Toronto Walking Festival
The City is hosting a walking festival in October to celebrate walking in Toronto.

Calendar of Events
All Walking Festival Events will be posted on our online calendar.

• Hosting an Event
• Publicizing your Walking Festival Event

Kensington Market © 2008 by Yvonne Bambrick

Hosting an Event
Are you involved with an existing walking event in October or would you like to host a new event? Register your event today.

• Deadline for posting events in the printed calendar:
  August 11, 2008
• Deadline for posting events on the online calendar:
  September 8, 2008

Steps to hosting an event:

• Step 1: Brainstorm
  There are many different types of walking events that you could organize. Large or small, running or walking events, community breakfasts or dinners, film screenings, art exhibitions, fitness or health oriented seminars, guided neighbourhood walks, charity events and more. Even if your resources are limited, a little creativity can go a long way.

• Step 2: Plan your event
  Having a plan is very important in order to run a successful event. Decide on your target audience and what results you would like to see and then work towards those goals. If your event requires a special space and / or materials be sure that you have access to these before registering your event.

• Step 3: Fill out an online event form
  If you would like your event to appear on the printed Walking Festival Calendar please submit your even details by August 11, 2008 at the latest. The deadline to have your event posted on the online calendar only is September 8, 2008 Please keep us informed about your events. Send us your pictures, news clippings or any other pertinent materials.

Publicizing your Walking Festival Event
Your event will be promoted by the City through Toronto Walking Festival materials. You may also wish to promote your own event. It is important to convey the theme and goals of the Toronto Walking Festival in both your event and your publicity campaign. Don't hesitate to contact us for the key messages of the Toronto Walking Festival as well as support with troubleshooting, networking, and promotions.

Publicity tools and public outreach:

• Event listings
  Most newspapers (weeklies and monthlies especially) have a community events listing section. Send event details to the newspaper before the deadline and include: name of event, date, time, location, short description, and contact number.

• Flyers and posters
  The City will list your event in the Walking Festival calendar. You are also encouraged to design your own posters or flyers. Consider distributing flyers and posters to libraries, bike shops, local businesses and community centres.

• Phone and e-mail invites
  Contact your target audience and invite them to your event. This is often one of the most effective tools to publicize your event!

• Media release
  Prepare a press release article with your key event messages and submit it to various outlets. Media coverage helps send your messages to a widespread audience! Remember to define your target audience; state your key message(s); and designate a spokesperson.