Advertising

Advertising an Event

Click through the list of questions below during the advertising stage of your event.
Where relevant, questions are hyperlinked to resources or recommendations.

1. Does your event advertisement include diverse people representation?

York’s population is diverse. It is best to avoid people representation as it can lead to questions about who is being represented and how. However, if the photo is of a performer or presenter, this is typically acceptable. Consider York's diversity:
People from/with varying:
a) Abilities
b) Ages
c) Familial responsibilities
d) First languages
e) Indigenous communities
f) Gender / sexual identities and orientations
g) Graduate and undergraduate programs
h) Racial and ethnic identities and citizenship statuses
i) Regional locations (e.g. provincial, territorial, global)
j) Religious/spiritual communities
k) Socio-economic / employment statuses 

2. Do you know the origins and meanings of the symbols you are using?

It’s best to avoid symbols unless you are 100% sure of their origins and meanings and have consulted various community members as to the appropriateness of it appearing on your advertisement. Concerns arise when people take markers, stereotypes, and stigmas of a culture, and/or religion and replicate them for another purpose (called cultural appropriation).

In the Planning section, question 2, we provided you with groups/organizations you could consult. If you have questions about the symbols you are using, try contacting them for advice.

3. Is your language use inclusive?

4. Is your event advertisement easy to read?

Does it:
a) Have a high contrasts between text and background?
b) Use accessibility symbols?
c) Use large non-decorative font?
d) Have paragraphs of text?

Visit York University’s Accessibility Hub and click on the Tools and Resources tab for information accessible print design.

5. Does your event advertisement invite attendees to provide accommodation requests?

Be sure to ask attendees to submit their requests to a specific person.

Requests include:
a) Food accommodation/Dietary restrictions
b) Childcare needs (e.g. childminding services, breastfeeding spaces)
c) American Sign Language (ASL)/ Real Time Captioning (RTC)
d) Accessible documents/Handouts in alternative formats
e) Transportation subsidy
f) Sliding scale tickets
g) Prayer spaces
h) Language translation
i) Service/therapy animal or support accompaniment provisions

Consider using this text on your advertisement.

6. Does your event advertisement include key information that enables people to decide whether to attend?

7. Did you announce your event well in advance?

If you have opted to confirm your American Sign Language (ASL)/Real Time Captioning (RTC) and child minding services only if requested by your attendees, be sure to advertise your event well in advance (2-3 weeks) so that you have time to notify the providers whether their services are required. These providers are in high demand and your last minute cancellation can impact on the services they provide others.

Keep in mind that advertising early enables your attendees to arrange transportation and child/elder care, and ask for accommodations.

8. Have you posted your event advertisement in a variety of places?

Be sure to circulate your advertisements to various locations / groups catering to people from various communities. You want to reach people from/with varying:
a) Abilities
b) Ages
c) Familial responsibilities
d) First languages
e) Racial, and ethnic identities and citizenship statuses
f) Gender / sexual identities and orientations
g) Graduate and undergraduate programs
h) Indigenous Communities
i) Regional locations (e.g. provincial, territorial, global)
j) Religious/spiritual communities
k) Socio-economic / employment statuses