Local heroes:

Learn how to Pitch Perfect

A one-day intensive workshop with Chris Stokel-Walker on how to write pitches that actually get opened - rather than overlooked.

"One of the best technology journalists on the planet." - Nick Ferrari, LBC

What you need to know…

  • PR is getting tougher. Newsrooms are shrinking. Journalists' inboxes are overflowing. Securing meaningful coverage is tougher than ever. Success can be hard to come by.

    To success, you don't need vagaries or PR theory classes. You need a reporter's playbook.

  • Join Chris Stokel-Walker ("the UK's leading tech journalist" - Times Radio) for Pitch Perfect - a fast-paced, outcome-focused workshop designed to give you the inside track on the modern newsroom.

    The one-day workshop with Chris in a small group session helps empower PRs to thrive in a noisy media landscape. We’ll dissect real inbox screenshots, rewrite your actual campaigns live, and give you lessons that actually work.

  • By the end of the day, you’ll be able to:

    • Find your hook: Spot a newsworthy angle in company or client activity in 10 minutes or less.

    • Beat the delete button: Craft a killer subject line and a 120-word pitch email that gets opened.

    • Translate the complex: Explain complex products or data in plain English without losing the hook.

    • Master the interview: Coach spokespeople (or yourself) to deliver quotable sound bites for print, radio, and TV.

    • Build your network: Move beyond "spray-and-pray" lists to build mutually beneficial relationships with reporters.

    • No roleplay: We work on real materials. Bring me your current pitches. We’ll go through them and give feedback.

    • Live labs: "Red pen" feedback sessions where we rewrite your subject lines in real-time to make them sing

    • Takeaways: You leave with an editor-ready pitch email, a "news-values" cheat-sheet, and editable worksheets to keep your strategy sharp.

  • "I truly loved the content, your teaching style, the group itself, and how openly and kindly we all chatted with each other. It’s not my first PR training in London, but it was definitely the most meaningful and enjoyable one. I’ll absolutely be spreading the word."

    Comms manager at multinational deeptech company; received Pitch Perfect workshop in January 2026

  • "Even after more than 15 years in journalism and PR, it's incredible how much there still is to learn. Chris, thank you for delivering such an engaging workshop and for sharing so many useful AI tools and tips. "

    Senior consultant at major European PR agency; received Pitch Perfect workshop in January 2026

  • "The team absolutely loved it - honestly, it was so valuable."

    Co-founder and CEO of award-winning tech-focused PR agency; received Pitch Perfect workshop in summer 2025

  • "This was a brilliant session. You rarely get practical stuff like this blended in with the academic rigour you bring from your lecturing. It's clear you love teaching too, which really came through in the session. I strongly recommend this to anyone in the industry."

    Co-founder and creative director of UK-based agency; received Pitch Perfect workshop in January 2026

  • "Your session was brilliant, and we had really positive feedback."

    Representative of multi-billion dollar company; received Pitch Perfect workshop in autumn 2025

  • "Would really recommend this to anyone wanting to sharpen their skills. Some hints and tips that also go beyond media relations."

    Founder of UK-based PR firm; received Pitch Perfect workshop in January 2026

  • "This was so useful - we've learned so much. What else do you offer?"

    Head of US PR firm who received half-day online Pitch Pefect workshop in winter 2025

  • "Receiving live feedback on pitches helped us get into the nitty gritty of what makes a timely and interesting story. If anyone's looking to hone their pitching I couldn't recommend Chris enough!"

    Press officer at UK business school; received Pitch Perfect workshop in January 2026

Key details

Date and time

Thursday 23rd April 2026, 9:30am-5pm

Location

Opencast, Hoults Yard, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 2HL

Who’s it for?

Early-career to senior professionals in PR, marketing, and communications

Read the full schedule of the day via this PDF

Price

£449 + VAT Local hero discount: £299 + VAT

Reserve your space

Seats are strictly limited to ensure individual feedback and the best possible engagement. Please fill out the form below to register your interest. I’ll review your application in light of current availability, and be in touch about payment to confirm your place(s).