The organizers of the 2016 Global Landscapes Forum: Climate Action for Sustainable Development, to be held in Marrakesh on 16 November 2016, are calling for proposals by organizations to host a Launchpad introducing new research or initiatives to media and target audiences at the event.
The 2016 Global Landscapes Forum: Climate Action for Sustainable Development is expected to be the leading event addressing land use issues in Marrakesh. It will also be the most prominent platform for showcasing new data and initiatives that help realize global goals at the landscape level.
Why host a Launchpad?
A Launchpad serves as a side event dedicated to releasing new research or tools and launching new initiatives to participants at the Forum. Hosts of Launchpads benefit from the large target audience at the Forum, the media attention that it attracts and the services of a renowned global communications firm.
Launchpads are open to all participants, but are especially targeted at international and local media covering the UNFCCC COP22 and the Forum. All Launchpads are strategically promoted as part of ongoing media outreach as part of the Forum more widely; teasers will be featured in pre-event media advisories distributed to more than 3000 selected environment and climate journalists, and information will be included in a dedicated online press room.
Launchpads featured at the 2015 Global Landscapes Forum in Paris attracted 131 Journalists and resulted in 957 media stories featured in outlets across the globe – including The Guardian (UK), Die Welt (Germany) and the Jakarta Post (Indonesia).
What is the format of a Launchpad?
Launchpads run for up to 30 minutes, with the length to be determined during the selection process. In exceptional cases and depending on the program, launchpads can run for more than 30 minutes. They are organized in the style of a press conference, with a short presentation of the new findings, tool or initiative by key spokespersons followed by a Q&A session with journalists and the general audience.
What costs are associated?
Holding a Launchpad costs EUR 3,000. This fee goes toward the costs of organizing the event, the venue and supporting technology. All rooms will be fully equipped with audio and visual technology. This fee also includes the efforts of a global communications firm, which will be tasked with identifying, selecting and fine tuning the strongest proposals and leading strategic outreach to international media.
How does the selection process work?
Launchpads will be selected by the communications firm hired for the event, according to their expert assessment of the interest of the initiative or publication to the media. A requirement for Launchpads is that the subject must not have been released before the Global Landscapes Forum – part of their success depends on their being exclusive first to media at the event.
Selection criteria include:
- Newsworthiness of the initiative, research or tool (e.g. potential impact, significance to target audience, relevance to global issues, innovation, etc.)
- Research, initiative or tool has not previously been introduced
- Expected media interest in nominated spokespersons.
How to apply
Complete the application form here and submit it to Ms. Deanna Ramsay at d.ramsay@cgiar.org. Ms. Ramsay can assist with any questions related to your application.
Important dates
30 September: Deadline for submitting applications
7 October: Organizers inform applicants of the outcome of their application
21 October: Deadline for successful applicants to submit detailed information for inclusion in online press room and media advisories and targeted pitches
9 October: Invoice sent to launch organizers
