and handle invitations, while the investor approves the final selection.
Why is accreditation needed for a cornerstone ceremony?+
A construction site is a controlled environment with safety requirements. Accreditation lets us confirm who is attending, prepare the right number of passes and helmets, register everyone at a single check-in point, and keep the working zone secure throughout the briefing.
What should the press kit contain?+
A concise investment fact sheet, background on the investor and partners, high-resolution photos cleared for editorial use, renderings of the finished project, a press release, ready-to-publish quotes and a contact for follow-up. The aim is to give reporters everything they need to file an accurate story.
What happens with media materials after the event?+
We distribute the press release, selected photographs and any video to outlets that could not attend and to the agreed media list. This post-event distribution extends the reach of the ceremony and helps secure coverage beyond the journalists who were present on site.
Planning a cornerstone laying ceremony?
Tell us about your investment - we will prepare a run-of-show and a quote tailored to your construction site.