Influencer Event Checklist: How to Have a Successful Media Night

A Media Night is your brand’s opportunity to shine in front of your customers with the help of influencers, food bloggers, and local content creators. When executed right, it generates social buzz, high-quality photos/videos, and word-of-mouth excitement that fuels long-term visibility.

Here’s your complete checklist to ensure your Media Night is a smashing success.

🎯 1. Set Clear Goals

Decide what you want to achieve from doing the media night influencer event:

• Promote a  new restaurant grand opening?

• Promote a new seasonal menu?

• Celebrate an occasion such as an anniversary to create brand awareness and buzz?

• Highlight rewards, exclusive perks, or first-time offers through influencer content.
• Promote campaigns such as Holiday season offers, or any offers that will run for a few weeks/months.

🎯 Tip: Communicate your expectations with your marketing team or BestPOS beforehand.

📅 2. Choose the Right Date & Time

• Avoid peak hours—schedule early evening (e.g. 4–6 PM)

• Consider weekdays for better influencer availability

• Give yourself at least 1–2 weeks to prepare

📌 Tip: Ensure the event doesn't overlap with local events or holidays.

🧹 4. Prepare the Space

• Set Up a Dedicated Influencer Area:
  Reserve a specific space for influencers during the event. If possible, use the provided signage to clearly direct them to their designated seating area. It's also helpful to have someone at the reception with the list of expected influencers so they can greet and guide them to the influencer section upon arrival.

• Clean and organize the entire front of house

• Ensure:

  • Great lighting for photos

  • Visible branding (signage, menus, logo walls)

  • Staff are aware and on best behavior

✨ Tip: Add small touches like table cards with your Instagram handle and hashtags.

🍽 5. Share your Menu Items with us for Creating a Menu for the Event

• Select the Items to Offer Influencers:
  Please share the specific menu items you'd like to offer influencers during the event. For example, you might allow each influencer to choose 2 appetizers for the table, 1 main course, and 1 dessert. We’ll design a custom event menu for you based on your selection. This is especially helpful if you have premium items you'd prefer to limit to avoid bulk ordering. 

• Prepare small, photogenic portions that look great on camera

📸 Tip: Plate with intention — the camera eats first!

💬 6. Interact & Educate

• Owners, chefs, or managers should briefly welcome the group

• Share your story: What’s special about your restaurant?

• Encourage influencers to ask questions or tag your socials

🏷 7. Provide Social Details

Make it easy for creators to tag you and get the info right:

• Instagram handle

• Facebook Page

• Google Maps link

• Custom hashtag (e.g. #EatAtSushiKingdom)

📝 Tip: Place this on a handout or table tent.

🎁 8. Offer a Small Gift or Voucher (Optional)

• Branded goodie bag, discount coupon, or free item for next visit

• It increases loyalty and post-event engagement

🚫 What to Avoid

📋 Summary Checklist

✅ Event goals
✅ Confirmed influencer list
✅ Clean, styled space
✅ Curated tasting menu
✅ Photo-friendly setup
✅ Staff briefed and ready
✅ Gift or follow-up offer

📩 Need help planning your media night?
BestPOS provides full influencer coordination, setup consulting, and recap analytics.

Email: support@bestpos.io